The Federal Election Commission (FEC) in October fined Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles a $5,750 civil penalty for multiple campaign finance violations incurred during the 2021-2022 election cycle, including missing and late-filed reports, illegal contributions and insufficient reporting documents. According to the Nashville Post, the FEC says that fine has now been paid, and Ogles’ campaign has until Jan. 2 to set up a specific tracking and reporting process, and must undergo additional training with the FEC by October.

Tennessee House Democrats Wednesday sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting that Attorney General Merrick Garland’s office investigate the 2019 passage of Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher bill. Action News 5 reports there have been allegations of attempted bribery and coercion by then-Speaker Glenn Casada. The letter reads, in part, “Before taking a final tally, Casada held the vote open for 45 minutes, meeting with lawmakers on a balcony behind the speaker’s podium to try and change their mind." They note that "media outlets" have reported that during one of these meetings, Casada unsuccessfully offered former Rep. John Mark Windle, D-Livingston, a promotion from colonel to general in the Tennessee National Guard if he changed his vote, and point out that only the governor would have the power to make that type of promotion.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) held its annual meeting today at which Carlos A. Yunsan of the University of Tennessee College of Law was sworn in as president. Executive Director Marsha S. Watson was recognized for her 33-year tenure at the helm of the KBA by the creation of a special lifetime membership for her and the renaming of the KBA’s conference room in her honor. New KBA Executive Director and former TBA President Tasha Blakney will step into the role full-time in mid-January. A press release from the KBA has more information, including new officers for the 2024 bar year and award winners.

The Memphis Law School National Moot Court team of Kelsey McClain, Thomas Fletcher and Derrick Shawver recently won the Region 7 round of the National Moot Court Competition. McClain won the award for Best Oral Advocate in the final round. The team will now advance to the national competition in New York City in January.

Metro Nashville says it will audit its Arts Commission after reports that millions of dollars in operating grants, which should have been distributed to local arts nonprofits, have failed to materialize. The Nashville Banner reports that according to Metro Arts’ own published guidelines, 75 nonprofit organizations with annual revenue ranging from less than $25,000 to upwards of $3 million were slated to receive $3.8 million in grants by Nov. 1. Arts Commission Executive Director Daniel Singh has not publicly given an explanation as to the reason for the delay.

Former Tennessee State Architect Mike Fitts died Nov. 23 at age 88. A graduate of the University of Tennessee Knoxville School of Engineering, the University of Tennessee School of Architecture and the Nashville School of Law, Fitts served as state architect for 39 years. His most noted projects included the Legislative Plaza, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Bicentennial Mall, and restorations at the governor's residence and state capitol. Services will be held Dec. 30 at The Village Church, 7224 Old Burkitt Rd., Nolensville 37013 at 11 a.m. CST with a time of visitation with the family one hour prior to the service. Memorial donations can be made to the scholarship endowment founded in his name at the UT School of Architecture.

The Nashville Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) has announced a transition plan as Executive Director Sara Figal plans to retire in mid-2024 after leading the organization for eight years. NCRC provides free and low-cost mediation to individuals and groups throughout greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The Nashville Post reports that under Figal’s leadership, NCRC created a remote mediation program that now serves the courts and communities in 15 counties. Read the full press release from the group.

Eager to get away from it all for an hour (or maybe 12!!)? We see you, friend! Let your family know you need to complete your CLE hours before Dec. 31. View our programs at your convenience on your laptop or mobile device whenever you can sneak away and find some peace on earth with one of our wellness programs! Try our Attorney Wellness Package and earn 5+ hours of CLE or check our individual wellness titles such as Coping Skills that Come From the Ethics Rules, The Positive Psychology Hour and more!

The TBA today announced the selection of 35 attorneys from across the state for its 2024 Leadership Law (TBALL) program. Now in its 21st year, Leadership Law is designed to equip Tennessee lawyers with the vision, knowledge and skills necessary to serve as leaders in their profession and local communities. The class will meet for its first session in January at Henry Horton and spend the next six months learning about leadership in the legal profession, issues in the courts, policymaking in state government and the importance of community service. Read more about the 2024 class.

Wearing your favorite winter sweater and have hot cocoa in hand? You are ready to enjoy the holiday and don’t want to worry about CLE between shopping and cookie decorating. Our offerings are always weather appropriate and applicable whether you live in the big city or a small town. Get an hour in here or there with our a la carte CLE. Search by topic! And don’t forget to use the three free hours that come with your TBA Membership. Not a member? Join today.