Rutherford Roundup News Podcast

WGNS Radio
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NEWS
  • 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. 15H AGO

    Rutherford Indictments, I-24 Crash Injures Two, and Grocery Tax Debate Heats Up | Mar. 10, 2026

    Tuesday, March 10, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: A Rutherford County grand jury indicts Murfreesboro resident Justin Holder on multiple charges including aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, unlawful photographing, and disseminating unlawful photographs following a TBI investigation that began in May 2025. Another major criminal case unfolds in Smyrna as Thaddeus Lee is indicted for first-degree murder in the January death of his father, Ben Jay Lee. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond with a court hearing scheduled for March 26. Lawmakers at the Tennessee State Capitol debate eliminating the state’s 4% grocery tax. Republicans support cutting the tax if the budget allows, while Democrats propose replacing the revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes. Authorities warn parents across Rutherford County to stay vigilant as online child exploitation cases continue to surge statewide, with the TBI now handling more than 100 cases per month. Two people are seriously injured after a high-speed crash on Interstate 24 in Murfreesboro when a sedan slammed into a patrol SUV protecting first responders at an earlier crash scene. Gas prices rise across Rutherford County, with AAA reporting the local average for regular gasoline climbing to around $3.09 per gallon amid increasing crude oil prices tied to Middle East tensions.

    6 min

  2. 1D AGO

    MTSU Scooter Theft Ring Busted, Scam Costs Resident $40K, and Local Teams Advance to State | Mar. 9, 2026

    Monday, March 9, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Scooter theft suspects arrested at MTSU: Campus police recover nine stolen electric scooters after an alert student reports suspicious activity, leading officers to two suspects connected to multiple thefts on campus. License plate reader leads to Mt. Juliet arrest: Crime-fighting technology alerts officers to a vehicle tied to felony crimes, resulting in the arrest of a Nashville man wanted in Sumner County on burglary and vandalism charges. Murfreesboro man indicted following TBI investigation: A Rutherford County grand jury returns multiple indictments against a 46-year-old man, including aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and several privacy-related charges. Authorities warn of sophisticated phone scams: A Rutherford County resident loses nearly $40,000 after scammers impersonate law enforcement and pressure the victim to deposit cash into a Bitcoin ATM. Officials remind residents that deputies will never demand payment to avoid arrest. Blackman Lady Blaze headed to state: Blackman defeats Nolensville 48–45 in sectional play, punching their ticket to the TSSAA Class 4A State Tournament at MTSU. Providence Christian sweeps state titles: PCA celebrates a historic day in Clarksville as both the Lady Lions and Lions capture TSSAA Division II Class A state championships.

    6 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Retail Theft Investigation in Smyrna, Property Tax Cap Debate & Lab-Grown Meat Ban Proposal | Mar. 4, 2026

    Wednesday, March 4, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Smyrna Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two women who may have information about a series of retail thefts at the Kohl’s store in the Smyrna Marketplace shopping area near the Smyrna Cinema. Authorities say tips from residents often help solve multi-incident theft investigations. La Vergne leaders are weighing in on a proposed Tennessee law that would cap property tax increases at 2% annually or 6% over three years. Mayor Jason Cole says local governments should maintain control over tax decisions, while Hendersonville officials warn the cap could limit funding for police, fire protection, and road improvements. Tennessee lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban the sale of lab-grown meat statewide. Supporters argue the technology raises unanswered health questions and say the state should continue supporting traditional agriculture. Tennessee consumers may be eligible for compensation from an $87.5 million beef price-fixing settlement involving major processors including Cargill and Tyson. Anyone who purchased qualifying beef products between August 2014 and December 2019 could file a claim before the June 30 deadline. Secretary of State Trey Hargett has joined officials from more than 20 states demanding answers from GoFundMe after reports the platform automatically created more than 1.4 million charity donation pages without the organizations’ knowledge. State Representative Mike Sparks is pushing legislation aimed at limiting high-interest lending practices, saying some title loans and similar financial products can exceed 100% interest and leave borrowers vulnerable to repossession.

    6 min

  4. MAR 3

    TSSAA Puts Blackman & Riverdale on Probation, DUI Concerns Rise, GLP-1 Poison Calls Surge | March 3, 2026

    Tuesday, March 3, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Two Rutherford County football powerhouses — Blackman and Riverdale — are placed on probation by the TSSAA following recruiting violations involving improper social media contact by assistant coaches. Sanctions include forfeited practice days, scrimmages, and mandatory rules education. Law enforcement highlights a rise in marijuana-related DUIs across Murfreesboro and Smyrna, as a recent sobriety checkpoint underscores ongoing enforcement efforts ahead of new Tennessee hemp regulations taking effect July 1, 2026. A bipartisan bill at the Tennessee Capitol would make drink-spiking a specific Class D felony, with penalties of up to 12 years in prison. The proposal would also require bars and restaurants to provide free drink test strips to customers. The Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County secures its future by purchasing and expanding its longtime Highland Terrace location in Murfreesboro, adding space for forensic interviews and law enforcement collaboration. Calls to the Tennessee Poison Center surge over GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes medications, with reported cases jumping sharply due to dosing errors and misuse. Health officials warn the trend could continue as new formulas enter the market. Allergy season ramps up across Middle Tennessee as juniper, maple, alder, and elm pollen levels rise, creating added challenges for residents managing respiratory issues.

    6 min

  5. MAR 2

    La Vergne Pursuits, Regional Fire Response & Tennessee Leaders React to Iran Strikes | March 2, 2026

    Monday, March 2, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Two motorists face serious felony charges after a dangerous night of pursuits in La Vergne, including a crash into a home on Hurricane Circle and a patrol vehicle struck near Stones River Road. Authorities credit community tips for helping bring the situation to a safe conclusion. A fast-moving house fire in the Arrington Retreat subdivision draws a large multi-agency response from Arrington Fire & Rescue, Nolensville Volunteer Fire Department, Rutherford County Fire Rescue, and neighboring departments. The home was lost, but no injuries were reported. New statewide data highlights growing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns as Murfreesboro ranks among the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Tennessee now ranks seventh most dangerous for active commuters, with pedestrian fatalities rising sharply over the past decade. Local leaders, including Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland, Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr, and Police Chief Michael Bowen, continue discussions on road capacity, intersection safety, and long-term infrastructure planning. Controlled burns conducted by the Stones River National Battlefield and the National Park Service near Old Fort Park aim to strengthen native grasses and protect the landscape. Tennessee lawmakers respond after President Donald Trump announces major U.S. combat operations in Iran following coordinated strikes with Israel. Members of the state’s congressional delegation express a range of reactions, from support to calls for congressional authorization. The Social Security Administration announces a transition to a centralized national customer service model, expanding appointment access and callback options while maintaining in-person services — a change that could affect thousands of Middle Tennessee residents.

    6 min

  6. FEB 27

    School Bus Age Proposal, New Veterans Park Progress & LTA Depot Closing | Feb. 27, 2026

    Friday, February 27, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: • State Representative Mike Sparks of Smyrna and State Senator Janiece Bowling introduce legislation to lower Tennessee’s minimum age for school bus drivers from 25 to 23, aiming to expand the applicant pool as Rutherford County works through ongoing transportation disruptions. • The Rutherford County School Board terminates contracts tied to 41 buses after an insurance lapse sidelines vehicles. New contractors are being secured, while existing providers cover routes—causing delays and temporary suspension of three shuttle routes serving Central Magnet, Oakland’s IB program, and Holloway High. • Murfreesboro advances construction on the $16.5 million Veterans Park along Veterans Parkway near Interstate 840. The project will feature nearly five miles of trails, multi-use amenities, and restored native landscapes, with an opening targeted for early 2027. • Murfreesboro City Council approves a major amendment to the city’s sign ordinance, allowing qualifying industrial-zoned properties of 20 acres or more to install permanent ground-mounted flags up to 4,000 square feet on poles as tall as 150 feet. • Lane, Strains and Automobiles (LTA Depot) announces it will close this spring after 15 years in Murfreesboro. The final day of operations is set for April 4th following the sale of the property. • The FAA reports 10,994 laser strikes nationwide in 2025, with Tennessee ranking 7th in the country at 431 incidents. Officials warn that laser strikes are a federal crime and urge residents to report any incidents immediately.

    6 min

  7. FEB 25

    Riverdale High Gun Arrest, Mayor’s Ethics Veto & Tennessee’s Penny Phase-Out | Feb. 25, 2026

    Wednesday, February 25, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: A 17-year-old Riverdale High School student is charged after a concealed 9mm handgun was detected during campus entry. The weapon was confiscated without incident, and the student now faces expulsion under the district’s zero-tolerance policy. Rutherford County Schools Director Dr. Jimmy Sullivan says enhanced security measures worked as intended, helping resolve the situation peacefully. Mayor Joe Carr issues a rare veto blocking a resolution that would have allowed county commissioners to appoint their own ethics committee alternates, citing state law and legal guidance. Laverne firefighters battle a complex house fire on Hillview Drive. Hidden voids caused by renovations allowed flames to spread behind walls. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. Officials urge residents to update their information in the County Connect system to better assist first responders. A troubling Second Look Commission report highlights severe child abuse concerns inside Tennessee Department of Children’s Services facilities, raising questions about oversight and reform timelines. Tennessee lawmakers advance legislation allowing businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest $0.05 as pennies phase out of circulation. The U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies in November 2025. A new study finds Tennessee ranks fifth nationally for uninsured drivers, with 21.3% lacking coverage — prompting renewed reminders about financial risks and the importance of uninsured motorist protection.

    6 min

  8. FEB 24

    Retail Crime Arrest, 55+ Community Expansion & Abortion Bill Debate | Feb. 24, 2026

    Tuesday, February 24, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: • A Nashville woman accused of being a prolific shoplifter is arrested on 24 outstanding warrants after a traffic stop. LaMonica Inslee faces multiple theft and organized retail crime charges connected to repeated thefts at Opry Mills and remains jailed on a $224,500 bond. • A Murfreesboro man, Marco Webb, is taken into custody in a separate Metro Nashville investigation. Detectives report finding suspected cocaine, marijuana, a handgun, and fraudulent identification during a stop on Donaldson Pike. Webb faces multiple felony charges and is held on a $60,000 bond. • A major milestone in Murfreesboro as Dell Webb’s Southern Harmony unveils its new 21,516-square-foot resort-style amenity center. The 55+ community will feature a fitness center, pickleball courts, pool, amphitheater, dining pavilion, and a Veterans Memorial Park as part of the 1,100-home master-planned development. • Tennessee gas prices average $2.55 per gallon, below the national average of $2.93. While Rutherford County drivers see relief at the pump, neighboring Williamson County tops $3 per gallon. • A proposed constitutional amendment, House Bill 570, could significantly change abortion laws statewide. Sponsored by Representative Jody Barrett and Senator Mark Pody, the measure would classify harm to an unborn child the same as harm to a person outside the womb, with limited exceptions. The bill has been assigned to committee with a potential July 1st effective date. • In neighboring Wilson County, officials confirm ICE is considering a large-scale detention facility in Lebanon that could house between 14,000 and 16,000 detainees. No final decision has been made.

    6 min
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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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