Father appeals the trial court’s award of grandparent visitation to the child’s maternal grandmother. Although we affirm the trial court’s determination that an award of grandparent visitation is warranted, we vacate the visitation schedule set by the trial court.

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.

General, Solo, & Small Firm Section members have access to quality TBA CLE programming that can be purchased using a section member discount. Brush up on law practice management skills with our Summer Success Series. Join us for upcoming ethics courses featuring Stuart Teicher: Legal Writing Rules You Should Be Breaking, Friends?...An Ethical Sitcom?, and From Bonnie and Clyde to Bernie Madoff - Where the Biggest Thieves in History Teach About Attorney Ethics. Or get all 15 hours you need for 2024 in our General Solo 1-Click Package. Keep an eye on the TBA CLE catalog to find more courses focused on the needs of solo and small firm practitioners!

TBA General, Solo & Small Firm Section members are invited to a section networking happy hour event at Fait La Force Brewing in Nashville on Oct. 24 from 5-7 p.m. CDT. Have a drink (or two) on the TBA and meet fellow section members! Please RSVP here if possible, as it helps us track the expected number of guests. We hope to see you there!

Thank you David Anthony with Exo Legal for sponsoring this event!

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.

About 40 law students from Belmont University College of Law met with leaders of the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) last month. YLD Board members Ginny Blake, Grace Benitone Burnett, Billy Leslie, Alix Rogers and Ross Smith participated in a lively panel to discuss the many benefits of getting involved with the TBA. Membership, which is free to law students, provides access to continuing legal education, opportunities to network and savings on school supplies and insurance. The lawyers encouraged students to volunteer at clinics to help others, attend CLEs to increase their professional knowledge, and apply for the 2025 Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI), a six-month leadership and mentoring program. See photos from the event.