Defendant, Deon Lamonte Young, was convicted of possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a violent felony, driving on a revoked or suspended license, driving with an open container, and failing to stop at a stop sign. The State filed notice of intent to seek enhanced punishment based on six of Defendant’s prior felony convictions. The trial court imposed an effective twenty-five year sentence with eighty-five percent release eligibility as a Range III, persistent offender. On appeal, Defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for possession of a firearm; that his sentence was excessive; and that the trial court committed plain error by “abrogat[ing] its duty to ensure a fair trial when it did not address whether [Defendant] intended to stipulate to his felony status, and failed to provide adequate instructions to the jury.” However, because the appeal is untimely and the interest of justice does not require waiver of the timely filing of the notice of appeal, we dismiss the appeal.

In 2024, the Defendant, Kevin McDougle, filed his eighth motion pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Appellate Procedure 36.1 seeking to correct an illegal sentence. The trial court summarily denied the Defendant’s motion for failure to state a colorable claim. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the trial court erred when it denied his motion. After a thorough review of the record and applicable authorities, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.

A Fayette County jury convicted the Petitioner, Frederick Demetrius Deberry, of aggravated rape, and the trial court imposed a twenty-year sentence to be served consecutively to a federal sentence. The Petitioner thereafter filed an application for a writ of habeas corpus, asserting that his conviction and sentence were void for the following reasons: (1) the trial court improperly overruled his objections to the State’s peremptory strikes of Black jurors; (2) the trial court improperly admitted hearsay testimony; (3) trial and appellate counsel rendered ineffective assistance; (4) the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction; (5) the court unlawfully enhanced his sentence and ordered it to run consecutively to his federal sentence; and (6) the post-conviction court erred by dismissing his earlier petition without a hearing. The habeas corpus court summarily dismissed the application, concluding that the alleged claims, even if true, would render the challenged judgment voidable rather than void. The Petitioner now appeals. Upon our review, we respectfully affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.

The Defendant, Johnny Robert Bowen, Jr., appeals from the order of the trial court revoking his probation. The Defendant contends the admission of the drug screening report violated his confrontation rights because there was an insufficient showing of good cause or reliability. He additionally argues the trial court abused its discretion in fully revoking his probation by failing to consider any other alternative to incarceration. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Defendant, Charles Blankenship, was convicted by a Monroe County jury of possession of 300 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to sell or deliver and possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a violent felony. He received an effective sentence of fifty-two years’ incarceration. Defendant appeals, arguing that 1) he was denied his right to an impartial jury; 2) the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress his statement; 3) the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for possession of methamphetamine; 4) the trial court erred in revoking his bond during the trial; and 5) the trial court abused its discretion in ordering his sentences to be served consecutively. Upon review of the entire record, the briefs and oral argument of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

November 10, 2025 - November 14, 2025.

The city of Nashville has agreed to repay $1.4 million in improper water and sewer fees after losing a lawsuit over charges that homeowners said should have been covered by the city, Fox 17 reports. The Beacon Center of Tennessee filed the class-action suit on behalf of hundreds of homeowners, including Nashville resident Peyton Pratt, who was billed $6,000 in “sewage upgrade” fees when rebuilding his home in The Nations neighborhood. Metro Nashville agreed to settle the case and issue refunds rather than contest the lawsuit in court. Beacon attorneys called the decision wise, noting that the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled governments cannot force individuals to pay for public infrastructure. Metro’s legal department denied wrongdoing.

Franklin-based law firm Thompson Burton has acquired Brentwood-based Meridian Law, the Nashville Post reports. Details of the deal were not disclosed, but Thompson Burton Managing Partner Walt Burton said the addition of Meridian’s six legal professionals, including founder Thomas Shumate, will expand the firm’s litigation capacity across multiple practice areas. Joining the firm along with Shumate are Meridian associate attorneys Colton Adams, Katelyn Barham and Ethan Eggleston, litigation practice manager and paralegal Mikayla Joyner, and litigation paralegal Sydney Simmons. Thompson Burton partner J.K. Simms worked with Shumate to bring the Meridian team on board. “If I would have created a wish list of attorneys I would like to see join Thompson Burton, Tom would have always been at the top of that list,” Simms said.

Knox County leaders are denying claims by former interim superintendent Rodney Bivens that the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center is unsafe, saying the facility has improved significantly since the county assumed control in July. Chief Operating Officer Dwight Van de Vate told the committee overseeing the center that conditions are in “infinitely better shape” and not unsafe, though he acknowledged more improvements are needed. Bivens, who resigned Nov. 11, said in a statement that the county failed to address dozens of issues outlined in a University of Tennessee County Technical Advisory Service report and that the center “is not safe, nor is it secure.” Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin said he was “mystified” by Bivens’ departure and that the facility is operating well under current staff. According to Knox News, county leaders plan to ask Capt. Cory Dauer to serve as interim superintendent, while Commissioner Andy Fox said he intends to subpoena Bivens to explain his resignation.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has named Jim Holcomb as its new judicial safety program manager. In the role, Holcomb will lead a coordinated, proactive strategy to protect those who serve in Tennessee’s justice system. He will serve as the primary safety liaison across state and local law enforcement, courts and state agencies, as well as oversee implementation of judicial safety policies, support education and training efforts, and monitor the effectiveness of investigative responses when security concerns arise. Holcomb previously served as a senior special agent in protective operations, investigations and training for the U.S. Secret Service. “We are excited to welcome Jim to our team and into this newly established role. His high-level background and heart for service are a great match for the safety and security needs of our judiciary,” AOC Director Michelle Long said in a press release.