Former Tennessee Govs. Bill Haslam and Phil Bredesen emphasized the need for civil discourse and bipartisan cooperation during a Sept. 30 policy forum hosted by ThinkTennessee at the Music City Center in Nashville. Haslam and Bresden, who co-host the podcast “You Might Be Right,” discussed the importance of compromise in policymaking and reflected on lessons from their time in office, crediting the state’s progress in education to sustained collaboration across administrations. According to the Nashville Post, both also highlighted the key role of local governments in economic development. The event brought together state and local leaders from government, business and nonprofit sectors for discussions on housing, workforce development, transportation and childcare. Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, who recently was appointed deputy governor also participated in the forum.

Gov. Bill Lee last week announced that applications are being accepted for two grant funds totaling $175 million to strengthen downtown public safety and support local law enforcement in reducing violent crime. Local jurisdictions and law enforcement agencies may apply for funding from the $75 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund and the new $100 million Downtown Public Safety Grant Fund. Both funds were included in the governor’s 2026 budget proposal and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. The intervention fund supports local law enforcement efforts to develop and implement strategies to reduce violent crime and improve public safety infrastructure. The downtown fund was established to increase public safety, reduce blight, enhance economic development infrastructure and curb crime in downtown business and commercial areas. Eligible agencies should have received application instructions by Oct. 3 and may apply through Oct. 24.

President Donald Trump and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee have endorsed Republican Matt Van Epps ahead of Tuesday’s 7th Congressional District primary election, the Nashville Post reports. Trump’s endorsement came one day after Lee announced his support, writing on X that “Matt will stand with President Trump 100% to push back against the extreme agendas that threaten this country.” Following Trump’s endorsement, state Rep. Lee Reeves, R-Franklin, suspended his campaign and endorsed Van Epps. Campaigns for the other two Republican frontrunners, state Reps. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, and Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood, have not commented. Van Epps, a former commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, currently serves as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee National Guard. Polls for the primary election will be open tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CDT.

U.S. Supreme Court justices returned to the bench today with a docket of cases scrutinizing presidential powers, the Trump tariffs, transgender school sports bans, conversion therapy, the Voting Rights Act, gun limits and election finance. Today, the justices heard arguments in two cases: whether lawyers can be barred from speaking to their clients in certain situations and whether state limits on malpractice actions apply in federal court. Tomorrow, they will consider the legality of a Colorado law that bans so-called conversion therapy, which is intended to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity. SCOTUSblog has a roundup of today’s actions, including a review of cases that the court accepted for the 2025-2026 term and those it declined to accept for review.

The TBA Court of Appeals Boot Camp will take place this Wednesday. This boot camp allows participants to observe oral arguments in real cases and hear analysis from participating attorneys on advocacy strategies while earning necessary CLE. Among the cases on the docket is Joseph Peter Meersman Jr. v. Regions Morgan Keegan Trust Et. Al., considering the dismissal of a lawsuit for lack of personal jurisdiction, insufficient process and insufficient service of process regarding two trusts of which the appellant was a beneficiary. After arguments, Court of Appeals judges will provide a Q&A to answer general questions regarding preparation and effective appeals. The program features one dual and 3.5 hours of CLE credit, and a networking lunch allowing an opportunity to meet with colleagues who practice in this area. Learn more and register here.

Being an attorney can be intense. Between deadlines, long hours and juggling tasks and clients, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. That is where mindfulness ad meditation come in. Think of these tools as quick mental resets that can help you stay grounded, focused and a little less stressed.

Mindfulness is all about paying attention to what's going on in that specific moment without judgment. You don't need incense, a yoga mat or a silent retreat to get started! You just need a few minutes a day of deep breathing or a short, guided meditation to make a big difference. If you like technology, there are plenty of applications like Headspace, Calm or Insight Timer. These are not required though! You can build mindfulness into your everyday routine. Walking to court, waiting for a call, or grabbing lunch are all chances to slow down and really notice your surroundings. Can you walk to court without glancing at your phone? Can you have lunch without doing any work (including not even sending a single email)? Try it if you can! Over time, these habits can help you stay calmer under pressure and more in control of your reactions.

If you are looking for a low-effort way to boost your well-being and maybe even your efficiency, give mindfulness a try. Your brain will thank you.

The TBA will host its Local Government Forum next Tuesday, Oct. 14, as a live virtual event from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. CDT. This year’s program will feature topics at the forefront of the field, including a legislative update, ongoing PFAS litigation, HR issues, and the use of AI in government. A discount is available for Local Government Practice Section members. Not a member of the section yet? Get started here. For more information and to register, visit the TBA website.

The Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers (TABL) currently has three vacancies on its board of delegates and is seeking dedicated leaders to fill the positions. Available roles include a representative from Knoxville, a representative from the SL Hutchins National Bar Association (NBA) chapter in Chattanooga and a law professor delegate. For the Chattanooga and law professor delegate seats, nominees must be members of their local NBA affiliate. There is no affiliate in Knoxville so the requirement does not apply for that role. Learn more at tablawyers.org or contact Chicoya Smith for more information.

The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court following the retirement of Justice Holly Kirby on June 30, 2026. Applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 35 years of age, have been residents of the state for five years and must reside in the Eastern or Western Grand Division of Tennessee. Applicants must complete the application and submit it to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) by noon CDT on Oct. 22. The council will meet on Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. CST in the courtroom of the Nashville Supreme Court Building, 401 7th Ave. N., Nashville 37219. Complete application instructions can be found here and questions can be directed to AOC Assistant General Counsel Laura Blount or at 615-741-2687.

The court received a petition for rehearing en banc. The original panel has reviewed the petition for rehearing and concludes that the issues raised in the petition were fully considered upon the original submission and decision. The petition was then circulated to the full court. No judge requested a vote on the suggestion for rehearing en banc. Therefore, the petition is denied.