President Donald Trump has signed an executive order delaying a ban on TikTok for a fourth time. The Hill reports that this extension pushes back the deadline to enforce a law — which requires TikTok’s China-based parent company ByteDance to divest from the app or face a ban on U.S. networks and app stores — until Dec. 16. An earlier extension was set to expire Wednesday. On Monday, the administration announced it had reached a "framework" deal during trade talks with Chinese officials.

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga will honor Judge Curtis Collier, among others, at the Second Annual Bessie Smith Legacy Gala on Nov. 8. The gala "celebrates those whose contributions have not only uplifted the community but have also fostered a spirit of resilience and unity," according to the center's website. Appointed in 1995, Collier made history as the first African American U.S. district judge in the Eastern District of Tennessee. Center officials told Chattanoogan.com that "proceeds from the gala will directly benefit the Bessie Smith Cultural Center Education Program, which provides dynamic learning opportunities for students, educators and the community through exhibitions, field trips, lectures and outreach initiatives." Read more about this year's honorees under the "Events" tab and get ticket information.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti recently announced that Tennessee has joined a coalition of 25 states in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, urging it to strike down a Massachusetts firearm licensing requirements for nonresidents. “No American should ever face criminal charges for simply exercising their constitutional rights while traveling,” the group argues. The brief supports a challenge to a Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that upheld the state’s license-to-carry regime, even when applied to law-abiding out-of-state travelers. Read more in a press release from the AG’s office.

Adams & Reese recently announced the addition of Holt Whitt to its Government Relations team in the firm's Nashville office. Whitt will serve as an advisor within the Intersection of Business & Government (IBG) practice group. Whitt has over 15 years of experience in state government, including most recently as the assistant commissioner for legislative affairs for the Tennessee Department of Health. “Holt is a home run hire for our Government Relations Team in Tennessee,” said Brad Lampley, IBG practice group leader and partner in Nashville. “[He] has built a career as a long-trusted advisor, leader and go-to resource in both the executive and legislative branches, and he will be an outstanding partner to our clients.” Adams & Reese also has offices in Memphis and Chattanooga, as well as nine other states and Washington, D.C. Read more in a press release from the firm.

Memphis police officer Valandria McKinnie, who testified for federal prosecutors during last year’s Tyré Nichols trial, has recanted parts of her testimony in a new affidavit. The Commercial Appeal reports that McKinnie now says former officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were not present at the initial stop, did not provide information for her report, and were neither misleading nor dishonest. McKinnie also now is claiming that prosecutors’ questioning was misleading and pressured her to implicate Bean and Smith in witness tampering. Defense attorneys argue these revelations undermine the government’s case and that the tampering charge should be dropped, especially since a new trial has already been granted for Bean, Smith and Demetrius Haley.

Robert Edward Millsaps of Chattanooga was sentenced to seven years in prison after identifying himself as a "terrorist" and threatening to bomb the courtroom of Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes as well as the federal building in Chattanooga. Chattanoogan.com reports that Millsaps, who earlier was termed a violent criminal and member of the Aryan Nation gang, had been charged with retaliation against a judge, juror or office, commission of an act of terrorism, and three counts of filing false reports. Speaking about the case, Starnes said, "Threats and attacks against state and federal judges have significantly increased over the past four years. The states and federal governments are taking these threats very seriously. The Tennessee Supreme Court is also taking it very seriously. I believe that this represents the largest sentence to date in the state of Tennessee concerning the making of such threats."

Tomorrow, Sept. 17, is recognized as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the 1787 signing of our nation’s founding document and to celebrate those who have become U.S. citizens. Speaking about the importance of the day, TBA President Heidi Barcus said, "As attorneys in Tennessee, we have all taken an oath to 'support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee,' tangible foundations of our profession and the justice system." Constitution Day honors the vision of the founders and serves as a reminder that lawyers are uniquely positioned to uphold the ideals embedded in the Constitution — including through zealous advocacy, service to clients and pro bono work that expands access to justice. The TBA website includes a page of resources designed to assist in the presentation of Constitution Day concepts. Celebrate the Constitution tomorrow and Thursday at events in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. Additionally, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee hosted the annual reading of the Constitution in Chattanooga last Friday, and continues to host events all week, including a naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens at Tusculum University in Greeneville.

The 22nd Annual TBA Leadership Law (TBALL) program has launched its annual call for nominations for the 2026 class. Nominees should have from five to 15 years of experience in practice. Nominations are due Sept. 19 and should be submitted using this online form. Candidates from rural communities are especially encouraged, as their perspectives are vital to representing the full scope of Tennessee’s legal profession and maintaining the success of this impactful program. Last year, 35 lawyers from across the state were accepted into the program. The new class will kick off in January 2026 with an opening retreat at Montgomery Bell State Park and end next June with a commencement ceremony during the TBA Annual Convention in Knoxville. Email TBALL coordinators Tanja Trezise or Jarod Word with any questions.

Tennessee lawyers gathered Friday at Topgolf Nashville for the TBA’s 2025 Estate Planning Tee-Off, featuring three hours of CLE programming focused on new attorneys interested in estate planning and lawyers looking to expand their practice. The day gave attendees the opportunity to build their practice knowledge while enjoying a round of Topgolf. Speakers included Robert Malin of Pinnacle Financial Partners; Grayson Cannon of Gullett, Sanford, Robinson & Martin PLLC; Branch Howard of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.; and Christopher Kelly of Argent Trust Company. They addressed topics such as estate, gift and fiduciary income tax planning. Thank you to our sponsors Pinnacle Financial Partners, Diversified Trust, Southeastern Trust Company, Argent Trust and Guardian Trust. See photos from the event.

The TBA’s General, Solo & Small Firm Section will host networking events in Johnson City and Nashville next month. The first will be held Oct. 2 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. EDT at Wellington’s in Johnson City, followed by a gathering Oct. 8 from 5–7 p.m. CDT at Monday Night Brewing in Nashville. Section members, as well as any TBA member interested in learning more about the section, are invited to attend. Register for the Johnson City event or the Nashville event to help TBA plan for the gatherings. Thanks to Crystal Cole with CRC Legal Group for sponsoring the Nashville event.