MTSU Turning Point USA Controversy, Landfill Concerns & Downtown Changes

Monday, October 26, 2026

The Rutherford Roundup

In Today’s Episode:

MTSU Turning Point USA Controversy: A student organization is demanding the disbandment of MTSU's Turning Point USA chapter and a ban on speaker Joshua Haymes following a heated campus event. The chapter is defending its First Amendment rights.
Middle Point Landfill Concerns: Rutherford County residents confront state officials over landfill odors, potential pollution, and environmental enforcement. Murfreesboro's city manager calls for greater accountability.
Murfreesboro Road Construction: Drivers should expect delays this week, including overnight disruptions at Medical Center Parkway and Thompson Lane beginning Tuesday morning. Additional work continues across the city through October 31.
Big Bad Breakfast Opens Downtown: The Southern breakfast restaurant opens October 27 in the former City Cafe building on East Main Street, bringing new life to a historic Murfreesboro location.
Rutherford County Unemployment Drops: The county's unemployment rate falls to 2.7%, tying for the lowest in Tennessee. Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and La Vergne all report improvements.
Know Your Rights as a Renter: Tennessee law provides Rutherford County renters with protections against unlawful lockouts, utility shutoffs, retaliation, and excessive late fees.