The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Tennessee today announced the launch of "Operation Bond Watch" to prosecute individuals previously charged with murder and attempted murder who unlawfully possess firearms while on bond. The initiative aims to deter violent crime and protect the community. The program will focus on individuals released on bond for serious violent crimes and seek federal charges if they are found to have illegally possessed firearms. According to a press release, the office says the program will help prevent gun violence and hold violent criminals accountable. In April, a Nashville man out on bond for murder was arrested for another murder, highlighting the need for the initiative, the office says. The program is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a broader effort to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities.

Nashville and Davidson County Metro Council member Delishia Porterfield, who chairs the council's Budget Committee, plans to prioritize investments in youth programs to address recent gun violence in Nashville, including funding a new Office of Youth Safety, Axios Nashville reports. The news outlet says that two recent shootings have underscored the urgency of this issue. Last week, a 14-year-old was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in East Nashville. Earlier this month, mass shooting killed one person and injured nine others, including children. Porterfield's alternative budget earmarked $750,000 for the Office of Youth Safety and $250,000 for increased community center programming. She believes that empowering youth with conflict resolution skills and restorative justice practices can help break the cycle of violence, “The recent tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for effective solutions that not only address conflicts but also promote healing and understanding," Porterfield said in a statement.

Two representatives from the Davidson County Election Commission will facilitate early voting for incarcerated individuals in five jail facilities run by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 29, a week ahead of the general election on Nov. 5. With approximately 70 people expected to participate, the effort marks a significant increase in engagement compared to past elections, the Nashville Banner reports. People in Nashville's jails are legally allowed to vote unless they have a felony conviction, though logistical challenges have historically hindered participation. Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall collaborated with community advocates to identify those eligible to vote, which resulted in 172 absentee ballot requests.

Cleveland resident Chad Hedgcock has pleaded guilty to two of four misdemeanor counts he was charged with in May, Chattanooga Times Free Press reports. Hedgcock was originally charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, picketing or demonstrating in a Capitol building. In the plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, picketing or demonstrating in a Capitol building. A number of Tennesseans have been charged with crimes stemming from the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Attorneys for the city of Memphis say they require cell phone records from Tyre Nichols' parents, friends and telephone companies to prepare a defense in a civil lawsuit from Nichols' mother RowVaughn Wells. She is seeking $550 million in damages for the death of her son following his interactions with local police. The amount, according to Wells, is based on Nichols' life aspirations, potential earnings and health. The city says it needs to be able to corroborate that depiction of Nichols. The request for records came in a court filing that also argued the case could "essentially bankrupt" the city. Wells is challenging subpoenas for the records, arguing the move is an invasion of privacy and harassment. The Commercial Appeal reports on the issue.

LBMC, an accounting and business consulting firm, recently announced it has expanded its practice areas to include family law support services. The service will be led by new shareholders Cheryl Panther and Scott Womack and will provide expertise and specialized support for litigated divorce and family law matters, as well as collaborative and mediation processes. Prior to joining LBMC, Panther founded Panther Financial Planning and Panther Financial Divorce Solutions. She is also a Rule 31 mediator. Womack previously served as senior vice president at Mercer Capital. He works closely with family law attorneys in divorce matters including valuation of assets, forensic accounting and expert testimony. Read more in a release from the company.

West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) has added Memphis native Claudia Williams Hyman as its newest pro bono staff attorney in Memphis. Hyman will oversee the case assessment and placement process, working closely with pro bono volunteers to ensure high-quality legal representation. She also will lead the development of pro bono clinics, train staff and volunteers, and play a critical role in coordinating pro bono services for families in Shelby, Tipton, Fayette and Lauderdale counties. Additionally, she will engage in statewide pro bono initiatives and strengthen relationships with private bar attorneys to expand volunteer participation. WTLS began serving clients in Shelby and surrounding counties in July.

The Administrative Office of the Courts is out with a profile of 20th Judicial District General Sessions Court Judge Ana Escobar, a Nashville native who was the first in her family to go to law school. Escobar attended George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. She thought she would be a lobbyist but after spending a summer in the Nashville Public Defender’s Office, she says she “fell in love with criminal law.” Her ability to speak Spanish also has opened doors. As a prosecutor, she traveled to Mexico to prosecute a case. In private practice, she served dual roles as interpreter and lawyer. On the bench, she says her background and language skills put others at ease. Escobar is proud to be the first elected Hispanic judge in Tennessee. Of her current role Escobar says, “I love just dealing with people and trying to figure out how to help or give accountability to people.”

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments over Tennessee’s law banning transgender medical care for minors on Dec. 4, SCOTUSblog reports. The Tennessee General Assembly passed the law banning surgeries as well as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors in 2023. The ACLU and Lambda Legal sued. While U.S. Circuit Court Judge Eli Richardson initially blocked the ban, his ruling was overturned by the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which allowed the law to go into effect while parties appeal. In briefs to the high court, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti defended the law while the ACLU argued against it. The American Bar Association also filed an amicus brief opposing the law, and the Biden administration joined as a party opposed to the case. The case is the first of its kind to reach the high court and the ACLU’s Chase Strangio will be the first openly transgender lawyer to argue at the court. Bloomberg Law has more on that development. A decision is expected next summer.

A three-judge panel heard arguments Friday over Nashville Booting’s request for relief from a Tennessee law that went into effect in July, effectively banning third-party booting companies from operating at private parking lots. According to the Nashville Banner, the company's attorney claims the law has essentially shuttered the business. In court, the company argued that the law violates the contract clause of the U.S. Constitution by nullifying dozens of contracts the company had in place with property owners. Attorneys for the state argued that legislating in the public interest can supersede the contract clause. The judges did not rule on a request for temporary relief. Scroll to the sixth story in the Banner's newsletter for more on the story.