John Seigenthaler, legendary Tennessee journalist, political figure, intimate confidant to two near-presidents and fierce advocate for racial equality, died today at his home surrounded by family. He was 86. A Nashville native, Seigenthaler served as editor and publisher of the Tennessean for almost 30 years. Under his leadership, the newspaper covered historic events such as the Nashville lunch counter sit-ins and the early swearing-in of then Gov. Lamar Alexander. On the national scene, Seigenthaler served as an advisor to former Attorney General Bobby Kennedy and former Vice President Al Gore. He was active in the Freedom Rides movement and negotiated a deal with then-Alabama Gov. John Patterson that state troopers would protect students participating in the rides. A four-time published author, Seigenthaler also founded the First Amendment Center at Vanderbilt University in 1991.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the John Seigenthaler Center on Vanderbilt University's campus. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on West End Ave. The Tennessean and News Channel 5 have profiles of his life.

The Davidson County Grand Jury noted in its final report issued last week that it was concerned about whether the Aug. 7 appellate court retention election is valid based on findings that the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission (JPEC) was not properly seated. The group's term expired before members could make a full inquiry, but they recommended that the new grand jury, which was empanelled Monday, review the legality of JPEC's recommendations and the upcoming judicial elections. The Tennessean has more. 

In a 12-minute video released this week, Knoxville Bar Association President Wade Davies encourages citizens to vote in the Aug. 7 retention elections. To help voters make  informed decisions, the KBA created “Get to Know Your Judicial Candidates,” a section of the KBA website with non-partisan, objective information about the elections and the qualifications of the candidates.

The Nashville Bar Association today released the results of a member poll for the Aug. 7 General Election. NBA members were asked to comment on contested candidates as well as Supreme Court justices and other appellate judges standing for retention election. The poll found that 8 of 10 lawyers recommend retaining Chief Justice Gary Wade and Justices Cornelia Clark and Sharon Lee. “The goal of doing the poll is to provide the media and the public with information. The purpose is twofold: (1) to encourage the selection of qualified judges and public officials in the judicial system and (2) to have attorneys who are likely to know these candidates, both personally and professionally, provide an opinion on their qualifications,” said Gigi Woodruff, executive director of the association.

Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary R. Wade and Justices Cornelia R. “Connie” Clark and Sharon G. Lee were in Morristown Monday and Jackson Thursday to meet with supporters and explain their concerns about efforts from Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and others from outside the state to impact their retention election. Clark said some people in the state and out of the state are running a campaign against the three, “not on the basis of opinions, but on the basis of partisan politics.” Lee agreed, adding, “We don’t think partisan politics has any place in the courtroom.” The Johnson City Press reports that the justices have been speaking across the state about their jobs and the need to preserve the integrity of the judicial branch.

Three Tennessee House Republican candidates attended a forum Tuesday night in Murfreesboro, the Daily News Journal reports. State Rep. Mike Sparks, Eddie Smotherman and Dr. Bryan Terry expressed agreement on many conservative issues including limits on abortions, gun rights, repeal of the Hall income tax and ending the Common Core education standards. Not in attendance were state Rep. Dawn White, who is competing against Smotherman in the 37th District; state Rep. Rick Womick, who faces no competition; Rick Peppers and Rutherford County Commissioner Adam Coggin, who are running against Terry in the 48th District; and Rutherford County Commissioner Robert Stevens, who is running against Sparks in the 49th District.

Colorado Judge C. Scott Crabtree yesterday struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage citing constitutional grounds, WCYB reports. Crabtree also ruled that same-sex marriages performed outside the state should be recognized and that offering "civil unions" instead of marriage "is further evidence of discrimination against same-sex couples." Crabtree, however, prevented gay and lesbian couples from immediately marrying by staying his decision, saying it will take time for the issue to be resolved.

The Tennessee Board of Judicial Conduct has dismissed complaints charging three Supreme Court justices with violations of ethical rules, Knoxnews reports. Conservative activist blogger George Scoville of Nashville filed complaints against Chief Justice Gary Wade and Justices Cornelia Clark and Sharon Lee last month contending they violated a provision of the Code of Judicial Conduct that prohibits judges from endorsing candidates for elective office. Scoville claimed the justices were endorsing one another inappropriately by campaigning together, raising campaign funds together and appearing jointly around the state.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland, which serves Blount County, will host a forum for juvenile court candidates Kenlyn Foster and Susan Rushing at 6 p.m. Monday at the Blount County campus of Pellissippi State Community College. Each candidate will have an opportunity to address the group and answer questions from the audience. The public is invited and no RSVP is necessary. The Daily Times has more.

Changes in workers' compensation laws have created new challenges for workers seeking help, including former professional athletes. In Tennessee, all workers seeking compensation face substantial cuts in benefits since a new law took effect July 1. Under the revised statute, employees will no longer have the right to appeal decisions in the state court system and factors that could boost benefits based on the severity and longevity of the injury were removed. Records show that some two dozen former Tennessee Titans football players have filed workers’ comp claims in Tennessee, while many more have sought compensation in California because it has more worker-friendly compensation laws. The Tennessean has more.