Southern Progressives

Moving to the left, one post at a time.

Bill Freeman
August 04, 2025

National News:

Trump, the BLS, and Our Age of Choose-Your-Own-Reality Governance

The president's war on economic data will make us dumber, poorer, and less prepared for crisis

open.substack.com/pub/derekthompson/p/trumps-war-on-economic-data-will?r=2cuzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

The Meaning of a Weak Jobs Report

It's (probably) the tariff uncertainty, stupid

paulkrugman.substack.com/p/the-meaning-of-a-weak-jobs-report?utm_source=substack&publication_id=277517&post_id=169841601&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&action=share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=true&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjozOTU5MjYzLCJwb3N0X2lkIjoxNjk4NDE2MDEsImlhdCI6MTc1NDA1ODk1NywiZXhwIjoxNzU2NjUwOTU3LCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMjc3NTE3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.qzIxR-NuPYlj-SKDswJlFsJ8odIaUqqnk1u2YUBkgL4&r=2cuzj&triedRedirect=true

Texas Democrats Leave the State to Block GOP Congressional Map

State News:

Nashville's Music City Loop: Controversy and secrecy - Nashville Banner

Elon Musk's proposed Music City Loop tunnel project in Nashville faces criticism for lack of transparency and public input.

nashvillebanner.com/2025/08/01/elon-musk-music-city-loop

Death row inmate Byron Black to be executed in Tennessee - Nashville Banner

Byron Black, convicted of killing Angela Clay and her daughters, is set to be executed in Tennessee. His case raises ethical and legal questions about the death penalty.

nashvillebanner.com/2025/08/04/byron-black-lethal-injection-tennessee

Local News:

Per the USGS (Unites States Geological Survey), a light magnitude 2.3 earthquake occurred at 1:03 AM on Sunday, August 3 centered around 4.5 miles south-southeast of Charleston at a depth of 12 km. Residents as far away as Cleveland and Athens may have felt minor shaking, but no damage or injuries have been reported. If you felt or experienced damage, you’re asked to report the results at this website: https://share.google/aFDKHUE8Z3W4FfJaS

The Athens Area Council for the Arts is inviting local artists to participate in its annual Open Exhibit, open to residents of McMinn County and surrounding areas. The exhibit features three divisions: High School, College, and Open. Entry is free for students, while artists in the Open division may submit work for $10 per piece. The deadline to enter is Wednesday, September 3. Full entry details are available online at: athensartscouncil.org/open-exhibit-prospectus

Explosives found in Tennessee man's home after threats to officials

OLD FORT, Tenn. — Law enforcement in Polk County discovered explosives in a man's home following threats to kill public officials and law enforcement.Polk Count

newschannel9.com/news/local/explosives-found-in-tennessee-mans-home-after-threats-to-officials

McMinn County animal shelter takes in 45 dogs from hoarding case

An animal shelter in McMinn County says they've taken in 45 dogs that were surrendered in a hoarding case.The McMinn Regional Humane Society says the dogs were

newschannel9.com/newsletter-daily/mcminn-county-animal-shelter-takes-in-45-dogs-from-hoarding-case

Political Cartoon:

Seniors:

What Does It Mean to "Dress Your Age"? `

Trying on clothes at Eileen Fisher; my ambivalence toward dressing "grown-up"; and challenging old assumptions. PLUS an open thread where you can chime in on your "age-appropriate" (or not) style.

open.substack.com/pub/oldster/p/what-does-it-mean-to-dress-your-age?r=2cuzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

The Swarm

Where progressives like you take a stand

www.growtheswarm.com/?utm_source=bills-newsletter-4bb565.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=southern-progressives

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