Tennessee had the highest rate of opioid use disorders last year, Axios Nashville reports. The opioid epidemic has plagued the state for years, but new data from FAIR Health’s Opioid Tracker shows that the challenge only continues. According to the data, Tennessee’s diagnosis rate has skyrocketed since 2021. Last year, the rate reached 1,447 people diagnosed out of every 100,000, nearly triple the national figure. The news comes as the state undertakes opioid prevention efforts funded by lawsuit settlements with drug manufacturers, pharmacies and other parties found culpable in the crisis.

Columbia University's Knight First Amendment Institute has sued the U.S. government to obtain records about deals President Donald Trump made with nine large U.S. law firms earlier this year. According to Reuters, the institute says the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Justice Department have denied "or constructively denied" its requests under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for records of the agreements and any communication the firms have had with the government. The FOIA request covers communications with A&O Shearman, Cadwalader, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Milbank, Paul Weiss, Simpson Thacher, Skadden Arps and Willkie Farr. The institute is a nonprofit affiliated with Columbia University that defends press freedoms and free speech.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee today announced the launch of FeedTN.org, a platform that will connect Tennesseans with resources and opportunities to serve during the federal government shutdown. The platform is designed to respond to warnings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that there will be insufficient funding to cover November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the shutdown continues. The governor also said his Faith Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI) is working with a coalition of more than 300 non-profit and faith community leaders to identify needs, share information and mobilize rapid response across the state. Read more in a press release from the governor’s office.

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal has ruled that a lawsuit filed by a number of Tennessee elected officials challenging deployment of the National Guard to Memphis will not be fast-tracked, the Commercial Appeal reports. The order came in response to three motions filed by Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Major General Warner A. Ross III. The motions sought to expedite certain proceedings in the case while delaying a hearing on a temporary injunction. All motions were denied, with Moskal saying the “significance of the issues raised in this matter” requires more time for the parties to fully argue their positions. However, she did rule that if all parties agree on a rescheduled date for the injunction hearing, she would honor that request.

A Tennessee judge is again playing a key role in the legal battle over Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is awaiting prosecution and possible deportation. A new order from federal District Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw warns of possible sanctions against Trump administration officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, if they continue to make inflammatory statements about the defendant. WPLN reports that Crenshaw wrote: “Government employees have made extrajudicial statements that are troubling, especially where many of them are exaggerated if not simply inaccurate.” These include statements about the “character, credibility, reputation or criminal record of a party” and “any opinion as to the accused’s guilt or innocence.”

Attorneys are often asked to speak at conferences, moderate panel discussions, be interviewed for podcasts, and speak on TV or video. Public speaking is an opportunity to enhance the profession and share expertise with others, but attorneys must be comfortable appearing on video and virtual platforms and at in-person settings. On Nov. 12, Mimi Bliss of Bliss Communications will present a one-hour CLE from noon to 1 p.m. CST on how to speak with confidence. Learn more or register on the TBA website.

As Tennessee marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Legal Aid Society (LAS) Executive Director DarKenya W. Waller highlights how access to legal services can help victims safely leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives. In the Cheatham County Exchange, Waller writes that survivors often face financial control, legal intimidation and poverty that trap them in dangerous situations, with many attempting to leave an average of seven times before succeeding. Legal Aid attorneys partner with agencies across the state that specialize in different issues related to domestic violence and provide wraparound support, from securing protective orders to addressing financial and housing barriers. Waller emphasizes that leaving an abuser is often the most perilous time for victims, making legal guidance and careful planning essential for long-term safety and independence. Those experiencing domestic violence, or those who know someone who is, can contact the Legal Aid Society at 800-238-1443 or visit the LAS website for assistance.

The Tennessee Education Association (TEA) is pushing for changes to the state’s K-12 education system. According to Fox 17, TEA’s new proposal, "Reimagining Tennessee’s Public Schools for the Future," compiles ideas from educators across the state and calls for a residency-first licensure model and more flexible school calendars with the goal of enhancing teaching and learning. Survey results show 81% of educators feel too much time is spent on mandatory assessments while 83% believe the results are not used properly. TEA is urging Gov. Bill Lee and state policymakers to adopt the recommendations to create what they say would be a more innovative and engaging education system.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) has launched a new, statewide portal for volunteer opportunities in partnership with Paladin, a leading pro bono management platform. The TBA Pro Bono Portal will play a crucial role in TBA’s work engaging Tennessee attorneys in pro bono and public interest opportunities by centralizing events, cases and training resources in one place. Using the portal, the TBA will work with over 15 legal aid providers across the state as well as its own Young Lawyers Division and other bar leadership groups to aggregate pro bono opportunities in a real-time, statewide database the legal community can access for free. “The TBA is proud to be part of the collaborative efforts working for quality, accessible legal services for all in our state. Paladin is the perfect tool to remove barriers that keep lawyers from volunteering. It will amplify clinics, individual cases and other opportunities for TBA members and the larger legal community,” said TBA President and Knoxville lawyer Heidi Barcus. She also thanked World Within for funding the first year of the portal. Read more about how the portal will work in a press release from the TBA or sign up for a free CLE on Nov. 5 to learn how to use the portal.

In related news, the TBA Access to Justice (ATJ) Committee recently sponsored a strategic action summit to engage bar leaders in identifying concrete ways the legal community can support legal service organizations in Tennessee. The event, hosted at Butler Snow's Nashville office, brought together leaders from key law firms, corporate legal departments and other stakeholders from across the state. Participants discussed practical ways to provide direct, meaningful pro bono assistance to organizations on the front lines of delivering legal aid to low-income and vulnerable Tennesseans. The summit, as well as ongoing ATJ Committee initiatives, will help craft TBA’s strategy for engaging Tennessee attorneys in pro bono and public interest opportunities. See photos from the day.

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday failed for the 13th time to advance a stopgap spending bill that would fund the government until Nov. 21 and end the monthlong government shutdown. The 54-45 vote was nearly identical to the previous 12 votes, as Republicans and Democrats held firm in their positions, the Tennessee Lookout reports. The measure needed at least 60 votes to advance under the Senate’s legislative filibuster. Senate leaders continued to clash over priorities, with Republicans urging passage of the House-approved bill to reopen the government and Democrats pushing for broader negotiations over tax credits and social programs. Both parties reportedly are exploring separate measures to fund nutrition assistance programs.