Tennessee

President Trump Ousts Joe Ritch from Tennessee Valley Authority Board as Agency Faces Leadership Shuffle

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WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has removed Joe Ritch, a Huntsville attorney, from his position on the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) board. Appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in December 2022, Ritch’s term was prematurely ended ahead of its May 2023 expiration date. The TVA, a key utility that provides power across seven states including Alabama, confirmed Ritch’s departure without specifying the reasons behind the decision. Ritch, recognized for his significant contributions as Chairman of the Redstone Regional Alliance, has been instrumental in advocating for the relocation of Space Command headquarters … Read more

Knox County Judge Steve Sword Appointed to Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a notable advancement within Tennessee’s judiciary, Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword has been promoted to the state Court of Criminal Appeals. Governor Bill Lee announced Sword’s appointment this past Friday, signaling a significant step in the judge’s career, which began on the bench in 2011. At the time of his appointment, Sword was presiding over a vehicular homicide trial in the City County Building downtown, where he has developed a reputation for handling some of the region’s most challenging cases. Sword’s new role on the appellate court will have … Read more

Supreme Court Declines Appeal Challenging Tennessee Drag Performance Restrictions Involving Minors

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Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court has recently decided not to take up a case challenging a Tennessee statute that imposes limitations on drag performances in venues accessible to children. This decision leaves in place the rulings by lower courts, which have sparked a vigorous debate about the balancing act between free speech rights and the protection of minors from adult-oriented content. The legal challenge was initiated by the Friends of George’s theater company after Tennessee passed the Adult Entertainment Act (AEA) in 2023, which bars what it classifies as “adult cabaret” from being … Read more

Tragic Turn to Triumph: Tennessee Teen Settles for $450K After Losing Legs in St. Louis Accident

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St. Louis, MO — In a tragic incident that underscored the dangers lurking at urban intersections, Janae Edmondson, a young volleyball player from Tennessee, suffered life-altering injuries when she was struck by a car while visiting St. Louis for a tournament in February 2023. The teen lost both her legs, leading to a lawsuit against the city which has now culminated in a $450,000 settlement. The lawsuit, pressed by Edmondson’s family, cast a harsh light on both the city’s infrastructure and its monitoring of traffic and motorists. It was contended that a yield sign at … Read more