The U.S. House of Representatives elected Rep. Mike Johnson, a Republican of Louisiana, as its new speaker today after multiple attempts over the past several weeks, the New York Times reports. Among the representatives vying for the top job earlier this week were Reps. Chuck Fleischmann and Mark Green. Fleischmann, who represents Tennessee’s Third Congressional District, dropped out after the first round of voting while Green, who represents the Seventh District, dropped out after the second. WKRN has that story.

The Tennessee Criminal Court of Appeals has reversed a Shelby County Criminal Court judge's ruling that freed a man by shortening his almost 163-year sentence to 25 years. The ruling upholds the initial sentence imposed on Courtney Anderson, who was convicted of felony theft, felony forgery and misdemeanor possession of a handgun in a public space. Last December, Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan shortened Anderson's sentence to the 25 years he had already served. The state attorney general challenged the decision, arguing that Skahan did not have jurisdiction to re-open post-conviction proceedings in the case. The appeals court agreed. Read the decision or reporting about it by the Commercial Appeal.

Federal prosecutors pursuing criminal charges against those involved in the death of Tyre Nichols have asked a judge to omit evidence related to Nichols’ character in public filings about the case. The Commercial Appeal reports that prosecutors are arguing such evidence should not be released since it would be inadmissible in court given that Nichols is not alive to defend himself. The move comes after the lawyer for one suspect sought access to Nichols’ cellphone, alleging he had a hallucinogenic substance, along with stolen debit cards, credit cards and photo IDs in his car. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is asking for a hearing on the issue so that “any attempts to improperly and unfairly malign Nichols’ character” be stopped.

A new report from Indiana University’s Center for Postsecondary Research shows that first-generation college students who go on to law school face additional challenges as compared to peers whose parents graduated from college. The Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE) found that on average these students spend more time studying, earn slightly lower grades and graduate with higher debt loads. The report encourages law schools to recognize these challenges and provide additional flexibility and support for these students. Reuters reports on the findings.

TBA’s Group Health Insurance, provided by BlueCross BlueShield, offers guaranteed issue coverage, with no health questions and no pre-existing condition exclusions, at a significant savings. Here is what TBA member Gail Vaughn Ashworth says about the program: “When the TBA started TBA Member Insurance Solutions (TBAMS) with group health insurance coverage in 2020, our small firm immediately priced it against our longstanding group health insurance plan and compared the benefits in both plans. We were very pleased and surprised that by switching to the TBA group health plan we saved over $30,000 the first year and we had great group health insurance benefits. That is a huge savings, which we have taken advantage of each year since the beginning of the program — not only for the continued cost savings but for the great plan benefits. The TBAMS staff is very helpful, and the transition was very smooth. Renewing every year is also seamless. I recommend using the online quote tool on the TBA website or calling TBAMS at 800-347-1109 to find out how you can take advantage of this great member benefit. We all have TBA Past- President Sarah Sheppeard to thank for getting this wonderful health insurance benefit in place.” Don’t lose out on your savings! Open enrollment runs through Dec. 15.

Friends and family gathered Friday at the Nashville Historic Courthouse for a portrait unveiling of former Court of Appeals Judge Richard Dinkins. Chancellor Russell Perkins opened the court, while reflections of Dinkins’ life were shared by Nashville lawyers D. Billye Sanders and Margaret Behm and federal district court Chief Judge Waverly Crenshaw Jr. The portrait, painted by Michael Shane Neal, was unveiled by members of the Dinkins family. Chancellor I’Ashea Myles provided closing remarks. Dinkins died Oct. 1 at the age of 71. Before being named to the appellate court, he served as a Davidson County chancellor.

The 21st District Recovery Court is hosting its 13th Annual Community Luncheon on Oct. 30 at 11:30 a.m. CDT at the Williamson County Enrichment Center, 110 Everbright Ave. in Franklin. The luncheon serves as one of the court’s annual fundraisers. In addition to hearing from recent graduates, the court will honor Phil Newman with the Gayle Moyer Harris Award, which honors one of the court’s founders. Newman is a former board chair and was instrumental in developing several fundraisers for the organization. To attend, RSVP to Connie Martin. Donations in support of the recovery court program may be made online.

Recent episodes from the Legal Services Corporation’s “Talk Justice” podcast explore the potential and pitfalls of generative AI. In “AI’s Potential for Access to Justice,” experts look at ways AI can dramatically shorten the time it takes to develop new legal services platforms and resources, while also increasing the reach of those services. Then in “Will AI Be Accessible?” tech experts explore the protential problems AI could create for the legal field, including issues of accessibility and faulty information that could do more harm than good for self-represented litigants.

The Biden administration is implementing a new family reunification program for Ecuador, allowing U.S.-based Ecuadorians to sponsor their immediate family members abroad to legally immigrate to the United States. The program, which currently serves citizens of Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti and Honduras, is meant to encourage the use of legal pathways to immigrate, The Hill reports.

The Memphis Bar Association (MBA) is accepting nominations for its two annual awards through Nov. 10. The Sam A. Myar Jr. Award is presented to a member of the association who is 40 years of age or younger, and has rendered outstanding service to the legal profession and community. See the list of past recipients. The Judge Jerome Turner Lawyer's Lawyer Award is presented annually to an MBA member who has practiced law for more than 15 years and exemplifies the aims and aspirations embodied in the Guidelines for Professional Courtesy and Conduct. See the past recipients of that award. Nomination forms should be sent to MBA Executive Director Mary Ann Upchurch.