After last week's winter storm, many Nashville renters may be behind on their bills and possibly facing eviction. Metro Nashville's Eviction Right to Counsel Program helps connect tenants with free, experienced attorneys who can guide them through the legal maze. Eight lawyers from the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS) and the Hispanic Bar Association are available to assist. In 2025, 13,000 Nashville renters faced eviction. DarKenya Waller, executive director of LAS, told News Channel 5 that "Unfortunately, Tennessee laws are not very forgiving for unpaid rent. So even if you have not had your repairs done, there are resources on the legal aid website to help you notify your landlord of the needs that you have and you must document everything."

Several state agencies have released information to help residents deal with the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern. The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office is urging consumers to use caution when selecting a business to provide tree trimming or removal services to avoid being scammed. In addition, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Department of Commerce and Insurance Commissioner Carter Lawrence have released a joint statement regarding insurance claims following the storm. The pair encourage residents to review the online resources available and file a complaint about any storm-related insurance claims believed to be wrongfully denied. Finally, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents to report property damage caused by the storm to help it demonstrate the need for a federal major disaster declaration.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Friday it will deliver more than $11 million in combined emergency assistance to Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana to speed disaster responses following a severe winter storm, according to Tennessee Lookout. The funding includes $3.75 million to reimburse the state of Tennessee. The money may be used for generator deployment, temporary heating for facilities and vulnerable populations, emergency debris removal, shelter operations, activation of state and local emergency operations centers, emergency logistics, medical support and law enforcement and public safety operations. Last week, President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for 12 states, including Tennessee. Gov. Bill Lee also is seeking an expedited major disaster declaration for 23 counties in the state.

Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday requested that President Donald Trump grant an expedited major disaster declaration for 23 Tennessee counties following impacts from Winter Storm Fern. The request seeks Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) public and individual assistance to support response and recovery efforts statewide. According to a news release, the expedited request covers counties where damage is already evident and expected to exceed federal assistance thresholds, allowing resources to reach Tennesseans more quickly. Damage assessments are ongoing and will determine whether additional counties qualify. The request includes Cheatham, Chester, Clay, Davidson, Decatur, Dickson, Hardeman, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Maury, Perry, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Trousdale, Wayne, Williamson and Wilson counties.

Courts across parts of Tennessee closed and adjusted operations this week because of severe winter weather, prompting deadline extensions and emergency measures, while federal disaster assistance was approved statewide. In Davidson County, the Metropolitan Historic Courthouse and the Justice A.A. Birch Courthouse were closed Monday and Tuesday, and all deadlines for matters pending in the 20th Judicial District have been extended by two days due to many practitioners and litigants lacking power or internet access. It is discretionary for each judge to determine how this impacts their hearing and other court schedules. According to the Daily Memphian, in Shelby County, circuit, general sessions, criminal, probate and civil courts, including the clerk’s office, were closed today, with the clerk’s 24-hour bail office remaining open. Juvenile Court canceled most dockets and held select hearings virtually. Staff worked remotely, and hearings were reset to next available docket date if families could not attend virtually. Additionally, President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration on Saturday authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide disaster assistance in all 95 Tennessee counties, including 75% federally funded emergency protective measures, with Mary Hernandez Marrero named federal coordinating officer for the response.

Two Cocke County businesses received state grants Thursday to help retain and retrain employees after Hurricane Helene, WSMV reports. State and local officials announced the awards for Eastern Plating and American Appliance Products, with each company receiving more than $2 million from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Both businesses were damaged by the hurricane and are either in the early stages of reopening or have not yet reopened. The plants, which are located next to each other, were flooded during the storm. “Of all the things we get to do across the state and our agency, working in rural Tennessee is what we see as the most impactful,” said Stuart McWhorter, Tennessee deputy governor and commissioner of economic and community development.

Legal Services Corporation's (LSC) Rural Justice Task Force has released a comprehensive report with recommendations to strengthen legal access in rural communities. The task force's goal is to better serve the millions of rural Americans who face unique challenges — such as limited transportation, scarce providers and geographic isolation — when seeking legal help. LSC has also expanded Heartland Disaster Help to better support Americans in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. Simply enter an address and learn about the disasters most common to that area, find recovery assistance resources and explore ways to prepare and protect homes, families and communities.

Tennesseans who took advantage of the extra time provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to file their 2024 tax returns are now running out of time, the Nashville Banner reports. The deadline to file is 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 3. On April 14, the IRS offered relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which included all 95 Tennessee counties after storms on April 2 produced widespread tornadoes and flooding. The extension applies to individual tax returns normally due on April 15, quarterly estimated tax payments normally due in April, June and September, and more. Those who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed losses also have the option to claim the losses on their 2024 or 2025 tax returns.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has closed disaster assistance applications for residents affected by severe storms and flooding in April, the Tennessee Lookout reports. Between June 19 and Aug. 19, FEMA approved about $7.2 million in aid to 975 individuals, including $4.3 million for housing assistance and $2.9 million for other needs. Residents of Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Dyer, Hardeman, McNairy, Montgomery, Obion and Wilson counties were eligible to apply for help covering uninsured losses. While the initial application period has ended, FEMA will accept late applications for up to 60 days with an explanation for the delay. Individuals can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, through FEMA’s mobile app or by calling 800-621-3362.

Flash flood warnings were in effect across Tennessee yesterday after deadly floodwaters trapped cars near Chattanooga. During the storms that began on Tuesday, a mother, father and child in Chattanooga were killed when a tree fell on the car they were in during the rain and flooding. According to the Oak Ridger, historic floods have swept through the eastern part of the state. The Associated Press also has reporting on the flood's impacts.