The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services will host the 45th Equal Justice University conference Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. The group today announced its plans to return to a fully in-person format in 2023. Learn more about the annual event or see reports from previous years.

A Knoxville family who sought to ban gum-chewing and eating in their daughter’s classes can proceed with an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lawsuit, Knox News reports. The suit had been languishing in the appeals process after a federal judge ruled it was not properly filed. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit found that the complaint was properly filed and sent the case back to the district court. “Jane Doe” suffers from misophonia, a rare disorder characterized by an extreme reaction — similar to a panic attack — to hearing sounds such as chewing. The family has since moved the girl to another school. The attorney for the family said they will amend the suit to seek reimbursement for the costs associated with that move.

After refusing to support California Republican Kevin McCarthy for speaker of the U.S. House of Representative through three days of voting and 11 ballots, Tennessee Rep.-elect Andy Ogles, R- Culleoka, changed his vote and supported McCarthy today on the 12th ballot. While recording his vote, Ogles thanked his colleagues who have been “negotiating in good faith” with McCarthy on rules changes designed to make the legislative process more transparent and open to rank and file members. After a 13th ballot today, which saw McCarthy fall just a few votes short, the House adjourned until 10 p.m. EST tonight. The Tennessean has more on the vote.

President Joe Biden announced yesterday that immigrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Haiti and Venezuela will be expelled to Mexico if they enter the U.S. illegally, effective immediately. At the same time, he offered humanitarian parole for up to 30,000 people a month from those four countries if they apply online, pay for their airfare and find a financial sponsor. “Do not, do not just show up at the border,” Biden said as he announced the changes. “Stay where you are and apply legally from there.” Biden made the announcement just days before a planned visit to the southern border. The Tennessee Ledger has the story from the Associated Press.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee today announced the theme and schedule of events for the 2023 inaugural celebration. Lee will take the oath of office for his second term at a ceremony on Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. CST on Legislative Plaza in Nashville. The oath will be administered by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Page. This year’s theme “Tennessee: Leading the Nation” was chosen to reflect the state’s role in “leading the nation as a guiding light for opportunity, security and freedom.” Other inaugural events include free tours of the state capitol and Tennessee State Museum, reception at the Wildhorse Saloon, a worship service at the Ryman Auditorium, and the first couple’s inaugural dinner and ball. Details for all events are available online.

The U.S. government today launched a website for victims of alleged fraud by FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder Sam Bankman-Fried, Reuters reportss. Federal prosecutors are seeking permission to use a website to notify victims, rather than contacting each individually. FTX could owe money to more than one million people, making it "impracticable" to contact each, the government says. While awaiting approval, the website went live with instructions for those who believe they may have been victims. Bankman-Fried has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of wire fraud and conspiracy.

U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper sat down recently with Tennessee Lookout to reflect on his 32 years in Congress. Cooper decided not to run for reelection in 2022 after his Nashville district was divided into multiple districts. Known as “the conscience of the House,” Cooper now warns that today’s politics have “strayed so far from that that we’re in danger of ending up in the ditch.” He also spoke about his concerns that a lack of tolerance from Tennessee’s elected leaders could set the state back economically. He urged his party to regain a winning edge in the state by showing respect for all voters and all viewpoints. For his part, though, Cooper says his political days are done. He is ready to teach again and finish a book. Read the full piece about his career.

On the second anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, the Tennessean looks at the 26 Tennesseans who have been charged in connection with the event. Most face trespassing charges, but some have been accused of serious assaults, including on law enforcement officers. Others have already been adjudicated and received punishment in the form of fines, jail time and probation. See the full list. At a White House ceremony marking the day, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to 12 individuals who "demonstrated courage and selflessness" in the events surrounding the attack, Reuters reports.

The Chattanooga law firm of Conner & Roberts is seeking an attorney to litigate contested family law cases in the circuit, chancery and juvenile courts in Hamilton County and surrounding counties. Salary is competitive and will depend on level of experience and ability to assume immediate responsibility. The successful candidate also has the potential to become a partner at the firm. At least three to five years of litigation experience is preferred. Get the full job description and instructions for applying on the TBA’s JobLink platform.

Save the date for the next installment in the Dispute Resolution Section’s webcast series: Mediation Updates with Murfreesboro lawyer Thomas Santel Jr. of Parkerson | Santel and Memphis lawyer Stephen Shields with Jackson, Shields, Yeiser, Holt, Owen & Bryant. The webcast will take place on Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. to noon CST.