Members of the TBA Young Lawyer Division (YLD) visited Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Duncan School of Law in Knoxville today. The event took place in conjunction with an Hispanic Law Student Association event. YLD District 3 Representative Mari Jasa, a graduate of the TBA Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) program, met with students and encouraged them to take advantage of that program and others at the TBA while law students. Amanda Reyes, president of the Hispanic Law group and a member of last year's DLI class, concurred with Jasa and encouraged her LMU Law peers to apply for the DLI program. The 2025 class application is available and due Nov. 3. See photos from the day.

Judge Jennifer Nichols was officially sworn in as the circuit court judge for Tennessee's 18th Judicial District on Aug. 22, following her appointment by Gov. Bill Lee on July 9. With a diverse legal background that includes civil law practice, experience as in-house counsel for the Postal Service and a range of criminal cases, Nichols brings a unique perspective to her hybrid role, which encompasses responsibilities in criminal, civil and family law, according to a press release from the Administrative Office of the Courts. She earned her law degree from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law. “Of the four trial judges here, I’m the only one that’s a hybrid. We have one criminal court judge, one chancellor and one circuit court judge for now, and I’ll be handling all three,” Nichols said.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican from Columbia, recently submitted several financial disclosure reports, including his overdue 2023 filing. According to The Nashville Banner, the amended disclosures reveal a previously undisclosed line of credit valued between $500,000 and $1 million, as well as a joint bank account at First Horizon, valued between $50,000 and $100,000. These reports follow inquiries from campaign finance watchdogs regarding his ability to loan over $300,000 to his campaign. Ogles also reported a reduction in the value of his retirement savings and disclosed an additional investment property worth between $500,000 and $1 million. His phone was recently seized by federal investigators, and Ogles has stated he believes the inquiry is politically motivated and expressed confidence that the discrepancies in his financial reporting were based on honest mistake.

The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed the "End Woke Higher Education Act," which would limit public colleges from imposing “time, place or manner” restrictions on expressive activities in an aim to protect First Amendment rights, according to Inside Higher Ed News. If approved by the Senate, the bill would require private colleges to annually disclose their speech policies to students, faculty and the Education Department, while both public and private institutions would have to allow single-sex social organizations. The White House criticized the legislation, stating it could overstep Congress's traditional role in higher education and impose confusing new mandates. The statement expressed concern that the bill could further hinder efforts to create diverse and inclusive college environments, according to the report. 

WPLN’s podcast “This Is Nashville” features a new episode showcasing the civic engagement of young people in Middle Tennessee. The episode features interviews with high school students who are actively involved in community improvement efforts. These students discuss their experiences learning about government operations, advocating for their schools and neighborhoods, and collaborating with local officials. Listen to the podcast episode here.

The Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council has announced the availability of $20 million in additional grants for opioid remediation activities. This funding comes on top of tens of millions of dollars already allocated through a competitive grant application process, according to WBIR News. The council distributes funds to county governments and community organizations to support substance abuse treatment, prevention programs and other initiatives aimed at addressing the opioid crisis. The Tennessee General Assembly said applicants interested in submitting proposals to the council can do so through its website. The portal will be open for groups to submit proposals Nov. 12 through Dec. 13.

Nashville police have arrested over 200 individuals since launching the "Street Racer Initiative" in 2020, according to WKRN News. The initiative aims to curb reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, donuts and street takeovers, which can lead to serious injuries and property damage. The police department has increased traffic stops, social media monitoring and collaboration with prosecutors to identify and apprehend offenders. Lawmakers have also taken steps to address the problem, enacting legislation to strengthen penalties for street racing and promote road safety. In honor of Jack Barnhardt, a 15-year Army Special Forces veteran who was killed in a street racing accident, a new bill took effect this year, focusing on enhancing penalties for street racing and promoting road safety.

During his visit to Memphis on Thursday, Gov. Bill Lee addressed school safety in light of ongoing investigations into multiple threats against Midsouth schools and reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring student safety across the region. Joining him was Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins, who emphasized the importance of proactive measures and the state's significant investment in student safety, as reported by ABC 24 News. Feagins also highlighted the challenges of effective communication within the district and the need for continuous training in crisis management. She assured parents that law enforcement is actively monitoring threats and has increased police presence in schools. The report notes that five arrests and several detentions related to these threats are currently under investigation.

Shelby County lawyer Joann Nicholson Bell was reinstated to the practice of law on Sept. 12 after being on inactive status since March 19, 2009. Bell petitioned for reinstatement and the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility determined that reinstatement would be appropriate. The court released the order today.

Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey is getting a three-month reprieve from reporting to federal prison while he appeals his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, Tennessee Lookout reports. Kelsey pleaded guilty to federal campaign finance fraud charges then sought to change his plea. A federal district court judge and a three-judge panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals denied that effort. When his motion to have the matter reheard by the entire appellate court was rejected, he was ordered to report to federal prison by Oct. 1. Now the original three-judge panel has granted him 90 days to appeal the decision to the nation's highest court. Kelsey pleaded guilty in November 2022 to funneling more than $100,000 from his state campaign account through two political action committees to bolster his bid for a congressional seat.