WPLN’s podcast “This Is Nashville” features a new episode showcasing the civic engagement of young people in Middle Tennessee. The episode features interviews with high school students who are actively involved in community improvement efforts. These students discuss their experiences learning about government operations, advocating for their schools and neighborhoods, and collaborating with local officials. Listen to the podcast episode here.

The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council has announced the availability of $20 million in additional grants for opioid remediation activities. This funding comes on top of tens of millions of dollars already allocated through a competitive grant application process, according to WBIR News. The council distributes funds to county governments and community organizations to support substance abuse treatment, prevention programs and other initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid crisis. The Tennessee General Assembly said applicants interested in submitting proposals to the council can do so through its website. The portal will be open for groups to submit proposals Nov. 12 through Dec. 13.

Nashville police have arrested over 200 individuals since launching the "Street Racer Initiative" in 2020, according to WKRN News. The initiative aims to curb reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, donuts and street takeovers, which can lead to serious injuries and property damage. The police department has increased traffic stops, social media monitoring and collaboration with prosecutors to identify and apprehend offenders. Lawmakers have also taken steps to address the problem, enacting legislation to strengthen penalties for street racing and promote road safety. In honor of Jack Barnhardt, a 15-year Army Special Forces veteran who was killed in a street racing accident, a new bill took effect this year, focusing on enhancing penalties for street racing and promoting road safety.

During his visit to Memphis on Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee addressed school safety in light of ongoing investigations into multiple threats against Midsouth schools and reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring student safety across the region. Joining him was Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, who emphasized the importance of proactive measures and the state's significant investment in student safety, as reported by ABC 24 News. Feagins also highlighted the challenges of effective communication within the district and the need for continuous training in crisis management. She assured parents that law enforcement is actively monitoring threats and has increased police presence in schools. The report notes that five arrests and several detentions related to these threats are currently under investigation.

Shelby County lawyer Joann Nicholson Bell was reinstated to the practice of law on Sept. 12 after being on inactive status since March 19, 2009. Bell petitioned for reinstatement and the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility determined that reinstatement would be appropriate. The court released the order today.

Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey is getting a three-month reprieve from reporting to federal prison while he appeals his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, Tennessee Lookout reports. Kelsey pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance fraud charges then sought to change his plea. A federal district court judge and a three-judge panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals denied that effort. When his motion to have the matter reheard by the entire appellate court was rejected, he was ordered to report to federal prison by Oct. 1. Now the original three-judge panel has granted him 90 days to appeal the decision to the nation's highest court. Kelsey pleaded guilty in November 2022 to funneling more than $100,000 from his state campaign account through two political action committees to bolster his bid for a congressional seat.

Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Felicia Corbin-Johnson has ruled against a motion for default judgment in the case of Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert. In finding against special counsel Robert Meyers, Corbin-Johnson said Halbert deserves a full hearing on an ouster complaint. She also used the opportunity to urge the state legislature to revise the more than 100-year-old ouster statute to make the process more clear. Meyers had sought to declare Halbert in “default” and immediately remove her from office based on the argument that her attorneys had not responded directly to the complaint. That hearing was held earlier this week. Read about the parties’ arguments from the Daily Memphian.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will host a free webinar on Sept. 24 on alcohol taxes. Department staff will discuss issues associated with entities that manufacture, sell and/or distribute alcoholic beverages, wine and beer in Tennessee. Learn more or register here. The webinar is one in a series of educational sessions held by the department each month.

The Tennessee Supreme Court yesterday dismissed a petition for reinstatement filed by California attorney Bradley Roy Peacock. Peacock had filed for reinstatement on July 11. On Aug. 1, the court notified Peacock that he had outstanding obligations with the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and the Tennessee Department of Revenue and had until Sept. 16 to satisfy those obligations. On Sept. 18, the court reported that Peacock did not satisfy the outstanding obligations and thus would dismiss the petition.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is urging Rutherford County school officials not to remove "Beloved" and six other books from campus libraries, arguing that books may not be removed simply because they tell stories about race or racism or include references to sex and the human body. The Daily News Journal reports that the school board is set to meet tonight. In addition to “Beloved,” the other books to be considered are "Homegoing," "Queen of Shadows," "Skin and Bones," "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," "Tower of Dawn" and "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West." The ACLU also urged the board to bring back 30 books it previously removed from school libraries for being “obscene.”