NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog on Feb. 27, 2026, by Stacey Shrader Joslin: * * * 15 Lawyers Suspended for Fee, 8 for IOLTA Violations The Tennessee Supreme Court on Feb. 25 suspended 15 attorneys for failure to pay the annual registration fee, eight of whom also failed to file proof that client funds are held in an IOLTA-compliant account. View the fee suspension order and IOLTA suspension order. Lawyers reinstated in the last month include six in 2026, two in 2025 and  more PR

COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Feb. 27 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news: * * * Attorney General Alan Wilson challenges Biden-era Department of Energy policy * (COLUMBIA, S.C.) - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined a 21-state friend-of-the-court brief challenging a Biden-era Department of Energy rule that imposes costly efficiency standards for consumer furnaces and commercial water heaters. "Under the guise of 'expertise,' the Biden administration forced heavy-handed regulations in the nam more PR

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: * * * Blackburn Exposes Shelby County District Attorney for Letting Violent Criminals Off the Hook * NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor (R-31) sent a letter to Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy demanding answers following a recent report that he released hundreds of criminal defendants into Shelby County with little or no punishment. In the letter, Senator Blackburn  more PR

ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 28 (TNSLrpt) -- Union Members in Tennessee 2025 - A report from U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Southeast Region - Feb. 27, 2026 * * * In 2025, union members accounted for an estimated 4.8 percent of wage and salary workers in Tennessee, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. (See chart 1 and table 1.) Regional Commissioner Victoria G. Lee noted that the estimated number of workers belonging to unions was 145,000. Nationwide, union members accounted for an estimated 10.0 percent of emplo more PR

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 27 -- The University of Tennessee posted the following news: * * * Board Approves Growth Projects and New Degree Program, Hears Future Vision * The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved plans to enhance the student experience and support strategic growth at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, during its annual winter meeting. The board also approved moving forward with new academic degrees to support the workforce needs of the state. Chancellor Donde Plowman outlined for the board the university's more PR

CLARKSVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 27 -- Austin Peay State University posted the following news: * * * Brass on the Caribbean: APSU's Aurum Sonor Brass Quintet brings music to Costa Rica's remotest schools * The Aurum Sonor Brass Quintet members with Dr. Rob Waugh and APSU alum Ariel Mendez. Back row, from left: Savanna Watson, Zack Marhover, Dylan Thompson, Jed Edmondson, Waugh. Front row, from left: Emily Sholar, Mendez. | Contributed photo CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - In remote mountain schools on Costa Rica's Caribbean side, children saw brass inst more PR

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026: * * * Building on President Trump's Vision, FY26 Funding Strengthens America ICYMI: This week, President Trump delivered a historic State of the Union address, sharing the positive impact renewed leadership in the White House has had on our nation. Our Commander in Chief presented his vision for a strong America - a nation that has not yet reached its peak. Touching on everything from public  more PR

NEW YORK, Feb. 28 -- Columbia University Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory issued the following news: * * * How Can AI Address Climate Justice When Women's Voices Are Silenced? Unless women's lived realities are embedded in AI's foundations, it risks reinforcing the very inequities it claims to solve. By Pavithra Priyadarshini Selvakumar and Marco Tedesco Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming central to environmental decision-making. But unless women's voices, labor and lived realities are embedded in its foundations, it risks re more PR

TAMPA, Florida, Feb. 27 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release: * * * Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for the Interstate Transportation of Stolen Avionics Equipment * Tampa. Florida - Mario Mercier Hernandez (61, New Port Richey) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle to the statutory maximum of 10 years in federal prison for the interstate transportation of stolen property. Mercier pleaded guilty on July 25, 2025. United States Attorn more PR

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following news release: * * * Crapo Joins 'GRIP Act' to Block State Gun Registries * Washington, D.C. \-U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has teamed up with U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) and U.S. Representative Paul Gosar (R-Arizona) to continue a bicameral fight to prohibit states, localities or any other organization from using federal funding and background check information to maintain gun registries. "Federal dollars should never be used to establish or maint more PR

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Feb. 28 -- Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath, a law firm, issued the following commentary on Feb. 26, 2026, by Sarah L. Pheasant, senior government and regulatory affairs attorney, associate Asher Friedman Young and partners John R. Przypyszny, Jonathan D. Tarnow and Cindy Irani: * * * Key Higher Education Regulatory Issues for 2026 Evolving Federal Regulatory Landscape Requires Institutions to Strengthen Compliance Protocols and Adapt to Sweeping Policy Changes Across Higher Education At a Glance * Operational and fi more PR

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog on Feb. 27, 2026, by Julia Wilburn: * * * FedEx Sues U.S. for Refund of Tariffs Paid Memphis-based FedEx has filed a lawsuit seeking refunds of fees it paid under the Trump administration's emergency tariffs. The move comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the administration exceeded its authority in imposing the tariffs. That decision opens the door to potential refunds on more than $175 billion in tariff collections, prompting expec more PR

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 27 -- Vanderbilt Law School posted the following news: * * * From Pioneers to Progress: Lessons from Black Legal Trailblazers * The Black Law Students Association ( BLSA ) presented "" in commemoration of Vanderbilt Law School's Black History Month celebration, marking the 70th anniversary of the integration of the law school. The event, moderated by Alexis Shaw '26, featured an interview with Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr. '81, who serves as Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee more PR

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration, has launched the Delta Rural Integrated Health Network Program to advance healthcare delivery in the Delta region. With an estimated total funding of $2.8 million, this initiative aims to foster the development of integrated health networks among rural hospitals, primary care clinics, behavioral health providers, and other essential services. The program offers an award ceiling of $350,000, with expectations to dis more ST

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 --The House Education and Workforce Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 119-496) on the Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 2870). The report was advanced by Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Michigan, on Feb. 20, 2026. Here are excerpts: * * * Purpose To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide compensatory time off for employees in the private sector. Committee Action 113TH CONGRESS First Session--Hearing On April 11, 2013, the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections held a hearing on H.R. 1403, the Working Families F more ST

JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, Feb. 27 -- East Tennessee State University posted the following news: * * * March at ETSU: Esports, arts, film and family fun * Discover March events at ETSU, including esports, ETSU-Con, jazz, Oscar-nominated films, a theatrical production, a planetarium show and family fun. From high-energy esports showdowns and Oscar-nominated films to a jazz performance, pop culture celebration and family-friendly stage shows, March at East Tennessee State University is packed with events for every interest. Whether you're c more PR

OAK RIDGE, Tennessee, Feb. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory issued the following news release: * * * ORNL appoints Budhu Bhaduri as first Chief Data Officer * The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has named Budhendra "Budhu" Bhaduri its first Chief Data Officer. The newly established role unifies ORNL's enterprise data strategy to accelerate mission impact across open science, energy innovation, national security and laboratory operations. As Chief Data Officer, Bhaduri will report to  more PR

CHICAGO, Illinois, Feb. 27 [Category: Business] -- The Private Equity Stakeholder Project issued the following news: * * * Private Equity Health Care Acquisitions - January 2026 In light of continued investor interest in healthcare and the risks associated with private equity ownership of healthcare companies, the Private Equity Stakeholder Project is tracking private equity-backed healthcare acquisitions. Below is a list of private equity healthcare buyouts, growth investments, and add-on acquisitions completed during January 2026. We will  more PR

OXFORD, Ohio, Feb. 27 -- Miami University posted the following news: * * * Promotion and tenure granted to 35 * Miami University's board of trustees approved the promotion and/or tenure of 32 faculty members and three librarians at its Feb. 27 meeting. The actions take effect July 1. " It is a privilege to recognize these outstanding educators and scholars for their achievements and commitment to their disciplines," said Chris Makaroff, interim provost and executive vice president of academic affairs. "Their contributions in the classroom more PR

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27 -- Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tennessee, issued the following news release: * * * Rep. Ogles Introduces Excise Tax Legislation on American Athletes Playing for Foreign Nations * Washington, D.C. - Congressman Andy Ogles introduced the "OLYMPICS Act," legislation that would tax any money made by American citizens who play in the Olympics for China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea at a rate of 100%. The legislation would apply to prize money, sponsorship income, and any other compensation earned while representing those countries in  more PR

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog on Feb. 27, 2026, by Julia Wilburn: * * * Report: Immigration Judge Count Down 25% from 2025 The number of judges in U.S. immigration courts has dropped by about a quarter in the last year due to firings and resignations -- even when accounting for new hires, according to NPR. Twelve immigration courts have lost over half of their judges while two courts have no judges at all. Former judges and staff say the system's ability to provide timel more PR

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog on Feb. 27, 2026, by Stacey Shrader Joslin: * * * Senate OKs Bill to Expedite Appeals of Certain Trial Court Rulings The Tennessee Senate passed SB1731 -- sponsored by Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntingdon -- on Feb. 23 by a vote of 26-6. The House Judiciary Committee is set to consider its version of the bill -- HB1791 sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville -- on March 4. The legislation would authorize the attorney general to make immediat more PR

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog on Feb. 27, 2026, by Stacey Shrader Joslin: * * * New Sites Mark Black History in Nashville Several newly designated sites will honor Black history in Nashville. The U.S. Civil Rights Trail has added two music museums to its roster. The Jefferson Street Sound Museum showcases how music, culture and activism intersected to energize Nashville's civil rights movement while the Museum of Christian and Gospel Music examines the powerful role gosp more PR

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog on Feb. 27, 2026, by Azya Thornton: * * * TBA Legislative Updates Podcast Covers Adoption, Probate, Family Law Bills TBA's Legislative Updates podcast is new this week with attorneys and TBA attorneys Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley and Ashley Harbin of Adams & Reese. This week's episode covers adoption bill SB2165/HB2350, probate bill SB2184/HB2451 and family law bill SB2324/HB2429. Tune in to the podcast on the TBA  more PR

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concerns over proposed rules that classify advanced practice nursing programs and other clinically advanced health professions as "non-professional" regarding federal student loan limits. The organization argues that this classification could lead to substantial and unintended consequences for the healthcare workforce. THA highlights that advanced practice roles such as Certified Registered Nurse  more ST

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The Tennessee Bar Association posted the following commentary blog on Feb. 27, 2026, by Julia Wilburn: * * * Tennessee Joins National Foster Care Initiative Gov. Bill Lee on Wednesday announced the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) will join the Trump administration's "A Home for Every Child" initiative, a national effort led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families (ACF) to expand the number of foster families and improve outcomes for child more PR

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- Tennessee State University issued the following news: * * * TSU Day at the Capitol: Empowering Students Through Legislative Engagement and Community Connections Emmanuel Freeman Tennessee State University held its annual "Day at the Capitol" on Feb. 25, where faculty, staff, students, and alumni converged to showcase the university's academic achievements, research initiatives, and innovative programs to state lawmakers. A highlight of this year's event was a cutting-edge display from the TSU SMART Innovatio more PR

JOHNSON CITY, Tennessee, Feb. 27 -- East Tennessee State University posted the following news: * * * Two ETSU lectures highlight health and humanities * ETSU's 2025-26 Great Lecture Series concludes on March 6 with lectures by Drs. Brandi Eveland-Sayers and Scott Honeycutt. East Tennessee State University will welcome two distinguished faculty members to the podium for a pair of thought-provoking lectures that explore the vital connections between place, purpose and well-being. On Friday, March 6, the ETSU Great Lecture series celebrate more PR

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee posted the following news release on Feb. 26, 2026: * * * U.S. Attorney Dunavant adds Additional Attorneys and Support Staff to U.S. Attorney's Office U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, of the Western District of Tennessee, is pleased to announce the recent hiring and assignment of five (5) new Assistant U.S. Attorneys, one (1) new Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (JAG SAUSA), and two (2) new support staff positions in the U.S. Attorney's Offi more PR

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The University of Memphis issued the following news: * * * Fogelman College of Business Begins Multi-Million Dollar Renovation The University of Memphis marked a major milestone Wednesday afternoon with an unconventional "wall breaking" ceremony to symbolize the start of renovations to the Fogelman College of Business and Economics (FCBE). Rather than turning dirt, faculty and University leaders took hammers to a wall to celebrate the launch of this pivotal modernization project. "These buildings represent our more PR

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Feb. 28 -- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center issued the following news: * * * UT Health Sciences Hosts Regional Mental Health Summit in Chattanooga Written by Sarah Small Leaders from state and local government, health care, education, and community mental health organizations gathered in Chattanooga for a Regional Mental Health Summit on Friday, February 20, hosted by The University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Medicine-Chattanooga to gain support in creating a new psychiatry residency program more PR