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Rob Mitchell: 'Freedom' is the essential characteristic of American life

Jul 04, 2020 at 12:00 pm by robmtchl 2

No idea is more fundamental to Americans' sense of themselves as individuals and as a nation than Freedom. The central term in our political vocabulary, Freedom or Liberty, is.... Read More

Levi Foster Releases Sophomore Album ‘Appalachian Funk Tree’

Oct 09, 2026 at 10:39 am

Last year, when I featured Levi Foster and his debut album We Made Fire in my Music Spotlight column, I was drawn to him because he was different. Not only does his music pa.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Grace Humphries

Oct 14, 2026 at 11:59 am

Many of the new artists I interview are current Belmont University students or alumni. However, very few can say that they were on John Legend's team on Season 29 of NBC's T.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Noah Thompson

Jan 11, 2025 at 01:56 pm by Bethany Bowman

The one word that came to mind when I heard Noah Thompson for the first time was “unexpected.” And I believe that is part of why Thompson won American Idol in 20.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Johnathon Heilbroun

Sep 01, 2023 at 10:39 am by Bethany Bowman

When I went to see Music Spotlight artist, 12-year-old Brooklyn Summer play at Opry Mills last year, her then 14-year-old friend, Johnathon Heilbroun, played too. I already kn.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Cody Jinks

Jul 25, 2025 at 07:31 am by Bethany Bowman

  What makes Southern rock so special is that it has its roots in classic rock yet has not forgotten the honest lyrics that make country music appealing. Singer.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Jake & Shelby

Jan 28, 2024 at 06:48 pm by Bethany Bowman

A duo that kept showing up in my Instagram feed was a couple of kids, known as Jake & Shelby. Jake Lawson and Shelby Haim are teenagers from Hendersonville, Tennessee. K.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Absolute Silence

Oct 07, 2026 at 11:21 am

When I heard that the band Absolute Silence was doing a fundraising concert at Ocean Way Studios to benefit the Isaiah 117 House non-profit, I was all in to support them bec.... Read More

Cousins Maine Lobster restaurant set for Smyrna

Feb 06, 2018 at 02:20 pm by Michelle Willard

  Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck is going to be a restaurant soon if a billboard near Sam Ridley Parkway on Interstate 24 is to be believed. Murfreesboro residents an.... Read More

Fender Celebrates 75 Years Of The Telecaster At The Ryman

May 07, 2026 at 07:09 pm by Bethany Bowman

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Telecaster® guitar, Fender turned to Nashville, the heart of country music and home to generations of legendary Tele player.... Read More

1990s Country Legends to Headline the Ryman

Jul 26, 2024 at 01:59 pm by Bethany Bowman

Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, and Aaron Tippin, collectively known as Roots & Boots, are playing their first show together at the Ryman on July 31st. The trio, who are.... Read More
Slideshow

Hummingbirds pass through Middle Tennessee on annual migration

Sep 05, 2018 at 08:00 am by Michelle Willard

Barfield Crescent Park is home to hundreds of hummingbirds. Many people come to the Wilderness Station to enjoy the chatter and beauty of these tiny birds throughout the seaso.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Rebecca Lynn Howard

May 02, 2025 at 08:35 am by Bethany Bowman

Country music singer and songwriter Rebecca Lynn Howard grew up in Salyersville, Kentucky, a stone's throw from Loretta Lynn's beloved Butcher Holler. Like so many I've inte.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Brit Taylor

Mar 10, 2026 at 10:27 am by Bethany Bowman

Brit Taylor proudly hails from the Appalachian Foothills of Eastern Kentucky, like many of her musical heroes, including Keith Whitley, The Judds, Tyler Childers, and, of co.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Presley Tennant

Apr 19, 2024 at 04:30 am by Bethany Bowman

One thing I have learned about TV singing shows is that the finalists are nearly always as good (if not better) as the actual winner. So, I try to interview as many country.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Ashley Brooks

May 30, 2025 at 12:07 pm by Bethany Bowman

Ashley Brooks, aka the Georgia Gypsy, is an up-and-coming country powerhouse who grew up and still lives in the North Georgia countryside. And though her dad was in a band,.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Alex Miller

Apr 10, 2026 at 11:49 am by Bethany Bowman

Because I love traditional country music so much, Alex Miller, a 22-year-old 6’ 6” entertainer from rural Lancaster, Kentucky, knows his music is right up my all.... Read More
Read to Succeed

Help wanted: 1-on-1 tutors for Read To Succeed's ESL program

Jul 24, 2020 at 10:00 am by literacymatters

If you are looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity, please consider being an ESL (English Second Language) teacher or one-on-one tutor for adult learners living or wor.... Read More
28 Family Activities for Thanksgiving Week from Murfreesboro Mama

Murfreesboro Mama: 28 Family Activities for Thanksgiving Week

Nov 21, 2019 at 07:00 am by Laura Beth Payne

Maybe your family and friends are all planners and you've got your Thanksgiving week mapped out to rival most military operations. Maybe your tribe is more loose and you plan.... Read More
Slideshow
Chad Miller, CEO of Legacy Sports, makes announcement for $350 million, 260-plus acre, multi-use family sports, and entertainment complex in Murfreesboro’s City Hall Rotunda.

Could Legacy Sports Tennessee be the next Bible Park USA?

Dec 10, 2021 at 09:45 am by Michelle Willard 5

Legacy Sports Tennessee announced Thursday, Dec. 10 it plans to build a "sports and entertainment destination for not only those in Middle Tennessee; it will attract visitors.... Read More

Kasey Tyndall Releases Self-Titled Album

Feb 28, 2025 at 07:39 am by Bethany Bowman

Since I first featured Kasey Tyndall in January 2020, a lot has happened since the rising artist got her start. She has been on tour with Drake White, Ella Langley, and Ian.... Read More

Music Spotlight: Mackenzie Carpenter

Nov 30, 2022 at 10:47 am by Bethany Bowman 3

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  - Those who follow my column know I find a lot of my new artists from the Song Suffragettes or Sirius XM’s The Highway. On the Highway, they f.... Read More

Murfreesboro Mama: 7 Awesome Playgrounds in Rutherford County

Mar 02, 2021 at 10:00 am by Laura Beth Payne 1

During our last family vacation (before Covid), I found myself Googling two words. Not "best restaurants" (though we ate out plenty.) Not "family attractions" (though we hit.... Read More
Rutherford County Library System's Technological Engagement Center

Murfreesboro FAQ: How to check out the Rutherford County Library System

Feb 13, 2020 at 12:00 pm by Michelle Willard

Rutherford County Library System is comprised of five branches – downtown Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Eagleville, Technological Engagement Center and Myrtle Lord Glanton Libra.... Read More

Clint Black Celebrates his 50th Episode with Circle Network

Jul 13, 2023 at 03:14 pm by Bethany Bowman

"Talking In Circles With Clint Black" marked a milestone this week by celebrating the taping of their 50th show. "Talking In Circles" airs every Saturday night at 10 p.m. (EST.... Read More