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. 2d ago

    Rutherford County Election Upsets, Blackburn’s Plans, $10M Road Safety Grant & Freeze Warning | Nov. 6, 2026

    Friday, November 6, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Rutherford County Sees Major Election Upsets (0:14): Democrat Victoria Broderick narrowly defeats longtime Republican Congressman Scott DesJarlais in Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District. Three Republican state representatives also lose their seats to Democratic challengers in Rutherford County. Blackburn Proposes Tennessee Version of DOGE (1:07): Governor-elect Marsha Blackburn announces plans to review government spending, eliminate unnecessary expenses, and potentially redirect savings toward road improvements and tax relief. Former Murfreesboro Representative Joins Transition Team (1:51): Donna Barrett, who represented Rutherford County from 2001 to 2011, joins Blackburn’s six-member Transition Advisory Committee. Murfreesboro Receives $10.3 Million for Road Safety (2:32): Federal and local funding will support traffic signal upgrades, pedestrian safety improvements, and speed reduction measures following more than 26,000 crashes between 2020 and 2024. Freezing Temperatures Headed for Rutherford County (3:36): Rutherford Weather forecasts widespread frost and near-freezing temperatures by Monday morning. Despite recent heavy rainfall, the county remains under extreme drought conditions. Three Local Athletes Named Mr. Football Semifinalists (4:22): Riverdale’s Gavin Hampton and Brylan Oduor, along with Middle Tennessee Christian School’s Alie Bangura, earn statewide recognition. Finalists will be announced November 24th.

  2. 4d ago

    YMCA Underwater Camera Controversy, I-24 Toll Lane Meetings & K9 Wiley Retires | Nov. 4, 2026

    Wednesday, November 4, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: - YMCA Underwater Camera Controversy: A Rutherford County father says he was banned from the YMCA after raising privacy concerns about new AI-powered underwater cameras. His petition opposing the Angel Eye drowning detection system has gathered more than 1,200 signatures. YMCA officials defend the technology as an added safety measure. - I-24 Choice Lanes Public Meetings: The Tennessee Department of Transportation is inviting residents to weigh in on plans for 26 miles of optional toll lanes between Nashville and Murfreesboro. Public meetings are scheduled for November 17 in Nashville and November 18 at the Smyrna Event Center, both from 3 to 7 p.m. - Legendary Baseball Coach Returns: Former Oakland High School baseball coach Mac Hawkes is returning to the dugout as the new head varsity coach at The Webb School in Bell Buckle. The Hall of Famer brings 760 career victories and two state championships to the program. - MTSU Women's Basketball Wins Overtime Thriller: The Lady Raiders opened the Matt Insell era with a 91-84 overtime victory over Saint Louis University. Blair Boggess recorded 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Maya Conay added 20 points and nine rebounds. Middle Tennessee faces Memphis on Friday. - Rutherford County K9 Wiley Retires: After eight years of service, K9 Wiley is retiring from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. During his career, Wiley helped remove more than 11,000 pounds of illegal drugs from the streets and assisted in locating 23 firearms. He'll spend retirement with his former handler, Josh Gregory. - Vibrant Fall Colors Across Middle Tennessee: Despite ongoing drought conditions, Rutherford County is experiencing an especially colorful autumn. Experts credit cool October nights and calm weather for the brilliant foliage, with pockets of fall color expected to linger into November.

  3. 5d ago

    Substitute Teacher Removed, Child Killed in Crash & Election Day | Nov. 3, 2026

    Tuesday, November 3, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In today's episode, we're covering a substitute teacher removed from Rutherford County Schools following a classroom incident, new details in a fatal pedestrian crash involving a 10-year-old boy, heavy rain expected across Middle Tennessee, a new early literacy program in Murfreesboro, and record-setting early voter participation ahead of Election Day. Substitute Teacher Removed After Classroom Incident (0:14) – Rutherford County Schools has banned a substitute teacher from returning to the district after a student was reportedly placed inside a classroom closet with his desk at Whitworth-Buchanan Middle School. Questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the incident. New Details in Fatal Murfreesboro Crash (1:05) – Murfreesboro Police say a 10-year-old boy was struck and killed by a ride-share vehicle while retrieving a soccer ball near Middle Tennessee Boulevard. The Fatal Accident Crash Team continues its investigation. Heavy Rain Expected for Wednesday Morning Commute (1:52) – Rutherford Weather forecasts widespread rainfall and scattered thunderstorms overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, with up to two inches possible in parts of Rutherford County. Murfreesboro City Schools Launches First Chapters (2:42) – A free monthly reading program is helping children ages three to five develop early literacy skills through interactive story times and activities at Reeves-Rogers and Overall Creek Elementary Schools. Tennessee Sees Surge in Early Voting Ahead of Election Day (3:33) – More than 1.28 million Tennesseans voted early, a 45% increase over the 2022 midterms. Rutherford County saw approximately 55% growth in early voter participation. Polls are open today until 7 p.m.

  4. 6d ago

    Child Killed in Murfreesboro Crash, Riverdale Stuns Oakland & Election Day Preview | Nov. 2, 2026

    Monday, November 2, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Tragedy in Murfreesboro: A 10-year-old child has died after being struck by a vehicle Friday night near Middle Tennessee Boulevard and Southeast Broad Street. Murfreesboro Police are investigating the fatal crash. Remembering Bill Allen: Rutherford County mourns the passing of 101-year-old World War II veteran and longtime Murfreesboro community leader Bill Allen. The D-Day survivor helped establish Old Fort Golf Course and spent decades serving his hometown. Riverdale Defeats Oakland in Rivalry Thriller: The Riverdale Warriors extend their winning streak to nine games with a dramatic 36-34 victory over Oakland. Quarterback Gavin Hampton throws for 337 yards as Riverdale improves to 9-1. Rick Stockstill Takes Over at Florida State: Former MTSU head football coach Rick Stockstill has been named interim head coach of the Florida State Seminoles following the dismissal of Mike Norvell. Rutherford County Prepares for Election Day: Voters head to the polls Tuesday, November 3, for local, state, and federal elections. WGNS and Big G TV will provide live election night coverage with Bryan Barrett and Fox News Radio. Murfreesboro Child Exploitation Investigation: A 26-year-old Murfreesboro man faces charges following an FBI investigation involving an 11-year-old child allegedly transported from Ohio to Tennessee. Experts emphasize the importance of online safety and communication between parents and children.

  5. Oct 30

    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.

  6. Oct 28

    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.

  7. Oct 27

    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.

  8. Oct 26

    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.

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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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