Elected officials and community stakeholders in Memphis, including law enforcement leaders and state legislators, yesterday convened in a non-public public safety summit hosted by the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office. The gathering aimed to foster collaboration and address the root causes of crime in the city, with legislators considering potential legislation to address aggravated assaults and juvenile offenders within the criminal justice system. The Daily Memphian reports that they agreed on various initiatives to combat the city's crime crisis, focusing on violence prevention programs, addressing crime hotspot areas, providing rehabilitative services and sharing data among agencies. Preliminary results are expected in six to 18 months, with ongoing efforts to solve public safety issues.

The ACLU of Tennessee has filed a lawsuit to block the enforcement of the Adult Entertainment Act, which critics argue effectively bans drag shows. The Tennessee Lookout reports that this action comes after District Attorney Ryan Desmond warned organizers of Blount County Pride that he intended to enforce the act at their upcoming Sept. 2 event. While a federal judge previously declared the law unconstitutional, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has advised that the ruling only applies in the Memphis area, leading to continued enforcement threats in other parts of the state.

The Biden administration is requesting an additional $4 billion from Congress to replenish FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund, bringing the total request to $16 billion. The Hill reports that this funding is needed in response to recent extreme weather events, including the Maui wildfires and Hurricane Idalia. President Joe Biden has emphasized the urgency of approving this funding to aid disaster-affected communities, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) today urged Congress to take swift action to approve it.

The Tennessee Bar Association closed at 2 p.m. CDT today and remain closed through Monday in observance of Labor Day. The TBA's office will reopen on Tuesday at 8 a.m. CDT. Visit the TBA.org website for information on CLE or other TBA programs and for staff contact information.

The University of Tennessee College of Law has received a $2 million gift in the name of the Chattanooga-based law firm of Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers PC, a longtime supporter of the law school. The gift will support UT Law’s Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, Legal Clinic, the Douglas Blaze Professorship, and scholarships for students interested in pursuing legal careers in advocacy. Dean Lonnie Brown said, “Because of the firm’s generosity, we have been able to build and sustain a first-rate advocacy program that consistently produces graduates who are distinctly prepared to hit the ground running once they begin practice. We are profoundly grateful for the firm’s continued commitment and support.”

It’s time for another round of #TeamTBA! Meet the people behind the scenes and learn more about the moving parts, projects and staffers of the Tennessee Bar Association. Digital Media and Leadership Development Coordinator Paul Burch handles the TBA’s social media, shares writing duties for the TBA Today newsletter, coordinates the Leadership Law (TBALL) program and produces the Bar Buzz podcast. He’s also a talented singer/songwriter who recently played the Kennedy Center! Paul says the most unique part of his job is writing the TBA Today newsletter. “The attention, care and (sometimes) organized deadline drama that goes into creating every issue is not far off from newsroom dramas I grew up watching in film and TV, especially when state and federal courts are preparing decisions that are typically released at 5 p.m.” Stay tuned through September as we introduce you to new staff members!

The September/October issue of the Tennessee Bar Journal is now available online and arriving in mailboxes next week! In this issue, get to know Sheree Wright, the TBA’s new executive director, learn about her background and experiences and why she knew that TBA was the next right move for her career. Also, Christy Tosh Crider helps readers attain balance and John Floyd breaks down the requirements for issuing a subpoena out of state under the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act as well as practical suggestions. Columns in this issue include Eddy Smith’s “Where There’s a Will,” focusing on developments to select trusts and estates, and Marlene Eskind Moses’ “Family Matters,” taking a look at alcohol prohibition during parenting time in shared custody situations. Also enjoy two book reviews, some updates from the TBA and much more!

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission meeting today in Franklin selected three nominees to forward to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration in filling a vacancy in the 21st Judicial District. They are: Nolensville lawyer Russell D. Gill, Brentwood lawyer Erin W. Nations and Franklin lawyer David H. Veile. The vacancy on the court, which serves Williamson County, is due to the Sept. 29 retirement of Circuit Court Judge Michael W. Binkley. Read the announcement from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

A former Memphis Police Department officer was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and one year of supervised release for violating an arrestee’s civil rights by using excessive force against him, the Department of Justice announced. According to court documents, Armando Bustamante admitted that while on duty in January 2021 he used his service weapon and hands to strike an arrestee in the head without legal justification. “The Justice Department will aggressively prosecute those law enforcement officers who abuse their authority and violate federal civil rights laws.” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. 

The Tennessee Supreme Court has unanimously elected Justice Holly Kirby as the court's new chief justice. Kirby’s two-year term will begin Sept. 1, the court announced today. She is the fourth woman to serve as the court’s chief justice. Kirby was appointed to the court in 2014 by former Gov. Bill Haslam. Prior to her appointment, Kirby was the first woman in Tennessee history to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Gov. Bill Lee will perform Kirby’s ceremonial investiture at 9 a.m. CDT on Oct. 4 in the Old Supreme Court Chamber on the first floor of the Tennessee State Capitol. A reception will be scheduled in Memphis for the fall.