Memphis police officer Valandria McKinnie, who testified for federal prosecutors during last year’s Tyré Nichols trial, has recanted parts of her testimony in a new affidavit. The Commercial Appeal reports that McKinnie now says former officers Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were not present at the initial stop, did not provide information for her report, and were neither misleading nor dishonest. McKinnie also now is claiming that prosecutors’ questioning was misleading and pressured her to implicate Bean and Smith in witness tampering. Defense attorneys argue these revelations undermine the government’s case and that the tampering charge should be dropped, especially since a new trial has already been granted for Bean, Smith and Demetrius Haley.

Robert Edward Millsaps of Chattanooga was sentenced to seven years in prison after identifying himself as a "terrorist" and threatening to bomb the courtroom of Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Gary Starnes as well as the federal building in Chattanooga. Chattanoogan.com reports that Millsaps, who earlier was termed a violent criminal and member of the Aryan Nation gang, had been charged with retaliation against a judge, juror or office, commission of an act of terrorism, and three counts of filing false reports. Speaking about the case, Starnes said, "Threats and attacks against state and federal judges have significantly increased over the past four years. The states and federal governments are taking these threats very seriously. The Tennessee Supreme Court is also taking it very seriously. I believe that this represents the largest sentence to date in the state of Tennessee concerning the making of such threats."

The TBA Young Lawyers Division has announced the opening of the 2026-2027 leadership appointment and election filing process. Those interested in an appointed position on the division's board should review available positions and complete the online application by Feb. 15, 2026. For positions subject to election, petitions should be filed with YLD Secretary Zack Walden no later than Feb. 15, 2026. Candidates for vice president, secretary, treasurer, East Tennessee governor, Middle Tennessee governor and West Tennessee governor must submit a written petition with 25 or more signatures from TBA members in good standing. During this election cycle, the vice president must reside in the Eastern Grand Division of Tennessee. Candidates for district representatives in even-numbered districts (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14) require a self-nominating petition (no additional signatures are not required). For more information or to download the appropriate petition visit the YLD Election Guidelines webpage. Elections for contested races will take place between Feb. 23 and March 8, 2026, by electronic voting. The YLD is committed to being the "service arm of the bar" by providing pro bono clinics throughout the state, sponsoring the Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition for high school students and the Diversity Leadership Institute and Rural Judicial Fellowship programs for law students. It also is dedicated to serving the professional needs of young lawyers through the development of CLEs, special initiatives and networking opportunities. The TBA YLD is comprised of lawyers in their first 10 years of practice or under 36 years of age, whichever occurs later.

Tomorrow, Sept. 17, is recognized as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the 1787 signing of our nation’s founding document and to celebrate those who have become U.S. citizens. Speaking about the importance of the day, TBA President Heidi Barcus said, "As attorneys in Tennessee, we have all taken an oath to 'support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee,' tangible foundations of our profession and the justice system." Constitution Day honors the vision of the founders and serves as a reminder that lawyers are uniquely positioned to uphold the ideals embedded in the Constitution — including through zealous advocacy, service to clients and pro bono work that expands access to justice. The TBA website includes a page of resources designed to assist in the presentation of Constitution Day concepts. Celebrate the Constitution tomorrow and Thursday at events in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. Additionally, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee hosted the annual reading of the Constitution in Chattanooga last Friday, and continues to host events all week, including a naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens at Tusculum University in Greeneville.

The 22nd Annual TBA Leadership Law (TBALL) program has launched its annual call for nominations for the 2026 class. Nominees should have from five to 15 years of experience in practice. Nominations are due Sept. 19 and should be submitted using this online form. Candidates from rural communities are especially encouraged, as their perspectives are vital to representing the full scope of Tennessee’s legal profession and maintaining the success of this impactful program. Last year, 35 lawyers from across the state were accepted into the program. The new class will kick off in January 2026 with an opening retreat at Montgomery Bell State Park and end next June with a commencement ceremony during the TBA Annual Convention in Knoxville. Email TBALL coordinators Tanja Trezise or Jarod Word with any questions.

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The TBA Young Lawyers Division will hold an Essential Documents for Essential Workers (EDEW) clinic on Oct. 18 for Franklin police officers from 9 a.m. to noon CDT at the Franklin Police Department, 900 Columbia Ave., Franklin 37064. Contact Colton McGrew to volunteer or for more information.

The Defendant, John Wendell Lewis, appeals from his guilty-pleaded conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a Class B felony. See T.C.A. § 39- 17-1307(b)(1)(A) (Supp. 2022) (subsequently amended). The trial court ordered the Defendant to serve an eight-year sentence in confinement. On appeal, the Defendant, a Range I offender, contends the court erred by denying alternative sentencing. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Petitioner, Kevin D. Buford, appeals the denial of his post-conviction petition, arguing that the post-conviction erred in denying his claims that trial counsel was ineffective by failing to seek a continuance, failing to establish a defense, calling him to testify, and failing to call an expert witness. He further argues that trial counsel’s representation resulted in prejudice and that he is entitled to relief based on the cumulative effect of trial counsel’s errors. Following our review of the entire record, the briefs of the parties, and arguments of counsel, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

The Petitioner, Keenan Alexander, appeals from the Fayette County Circuit Court’s denial of post-conviction relief from the Petitioner’s jury-trial convictions for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, and failing to maintain financial responsibility and his effective two-year sentence. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that the post-conviction court erred by denying relief on his ineffective assistance of counsel claim. We affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court