The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) will award grants to support the delivery of civil legal services to eligible low-income individuals in the state in 2026. Recipients will be announced in December. As part of the 2026 grants process, the LSC has  published a notice of intent to award grants and is allowing 30 days for public comment. The comment period will close Dec. 1. The list of potential awardees — including three organizations in Tennessee — can be viewed online. Questions should be directed to Christine Williams at 202-295-1602.

Knox News reports that 138 Knoxville voters cast their ballots for the first time during early voting this year while 11,722 people in all early voted in the local election, which represents about 12% of eligible city voters. The early voting turnout of 10,855, excluding absentee and nursing home ballots, far exceeds early voting in the 2023 general election of 6,474. Knox County Elections Administrator Chris Davis told Knox News the high turnout is driven largely by a proposed half-percent sales tax increase on the citywide ballot. City Council seats in Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are also up for election, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on Election Day.

The Trump administration said it plans to partially fund food aid for millions of Americans after two federal judges ruled it must use contingency funds to pay November benefits during the government shutdown, Reuters reports. The administration outlined plans in a filing with U.S. District Judge John McConnell, who last week ordered the agency to use emergency funds to at least partially cover Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The U.S. Department of Justice said the USDA is complying with McConnell’s order and “will fulfill its obligation to expend the full amount of SNAP contingency funds today.” The administration said $600 million will cover states’ administrative costs, leaving $4.65 billion to fund 50% of eligible households’ current allotments. It also will look at tapping a separate $23 billion fund.

Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, has announced she will not seek another term representing District 78 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. The Post Local News reports she has represented Cheatham and Dickson counties since 2012. As a freshman legislator, Littleton passed one of the nation’s first laws allowing the termination of parental rights when a parent is convicted of sex trafficking their own child. Since 2019, she has served as chair of the House Children and Family Affairs Subcommittee, overseeing legislation related to child custody, domestic violence, juvenile crime and foster care. “It’s been a true blessing to represent Cheatham and Dickson counties and one of the greatest honors of my life to serve. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together to make Tennessee a safer, healthier state for children and families,” Littleton said. She will continue to serve through the remainder of her term.

Two more inmates have died at the Shelby County Jail bringing the number of deaths at the facility to at least nine this year and more than 60 since 2019. The first inmate died on Oct. 30 and was identified as 24-year-old Dalton Goddard, who was arrested by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper on Oct. 19 after a traffic stop for speeding. He was charged with several drug offenses, the Daily Memphian reports. An autopsy is being performed to determine the cause and manner of death. Additionally, another death at the jail was confirmed by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office in an email this afternoon. A TBI spokesperson identified the inmate as 40-year-old Antonio First, who was convicted in 2024 on two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse. First’s cause of death is still unknown but a TBI spokesperson said no foul play is suspected.

The TBA will host a free webcast this Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. CST to celebrate the launch of its new Pro Bono Portal, powered by Paladin. The event will introduce attorneys and legal aid organizations to the innovative platform designed to make pro bono work across the state more accessible and efficient. Speakers include Chelsea Bennett of the TBA, Justin Cole of West Tennessee Legal Services and Danielle LoMastro of Paladin. Attendees will see a live demonstration of the platform and learn how to search for and sign up for pro bono opportunities in their area. To register for this event, visit the TBA website.

It's not too late to register for the TBA’s 2025 Health Law Primer and Health Law Forum, taking place next week in Nashville. The primer will take place Nov. 12 at Barnes & Thornburg. Designed for those new to health practice, the program will provide a general health law overview and practical tips to avoid the pitfalls in the heavily regulated health care industry. Then on Nov. 13 and 14, the forum will take place at the Music City Center. The two-day event will dig deeper into topics such as regulatory fraud and abuse, medical malpractice, controlled substances enforcement, legislative action, AI contracting, ethics and more. The premier program for Tennessee health care lawyers, the forum provides all necessary CLE requirements for the year — 12 general hours and three dual hours — while providing opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state. Get more information and register here.

Tennessee has emerged as a national leader in protecting creators’ rights in the age of AI. In this issue's cover story, Nathan Drake, Amy Bryson Smith and Mary Lauren Teague explore three recent copyright decisions that illustrate how courts are analyzing the legitimacy of using copyrighted material without permission to train AI platforms.

It is no secret that construction projects are complex. Brad Bald looks at the importance of change orders in construction projects and how to effectively manage them.

The Tennessee Bar Journal celebrates 60 years this year! Let’s take a look back at the TBA’s flagship publication.