Good morning, Murfreesboro.

On Saturday, Jan. 17, the Rutherford County sheriff’s office hosts a pickleball tournament at Boro Pickleball, 605 River Rock Blvd. Youth play from 8 a.m. to noon + adults compete from 1 to 5 p.m., and a $50 team entry fee funds a back-to-school shopping trip for students.

Main Street Murfreesboro invites the community to celebrate Christmas downtown today — the event at the historic courthouse includes free children’s activities, crafts, hot cocoa, and carriage rides for purchase.

Stage performances start at 6:30 p.m. and Santa lights the tree to welcome the season.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, the Tennessee Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus brought holiday cheer at Bel Aire Baptist Church in Murfreesboro.

Conductor Terry Jolley led festive music including a surprise baton from founder Dr. Laurence Harvin (sparking a standing ovation).

AAA reports that regular gas now averages a record low of $2.58 (a notable drop for Tennessee drivers) as holiday travel nears.

MTSU trustees approved proposals to launch a Master of Health Care Administration in the Jennings A.

Jones College of Business and a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Television. The MHA will be developed for regulatory review and the MFA will be presented to the Graduate Council on Dec. 5.

Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School will welcome its new principal in January when assistant principal Chris Butner (nearly six years in the role) is promoted by Rutherford County Schools Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan as current principal April Sneed prepares to lead new Poplar Hill Middle School; Butner helped secure academic recognitions.

State Rep. Bryan Terry supports a legal challenge filed this week by city officials and the regional board to pause Middle Point Landfill’s proposed 70-foot expansion, arguing that BFI Waste Systems bypassed the required regional review process.

Mayor Shane McFarland recognized Parks employee Allison Davidson as a STARS recipient on Dec.

4 at a City Council meeting for her decisive life-saving actions during an emergency at Sports*Com on Oct. 6. Davidson has served as Parks and Recreation Fitness and Wellness Coordinator since 2004.

Great Lakes Cheese Co has issued a recall for certain cheese products due to potential metal contamination in raw materials.

Customers who purchased these items at local retailers such as Publix and Sprouts are advised to return or safely dispose of them.

The state health department released scores for restaurants, childcare facilities, and other public establishments inspected between Nov.

28 and Dec. 4, 2025. The scores, covering routine and follow-up visits across Rutherford County + nearby areas, are posted for public review.

Oakland's senior running back Craig Tutt was voted Round 4 Main Street Preps Football Player of the Week after recording 170 rushing + 64 receiving yards and four touchdowns in a 42-14 win over Blackman on Nov.

28.

Pictures with Santa

1-4 p.m. — Licker & Whine Pet Market — $15 for pet photos — Capture a festive photo of your furry friend with Santa and support local cats in need.

Paskong Pinoy 2025

6-11 p.m. — Clarion Inn Murfreesboro — Free entry — Celebrate Christmas with the Filipino American community through food, music, and joy.

POWER HOUR Networking - Murfreesboro

9-10 a.m. — Steak 'n Shake — Free entry — Connect with fellow Christian professionals to build valuable relationships and exchange referrals.

Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders vs. Cumberland University Phoenix

1-2:30 p.m. — Murphy Athletic Center, 2650 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN — Tickets available — Witness an exciting matchup between the Blue Raiders and the Phoenix in a thrilling basketball showdown.

Coco Fest Fundraiser

5-11 p.m. — Hop Springs — Tickets starting at $0.00 — Enjoy live music from local bands while supporting a cause to provide instruments and lessons to underprivileged children.