Southern Progressives

Moving to the left one post at a time

May 23, 2024

National News

New 9/11 Evidence Points to Deep Saudi Complicity

Two decades of U.S. policy appear to be rooted in a mistaken understanding of what happened that day.

www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/05/september-11-attacks-saudi-arabia-lawsuit/678430/?gift=kv3__FYls2fxmm4Mh6G3fV_Ot0qlM7q7hrTKDTj3GJs&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

Another Provocative Flag Was Flown at Another Alito Home

The justice’s beach house displayed an “Appeal to Heaven” flag, a symbol carried on Jan. 6 and associated with a push for a more Christian-minded government.

www.nytimes.com/2024/05/22/us/justice-alito-flag-appeal-to-heaven.html?unlocked_article_code=1.uE0.VhFM.G29u8woQaD5x&smid=url-share

May 21, 2024*

Trump’s lawyers rested their defense of the former president today, putting an end to the testimony we will hear in the case. Trump did not testify. Trump's refusal to take the stand encapsulates the MAGA approach to politics. Since the 2020 presidential election, he and his surrogates have made repeated accusations and statements about how the system is rigged against them and alleged there is evidence that proves them right.

open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/may-22-2024?r=2cuzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

State News:

Analysis: As housing values soar in Tenn., property tax burden starts to fall more on homeowners • Tennessee Lookout

Tennessee counties are lowering their property taxes as housing values climbed to new highs over the past four years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean smaller tax bills for homeowners. In nearly every county across Tennessee, property tax rates have decreased during the required reevaluation period, a Lookout analysis of county property value data compiled by […]

tennesseelookout.com/2024/05/23/analysis-as-housing-values-soar-in-tenn-property-tax-burden-starts-to-fall-more-on-homeowners

Local News & Arts:

We have some great events coming up in our area that we need volunteers to man tables for! If you are free on the dates below and would like to volunteer, please scan the QR code below to see available shifts.

Political Cartoon:

Seniors:

The McMinn Senior Activity Center's Senior Advocate Program has received the 2023 Program of Excellence Honorable Mention in Social and Support Services from the National Council on Aging (NCOA). This recognition highlights the program's significant impact on the local senior community by providing crucial support and resources. The Senior Advocate Program, one of only three in Tennessee with a dedicated staff member, has helped address food insecurity, safety, and home repair needs for economically disadvantaged seniors.

Key initiatives include the Senior Safe at Home Program, which assists with financial burdens that other programs may not cover, such as food, safety, and home repairs. Since its inception in 2019, the program has delivered thousands of meals, assisted with Medicare Part D prescription plans, provided free tax assistance, built or replaced over two dozen wheelchair ramps, and offered numerous wellness checks and other essential services.

The program’s success is due in part to partnerships with organizations like the Southeast TN Area Agency on Aging and Disability, local food banks, and businesses, as well as generous funding from the Athens Federal Foundation, United Way, and the VEC Customer Shares Program.

Due to increased demand, the Center is seeking funding to expand the program’s service days. The McMinn Senior Activity Center has seen record participation and new memberships, underscoring the vital role of the Senior Advocate Program in supporting the senior community. For more information, visit mcminnseniors.com or visit the center at 205 McMinn Ave., Athens.

Coalition Calendar: (click on the calendar to get to web page for May.)

Bill Freeman is Southern Progressive Newsletter

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