Southern Progressives

Moving to the left one post at a time

National News

Democrats win in several states on abortion rights and other highlights from Tuesday's elections

Democrats have plenty of good news to celebrate in Tuesday’s off-year elections and more evidence that they can win races centered on the national debate over abortion.

apnews.com/article/election-2023-highlights-868a21bf3537a0533ae3fd8007d07eef

November 7, 2023

Today was Election Day across the country. In a number of key state elections, voters rejected the extremism of MAGA Republicans and backed Democrats and Democratic policies. Four of the most closely watched races were in Ohio, Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania.

open.substack.com/pub/heathercoxrichardson/p/november-7-2023?r=2cuzj&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email

State News:

Most Americans want health exceptions in abortion bans. Political infighting keeps blocking them. – Tennessee Lookout

According to a Marist poll, 82% of Americans want health exceptions in abortion bans but groups like Right to Life keep the exceptions narrow.

tennesseelookout.com/2023/11/07/most-americans-want-health-exceptions-in-abortion-bans-political-infighting-keeps-blocking-them

Local News:

Athens Area Council for the Arts (AACA) received a $15,000 donation in October from the Allan Jones Foundation. The donation will go to The Arts Center’s Capital Campaign to ensure the stability of the institution for future generations. The center, located at 320 North White Street in Athens, houses a 200-seat black box theater, art gallery and Artisan Corner consignment shop, with regular musical concerts, plays, art exhibits, art classes and dances. There is always an art exhibit in the gallery and the art market offers regional artists’ works for sale. “I was so impressed with my tour of the Athens Arts Center and with all it has to offer,” said Janie Pangle Jones. “I was born and raised in McMinn County. My husband, Allan, and I thought it was a great opportunity to help support the community and this wonderful Arts Center.” AACA’s Capital Campaign is funding the renovation of its expanded facility, which has nearly doubled the organization’s footprint. A grand opening celebration for the updated facility, that includes dedicated visual and music instruction space and additional performance space, is planned for Spring 2024. The Jones family hopes the donation will result in support from others in the community. “We are grateful to Janie and Allan for their generous support of our project,” said Campaign Chair and Board President Scottie Mayfield. “The investment from Cleveland’s Allan Jones Foundation reinforces the reach our programming has beyond McMinn County. We appreciate the Foundation for helping us continue our work. For more information about AACA programs visit athensartscouncil.org or call 423-745-8781.

The Arts: