Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello, and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm being
able Frogling, your host, ready to help you swap out
doom and gloom for some genuine hope with uplifting stories
for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists, and anyone who
(00:28):
believes in making America a better place for everyone. It's
no secret these are challenging times. The disappearing of immigrants
and citizens, the takeover of our nation's capital by federal troops,
and the wholesale destruction of critical government agencies. Today's headlines
often overwhelm us with troubling news, making it all too
(00:49):
easy to lose sight of hope. That's exactly why it's
vital to highlight the positive, real world progress that's happening
every day, progress that too often gets drowned out by
the negative. Despite the setbacks, there's a genuine movement toward
a better America. So let these stories serve as a
reminder that change is not just possible, it's happening. Carry
(01:11):
this hope with you and share it with others. Let's
kick off with some good news headlines designed to brighten
your day. Democrats in Rhode Island are celebrating a landslide
victory after state legislative candidate Stefano Famiglietti dramatically outperformed recent
presidential margins in a high profile special election. Famiglietti secured
(01:35):
over eighty three percent of the vote in the race
to fill the state Senate seat left vacant by the
late Senate President Dominic Brugerio, outpacing Vice President Kamala Harris's
margin from last fall by an extraordinary fifty five points.
His decisive win not only reflects his deep roots and
commitment to the community, but also highlights surging democratic momentum
(01:59):
at the local level. Campaigning on a platform rooted in
community values and practical solutions, Famiglietti galvanized voters in District four,
which has witnessed shifting political wins in recent cycles. While
the district's democratic lean was challenged in recent presidential elections,
with Joe Biden taking it by seventeen points in twenty
(02:19):
twenty and Harris capturing it by just eleven last year,
Famiglietti's showing signals a resurgent and energized base ready to
tackle new challenges. State leaders praised Famiglietti's victory as a
testament to his connection with constituents and his dedication to
public service. His deep roots in the community and clear
understanding of the priorities of District four have resonated with voters,
(02:43):
the leadership team stated, underscoring the values and engagement he
brings to the legislature. The Rhode Island special election result
is part of a growing trend of Democratic overperformance in
state races around the country. From recent victories in Wisconsin's
Supreme Court to strong showings das in Florida and Iowa
legislative contests, Democratic candidates continue to rally grassroots support. These
(03:06):
outcomes are fueling optimism among progressives that a blue wave
could be on the horizon for the twenty twenty six
midterm elections, driven by candidates who are delivering for their
communities and reflecting the electorate's priorities. Sherirett Brown, the longtime
progressive champion from Ohio, is laying the groundwork for a
(03:27):
potential return to the US Senate. Multiple sources report that
Brown is actively interviewing campaign managers for twenty twenty six bid,
a strong sign that he's preparing to take on Republican
Senator John Husted in what's shaping up to be one
of the country's marquee Senate matchups. Senate Minority Leader Chuck
Schumer has traveled to Ohio twice this summer, personally urging
(03:49):
Brown to enter the race, underscoring how pivotal Democrats see
his potential comeback in a state that has been trending red.
Brown's decision is closely watched within the Democratic Party, as
there was speculation he might instead challenge for governor, particularly
with Ohio's next gubernatorial race also viewed as competitive. Still,
his record about performing national Democrats and tough races he
(04:12):
lost his Senate seat in twenty twenty four by fewer
than four points, while Vice President Harris trailed Trump in
Ohio by eleven makes him a formidable candidate to narrow
Republican margins. Brown's pro worker and trade skeptical stances have
long appealed to labour and some conservative leading voters, giving
Democrats hope he could expand their coalition in the Midwest.
(04:34):
Senator Husted fifty seven, was appointed to the Senate after J. D.
Vance left to serve as Vice President, and already has
substantial Arty backing and fundraising Horsepower reporting two point six
million dollars in cash on hand at the start of July.
Even so, Brown's name recognition and grassroots support could vault
(04:54):
Ohio back onto the national battleground map for Democrats, along
with recent high pro file Senate recruitments like former North
Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. If Brown formally enters the race,
the twenty twenty six Ohio Senate contest is expected to
draw significant national attention and resources for Democrats. His presence
would signal a push to reclaim ground in a state
(05:17):
many have considered out of reach and could play an
outside's role in shaping the balance of power in the
next setting. A federal judge has issued a two week
halt on construction at the detention center known as Alligator
Alcatraz and Florida Everglades, marking a victory for environmental advocates
and local indigenous groups. The decision, handed down by District
(05:39):
Judge Kathleen Williams, pauses all additional construction, including the installation
of lighting, pavement, and fencing, while hearings continue on the
facility's environmental impact. Williams cited credible evidence of ongoing harm
to the fragile wetlands and called the plaintiff's request pretty reasonable.
In order to prevent further ecological disturbance. The airstrip turned
(06:00):
and detention facility sits within the Big Cypress National Preserve,
home to endangered species like the Florida onited bat. Expert
witnesses testified that newly paved areas could cause storm water
runoff to pollute the surrounding ecosystem, as the flat wetlands
can carry contaminants across large areas during rainfall. Wetland's ecologist,
(06:20):
Christopher McVoy emphasized that the pavement acts like glass, allowing
water and pollutants to travel unchecked into these sensitive habitats.
Geologist Dylan Rio estimated that more than twenty acres of
impervious pavement had been added, increasing the risk of chemical
pollution harmful to aquatic and terrestrial life. Plaintiffs, including Friends
(06:42):
of the Everglades, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the
Mikasuki Tribe of Indians of Florida, argue that the state
and federal government failed to conduct adequate environmental review or
consider public input before fast tracking construction of the facility.
They are relying on the national environmental policy, which requires
rigorous study of potential impacts when federal actors are involved.
(07:05):
Judge Williams agreed that there was enough evidence of ongoing
environmental harms not to mention the moral harms that constructing
a concentration camp of this sort would entail to warrant
the temporary restraining order, and highlighted the Everglades's status as
a unique and cherished natural resource. The ruling represents a
crucial pause for environmental and tribal advocates seeking to ensure
(07:28):
that America's largest wetlands are given the comprehensive consideration and
protection they deserve. Hearings will resume as the broader legal
and environmental debates around the future of alligator alcatraz, its
impact on the Everglades, and its impact on our nation
as a whole continue. President Trump's job approval rating has
(07:51):
dropped by six points since April, according to a new
University of Massachusetts Amherst poll and corroborated by several National
service As of mid August twenty twenty five, Trump's approval
rating stands at thirty eight percent, with disapproval at fifty
eight percent, leaving his net approval at negative twenty, the
(08:11):
lowest point of his second term so far. This latest
decline is driven by eroding support across demographic groups, notably
among men and political independence groups that had previously leaned
more favorably toward him. Polls also show that majorities of
Americans disapprove of Trump's handling of key policy issues, including
the economy, inflation, jobs, immigration, and tariffs. His reputation has
(08:36):
taken a further hit due to his response to the
high profile Epstein case. Seventy percent of Americans say he
has not handled the issue well, eighty one percent blame
him for hiding information, and sixty three percent believe his
administration is being dishonest about the details. The perception of
a lack of transparency and ongoing controversies have not only
(08:58):
widened Trump's credibility gap with swing voters and independents, but
also begun to dent his standing among Republican and conservative voters.
Thank God. While polarization in US politics tends to narrow
the range of presidential approval ratings, Trump's numbers remain low
by any historical standard. Notably, only about half of Republicans
(09:20):
now say they strongly approve of his presidency, and approval
among self identified Republicans has declined from roughly ninety five
percent after his second inauguration to eighty five percent in August.
For a leader whose brand relies on strength and disruption,
these figures represent a significant vulnerability heading into the twenty
(09:41):
twenty six midterms, particularly his confidence among his twenty twenty
four voters shows signs of softening.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Up.
Speaker 1 (09:50):
Next, a listener suggested story back in a minute, and
now a listener suggested story from Karen in Michigan. Two
women in Cadillac Mission Aigan are demonstrating the power of
inclusion and community spirit through their new Sack Lunch initiative
One Meal at a Time. Niki Paget and Jesse Duddles,
both living with developmental delays, launched the program to provide
(10:14):
free meals to veterans and anyone in need, distributing lunches
every Monday across from the Wexford County Public Library. What
began as a simple kitchen table idea has quickly become
a lifeline for many and an inspiring example of how
everyone can contribute to the well being of their community.
Supported by their caseworker and families. Nicki and Jesse handle
(10:34):
everything from shopping for supplies to handing out sandwiches themselves.
Their effort isn't just about good food. It's also about
an empowering experience that has helped both women grow in confidence,
find new purpose, and deepen their social ties. It makes
me happy to see them doing something other than sitting
in their rooms, said Nikki's mom, Joe and Paget. Both
(10:56):
Nikki and Jesse say the best part of their work
is seeing the smiles on people's faces and knowing they
are making a difference. Beyond tackling food insecurity, the project
has had a positive impact on Nicki and Jesse's own
well being, alleviating depression and anxiety by giving them new
focus and meaningful daily connection. Any leftover lunches are donated
(11:16):
to local organizations like the Cadillac Salvation Army's New Hope Shelter,
ensuring nothing goes to waste, and even more people benefit
from their efforts through one meal at a time, Nicki
and Jesse are showing that small acts of kindness, rooted
in empathy and dedication can ripple outward, strengthening an entire community.
(11:36):
Their program thrives on local donations, both monetary and in food,
and serves as a reminder that everyone has something to
give and everyone gains when we take care of each other.
Thanks so much for that story, Karen, That was wonderful.
If you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share,
we'd love to hear from you as well. Call or
message us at two Z two six five six six
(12:00):
two seven to one, drop us a line at Beowulf
at two squared Media Productions dot com, or send it
to us at good News for Lefties on Facebook, Instagram
or blue Sky. A federal judge in Montana has ruled
that the US Fish and Wildlife Service violated the Endangered
Species Act by denying protections for gray wolves in the
(12:22):
Northern Rocky Mountains. The ruling requires the agency to reconsider
its twenty twenty four decision that removed federal protections for
wolves living in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and parts of Washington, Oregon,
and Utah. This decision marks a crucial step toward restoring
protections for these iconic animals, which play a vital role
in maintaining balanced ecosystems. US District Judge Donald Molloy found
(12:47):
that the Fish and Wildlife Service failed to use the
best available science and unlawfully ignored the wolves potential for
recovery across their historic ranges, especially in the southern Rockies,
including Colorado. The judge criticized the agency's reliance on flawed
population estimates and harsh state management policies that have allowed
(13:07):
excessive hunting and trapping, pushing wolf numbers dangerously low. The
ruling highlights the importance of considering natural dispersal and reintroduction
efforts that are already helping wolves recolonize parts of their
former habitat. Advocates celebrated the ruling as a hopeful turning
point in wolf conservation. Collette Adkins of the Center for
Biological Diversity called it the hope of true recovery for
(13:31):
wolves across the West, Humane world for animals in the
Sierra Club also said the urgent need for federal protection
was important given the aggressive state led killing campaigns in Montana, Idaho,
and Wyoming, with some states planning quotas that could result
in hundreds of wolf deaths this year. Renewed federal oversight
is seen as essential to preventing their extinction. While the
(13:53):
ruling does not immediately reinstate protections or change wolf management
on the ground. It compels the Fish and Water Life
Service to reassess the species status under the Endangered Species
Act within sixty days using rigorous science and the failings
identified by the court. The decision offers a path to
meaningful recovery for wolves in the Northern Rockies, signaling that
(14:15):
the species fate will no longer rest solely in the
hands of state agencies that have often prioritized hunting over conservation.
That's a wrap for today's edition of Good News for Lefties.
If these stories brighten your day, please help us spread
the word. Share this episode on social media wherever you post.
A big thanks to our production team, Rosabel Hein and
(14:37):
Aaron Watson for making all of this possible behind the scenes.
I'm BeO Wolf Rocklin weird name Good News for Lefties
and America. Stay tuned after this commercial break for more
(15:02):
of me, your humble and obedient servant, as I speak
with Jen and Dan of the band camp podcast.
Speaker 3 (15:10):
The John Peeglesang Podcast is now available six times a
week with me John Fugelsang. I've been murdered on CSI
picketed by Westboro Baptist Church and host tell Me Everything.
On Serious XM Progress one twenty seven. You will hear authors, politicians, actors, filmmakers, rappers, rockstars, journalists, activists,
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(15:32):
The John Fiegle sing Podcast, Fair and Biased. Find it
on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher for wherever you listen to
Bobs and Now.
Speaker 1 (15:40):
An excerpt from a recent episode of the band Camp
Podcast where I speak with hosts Jen and Dan. Then
go listen to the full show The band Camp Podcast
that's banned with two ends bandcamp podcast dot com and
just a quick trigger warning here there may be some
clips of Donald Trump play. In this next segment.
Speaker 4 (16:03):
It's time for bandcab News.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
True Speaker, News Speaker. They will freckin.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
It's a weird name, but he's got good news because
he can't.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
Dann a true fan.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
He's broadcasting live from the Good News for LEFTI Studio
is buried deep inside his social safe house, hidden somewhere
deep in the Oregon woods. He is Babe Well Rockland because.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
He can't Hello Dan, Hello Jen, Hello Scary Book people.
There is sunshine that I'm going to bring you today,
good news in the form of literal sunshine, solar energy.
You know, fifteen years ago it was not the case.
Solar power was nearly four times the cost of fossil
(16:48):
fuel alternatives. But now, according to two new United Nations reports,
renewable energy has passed a positive tipping point and solar
power is now forty one percent cheaper than fossil fuels.
That is so fantastic, you know, I remember hearing right
wingers claim for years and year as well. You know,
(17:09):
we can't use this. It's not powerful enough, it's too expensive,
it's not really gonna do the job. And now solar
power has arrived. According to you and Secretary General Antonio Gutiraz,
the fossil fuel age is flailing and failing. We are
now in the dawn of a new energy era.
Speaker 2 (17:31):
Did he really say flailing and failing, because that sounds
like a Trump because he will never back up. And
the fossil fuel industry is flailing and also failing, you know,
and when he missed meeks, but then he has to
work it into I meant to say that we are
very furniture and fortunate to be in this situation.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
Now, well, you know, maybe he was subconsciously mirroring him,
because according to the reform report that I have, he
is saying flailing and failing.
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Now.
Speaker 1 (18:04):
I don't know whether that was like a stumble that
was transcribed or whether it was part of the original report,
but it looks like he was going for that. You know,
it's interesting that you say that, because I have a
feeling that Trump and his public mode of speech, which
I'm sure is his private mode of speech, also has
really dumbed down the way that people speak in front
(18:26):
of microphones around the world and around the country. It's
just like, all of a sudden, you hear this voice
constantly saying dumb things, and eventually, no matter how smart
you are, no matter how much you've read and studied,
you get a little stupider just because Trump is there.
Speaker 2 (18:42):
Yeah, yeah, he sucks. He puts us on a curve. Yeah.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
I thought that was the case too with George W. Bush,
because you know, he had all these little, you know,
malapropisms and funny sayings and so forth. But boy, he
is like brilliant. He is a new Sinstein compared to
Donald Trump.
Speaker 3 (19:03):
Let me tell you, I never thought we could get
lower than Bush. Two. You're stupider than Bush too.
Speaker 4 (19:10):
If you're a single mother with two children, which is
the toughest job in America as far as I'm concerned,
and you're working hard to put food on your family,
I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.
Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so were we.
They never stopped thinking about new ways to harm our
country and our people.
Speaker 1 (19:31):
And neither do we.
Speaker 4 (19:32):
Too many obg y ns aren't able to practice their
their love with women all across this country.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Lord, yet this guy is so much murder than Trump.
Speaker 3 (19:45):
Yeah, it is ridiculous.
Speaker 1 (19:47):
I know, like Trump is just like a seething mass
of reaction, and like Bush is basically like he's a
C student. But at least he's got something to like
mess up.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
Like I'd love to seeing somebody throw a shoe at Trumperyes.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
That would be awesome because he would hit him squarely
in the face. But anyway, solar power is good, and
there's more of it and it's cheaper, So that's that's
very positive. In spite of the fact that we have
a dummy running the country in the world, and.
Speaker 2 (20:17):
That's why you should go listen to Good News for
Lefties wherever you find podcast that seemed too slick, but
that was a really good way to end this episode. Everyone,
go listen to Good News for Lefties, find good news
about solar power. Thank you for being.
Speaker 1 (20:31):
Here, Thank you so much. And listen to Jen and
Dan on the band Camp podcast at bandcamp podcast dot com.