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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 3D AGO

    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

  3. 4D AGO

    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

  4. 5D AGO

    Rutherford School Bus Disruptions, Local Sports Legends Headed to Hall of Fame & Supreme Court Tariff Ruling | Feb. 23, 2026

    Monday, February 23, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: • Transportation turmoil across Rutherford County after roughly 40 school buses are sidelined due to an insurance lapse involving a private contractor, impacting routes districtwide. Officials say absences tied to bus issues will be excused as alternate coverage is secured. • Leadership transition in La Vergne as Dr. Carey Holman is appointed principal of La Vergne Lake Elementary, returning to the district after serving as director of schools in Franklin County. He succeeds longtime educator Paige Johnson following her retirement. • Two Murfreesboro standouts named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026: former MTSU basketball coach Kermit Davis, the winningest coach in Blue Raider history, and Blackman High graduate and MLB standout David Price, a Cy Young Award winner and World Series champion. • Smyrna Police seek public assistance in a credit card fraud case tied to transactions at the Speedway on Trident Drive. Investigators are looking to identify a box truck and semi-truck seen in surveillance footage. • A new economic report delivered to Governor Bill Lee reveals nearly one-third of Tennessee counties have experienced job losses since 2019, with rural communities facing workforce and healthcare challenges. Lawmakers consider expanding rural healthcare access. • The U.S. Supreme Court issues a 6-3 ruling that President Donald Trump exceeded his authority in imposing certain tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a decision economists say may bring more predictability to Tennessee manufacturers and exporters. 🔗 Listen & Learn More:Website: wgnsradio.com/RutherfordRoundup Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6o5lRIqG99Id4sYA7oobVQ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rutherford-roundup/id1783867186 YouTube Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh_IeDgqs1yS14XpZXCXte1IDUWK49Qdw

    6 min

  5. FEB 20

    Human Trafficking Arrest, ICE Facility Confusion & Chinwag Restaurant Announcement | Feb. 18, 2026

    Wednesday, February 18, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: A two-day undercover human trafficking operation in Murfreesboro leads to the arrest of 24-year-old Jefferson Gomez on a felony charge of sexual servitude. The joint effort involved the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, and Murfreesboro Police. Gomez remains jailed on a $150,000 bond, with court dates set for March 30 and May 18. Investigators also worked to connect potential victims with advocacy partners. Legislative scrutiny intensifies as State Representative Tim Rudd introduces House Bill 1698, aiming to require sworn testimony from executive branch employees before legislative committees. The proposal would impose potential Class C misdemeanor perjury charges for intentional deception. The bill is now in House subcommittee, with a Senate companion advancing. Confusion surrounds a proposed immigrant detention facility in Lebanon after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement initially confirmed plans tied to a nationwide expansion, then reversed course citing an unapproved statement. Local officials in Wilson County say they were unaware of any finalized plans. On the statewide political front, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, now running for governor, is urging support for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit a state property tax. Tennessee currently does not levy a state-level property tax, though local governments collect property taxes. A major dining addition is coming to The Fountains at Gateway in Murfreesboro. Chinwag, a new full-service restaurant from Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 winner Alex Belew and Nashville pitmaster Shane Nasby, is set to open by summer 2026 at 1440 Medical Center Parkway. The globally inspired concept will focus on smoke and fire-driven dishes alongside craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Murfreesboro Police are encouraging businesses, churches, and community members to register on-site automated external defibrillators through the free PulsePoint AED registry. Officials say the registry can help first responders direct callers to the nearest device during cardiac emergencies. 🔗 Listen & Learn More:Website: wgnsradio.com/RutherfordRoundup Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6o5lRIqG99Id4sYA7oobVQ Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rutherford-roundup/id1783867186 YouTube Playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLh_IeDgqs1yS14XpZXCXte1IDUWK49Qdw

    6 min

  6. FEB 3

    Library System Controversy, School Safety Alert, Storm Recovery & Gas Price Relief | Feb. 3, 2025

    Show Notes – Tuesday, February 3, 2025 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Tensions escalate within the Rutherford County Library System as Director

    5 min

  7. FEB 2

    Multiple Weekend Shootings, Officer-Involved Fatality, and New Safety Initiatives | Feb. 2, 2026

    Show Notes – Monday, February 2, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Murfreesboro Police investigate two separate weekend shootings, one fatal,

    6 min

  8. JAN 30

    Rutherford County Jail Expansion Debate, Winter Storm Recovery, and Community Events | Jan. 30, 2026

    Show Notes – Friday, January 30, 2026 The Rutherford Roundup In Today’s Episode: Rutherford County leaders face mounting pressure to address overcrowding at

    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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