Rutherford Roundup News Podcast

WGNS Radio
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • UPDATED DAILY

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. 1D AGO

    School Voucher Debate, Lottery Revenue Drop & Murfreesboro Developments | Apr. 3, 2026

    Friday, April 3, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Tennessee lawmakers scale back a proposed expansion of the state’s school voucher program, while introducing a controversial provision tied to student legal status and public school funding.Concerns grow over a nearly $90 million drop in Tennessee Education Lottery revenue, raising questions about the future of scholarship programs like HOPE and Tennessee Promise.A new traffic signal at Veterans Parkway and Rucker Lane in Murfreesboro prepares to go fully operational, signaling changes for local drivers.Linebaugh Public Library launches a community-focused propagation station alongside a slate of April events for all ages.A new report from MTSU highlights steady but uneven growth in Tennessee’s housing market, with rising prices across all metro areas year-over-year.Murfreesboro police arrest a suspect in connection with a deadly shooting on Fairfax Drive, with authorities emphasizing no ongoing public threat.

    5 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Bomb Threat Panic, Suspect Found Dead & Library Firing Ignites Major Controversy | Apr. 1, 2026

    Wednesday, April 1, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: A bomb threat targeting the Murfreesboro Police Department triggers early morning road closures before being declared a false alarm; investigation traces the call to Ohio Authorities discover the body of Darien Young, suspect in the killing of Kiara Timmons, along the Cumberland River, bringing a grim development to a multi-state investigation The Rutherford County Library System Board votes to terminate Director Dr. Lou Anne James after controversy over relocating children’s books tied to LGBTQ+ and social justice themes Murfreesboro police warn of increasingly sophisticated scams, including impersonation calls, fake DMV texts, and fraudulent mailed notices using QR codes Nearly 37 acres near Stones River National Battlefield could be preserved through a $4.8 million grant, highlighting local Civil War history and upcoming centennial recognition Quick response from La Vergne firefighters prevents a house fire from spreading, with improper storage of flammable materials suspected

    6 min

  3. 4D AGO

    Rutherford Schools Face $492M Crisis, Library Controversy Erupts & Drought Concerns Grow | Mar. 31, 2026

    Tuesday, March 31, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Rutherford County Schools confront nearly $500 million in facility needs, with aging HVAC systems driving the bulk of urgent repairs and limited funding forcing tough prioritization decisions.An emergency meeting looms for the Rutherford County Library Board as Director Luann James faces possible termination over her refusal to relocate nearly 200 children’s books, citing First Amendment concerns.A new housing study highlights rapid growth across Rutherford County, with Murfreesboro and Smyrna seeing continued expansion and a notably younger housing stock than the national average.Population growth tied to major employers like Nissan continues to fuel development, as the county nears 400,000 residents and counting.Murfreesboro sees a rise in new dwelling permits and large apartment projects, while impact fees help fund infrastructure amid ongoing affordability challenges.Buc-ee’s expansion plans include a future Murfreesboro location, reflecting increased commercial investment driven by regional growth.Middle Tennessee faces worsening drought conditions, with over 85% of the state experiencing dryness, raising concerns about agriculture, fire risk, and water usage.Officials urge residents to conserve water and remain vigilant as forecasts show little relief from below-average rainfall in the coming weeks.

    6 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Structure Fire Disrupts Traffic, Gas Prices Surge, and New Hands-Free Crackdown Begins | Mar. 30, 2026

    Monday, March 30, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Traffic disruptions in Murfreesboro after a structure fire near Leaf Avenue and East Clark Boulevard; crews respond as drivers reroute Laverne Police unveil new school-themed patrol vehicles, strengthening ties with students and the community Gas prices jump nearly $1 per gallon nationwide, continuing to strain budgets across Rutherford County Tennessee lawmakers table a bill to cap property tax increases, sparking concern among residents and business owners Abortion-related legislation heads to Governor Bill Lee, prompting debate over legal and healthcare impacts “Operation Hands Free” launches April 1, targeting distracted driving across Tennessee roadways

    5 min

  5. MAR 27

    School Funding Debate, Smyrna Growth & Public Safety Incidents | March 27, 2026

    Friday, March 27, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Health inspection scores reveal several low ratings across Rutherford County, including multiple Murfreesboro establishments scoring in the 60s, while officials stress routine oversight ensures public safety. A major funding debate unfolds as leaders weigh a proposed $138 million high school against public safety needs, including jail expansion, amid rapid population growth. Construction begins on Cornerstone Business Park in Smyrna, a massive 152-acre industrial development expected to bring 1.8 million square feet of space by 2027. A dog attack in Smyrna leaves five injured, including an officer, raising renewed concerns about animal control and responsible pet ownership. The Lady Raiders’ season ends in the WNIT Super 16, marking the close of Coach Rick Insell’s 21-year tenure as his son prepares to take over the program. A Smyrna man faces multiple charges after a high-speed police chase that stretched into Nashville and ended in a crash on I-40.

    6 min

  6. MAR 25

    MTSU Coaching Shakeup, Siegel High Updates & Statewide Policy Debates | Mar. 25, 2026

    Wednesday, March 25, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Middle Tennessee State University names Matt Insull as the next women’s basketball head coach, continuing a legacy built by his father Rick Insull after the 2025–2026 seasonSiegel High School introduces veteran coach Linus Martin to lead its boys’ basketball program, bringing decades of experience and a focus on student developmentTennessee lawmakers consider a bill requiring statewide reporting on gender transition procedures, sparking debate over privacy and data collectionAnother bill advances that would mandate all Tennessee sheriff’s offices partner with ICE under 287-G agreements or risk losing fundingA small fire in Siegel High School’s auditorium prompts emergency response; no injuries reported and classes resume after safety checksRegional leaders gather in McMinnville to address growing waste management challenges, including recycling efforts and landfill capacity across Middle Tennessee

    6 min

  7. MAR 24

    Rutherford Jobs Slide, Deadly Crashes, and DUI Close Call | Mar. 24, 2026

    Tuesday, March 24, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Rutherford County sees a surprising 2.3% workforce decline following major layoffs at Bridgestone and Saks Global, raising concerns about inflation, tariffs, and rising energy costs despite a still-strong 2.7% unemployment rateA multi-motorcycle crash on I-24 in Coffey County leaves one rider injured and causes major delays as authorities search for a third rider who left the sceneA tragic head-on collision on I-840 near Murfreesboro kills a 19-year-old driver and leaves another motorist seriously injuredLa Vergne police arrest a man found unconscious behind the wheel at a boat ramp, with DUI, weapons violations, and outstanding warrants after his vehicle nearly entered the waterWild March weather continues across Middle Tennessee, bringing everything from freezing temperatures to severe storm threats and increasing tornado risk

    6 min

  8. MAR 23

    Library Controversy Escalates, Murder Arrest Made, & Major Drug Bust in La Vergne | Mar. 23, 2026

    Monday, March 23, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Tensions rise in Rutherford County as Library Director Lou Anne James faces possible termination after refusing to relocate over 190 children’s books with LGBTQIA themes, citing First Amendment concernsA special March 30 meeting is set to determine next steps as community debate intensifies over library policiesLa Vergne police arrest a suspect after a roadside incident involving threats with a makeshift weapon; over 100 grams of suspected cocaine and other drugs recoveredMurfreesboro authorities charge a 33-year-old man with second-degree murder following the death of a woman found inside a Fairfax Drive trailerBedford County road rage shooting leads to two arrests connected to the Murfreesboro area; no injuries reportedState Representative Tim Rudd advances the Employee Accountability Act, aiming to require sworn testimony from executive branch employeesRiverdale High School hires Mark Brown as new boys’ basketball head coach, bringing championship experience and a focus on student development

    5 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
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2 Ratings

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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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