Show Notes – Monday, February 16, 2026
The Rutherford Roundup
In Today’s Episode:
- Flu activity climbs across Rutherford County as the Nashville-Murfreesboro-Franklin region enters a moderate flu zone, with 5.2% reporting influenza-like illness and Tennessee ranking among the highest flu activity states nationwide.
- Neighboring Coffee County schools close after attendance drops below 90% amid a mix of flu, COVID, and strep cases. Health officials stress it’s not too late for flu and COVID vaccinations.
- A growing overdose crisis: Tennessee ranks fifth in the nation for overdose deaths among adults ages 35 to 44, with experts citing financial strain, chronic stress, caregiving pressures, and fentanyl as contributing factors.
- A Rutherford County Grand Jury indicts 24-year-old Jacob Taylor of La Vergne on charges including aggravated rape of a child and multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor following a joint TBI and Homeland Security investigation. He remains jailed on a $75,000 bond.
- Murfreesboro Police arrest two suspected diesel fuel thieves wanted in multiple states. Officers used license plate reader alerts, unmarked units, and drone thermal imaging technology to track down the suspects.
- Initiative Foods recalls Tippy-Toes apple pear banana fruit puree sold in Tennessee and 47 other states due to elevated levels of patulin, a mold-related toxin. Families are urged to check lot number 07174 with a best-by date of July 17, 2026.
- Federal officials investigate a multi-state salmonella outbreak tied to Rosa Bella brand moringa powder capsules, with one confirmed Tennessee case and three hospitalizations nationwide.
Website: wgnsradio.com/RutherfordRoundup…