Hey there. This is Jesse, I just wanted to check in and let you know there's not a new episode of Headlights this week, because I'm recovering from what I think is technically called some seasonal crud. But a lot has happened this past week, so I have a good selection of links and stories in the show notes to call to your attention, including:
— A library director in Rutherford County, Tennessee, was fired by her library board for refusing to move more than 100 books from the children's section of the library to the adult section. Many of the books had LGBTQ themes.
— President Trump unveiled renderings for his planned "presidential library" in Miami, which looks like it would become the tallest building on the city's skyline. Of course, library is probably the wrong name for this pricey vanity project. In a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters, "I don't believe in building libraries or museums. Could be [an] office, but it's most likely going to be a hotel with a beautiful building underneath and a 747 Air Force One in the lobby." And a MAGA merch store, no doubt.
— And some follow-up on our discussion the other month of high electricity rates in Alabama. The state Legislature did pass some changes in how the state regulates its Public Service Commission, expanding the number of members on the board and giving the governor more power in appointing them. It freezes rates at current levels until 2029. However, what it did NOT do is mandate public hearings on rate increases. It creates the possibility of them, but only if the commission WANTS to hold them. So, not much of a step forward for transparency or public input. You can find links to those in the show notes, and — lord willin' and the creek don't rise — we'll be back with a full episode next week. Take care!
SHOW NOTES:
"Tennessee librarian is fired for refusing to move over 100 LGBTQ books from children's to adult section" NBC News
"What to know about Trump's future presidential library, which he says may be a hotel" NPR
"Gov. Kay Ivey signs bill giving governor more control over PSC" Alabama Reflector
CONTACT:
Jesse Mayshark
jmayshark@theprogressivesouth.org
(865) 214-7764
