The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned Tennessee state lawmakers that ending Ballad Health’s state-approved hospital monopoly without immediate competition could raise health care costs. The legislation in question would end Ballad’s Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) agreement in 2028, lifting restrictions on the 20-hospital chain in Tennessee and Virginia. A second bill would eliminate a law allowing hospitals to block competitors through a Certificate of Need (CON) process in 2030, the Tennessee Lookout reports. The FTC said the two-year gap could “undermine” the lawmakers’ goal of increasing competition. The monopoly, created in 2018, has faced scrutiny for failing to meet benchmarks on infection rates, mortality, emergency room wait times, and patient satisfaction. FTC officials said the proposed timeline could be the “worst possible outcome for patients” by limiting oversight while still restricting competition. Ballad Health officials said they will defer to lawmakers on future policy decisions.

The state House of Representatives on March 26 passed a bill that would make it a felony for state or local officials to disclose “confidential” immigration enforcement information, sending the measure to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk, the Tennessean reports. HB2506/SB1464, sponsored by House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, aims to protect law enforcement officers by keeping their names, contact information and operational details — including dates, times and strategies — confidential. Proponents say the bill safeguards officers’ safety without preventing protests or citizens from filming immigration enforcement. Opponents argue it could be used to limit public oversight and hinder recording of officers. The measure passed by a 70-19 vote in less than two minutes according to the paper. Companion legislation passed the Senate on March 9.

The chief executive officer of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) will retire July 1, according to Knox News. Don Moul, who has served as CEO since April 9, 2025, notified the utility’s board of directors of his decision on April 3. Moul joined TVA in 2021 as chief operating officer and became its fourth CEO in April 2025 following the retirement of Jeff Lyash. He continued to serve as operations chief during his tenure, which is the shortest of any TVA CEO in modern history, according to the paper. Since his appointment, Moul has faced criticism from the Trump administration and Republican U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty about the utility’s leadership and the pace of its nuclear project development.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Friday announced the appointment of Stephanie Bradley as director of crime prevention and violence reduction for his office, according to the Nashville Banner newsletter. Bradley previously held multiple roles at Penn State University’s Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center and later founded a consulting firm focused on youth policy for government agencies and nonprofits. O’Connell made the announcement alongside Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake and Office of Family Safety Director Diane Lance, noting a continued decline in crime rates during the first quarter of the year. In her new role, Bradley will support the Community Safety Task Force, which is currently developing a community safety plan.

The Rutherford County Library Board voted last week to remove its top librarian after she refused to comply with a directive to move more than 100 LGBTQ-themed books from the children’s section to the adult section, according to WPLN. The board voted 8-3 to terminate director Luanne James with some board members arguing the material promotes “gender confusion.” James opposed the directive, saying the move would violate First Amendment protections and conflict with her professional responsibilities. The decision has drawn significant support for James. Nearly $84,000 has been raised to assist her, according to WSMV 4. A GoFundMe page created by a community member states the funds will go toward supporting her family’s basic living expenses. James also spoke about the situation in an interview with The Associated Press.

The Judicial Council of the National Bar Association (NBA) will host a reception and fundraiser on April 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. CDT at the law offices of Baker Donelson to support its annual conference, which will take place July 25 through Aug. 1 in Nashville. NBA Judicial Council Chair Justice Freddrenna Lyle of the Illinois Appellate Court and NBA President Ashley Upkins of Nashville are expected to attend and offer brief remarks. Attendees should RSVP to Monte Watkins at montewatkins7@gmail.com. The law firm is located at 1600 West End Ave., Ste. 2000, Nashville, TN 37203.

Elder Law Basics 2026, a virtual CLE program designed for attorneys new to elder law or seeking a refresher, will take place on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT. The program will cover key aspects of elder law, with experienced practitioners providing insights on recent developments and best practices. Registrants will receive connection details and course materials the week of the event. For information and to register visit the TBA website.

TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast is new this week with TBA lobbyists and attorneys Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley of Adams & Reese. This week they discuss TBA's bills that are moving through the legislative process, including the extrajudicial adoptions bills HB1263/SB1238; real estate bills HB569/SB394, HB1970/SB1985 and HB1762/SB1707; adoption bill SB2165/HB2350; probate bill SB2184/HB2451; and family law bill SB2324/HB2429. Tune in on the TBA website or through this link. Attorneys interested in supporting the TBA’s lobbying efforts can contribute to LAWPAC.

The Chattanooga Bar Association (CBA) has launched a new monthly initiative, “Community Volunteers Day,” aimed at providing members with regular opportunities to give back to local nonprofits while fostering connection within the legal community. According to Chattanoogan.com, the inaugural March event was held at Siskin Children’s Institute, where volunteers assisted in painting a room with magnetic paint to create a therapeutic and engaging space for children. Participants included attorneys and staff from several local firms, and association leaders said the effort reflects a broader commitment to community service and member engagement. The next volunteer day is scheduled for April 14 at 8:30 a.m. CDT at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County in Chattanooga, where participants will tour the facility and kick off a snack and stuffed animal drive to support children receiving services. Organizers are asking volunteers to bring one stuffed animal and one box of individually wrapped snacks. Read more on the CBA website.

Former U.S. Attorney General (AG) John Ashcroft spoke during a March 31 event at Lipscomb University where he stressed leadership, faith and liberty. According to the Nashville Post, his appearance was part of the Fred Gray Lectureship’s 2025-26 Presidential Signature Series, which also included a panel discussion discussion moderated by Lipscomb President Candice McQueen with Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti and attorney Mark Lanier. Ashcroft, who served as U.S. attorney general from 2001 to 2005, called liberty “the core value of the universe” and “the character of the United States.” Skrmetti spoke about how his faith informs his work and emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional limits on government power.