Immigrant Rights, Voting Justice, and Mental Health Innovations

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a powerful collection of stories that illuminate the hope and progress being made across America, even in the face of adversity. We start with a significant legal victory for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man facing deportation. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his removal, highlighting the importance of due process and community support in the fight for immigrant rights. This ruling not only brings temporary relief for Abrego but also galvanizes advocates nationwide, proving that collective action can lead to real change.

Next, we celebrate a major win for religious freedom in Texas, as a federal judge halts a new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. This decision affirms the separation of church and state, ensuring that public education remains a welcoming space for all students, regardless of their beliefs. Families and advocates are committed to protecting the rights of children to learn in inclusive environments free from religious pressure.

We also highlight a landmark ruling in Alabama, where a federal judge ordered the state to redraw its Senate district map to ensure fair representation for black voters in Montgomery. This decision underscores the ongoing struggle for voting rights and the importance of equitable representation in our democracy, inspiring hope for future progress in the Deep South.

Turning to Ohio, we share the exciting news of former Senator Sherrod Brown's campaign kickoff, which has already raised an impressive $3.6 million in just 24 hours. His grassroots support reflects a strong desire for leadership that prioritizes workers' rights and economic justice, energizing Democrats across the state as they prepare for the upcoming elections.

In a heartwarming listener-suggested segment, we explore the Montshire Museum of Science's innovative Healing Forest initiative in Vermont, which provides a tranquil space for mental health support. This initiative highlights the healing power of nature and community, offering solace to those coping with loss and promoting overall well-being.

Finally, we take a look at New Rochelle, New York, where proactive housing policies have successfully kept rents stable while increasing the availability of affordable housing. This approach serves as a model for other communities grappling with housing challenges, demonstrating that thoughtful planning can create vibrant neighborhoods without excluding residents from opportunities.

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].

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/25/kilmar-abrego-garcia-uganda-deportation-trump


https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/26/texas-schools-commandments-requirement-lawsuit/


https://reasonstobecheerful.world/what-were-reading-new-rochelle-ny-rents-down/


https://apnews.com/article/redistrict-alabama-elections-redistricting-legislature-e4c083a9bbf59dc32294b892065ab41d


https://www.aol.com/news/sherrod-brown-raises-3-6m-194036516.html


https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2025-08-12/montshire-museum-norwich-healing-forest-to-support-mental-health



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello, welcome and thank
you for joining another episode of Good News for Lefties.
I'm Baia wolf Rocklin, your host, and I'm here to
help you see the light, to help you swap out
doom and gloom for some genuine hope with uplifting stories

(00:26):
for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists, and anyone who
believes in making America a better place for everyone. It's
no secret these are challenging times. The disappearing of immigrants
and citizens off the streets of America, Trump trying to
criminally charge protesters, and the wholesale destruction of critical government agencies.

(00:52):
Today's headlines often overwhelm us with troubling news, making it
all too easy to lose sight of hope. That's exactly
why it's vital to highlight the real world positive progress
that's happening every day, progress that too often gets drown
out by the negativity. Despite the setbacks, there's genuine movement

(01:15):
toward a better America. So let these stories serve as
a reminder the change is not just possible, it's happening.
Carry this hope with you and share it with others. Okay,
let's kick off with some good news headlines designed to
brighten your day. A federal judge has delivered a reprieve

(01:38):
for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man at the center
of a high profile deportation fight, temporarily blocking his removal
from the United States. Abrego, who was previously wrongfully deported
to El Salvador and endured months of detention and abuse
in a notorious selvae or in prison, found himself back

(02:02):
in custody after checking in with ICE in Baltimore. The
court's ruling, however, firmly halts any immediate deportation, ensuring that
Abrego can remain in the US while his legal challenges
play out. This decision was celebrated by supporters and advocates

(02:22):
who have rallied around Abrego, demanding justice and due process
for immigrants facing mass deportation under intensifying federal crackdowns. Faith leaders,
family members, and activists gathered outside the ICE office to
make their voices heard, chanting messages of solidarity and hope.

(02:45):
Their advocacy helped shine a light on the importance of
legal protections, community support, and the power of collective action
in the face of government overreach. The judges order underscores
the fundamental right to due process, especially as Abrego's legal
team contests efforts to pressure him into accepting deportation under

(03:09):
the threat of being sent to Uganda, a country with
no guarantee of his safety. For many, this case highlights
the moral urgency of safeguarding immigrant rights and challenging deportation
practices that circumvent justice and compassion. Abrego's fight is resonating

(03:31):
far beyond Maryland, galvanizing communities across the country and demonstrating
that when people organize, speak out, and turn up for
one another, real change is possible. This court intervention marks
a powerful affirmation that justice, humanity, and solidarity can prevail

(03:51):
even in the most challenging moments. Before we get back
to the news, I want to tell you about an
important podcast called This Week Again, hosted by Suzanne Posel.
It takes a humorous look at politics and current events
one week at a time. It's a funny, angry, progressive, sarcastic,
hilarious podcast that drops every Sunday, and, in my opinion,

(04:15):
is the largest single repository of creatively insulting names for
Donald Trump, Mango, Mussolini, and Orange Julius Caesar are just
the beginning. So if you want to recap of the
week and you want a laugh into the bargain, listen
to This Week Again with Suzanne Posel on this platform
or wherever you listen to podcasts. That's This Week Again

(04:37):
with Suzanne Posel s U S A N N E
P S E L. This Week Again, Listen, laugh, repeat.
A federal judge has delivered a major win for religious
freedom and inclusivity in Texas schools by temporarily blocking the
state's new law requiring public classrooms to display the t Commandments.

(05:01):
The injunction, issued by U S District Judge Fred Bayery,
currently protects students and families in eleven school districts, affirming
that the mandate likely violates the First Amendment's bedrock separation
of church and state. Judge Byery's decision called out the
law for favoring one religious tradition over others, warning it

(05:25):
could stigmatize students who don't share those beliefs and interfere
with families' rights to guide their children's spiritual development. Plaintiffs
in the case a diverse group of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Unitarian,
Universalist and non religious families argued powerfully that religious instruction

(05:46):
belongs with parents and faith communities, not politicians or public schools.
Advocates celebrated the injunction as a victory for Texas's diverse
student body, sending a strong mid message that public schools
must remain places of inclusion and respect for all backgrounds

(06:06):
and beliefs. While the state has pledged to appeal, the
court's action insures for now that Texas public schools are
welcoming to every student. Families and advocates say they will
continue working to protect the rights of all children to
learn in environments free from religious pressure or exclusion, reaffirming

(06:28):
that public education should empower, not divide. A federal judge
has struck a powerful blow for voting rights in Alabama,
ruling that the state's Senate District MAP illegally deluded black
voting power in the Montgomery area and must be redrawn
for the twenty twenty six elections. Judge Ana Monasco's decision

(06:50):
orders lawmakers to create a new district in or around
Montgomery where black voters have a genuine opportunity to elect
a senator of their choice, a victory that comes after
dedicated organizing from the NAACP, Greater Birmingham ministries and community advocates.
This landmark ruling is a clear affirmation challenges to unjust

(07:15):
racially discriminatory lines can bring about real progress. The court
found it unacceptable that black voters in the Capital region
were packed into a single district, limiting their voice, while
white voters were strategically separated, diluting fair representation for communities
of color. The plaintiffs and their lawyers from organizations like

(07:39):
the ACLU and Southern Poverty Law Center heralded the decision
as proof that people power and persistence can move the
needle toward justice and inclusion in the Deep South. The
court's intervention ensures that if the legislature fails to act,
the judiciary will do the work of providing fair and

(07:59):
acquitable districts, setting a crucial example for democracy nationally. This
victory in Montgomery electrifies the ongoing movement to defend the
Voting Rights Act. An underscore is the essential truth. Meaningful representation,
not gerrymandered exclusion, is the cornerstone of an equitable, multi

(08:22):
racial democracy. While the ruling only directly impacts the Montgomery area,
it exposes unfinished business in places like Huntsville as well,
and calls for continued courage and collective action. Grassroot's success
in this case is a rallying point for all Alabamians

(08:43):
and all Americans striving to protect and expand the power
of every vote, no matter where they live or what
they look like. Former Senator Sherid Brown, Democrat of Ohio,
has kicked off his Senate comeback campaign with strong grassroots momentum,
raising an impressive three point six million dollars in just

(09:07):
the first twenty four hours after his announcement. The vast
majority of these donations came from small dollar contributions. Ninety
five percent were under one hundred dollars and represented every
county in the Buckeye State, showing broad and enthusiastic support
for Brown's working class message. Brown's campaign centers his lifelong

(09:30):
advocacy for Ohio's workers, for economic justice, and for standing
up to corporate interests and billionaires. He has consistently outperformed
other Democrats in Ohio even as the state has trended red,
building a reputation on dignity of work and pushing for
policies that uplift everyday Ohioans. Brown's entry into the race

(09:55):
energizes Democrats, who see him as their strongest contender to
win back a key seat and help shift the balance
of the US Senate. The rapid flood of donations not
only demonstrates excitement for Brown's candidacy, but also signals Ohioan's
hunger for leadership that is rooted in respect, fairness, and

(10:16):
real results for working families. His message is resonating, especially
with voters under forty, women and independence, strengthening his coalition
for a tough race against incumbent John Husted in twenty
twenty six. While the path ahead is challenging in an
increasingly competitive state, Brown's spirited fundraising and deep commitment to

(10:39):
working people position him as a formidable voice for progress.
His campaign's grassroots energy highlights a vision where Ohio's future
is shaped by ordinary people, united, organized, and ready to
reclaim power in Washington. Up next, a listener suggested story

(11:02):
back in a minute, and now, A listener suggested story
from Barry in Burlington, Vermont. The Moontshire Museum of Science
in Norwich, Vermont is pioneering a compassionate new way to
support mental health through its one hundred ten acre forest

(11:23):
sort of like a one hundred acre would creating a
space for healing and reflection for the community. One standout
feature is a symbolic wind foam inspired by a tradition
from Japan, where visitors can pick up the receiver to
ask to speak to loved ones who have passed away,
offering comfort for those coping with loss in a deeply

(11:45):
personal way. This summer, the museum expanded its Healing Forest
initiative in response to public demand for more mental health resources,
especially as the pandemic highlighted the critical role of nature
in reducing anxiety and depression. The winding trails through the
woods feature interactive exhibits designed to encourage mindfulness, like a

(12:10):
playful sound bath installation where visitors can slow down, listen,
and find peace amid ringing bells and natural sounds. Plans
are underway to further enrich the experience with new wheelchair
accessible paths to the Connecticut River, a meditation labyrinth, and
yoga platforms, making the forest a sanctuary accessible to wall

(12:36):
Admission to the museum includes access to these calming spaces
with discounted rates for low income residents, emphasizing the Museum's
commitment to community wellness and inclusivity. Former Munchaire director David Goudie,
who leads bereavement walks at the museum, describes the profound
impact of these natural healing spaces. He shares how simple

(12:59):
rins vituals like leaving messages behind and creative ways or
speaking into a disconnected wind phone can deeply move the
heart and provide solace. The Montshire Museum's Healing Forest exemplifies
how intertwining science, nature and community can offer powerful support

(13:21):
for mental and emotional wellbeing. Barry, thank you so much
for that wonderful story. 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 zero
two six five six six' two seven to, one drop
us a line At beowulf at two Squared Media productions dot,

(13:43):
com or send it to us at Good news For
lefties On, Facebook instagram or Blue. Sky the suburb Of New,
rochelle just a short train ride From New York, city
is making headlines for successfully lowering, rents while many nearby
metro areas face soaring housing. Costs over the past, Decade

(14:06):
newershelle has added more than forty five hundred new housing,
units with another sixty five hundred, planned resulting in a
thirty seven percent increase in the city's apartment. Stock these
efforts have been accompanied by streamlined approval, processes developer, incentives
and zoning reforms that have made building more efficient and.

(14:29):
Predictable unlike many cities bogged down in resistance to new,
Housing newershell embraced a developer friendly, approach including a ninety
day approval timeline for qualifying projects and a master redevelopment
plan led BY, rxr which has invested over one billion.
Dollars this strategy has helped keep rents nearly flat since twenty,

(14:54):
twenty even leading to a slight decline amid a national.
Surge locals benefit from more affordable options and enriched infrastructure
funded by developer. Fees the city also ensures equity by
setting aside at least ten percent of new units as affordable,
housing and is exploring rent stabilization. Measures with a vibrant

(15:18):
downtown filled with new residential, towers public, art and community,
Amenities newroshell is attracting families and residents seeking space and
opportunity without the prohibitive costs Of New York. City newroshell's
success is drawing attention as a replicable model for other
communities grappling with housing shortages and affordability. Crises it stands

(15:43):
as a proof point that thoughtful, growth paired with political
will can create, vibrant diverse neighborhoods where rents don't exclude
people from. Opportunity and that's a wrap for today's edition
Of Good news For. Lefties if these stories brighten your,
outlook please help us spread the. Word share this episode

(16:04):
on social media wherever you. POST a big thanks to
our production, Team Roosabel hine And Aaron watson for making
all of this possible behind the. Scenes I'm Baiable, francklin weird.
Name Good news For lefties And.

Speaker 2 (16:21):
America here's what you've been missing on The Stephanie Miller
Happy hour.

Speaker 3 (16:41):
Podcast this is the same, man all?

Speaker 4 (16:45):
Right or this is the same you, know orange, tubby
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fool who comes out, there who says With, Zalinskia oh
so you if you you just have a, war you
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(17:09):
disgraceful utterly despicable thing that has ever held public office In.
America and anyone who doesn't come up and shouts straight
out all right that you're you're a, LION, mf then
you are facilitating this.

Speaker 3 (17:26):
Disgrace subscribe to The Stephanie Miller Happy hour podcast On Apple,
Podcasts Stephanie miller dot com or wherever you get your favorite, Podcasts.

Speaker 1 (17:40):
And in case you missed, it here's this good news.
Headline Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Jeff, duncan who served from
twenty nineteen to twenty twenty, three has officially switched from
The Republican party to The Democratic, party citing deep ideological
differences that have been building for. Years in an open
entitled from A Republican Lieutenant governor To, Democrat loving my

(18:04):
neighbor Is Easier, Now duncan explained that his journey began
well Before President Donald trump's attempts to overturn the twenty
twenty election In. Georgia his decision was rooted in a
daily struggle to love my neighbor within a party whose,
policies he said increasingly conflicted with His christian faith and moral.
Values duncan specifically criticized THE gop stances on, healthcare gun, safety,

(18:28):
immigration and social. Programs he denounced Recent republican led cuts
to snap food assistance and medicaid funding as contrary to
caring for vulnerable, families and condemned The trump administration's aggressive
immigration enforcement as a lesson on how not to love your.
Neighbor his public break with the party opened last year

(18:48):
as he guarded backlash for Endorsing President Joe biden And
Vice President Kamala, harris and led to his expulsion from
The GEORGIA gop earlier in twenty twenty. Five While duncan
is yet to announce any concrete political, plans he has
received encouragement From, democrats, independents and even Some republicans frustrated
with the current direction of their. Party he indicated that

(19:11):
he is considering running for office again and expressed a
desire to make a, difference build, consensus and turn chaos
into conversations In georgia's political. Landscape his switch underscores the
growing rift within THE gop and the changing dynamics Of
american politics in states pivotal for future, elections