A federal judge in Nashville has granted a preliminary injunction ordering Tennessee’s Judicial Advisory Commission to open its meetings to the public, Chattanoogan.com reports. Dan McCaleb, executive editor of the online news organization The Center Square, filed a suit last year to open the meetings. He argued that the First Amendment right of press access to government meetings applies to the commission’s meetings, which had been closed to the public and press. In the ruling, Judge Eli Richardson wrote that the Administrative Office of the Courts must open the meetings to the public either by livestreaming or by allowing in-person attendance. The Tennessee Supreme Court established the commission to recommend court rules of practice and procedure.

Franklin lawyer and TBA Senior Counselor Frank Calvin Ingraham died March 20. A 1954 graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, Ingraham built a litigation practice representing individuals and corporation and was also a founding member of the American Trial Lawyers Foundation. He retired from the practice of law in 2014. Visitation will be held April 15 at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. CDT. A time of fellowship will be held after the service. All events will take place at the Church of The City, 828 Murfreesboro Rd., Franklin 37064. A private burial will be held at his longtime residence, Tap Root Farm. Donations may be made to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home or The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Following former state Sen. Brian Kelsey’s request to withdraw his guilty plea in a federal campaign finance case, the judge overseeing the matter has canceled a sentencing hearing set for March 28. The prosecution now has an April 14 deadline to respond to Kelsey's motion to withdraw his plea, the Tennessean reports. Kelsey's co-defendant, Joshua Smith, asked the court to delay his sentencing as well while the Kelsey situation is decided. The judge agreed to postpone that hearing as well.

The Tennessean looks at the week in politics with updates on legislation that would lower open gun carry age limits from 21 to 18; a Senate panel’s rejection of a bill that would require adult cabaret performers to obtain work permits; the outlook for a measure that would block insurance companies from contracting with TennCare if they cover gender transition care; and Senate support for making Juneteenth an official state holiday. A number of bills also are likely dead for the year. The Jackson Sun reports on the fate of a bill that would have moved foreclosure advertisements from newspapers to a state-owned website. WPLN reports on the effort to eliminate the state Commission on Children and Youth. And WKRN looks at a bill that would have authorized the legislature to nullify any “unconstitutional federal action."

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee told Nashville's business leaders this week that is he is focused on the state’s growth and putting "dollars back in the hands of people." Speaking at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Governor's Address, Lee mostly side-stepped the ongoing feud between state and local political leaders, according to the Tennessean. He lamented the “very toxic political world” and reiterated his priorities of maintaining low taxes, enhancing job-training programs, increasing transportation infrastructure and offering more K-12 educational opportunities.

The Tennessee Supreme Court ruled this week that the Shelby County Civil Service Merit Board did not act arbitrarily or capriciously by affirming the termination of Shelby County firefighter Paul Zachary Moss, though it did not hear evidence of discipline previously imposed on other firefighters. Moss was dismissed after allegedly becoming involved in a fight with two men at a political rally, pointing a gun at the pair and threatening to kill them. He entered an Alford guilty plea to one count of aggravated assault. Read more about the case.

TBA's Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs Berkley Schwarz and Adams and Reese attorney and TBA lobbyist Brad Lampley are out with a new Legislative Update podcast today. In this week's episode, they recap the TBA's Day on the Hill, hint at a possible adjournment date and discuss the Tennessee Domestic Relations Arbitration Act (HB1177/SB710); Tennessee Revised Uniform Arbitration Act (HB1162/SB775); TBA's adoption law bills, one which makes substantiative changes to law (SB919/HB854) and one that makes technical changes (SB921/HB855); and two bills dealing with the cost of electronic medical records in disability claims: HB1071/SB1393 and the Trial Lawyers/TBA bill HB647/SB1313. Finally, the episode looks at three bills targeting the professional privilege tax for attorneys: HB586/SB640 and HB580/SB1122, which would eliminate the tax, and HB585/SB641, which would phase out the tax over three years. The program airs each week during the legislative session on TBA’s Facebook page. It is also posted on the TBA’s website and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Photographs from last weekend’s Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition award ceremony are now posted on the TBA’s website. Check out photos of second place finisher Signal Mountain High School of Chattanooga, Team Sportsmanship Award recipient Farragut High School of Knoxville and individual winners of the best witness, best advocate and Team MVP awards. High resolution versions of these photos are available for anyone who would like to receive them. Email tbatoday@tnbar.org to request specific images.

Make plans now to attend the TBA's 2023 Entertainment & Sports Law Forum on May 11 in Nashville. The four-hour program, including one dual hour, will be held at Belmont University College of Law. Topics to be covered include the latest in sports law, a comprehensive case law update, and a look into what is going on with beats, licensing and sampling. The program will conclude with an attorney well-being session. Immediately following the program, attendees are encouraged to attend the happy hour reception at International Market from 5-7pm CDT.

Nearly 50 Tennessee lawyers participated in today’s inaugural “TBA Day on the Hill,” meeting with more than 20 state legislators, attending committee meetings and hearing from state government officials. The day kicked off with remarks from Brandon Gibson, chief operating officer for the state, and Secretary of State Tre Hargett. Participants also observed proceedings of the House Civil Justice Committee. The day wrapped up with individual meetings with legislators to discuss important issues affecting Tennessee attorneys. The TBA’s annual legislative reception, known as Big Shrimp, will take place this evening and provide additional opportunities to connect with elected officials. See photos from the day.