The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced actions against five companies this week, accusing them of using artificial intelligence (AI) in deceptive and unfair ways. Reuters reports that three companies were suspended for falsely claiming to help consumers generate passive income through e-commerce storefronts. Two other companies settled. DoNotPay agreed to pay $193,000 and notify customers about the limitations of its legal services and Rytr, a writing tool, agreed to stop providing review generation services. Both companies denied wrongdoing. The FTC emphasized in a statement that AI tools cannot be used to trick, mislead or defraud consumers.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and Cumberlands is hosting a housing law summit for attorneys on Oct. 1 from 4-5 p.m. CDT at 501 Commerce St. in Nashville. The event will focus on housing issues in the Nashville metropolitan area, with Legal Aid’s Eviction Right to Counsel Program providing insights and guidance on addressing housing-related questions such as conditions and evictions. Get more information and register.

TBA staff members attended the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center’s 7th Annual Mediation Matters Luncheon yesterday. The event honored Davidson County Juvenile Court Deputy Clerk Kathy Alspaugh and former Nashville Conflict Resolution Center Executive Director Sara Figal for their contributions to the field of mediation. The event also featured a keynote speech by Davidson County Juvenile Court Judge Sheila Calloway. See photos from the event.

U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson has ruled the Swan Ball’s trademark belongs to the group that has traditionally produced the annual event for Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Richardson found that SB Initiative Inc. (SBI), the group overseeing the event, provided "sufficient evidence" of ownership. The decision comes after the group filed a lawsuit against Cheekwood. Richardson also denied Cheekwood’s request for a temporary restraining order, finding that it had not met the necessary requirements. He stated that Cheekwood was unlikely to prove it was the first user of the Swan Ball mark or that it maintained control over the goods and services offered under the mark. He then ordered the two parties to engage in mediation beginning on Oct. 11. The Nashville Post has more on the ruling.

U.S. District Judge William Campbell has dismissed a legal challenge to Tennessee’s “bathroom law,” leaving in place rules that require public schools to bar transgender students from the bathrooms and locker rooms of their choice, the Tennessee Lookout reports. The decision upholds the “Tennessee Accommodations for All Children Act,” signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee in 2021, which requires schools to offer “reasonable accommodation” to transgender students and school staff, but excludes access to multi-use restrooms or changing facilities unless students and staff make formal requests for accommodation. The Human Rights Campaign, an LGBTQ advocacy organization that filed the suit, has not yet announced plans with regard to appealing the ruling.

Justin Johnson, known by the stage name “Straight Drop” was found guilty on Thursday of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and possession of a firearm for his role in the death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph. Johnson was one of several men accused of fatally shooting Young Dolph in 2021, the Commercial Appeal reports. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge. Sentencing on the other charges will be decided in November. Johnson’s attorney said he plans to appeal the convictions. A second trial is possible for another man suspected to be involved in the killing, the paper reports.

The family of Daniel Prisco, a man who died of a fentanyl overdose inside a Davidson County jail in 2023, has filed a lawsuit against the facility for allowing drugs inside the jail. They are seeking $300,000 in damages. The suit argues the facility had a legal duty to protect and care for Prisco, as well as all other inmates. It also alleges that the Metro Government knew as early as February 2022 that correctional officers were smuggling narcotics, often laced with fentanyl, into the jail. According to The Tennessean, five people were charged earlier this month in connection with Prisco's death. Investigators with the Metro Nashville Police Department and Davidson County Sheriff's Office previously announced they had discovered a network of inmates and two civilians collaborating to smuggle drugs into the jail.

Enrollment for TBA's group health insurance is now open through Dec. 13. Have questions about options and benefits? Buck Orrison with TBA's Member Insurance Solutions will be answering submitted questions in a recorded webinar. Members may submit questions until Oct. 11. Watch for details on how to view the webinar coming soon.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Sept. 23 suspended 10 attorneys for failure to pay the annual registration fee; eight of them also failed to file proof that client funds are held in an IOLTA-compliant account. View the fee suspension order and IOLTA suspension order. See the list of all lawyers suspended and reinstated for fee and IOLTA violations in 2024 or access all administrative suspensions dating back to 2005. Seven attorneys have been reinstated in the last month.

Registration is now open for the next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits, set for Oct. 17 in Nashville. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Prospective clients should register by Oct. 14. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.