Wednesday, June 24, 2026

The Rutherford Roundup

In Today’s Episode:

• Tennessee’s new Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act takes effect July 1, allowing educators to discuss Christianity’s influence on the founding of the United States without creating a required curriculum.
• Attorneys for death row inmate Anthony Darryl Hines ask Governor Bill Lee for a reprieve ahead of his scheduled August 5 execution, citing concerns over Tennessee’s execution protocol.
• Several new Tennessee laws begin July 1, including voucher expansion, airport authority board changes, expanded deadly force protections, tougher food tampering penalties, commercial vehicle penalties, and statewide 287(g) requirements.
• Rutherford County communities prepare for Independence Day celebrations in Smyrna, Murfreesboro, La Vergne, and Buchanan.
• Murfreesboro leaders approve a downtown social district allowing adults 21 and older to carry approved alcoholic drinks within a designated outdoor area beginning July 15.
• Murfreesboro city officials extend funding for the police department’s real-time crime center, while residents continue raising privacy concerns over surveillance tools and license plate readers.