Florida's Alligator Alcatraz Closure, Public Media Resilience, and Sisters' Pilgrimage for Justice

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a series of uplifting stories that highlight resilience and activism in the face of adversity. We start with a significant victory in Florida, as a federal judge orders the closure of the controversial immigration detention facility, known as Alligator Alcatraz. This decision, driven by concerns over inhumane conditions and ecological damage, marks a triumph for environmental groups and advocates for humane immigration policies, showcasing the power of community action.

Next, we celebrate a coalition of philanthropists and foundations coming together to rescue vulnerable public radio and TV stations from devastating funding cuts. Spearheaded by the Knight Foundation, this initiative aims to raise $50 million to support local stations that serve as vital sources of news and education, highlighting the commitment to preserving public media's role in democracy.

We also discuss Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raul's bold legal challenge against the Trump administration's attempt to withhold $54 million in federal funding for crime victims. This lawsuit underscores the importance of ensuring that support for survivors remains accessible, regardless of immigration status, and reflects a commitment to justice and compassion amidst political strife.

In a significant corporate development, Target CEO Brian Cornell announces his departure in February 2026, following backlash against the company's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This shift serves as a reminder of the intrinsic link between corporate values and consumer trust, emphasizing the importance of authentic commitments to equity.

We also feature a listener-suggested story about a powerful pilgrimage of hope led by nearly 500 Catholic sisters in Atlanta, who walked in solidarity to address urgent issues like forced migration and climate change. Their commitment to social justice and faith-based activism inspires a movement for change rooted in compassion and community.

Lastly, we highlight a generous land gift to the University of Colorado Boulder, establishing the Spruce Gulch Wildlife Research Reserve. This donation not only supports ecological research but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, showcasing the potential for academic exploration in preserving our natural resources.

Join us for this episode filled with stories of hope, activism, and the belief that positive change is possible in America! If you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share, we’d love to hear from you! Call or message us at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at [e-mail].



More about today's stories:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-florida-desantis

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-florida-desantis

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/business/the-race-to-rescue-pbs-and-npr-stations.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fU8.no1b.kfcCH2JLx0pm&smid=em-share

https://news.wttw.com/2025/08/18/illinois-sues-trump-administration-access-crime-victim-funding

https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/20/business/target-stock-ceo-cornell

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/catholic-sisters-march-for-immigrants

https://www.colorado.edu/today/2025/08/12/spruce-gulch-land-gift-enhances-future-ecological-and-academic-studies-cu-boulder

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm Beowolf Rocklin,
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,

(00:27):
and anyone who believes in making America a better place
for everyone. It's no secret that these are challenging times.
Medicare starting to require prior approval for some procedures, Trump
trying to ban art from the Smithsonian and the White
House trying to use a Chicago area military base for
an immigration crackdown. Today's headlines often overwhelm us with troubling news,

(00:51):
making it all too easy to lose sight of hope.
But that's exactly why it's vital to highlight the positive
progressive wins happening every day in the United States of
America to help us spread the positivity. If you enjoy
the show, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
or your podcast platform of choice. It helps more lefties

(01:13):
like you hear more good news stories and stay positive
and motivated for the days ahead. Now, let's get to
some good news headlines designed to brighten your day. Florida's
controversial immigration detention facility, known as Alligator Alcatraz, is on
track to be fully vacated within days, following a federal

(01:35):
judge's order to close the camp due to its harsh
conditions and ecological impact. The detention center, located in the
Florida Everglades, was hastily constructed last year and quickly drew
criticism for unsanitary living conditions, with detainees facing flooded toilets, infestations,

(01:56):
and denial of access to legal counsel. US District Judge
Kathleen Williams ruled that the state must dismantle the facility
within sixty days, citing irreversible damage to the fragile Everglades
ecosystem and the facility's failure to meet constitutional standards for
humane treatment. Despite Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' administration appealing the ruling,

(02:19):
internal communications confirm the detainee population has dwindled significantly, with
state officials stating the camp will likely have zero detainees imminently.
This marks a victory for environmental groups and Native American tribes,
including the Mikasukee tribe. Who sued over the facility's creation
and operation on protected wetlands. The centre's closure calls attention

(02:44):
to the human and environmental costs of the Trump era
immigration crackdown in Florida, lifting a shadow that has loomed
over detainees and the surrounding community. As Florida prepares to
open a new detention site in the state's north, active
tists and advocates are closely watching to ensure humane conditions
and respect for the environment remain priorities. The imminent closure

(03:07):
of Alligator Alcatraz stands as a reminder of the power
of legal and community action in resisting unjust and harmful
immigration policies. An inspiring coalition of philanthropists and foundations is
racing to rescue America's most vulnerable public radio and TV
stations from a devastating wave of federal funding cuts. Spearheaded

(03:31):
by the Knight Foundation, which has committed ten million dollars,
this collaborative effort aims to raise fifty million dollars by
years in to provide emergency funding to local stations that
rely heavily on the now shuttered Corporation for Public Broadcasting
to serve their communities. These stations, many located in rural

(03:52):
and underserved areas, are the heartbeats of local news, education
and emergency communication, and their potential closure sparked urgent calls
for philanthropic intervention. The Public Media Bridge Fund, managed by
Public Media Company, is designed to swiftly distribute resources to
those stations most at risk, prioritizing small outlets that face

(04:16):
immediate threats of shutting down or drastically cutting services. Foundations
include Ford MacArthur, the Schmidt Family Foundations, and Robert wood
Johnson have joined forces to back this crucial initiative, bringing
much needed stability where federal support has fallen short. Even
before all the money has been raised, this decisive action

(04:37):
has already helped stations avoid layoffs and closures, including keeping
trusted local programming alive. Public media leaders emphasize that this
emergency funding is a lifeline, not a permanent fix. They
advocate for long term restructuring solutions, such as collaborative station
partnerships and new funding models to ensure the sustainability of

(04:58):
public media's vital role across the country. While NPR and
PBS can weather the cuts due to their national resources,
these local stations are on the front line, serving tens
of millions of Americans who depend on public media for
impartial news and disaster alerts. This wave of support underscores
the deep commitment from communities, philanthropic leaders, and public media

(05:22):
advocates to preserve a uniquely American institution dedicated to education, culture,
and democracy. It shows the power of collective action and
resourcefulness in the face of adversity, and it's a hopeful
sign that public media will continue to thrive well into
the future. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has taken a

(05:45):
strong stand against the Trump administration's attempt to withhold fifty
four million dollars in vital federal funding designated to support
crime victims in the state. Joining a coalition of Democratic
attorneys general from thirty five states, Raoul filed the multi
state lawsuit challenging the administration's imposition of illegal and unconstitutional conditions,

(06:06):
linking this funding to state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
This funding, authorized under the Victims of Crime Act, is
crucial for providing services such as counseling, emergency shelters, medical care,
and funeral expenses to thousands of crime survivors across Illinois.
The lawsuit argues that tying crime victim funding to immigration

(06:29):
enforcement policies disregards the original intent of Congress and violates
core principles of federalism, separation of powers, and the Constitution's
spending laws. Raoul said that these grants have no relation
to immigration policy and that conditioning this support on cooperation
with immigration authorities is not only illegal but immoral. He

(06:52):
and his colleagues are fighting to ensure that victim services
remain accessible to all survivors, regardless of immigrations, which is
essential for community safety and justice. This legal battle highlights
the broader conflict between states seeking to protect vulnerable populations
and a federal administration pushing aggressive immigration enforcement through funding leverage.

(07:16):
Advocates stress the importance of preserving dedicated resources that help
victims heal and rebuild their lives, warning that withholding funds
will deepen trauma and limit access to essential services for thousands.
The coalition's effort shows a powerful commitment to upholding both
justice and compassion in the midst of political attacks on

(07:38):
immigrant communities. As the lawsuit proceeds in federal court and
pressure mounts on the Department of Justice Illinois and its
partners are sending a very important message. Crime victims are
people deserving of support. They're not political bargaining chips. Protecting
these funds safeguards the well being of survivors and strengthen

(08:00):
the bonds of trust and safety in communities, values essential
to public safety and democracy itself. Target CEO Brian Cornell
has decided to step down as a February twenty twenty six.
This is reflective of the heavy toll of the company's

(08:20):
retreat from its once bold diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,
a shift that alienated core customers and sparked widespread backlash
which Brian Cornell's stepping down is viewed as the culmination
of Target had been a leader in corporate dei, investing
millions to support black communities, LGBTQ plus inclusion and supplier diversity,

(08:46):
with visible gains in employee representation and customer satisfaction across
diverse communities. But the rollback of these programs in early
twenty twenty five, including ending the racial Equity Action and
Chain initiative and shelving supplier diversity efforts, sent a message
that deeply disappointed many supporters of true inclusion. The rollback

(09:09):
led to a fierce consumer boycott spearheaded by activists and
allies who saw targets move as a betrayal of its
commitment to equity and justice, contributing to significant sales declines
and diminished public trust. This cultural and economic fallout directly
challenged Cornell's leadership and made clear that abandoning the EI

(09:30):
was not just a strategic mistake, but a loss of
the values that had endeared Target to many shoppers. Community
advocates lamented how the rollback undermined workplace equity and broader
social progress at a critical moment in America's recording with
systemic racism. Analysts now see a pivot toward operational renewal,

(09:51):
focusing on store experience and merchandise trends, but the real
test will be whether the company can rebuild authentic relationships
with its diverse customs and regained the spirit of inclusion
that once defined Target's brand. Cornell's exit serves as a
powerful reminder of the intrinsic link between corporate values and
business success, and the cost of betraying the commitment to

(10:14):
equity in a deeply divided society. Up next, a listener
suggested story back in a minute, and now a listener
suggested story from Brenda in Chattanooga, Tennessee. On August fourteenth,
nearly five hundred Catholic sisters gathered in downtown Atlanta for

(10:36):
a powerful pilgrimage of hope, walking a one point two
mile route of prayer, song and silence to call attention
to three urgent issues forced migration, climate change, and racism.
This spiritual procession, part of the annual Leadership Conference of
Women religious gathering, was especially meaningful as it coincided with

(10:59):
the Jubilee Year declared by Pope Francis. Emphasizing prayer, reconciliation,
and social justice. These sisters paused at three symbolic stops
to pray for the environment, immigrant communities, and racial equality,
bringing a moving, faith based witness to these intertwined crises.

(11:20):
The sister's prayer for immigrants was particularly poignant, reflecting their
ongoing commitment to stand by migrant families and those torn
apart by harsh immigration enforcement. Sister Susan Francois of the
Sisters of Saint Joseph of Peace shared how the pilgrimage
connected her to the lived realities of migrant families. She

(11:42):
spoke of meeting a seven year old girl trying to
visit her father before his deportation, underscoring the personal impact
behind the sister's public witness. The group's prayers invoked the
Virgin of Guadalupe, a symbol of hope and protection from
many immigrant communities. These women of faith also embraced Pope
Francis's environmental teachings, chanting and reflecting on Laudato c his

(12:07):
encyclical calling for care for our common home and social
justice intertwined with ecological responsibility. The pilgrimage was a sacred
act of resistance and solidarity, a demonstration of deep care
and commitment in the face of systemic injustice. The Pilgrimage
infused the streets of Atlanta with a sense of hope

(12:30):
and collective purpose. Participants and observers alike recognized the power
of communal prayer and public witness to inspired change, nurturing
a wider movement for justice rooted in faith, compassion, and
unwavering hope for a better world. Thanks so much for
that story, Brenda. If you have thoughts, ideas, or more

(12:51):
good news to share, we'd love to hear from you.
Call or message us at two zero two six five
six six' 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 The university Of Colorado boulder

(13:14):
has received a remarkable four hundred and seventy six acre
land gift known as The Spruce Gulch Wildlife Research, reserve
generously donated by Alumna Linda Holobar, sanabria along with an
endowment valued together at ten point four million dollars to
support ecological and academic work at the. Site the gift

(13:36):
STRENGTHENS Cu boulder's long standing connection To Spruce, gulch where
faculty and students from The institute Of arctic And Alpine
research have conducted research for nearly twenty five. Years the
reserve offers a rich and varied, landscape including, canyons, meadows and,
savannahs providing diverse opportunities for ecological studies and outdoor. Learning

(14:00):
holibar's family has cared for the land for nearly a,
century with its history as indigenous hunting grounds and use in, mining, logging,
agriculture and conservation shaping its unique. Ecology the donation includes
important preservation conditions and a conservation, easement ensuring the land's
protection while supporting vital scientific. Exploration Professor Emeritus Tim, seisted

(14:26):
who directs the, reserve praised the site as a special
low impact research environment and highlighted successful projects like biological
weed control that help maintain its health without harmful. Chemicals
beyond ecological, studies the endowment and land open exciting new
possibilities for multidisciplinary academic, exploration inspiring collaboration across, sciences, humanities

(14:53):
and the. Arts holibar and her spouse said avoiding narrow
disciplinary views fostering broad perspectives at the reserve were important to,
them making it a unique resource FOR Cu boulder's diverse.
Community the reserve's future includes funding for student and faculty,
research trail, maintenance and educational facilities to deepen engagement and.

(15:18):
Learning that's a wrap for today's edition Of Good news For.
Lefties remember if these stories brighten your, outlook please help
us spread the word by rating and reviewing us On Apple, Podcasts,
spotify or your podcast platform of. CHOICE a big thanks
to our production, Team Rosabel hine And Aaron watson for

(15:40):
making all of this possible behind the. Scenes i'm Bail Wolf,
rocklin weird name good news for lefties And. America stay

(16:07):
tuned after this commercial break for more of, me your
humble and obedient, servant AS i speak With jen And
dan of the Band Camp.

Speaker 2 (16:15):
Podcast The John Peegle Saying 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 rock, stars, journalists, activists unhinged, callers and way too many.
Comedians they all have a place of A John Feagal sing,

(16:37):
podcast and so do. You The John figle Sing Podcast
fair And. Biased find it On Apple, Podcasts, Spotify stitcher
for wherever you listen to bobs.

Speaker 1 (16:47):
And now 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 and camp podcast
dot com and just a quick trigger warning here there
may be some clips Of Donald trump played in this next.

(17:08):
Segment it's time for band Camp.

Speaker 3 (17:12):
News True, speaker News.

Speaker 1 (17:14):
Speaker they Will. Rocklin it's a weird, name but he's
got good news because he can't be.

Speaker 3 (17:21):
Truth he's broadcasting live from the Good news for lefty.
Studios buried deep inside his social safe, house hidden somewhere
deep in The Oregon. Woods he Is Babe Wolf rockland because.

Speaker 1 (17:35):
You Can't Hello, Dan Hello, jen And Hello scary. Book
people think so much right having me. On New York
city is doing some great stuff that should be making.
Headlines they are making sure that, kids even during the,
summer do not go hungry when they do not have
access to school. Meals New York City Public schools teamed

(17:58):
up With No Kid Hungry News New york to provide
free meals across the five boroughs throughout the. Summer the
director Of No Kid Hungry New, York Rachel, sibella said
the food will be distributed at a variety places including, parks, schools, pools,
libraries and food. Trucks so a lot of, kids a

(18:19):
lot of poor, kids they depend on those meals throughout
the school, year and when the summer, comes like they
get one less meal and they're that much more, hungry
and it's through In New York. City, certainly it's through
in a lot of places around the, country But New
York city at any rate is making sure that kids
are going to get fed one way or. Another AND

(18:41):
i really think that we should take their example and
make sure that every kid gets a, meal gets fed
every single. Day and we need to do that with, everyone,
really but we certainly we wish to start with kids
who are, growing whose minds are. Developing this is wonderful,
news and it's something that needs to spread far out from,

(19:03):
here right. On that's, Wonderful that is great.

Speaker 4 (19:06):
News it's usually Again Liberal States democrat are the ones
who always think about. Others that's always, it like it
would never have crossed the mind of what's his nuts
down there In Texas, abbott, RIGHT i, mean it's like
it's ridiculous or they just depend on. Man these guys

(19:28):
have such a hard time for, Church like they want
church to do. Everything, yeah you, know, yeah charities or
churches feed the?

Speaker 3 (19:36):
Kids what have we do?

Speaker 1 (19:38):
It what about the? Workhouses can't you go to the?
Workhouses Like Jesus rude, SAID i, mean that's the. Thing
the mentality really hasn't changed since eighteen, forty Since dickens wrote.
THIS i mean it's the same set of principle. PRINCIPLES
i shouldn't call it, principles but My god like the
same mentality that you've got to work and work and

(20:01):
that's the only thing that's. Important you're not a human,
Being you're just a cog in in my machine AND
i profit from. You and loose states they want to
make that. Better they want everybody to be fed because
they consider people to be human, beings whereas the far
right considered people to be cogs in the machine or

(20:23):
seats in the. Pew that's just about.

Speaker 4 (20:25):
It but doesn't it make sense, THAT i, MEAN i
don't know why they can't look that workers will be
better off if they have, homes if they can, eat
if they have money to spend on, stuff and kids
will be, smarter they'll go to, school they'll learn, more
they'll actually be smarter and make the workforce. BETTER i

(20:45):
mean they have such short.

Speaker 3 (20:49):
Sight, yeah they're.

Speaker 1 (20:51):
Only thinking about the next dollar they can get if they.
Provide and here's the thing, too they we just heard
that The Big Beautiful bill was going to eliminate all
this money from from snap from food assistance for. People,
now the way that they put food stamps in, place
to begin, with the way they struck that bargain with

(21:12):
conservative states was they, said, okay, well you know, work
this is gonna be good for farmers and conservative states
because you're gonna you're gonna have this wheat and you're
gonna have this, milk and it's gonna and we're gonna
buy it from, you and we're gonna provide food for
kids and for people who who need to, eat who
don't have enough. Money and, now, like what's gonna happen

(21:34):
to that they're cutting off the, farmers and they're cutting
off the people who would eat the food that the
farmers aren't. Growing it's just. Crazy it doesn't make any.

Speaker 4 (21:41):
Sense why don't they ever see it? Though like what
is the?

Speaker 3 (21:45):
Deal is?

Speaker 4 (21:45):
It truly that they just only look at the one
step in front of? Them, well the.

Speaker 1 (21:51):
One, dollar like the one dollar that's. It, yeah that's
what it comes down. To they can afford to a
certain extent to let society fall. Apart because you've heard
that some of these rich people they're building bunkers In
idaho And montana and other places in remote, areas and

(22:13):
they're getting ready for society to collapse because they know
that what they've done is likely to cause.

Speaker 4 (22:18):
That, yeah so smart move you. Morons, everyone go listen
To Good news for wherever you find pod

Speaker 1 (22:35):
And listen To jen And dan on the Band Camp
podcast at bandcamp podcast dot com