Rutherford Roundup News Podcast

WGNS Radio
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Kick off your day with a daily podcast delivering the latest local news, events, and stories from Rutherford County, keeping you informed and connected to your community

  1. 5h ago

    Murfreesboro FBI Arrest, Kroger Marketplace Opens & Buc-ee's Preview | Oct. 30, 2026

    Friday, October 30, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: FBI and Murfreesboro Police Arrest Child Rape Suspect: A 26-year-old Murfreesboro man faces charges after authorities say he transported an 11-year-old child from Ohio to Tennessee. Federal agents safely recovered the victim, and additional charges remain pending. La Vergne Domestic Assault Leads to Attempted Murder Charges: Police arrest a suspect following a violent domestic assault on Merritt Drive. Charges include two counts of attempted first-degree murder, including one involving an unborn child. Rutherford County's First Kroger Marketplace Opens in Smyrna: The new 123,000-square-foot store brings expanded shopping options to the community. Kroger also celebrates the grand opening with a $5,000 donation to Smyrna High School. Buc-ee's Brings First Brisket Sandwiches to Rutherford County Deputies: Sheriff's Office employees get an early taste of the popular travel center's barbecue ahead of its highly anticipated Murfreesboro opening on November 16th. Murfreesboro Explores New Recycling Program: City officials sign a letter of intent with WastAway, aiming to divert 85% of the waste sent to the company away from landfills. The potential program comes amid ongoing legal disputes involving Middle Point Landfill. Siegel Baseball Coach Craig Reavis Earns Hall of Fame Honors: The longtime Rutherford County coach, with 549 career victories and two state championships, is named to the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

  2. 2d ago

    Missing Teen Found Safe, Dollar General Lawsuit & I-24 Toll Lanes | Oct. 28, 2026

    The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Missing Rutherford County Teen Found Safe: A 14-year-old girl reported missing after failing to attend school Tuesday has been located safely. The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office thanks the community for helping spread the word. Former Murfreesboro Manufacturer Faces Class-Action Lawsuit: A federal judge allows a lawsuit against Dexter Stamping's parent company to move forward after 114 employees lost their jobs when the company's Murfreesboro facility abruptly closed in October 2025. Tennessee Joins Dollar General Overcharging Lawsuit: The Federal Trade Commission and 20 states accuse Dollar General of charging customers more at checkout than advertised, allegedly costing consumers millions of dollars. New Rehabilitation Hospital Coming to Murfreesboro: Ascension Saint Thomas and Lifepoint Rehabilitation break ground on a new 40-bed hospital near Saint Thomas Rutherford, bringing specialized recovery services closer to home. I-24 Choice Lanes Project Moves Forward: Tennessee officials advance a $9.2 billion construction project to add optional toll lanes between Nashville and Rutherford County. Completion is expected in 2035, with a public meeting scheduled for November 18th in Smyrna. Big Bad Breakfast Opens in Historic City Cafe Building: After more than a century of City Cafe history, the downtown Murfreesboro landmark welcomes a new restaurant, preserving its iconic exterior sign while bringing new life to East Main Street.

  3. 3d ago

    Former School Bus Driver Sentenced to 20 Years, MTSU Legend Dies & Halloween Forecast | Oct. 27, 2026

    Tuesday, October 27, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Former School Bus Driver Sentenced to 20 Years: A former Rutherford County Schools contracted bus driver, Troy Harden, pleads guilty to four felony sex crimes involving minors. The Smyrna man receives an effective 20-year prison sentence. MTSU Football Legend Ed Bunio Dies at 85: Middle Tennessee State University mourns the longtime defensive coordinator who helped rebuild Blue Raider football alongside Boots Donnelly. Halloween Weekend Weather: Rutherford Weather's Bryan Barrett forecasts warm temperatures for Murfreesboro and Smyrna, with possible rain during Halloween trick-or-treating Saturday evening and cooler conditions Sunday. Kymari House Searching for New Home: The Rutherford County nonprofit must vacate its downtown Murfreesboro facility by December 31st after 12 years. Community members are being asked to help locate a new property. Rutherford County Receives Statewide Financial Literacy Award: The county earns Tennessee's 2026 Financial Literacy Leadership Award for expanding financial education opportunities for elementary and middle school students. Tennessee's Most Mispronounced Words Revealed: A new study finds Worcestershire sauce tops nationwide pronunciation searches, while Sevierville leads Tennessee's list of commonly searched pronunciations.

  4. 4d ago

    MTSU Turning Point USA Controversy, Landfill Concerns & Downtown Changes | Oct. 26, 2026

    Monday, October 26, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: MTSU Turning Point USA Controversy: A student organization is demanding the disbandment of MTSU's Turning Point USA chapter and a ban on speaker Joshua Haymes following a heated campus event. The chapter is defending its First Amendment rights. Middle Point Landfill Concerns: Rutherford County residents confront state officials over landfill odors, potential pollution, and environmental enforcement. Murfreesboro's city manager calls for greater accountability. Murfreesboro Road Construction: Drivers should expect delays this week, including overnight disruptions at Medical Center Parkway and Thompson Lane beginning Tuesday morning. Additional work continues across the city through October 31. Big Bad Breakfast Opens Downtown: The Southern breakfast restaurant opens October 27 in the former City Cafe building on East Main Street, bringing new life to a historic Murfreesboro location. Rutherford County Unemployment Drops: The county's unemployment rate falls to 2.7%, tying for the lowest in Tennessee. Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne all report improvements. Know Your Rights as a Renter: Tennessee law provides Rutherford County renters with protections against unlawful lockouts, utility shutoffs, retaliation, and excessive late fees.

  5. Oct 21

    Murfreesboro Fire, MTSU Softball Record Crowd & Tennessee Execution Debate | Oct. 21, 2026

    Wednesday, October 21, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Murfreesboro Building Fire: A vehicle fire inside a commercial building on Monte Hale Drive damages one business suite and causes smoke damage to two others. Firefighters report no injuries as investigators work to determine the cause. Tennessee HIV Treatment Restrictions Challenged: Nashville CARES files a legal petition against new state citizenship verification requirements for HIV/AIDS services. Advocates warn the policy could put vulnerable patients at risk of losing critical treatment. MTSU Softball Breaks Attendance Record: Blue Raider Softball Field sees its largest crowd in program history as the University of Tennessee visits Murfreesboro. Despite a 24–1 loss, the exhibition matchup attracts a capacity-breaking crowd and introduces new fans to MTSU softball. Christa Pike Execution Poll: A new national survey reveals divided opinions over whether Tennessee should attempt a second execution of Christa Pike following September's failed lethal injection. The poll also finds declining national support for capital punishment. Meteor Shower Over Rutherford County: The Orionid meteor shower peaks October 21–22, offering Middle Tennessee residents a chance to see up to 20 meteors per hour. Clear skies could provide excellent viewing conditions away from city lights. Tennessee Considers Firing Squad Executions: Following failed lethal injections involving Christa Pike and Tony Carruthers, state lawmakers are examining alternative execution methods, including firing squads. Supporters cite reliability, while opponents raise concerns about safety and trauma.

  6. Oct 20

    Road Rage Arrest, $50K Cold Case Reward & MTSU's Faster Degree | Oct. 20, 2026

    Tuesday, October 20, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup A road rage incident leads to a felony arrest in La Vergne, investigators offer a $50,000 reward in a Rutherford County cold case, and MTSU develops a faster path to a bachelor's degree. Plus, an unusual scene in Smyrna, a look at Middle Tennessee's winter weather, and a potential historic designation for downtown Murfreesboro. In Today's Episode: La Vergne Road Rage Arrest: A driver faces aggravated assault charges after allegedly firing a handgun during a confrontation in a residential neighborhood. Investigators also explain why the other driver's tires went flat. Car Stuck on Wire in Smyrna: A maroon Nissan sedan is discovered stuck on a wire near One Mile Lane and Peebles Drive, raising questions about how it got there. MTSU's Three-Year Bachelor's Degree: Middle Tennessee State University receives initial approval to develop a 90-credit-hour degree program aimed at addressing Tennessee's shortage of child protective services workers. When Will Rutherford County See Snow? Historical weather patterns suggest Middle Tennessee's first measurable snowfall typically arrives after Christmas, while ice remains a significant winter driving concern. $50,000 Reward in Unsolved Murder: The Rutherford County Sheriff's Office seeks new information in the 2015 murder of Greg Hawkins, who was shot and killed while fishing with his daughter at the Mona Boat Ramp. Historic Downtown Murfreesboro: A public town hall on October 27 will explore adding the downtown business district to the National Register of Historic Places, potentially opening opportunities for federal preservation tax credits.

  7. Oct 19

    Rutherford County Jail Battle, Early Voting Surge & I-24 Choice Lanes Lawsuit | Oct. 19, 2026

    Monday, October 19, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup Rutherford County faces major decisions involving public safety, elections, and transportation. From a federal drug trafficking conviction to a controversial $365 million jail project, today's episode covers the stories impacting Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Middle Tennessee. - Federal Drug Trafficking Conviction: Nashville resident Brandon Ostein, 40, is convicted of major fentanyl, cocaine, and firearms offenses following an investigation involving Murfreesboro police. He faces at least 30 years in federal prison. - Rutherford County's $365 Million Jail Debate: Commissioners continue pursuing the former fairgrounds property on South Church Street for a new jail, despite opposition over eminent domain and the project's cost. The existing facility houses more than twice its original intended capacity. - Early Voting Turnout Surges: More than 13,600 Rutherford County residents cast ballots during the first three days of early voting, approximately 63% more than the comparable period in 2022. Early voting continues through October 29. - Three Tennessee Constitutional Amendments: Voters will decide proposed changes involving pretrial bail for serious crimes, a prohibition on statewide property taxes, and expanded protections for crime victims. - Second Lawsuit Filed Over I-24 Choice Lanes: A losing bidder challenges TDOT's selection process for the proposed 26-mile toll lane project connecting Nashville and Murfreesboro, alleging unfair treatment during bidding. - New Murfreesboro Park and Ride Opens: A new 75-space facility at 725 Bridge Avenue connects Rutherford County commuters with WeGo Route 84 express bus service to Nashville and local Murfreesboro Transit routes. In Today’s Episode:

  8. Oct 14

    Rutherford County Data Center Moratorium, Library Lawsuit & Hell's Kitchen Winner Opens Restaurant | Oct. 14, 2026

    In Today’s Episode: Rutherford County Moves Toward Data Center Moratorium: The Planning Commission unanimously recommends a one-year pause on new data center developments. A public hearing is scheduled for October 15 at the Rutherford County Courthouse in Murfreesboro. Library Board Hires Attorney in Wrongful Termination Lawsuit: The Rutherford County Library System hires attorney Rowan Leathers III to defend against a federal lawsuit filed by former director Luanne James, who alleges discrimination and retaliation following her dismissal. Hell's Kitchen Champion Opens New Murfreesboro Restaurant: Season 21 winner Alex Belew partners with chef Shane Nasby to open Chinwag at The Fountains at Gateway. Dinner service begins October 22, with lunch starting November 3. Rutherford County Drug Take Back Event Announced: Residents can anonymously dispose of unwanted solid-form medications at two Murfreesboro Medical Clinic locations on October 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tennessee Voters to Decide on Crime Victims' Rights: Constitutional Amendment 3 would strengthen protections for crime victims, including participation in parole proceedings and notification of offender releases. Supporters and critics debate its impact on Tennessee's justice system. Tennessee Sheriffs' Association Faces Federal Lawsuit: Former leader Jeff Bledsoe alleges retaliation after reporting misconduct and ethics concerns within the organization. The allegations have not been proven in court.

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Kick off your day with a daily podcast delivering the latest local news, events, and stories from Rutherford County, keeping you informed and connected to your community

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