Tuesday, August 4, 2026

The Rutherford Roundup

In Today’s Episode:

• Tennessee lawmakers consider stronger student protections as artificial intelligence creates new opportunities for misconduct in schools.
• The proposed changes follow the firing of a Nashville teacher accused of using AI to alter student images in ways that made students feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Lawmakers may pursue tougher penalties for failing to report abuse and greater transparency when educators are dismissed for misconduct.
• Rutherford County voters prepare for the August 6 county and municipal elections, along with state and federal primaries.
• WGNS, Big G TV, and WGNSradio.com prepare live election-night coverage from Hop Springs beginning at 7 p.m.
• A federal civil lawsuit accuses former Smyrna plant president Brian Thur of diverting more than $32 million from Taylor Farms, Tennessee. The allegations have not been proven in court.
• Murfreesboro’s Maple Street Biscuit Company location will become a Biscuit Belly restaurant by the end of 2026.
• Families are invited to Murfreesboro’s free National Night Out celebration at Patterson Park Community Center.