Friday, July 24, 2026

The Rutherford Roundup

In Today’s Episode:

• Rutherford County’s unemployment rate increased to 3.1% in June but remained below Tennessee’s non-seasonally adjusted rate of 3.8%.
• Smyrna posted a 3% unemployment rate, tying for the third-lowest rate among Tennessee cities with populations above 25,000.
• County leaders consider eminent domain for a proposed 53-acre detention center site as the existing jail remains severely overcrowded.
• Supporters say constructing a new jail could avoid disruptions and save Rutherford County between $140 million and $190 million in long-term operating costs.
• Middle Tennessee State University launches Tennessee’s first Master of Science degree in mechatronics systems engineering, focusing on robotics, automation and embodied artificial intelligence.
• District 19 Commissioner Ravel McMurray faces a theft charge involving a campaign sign belonging to opponent Pat Clements. McMurray denies stealing the sign, and the case remains pending.
• State Senator Shane Reeves is named a 2026 legislative champion by the Chronic Disease Coalition for supporting Tennesseans with chronic and rare illnesses.
• Murfreesboro approves a nearly $54.7 million agreement for Phase 3 of the Cherry Lane Extension, including a new Interstate 840 interchange.
• The 2.4-mile transportation project is expected to improve mobility and reduce congestion on Thompson Lane and Northwest Broad Street.