Maryland's Justice Moves, Minnesota's Nurses' Victory for Care, and Rhode Island's Stand Against Censorship

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a powerful lineup of stories that highlight progress, justice, and community empowerment across the nation. We begin with Maryland Governor Wes Moore's groundbreaking initiative, which includes nearly 7,000 pardons for simple cannabis possession as part of a broader effort to close the racial wealth gap and repair the harms of past drug policies. This monumental step not only clears records but also invests in communities disproportionately affected by discriminatory practices, showcasing Maryland as a national leader in equity-driven policy.

Next, we celebrate a significant victory for healthcare workers in Minnesota, where nurses have reached a tentative agreement with hospital employers that prioritizes workplace safety and fair compensation. This agreement, achieved through collective action, reflects a growing movement to ensure that patient care and worker well-being are at the forefront of healthcare negotiations.

Rhode Island takes a stand for intellectual freedom with the signing of the Freedom to Read Act, ensuring that library materials remain accessible and protected from censorship. This legislation affirms the fundamental right to explore diverse voices and perspectives, reinforcing the importance of inclusion in education and community spaces.

Oregon is also making headlines with Governor Tina Kotech's executive order mandating a ban on student cell phone use in public schools. This bold move aims to enhance student well-being and academic success by creating distraction-free learning environments, setting a progressive example for educational policy nationwide.

Listeners will be inspired by the passage of the Summer Willis Act in Texas, a landmark law that redefines consent and closes loopholes in sexual assault statutes. This legislation empowers survivors and strengthens protections, marking a significant step forward for justice and accountability in the state.

Finally, we highlight Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre's victory in the special election for San Diego County's District 1 supervisor seat, a win that signals a shift towards progressive priorities and community-driven policy in South County. Aguirre's commitment to clean water, affordable housing, and environmental justice resonates with the urgent needs of her constituents.

Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of advocacy, resilience, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but happening right now!

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You can find more about this week's stories here:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/benjaminadams/2025/06/26/maryland-gov-moore-grants-7000-more-pardons-in-cannabis-equity-push



https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/twin-cities-nurses-reach-deal-avoiding-a-strike-duluth-hospitals/89-3a61bbb9-a0dd-4f98-bafe-b6a87fa9ce0e



https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/briefs/gov-mckee-signs-freedom-to-read-act-into-law/



https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2025/07/gov-tina-kotek-issues-executive-order-mandating-bell-to-bell-ban-on-student-cellphones-in-oregon-schools.html



https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/texas-sexual-assault-bill-summer-willis-legislature-consent



https://www.10news.com/americavotes/mccann-concedes-to-aguirre-in-district-1-supervisor-special-election-race



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