Good morning, Murfreesboro.

First Baptist Church is hosting its annual Secret Santa program in partnership with the Child Advocacy Center on Dec.

11 and 12, where sponsors drop off wrapped gifts and families receive presents and essential items the same afternoon.

Barnabas Vision is asking community volunteers to sponsor local families who need help celebrating a joyful Christmas.

Volunteers can pick up holiday wish lists from Dec. 18 through 22 at the Barnabas office near MTCS Drive – help is needed before families on the standby list miss out.

A nine-year study from 2012 to 2020 finds that counties near Murfreesboro have higher divorce rates than state averages.

Rutherford County posted a 63.5% rate, while Davidson County reported just 33% — a contrast linked to local growth and economic pressure.

Community members will enjoy the 42nd Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes on Saturday, Dec.

13 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, featuring a drive-through route through the East Main Street Historic District, historic homes, and Oaklands Mansion (with music, stories, food trucks, and holiday shopping).

Junior songwriter Cade Ortego and sophomore audio producer Toby Bradner met on campus at MTSU and quickly formed a partnership that now fuels The Mood Swings’ creative process as they work on new releases (their latest being the original Christmas Bummer).

Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School named Assistant Principal Chris Butner as its new principal starting in January, replacing April Sneed who will lead Poplar Hill Middle School.

Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan praised Butner’s strong academic vision.

Middle Tennessee State University held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $73.4 million aerospace facility at Shelbyville Airport last Wednesday.

The project, funded by federal+state+university dollars, will include classrooms, hangars and a flight operations area and finish in 2027.

At the corner of N. Tennessee and Northfield Blvd, construction is underway for a future commercial lot (likely a gas station), planned townhomes, and single-family homes; details like the community name and total number of homes remain unconfirmed.

Lancaster Christian Academy senior Joshua Whitt is making waves in high school basketball by averaging 42.3 points per game in three contests; he scored 34, 39, and 54 points while adding rebounds and assists, and he will soon reach the 2,000-Point Club (a milestone that boosts his college prospects).

Titans coach Bo Hardegree says rookie quarterback Cam Ward is sharpening his footwork and pocket presence through drills (including film study of Patrick Mahomes) ahead of his 13th start against the Cleveland Browns tomorrow at Huntington Bank Field.

The ongoing practice improvements aim to boost his game-day decisions.

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.