Progress in the Courts, Coffee Relief, and Mental Health Gains

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen dives into a wealth of uplifting stories that illuminate the resilience and progress being made across America. We begin with a landmark ruling from a federal judge who dismissed a lawsuit from the Trump administration against Maryland's federal judges, reinforcing the vital role of judicial independence and due process for immigrants facing deportation. This ruling exemplifies the strength of America’s legal system and its commitment to justice.

Next, we highlight Representative Ro Khanna's bipartisan initiative to repeal steep coffee tariffs that have burdened American consumers. This legislation aims to restore affordability to daily life, demonstrating how common-sense policies can uplift working families and small businesses nationwide.

We also turn our attention to New York, where Democratic leaders are exploring redistricting options in response to aggressive map changes in other states. Though constitutional hurdles exist, the commitment to fair representation remains strong, ensuring that every voice is heard in Congress.

In a significant win for the freedom to read, a federal judge in Florida has struck down parts of a controversial book ban law that removed over 700 titles from school shelves. This decision not only protects students' First Amendment rights but also champions the importance of literature in fostering empathy and understanding among young readers.

Shifting gears, we share encouraging news about a decline in teen suicide and depression rates, thanks to increased awareness and dialogue about mental health. This positive trend highlights the importance of community support and accessible resources for young people.

Finally, we explore the rise of small-scale plug-in solar panel systems, which are becoming an affordable and accessible renewable energy option for homeowners across the nation. These systems empower individuals to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprints without the complexities of traditional solar installations.

Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the belief that positive change is happening every day 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].

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/judge-dismisses-trump-lawsuit-maryland-based-judges-handling-immigrati-rcna227233


https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/trump-s-15-20-coffee-tariff-targeted-by-bipartisan-bill-ro-khanna-says-tax-on-americans-at-the-start-of-their-day-must-go/ar-AA1KzdAX


https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/politics/2025/08/22/hochul-leaders-meet-on-redistricting-


https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/velshi-banned-book-club-author-183046818.html


https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/04/nx-s1-5490050/nsduh-depression-suicide-federal-statistics-teens


https://apnews.com/article/balcony-plug-solar-climate-energy-renewable-trump-c162abf520da0fa155dc971270b8684a



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, and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm Beowulf Rocklin,
your host, ready to help you swap out doom scrolling
for hope, scrolling with uplifting stories for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists,

(00:28):
and anyone who believes in making America a better place
for everyone. It's no secret these are difficult times. The
disappearing of immigrants and citizens off the streets of America,
Trump trying to fire members of the Federal Reserve without cause,
and the wholesale destruction of critical government agencies. Today's headlines

(00:50):
often overwhelm us with troubling news, making it all too
easy to lose sight of hope. And 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 negativity. Despite the setbacks, there is genuine movement

(01:10):
toward a better America. So let these stories serve as
a reminder that change isn't just possible, it's happening. And
carry this hope with you and share it with others.
Let's kick off of some good news headlines designed to
brighten your day. A federal judge has delivered an important
victory for judicial independence and the rule of law by

(01:33):
dismissing a Trump administration lawsuit against all fifteen federal judges
in Maryland. The suit, which challenged a standing order protecting
immigrants from immediate deportation, was labeled by US District Judge
Thomas Cullen as unprecedented and unfortunate, marking a forceful defense

(01:54):
of the essential role of the courts in safeguarding due process. Ullan, himself,
a Trump appointee, affirmed in his ruling that lawsuits by
the executive branch against the judicial branch for performing its
oversight functions are simply not how our system works. It's
not how our constitutional democracy operates. He emphasized that the

(02:19):
administration could and should have challenged the standing order through
existing legal challenges such as appeals, instead of launching a
sleeping attack on the federal judiciary. The court's action highlights
the enduring strength and resilience of America's checks and balances,
even in times of political tension and disagreement. The standing

(02:40):
order in question was designed to ensure that immigrants facing
detention had at least two business days to seek legal
recourse before the government could act on deportation. Reflecting Maryland's
commitment to upholding access to justice, the court made clear
that it will not tolerate attempts to intimidate or undermine judges,

(03:01):
calling out what it described as an organized attempt by
the executive to tarnish and discredit judges who issue rulings
the administration dislikes. This decision shines as a win for
fairness and constitutional separation of powers, reinforcing that judges are
empowered to review government actions and protect vulnerable individuals from

(03:24):
rushed or unjust treatment. It's a testament to the continued
vibrancy of America's legal system, where principled resistance upholds the
promise of justice for all, even when the stakes are high.
Representative Rocana, Democrat of California, has taken a bold stand
for American consumers by announcing bipartisan legislation to repeal President

(03:49):
Trump's steep coffee tariffs, a move that aims to put
money back in people's pockets and restore affordability to daily life.
With US coffee production at less than one percent of
what the country consumes, these tariffs ranging from fifteen percent
to twenty percent on imports from major producers like Brazil, Vietnam, Indonesia,

(04:14):
and Colombia have been called out as an unnecessary tax
on Americans at the start of their day. Kana's initiative
comes at a time when US retail coffee prices have
spiked nearly fifteen percent in a year, squeezing households already
grappling with inflation. Allies, including leading economists, point out that

(04:35):
tariffs on commodities like coffee, which simply cannot be grown
in meaningful quantities on US soil, only hurt consumers, fueling
higher prices with no benefit for American farmers or workers. Instead,
Kana's proposal is about common sense and economic fairness. Backed

(04:55):
by bipartisan support, this legislation would finally lift a burden
that hits millions of working people, small businesses, and coffee
lovers nationwide, restoring a key staple of every day American
life to its rightful place, accessible, affordable, and free from
political gamesmanship. By championing this cause, Kana and his coalition

(05:19):
reaffirm the values of economic justice and pragmatic policymaking. They're
push to end the coffee tariff serves as a reminder
that smart people centered policy rooted in fairness and solidarity
can bring relief and real change to Main Street. Before
we get back to the news, I want to tell
you about an important podcast called This Week Again, hosted

(05:41):
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,
is the largest single repository of creatively insulting names for
Donald Trump. Mango Mussolini, and Orange Julius Caesar are just

(06:04):
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
with Suzanne Posel s U S A N N E
P S E L This Week Again, Listen, Laugh, Repeat.

(06:29):
New York's Democratic leaders, including Governor Kathy Hokeel and Assembly
Speaker Carl Heasty, are actively discussing redistricting options in response
to aggressive mid decade map changes in states like Texas.
Hokel has emphasized that New York cannot simply sit by
as other states try to change the rules to benefit
one party, vowing to explore every option to ensure New

(06:53):
Yorkers are fairly represented in Congress. However, New York's constitution
currently only allows redistricting once each decade and is overseen
by an independent bipartisan commission, a process established by voters
to avoid partisan gerrymandering. Any mid decade redistricting would require

(07:15):
a constitutional amendment passing two consecutive legislatures and then winning
voter approval on a statewide ballot. This means the earliest
new maps could be used is the twenty twenty eight elections.
Legislation proposed by state Senator Michael Gennaries and Assembly Member
Micah Lasher would let lawmakers read raw district lines only

(07:39):
if another state initiated mid decade redistricting first. Despite the
desire to respond to Republican moves in Texas, Democratic leaders
insist they will maintain fairness by retaining criteria that prevent gerrymandering,
such as prohibiting maps drawn to favor any party and
considering communities of interest in racial equity though the conversation

(08:02):
is ongoing and urgent from any constituents, there is no
immediate path for New York to adopt congressional maps. Before
twenty twenty eight, lawmakers and advocates continued to debate how
best to provide equitable representation while respecting the state's constitutional
safeguards and public input. A win for the freedom to
read has arrived in Florida, where a federal judge has

(08:24):
struck down key portions of the state's sweeping book ban law,
House Bill ten sixty nine. This law, which had resulted
in the removal of over seven hundred beloved books from
school shelves, including works by celebrated authors like Angie Thomas,
Julie Alvarez, Lourie Halse Anderson, and Judy Pico, was declared

(08:46):
overbroad and unconstitutional for violating students' First Amendment rights. Authors, publishers, students,
and parents joined forces in a powerful lawsuit challenging the
laws chilling reach. Judge Carlos Mendoza's decision made clear that
none of these books are obscene, dismantling a core argument

(09:07):
for their removal and affirming that books are gateways to
empathy and understanding. Not threats that must be censored. The
judge blasted the laws vague standards that led to books
being pulled for a single mention of restricted content, regardless
of their literary, artistic, or educational value. This breakthrough restores

(09:27):
hope and momentum for educators and libraries and communities working
to build inclusive, inspiring spaces where all young readers can
find themselves on the shelves. It empowers those fighting censorship
to push for the swift return of these titles, and
underscores the need for policies rooted in the real educational
needs and lived experiences of Florida's diverse students. Angie Thomas

(09:53):
and many others are celebrating the decision, recognizing it as
a victory not just for authors and readers, but for
democracy its clas health. By insisting that literature's power to
foster empathy and knowledge must never be stifled by politics,
the court's ruling sends a clear message the freedom to
read and to be inspired is worth defending. Up next,

(10:15):
a listener suggested story back in a minute, and now,
a listener suggested story from ingrid in Helena, Montana. New
federal data brings hope to families, educators, and mental health
advocates nationwide, teen suicide and depression rates in the US
are finally on the decline. According to the twenty twenty

(10:38):
four National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the percentage
of teens twelve to seventeen experiencing serious suicidal thoughts dropped
from nearly thirteen percent in twenty twenty one to ten
percent in twenty twenty four, and the rate of suicide
attempts also fell from three point six percent to two

(10:59):
point seven percent. Reported episodes of major depression and teens
declined as well, moving from twenty one percent to fifteen percent.
Experts attribute this positive trend in part to increased openness
and dialogue about mental health among young people. Programs like
the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions Talk Saves Lives are

(11:22):
helping teens learn about the warning signs, encouraging more to
seek help and talk about their struggles instead of suffering
in silence. More teens are connecting to treatment specific to
suicide prevention, a sign that school interventions and targeted resources
are making a tangible impact. Yet, while these improvements are
caused for optimism, advocates caution there is still significant work ahead.

(11:46):
In twenty twenty four, two point six million adolescents still
had suicidal thoughts and seven hundred thousand attempted suicide that year.
Barriers like high out of pocket costs, provider shortages and gaps,
and culturally competent care remains stubborn obstacles. Additionally, this year's
federal report did not include crucial breakdowns by race or ethnicity,

(12:10):
vital data for ensuring all communities benefit equally from prevention
efforts and resources. Overall, the decline in teen suicide is
a testament to the collective efforts of families, mental health professionals, teachers,
and students working together. These gains fare from the power
of connection, access to quality care, and youth empowerment in

(12:31):
moving us closer to a future where every young person
has the hope, support and resources they need to thrive.
Thanks so much for that story, Ingrid. If you have thoughts, ideas,
or more good news to share, we'd love to hear
from you. Call or message us at two zero two
six five six six y two seven to one, drop
us a line at beowolf at two squared Media Productions

(12:53):
dot com, or send it to us at good News
for lefties on Facebook, Instagram, or blue Sky. Small scale
plug in solar panel systems are gaining momentum across the
United States as an affordable, easy to install, renewable energy
option for homeowners and renters alike. Popular in Europe for years,

(13:15):
these plugin or balcony solar panels, roughly the size of
a door, offer a simple way to reduce energy bills
and shrink one's carbon footprint without the complexity and cost
of traditional rooftop solar Terrence Dwyer of Oakland, California, was
quickly convinced after receiving a flyer for a two thousand

(13:35):
dollars system he could install himself on his backyard deck.
His setup includes two four hundred watt panels, an inverter,
and a small meter, lowering his monthly power bill by
about thirty five dollars. More importantly, Dwyer emphasizes the environmental benefits,
seeing it as a means to responsibly reduce carbon emissions

(13:56):
in everyday life. The rise of these systems comes in
maid looming changes in federal solar incentives, with Trump's recent
budget and policy package set to eliminate long standing residential
rooftop solar tax credits. This shift is steering interest toward
more accessible plug in models, which are already seeing surges
and demand, including from states like Utah that have passed

(14:19):
laws to streamline regulations for easier installation and ownership. While
utility policies remain somewhat patchy and awareness is building, companies
like Brightsaverer and Craftstrom are leading the push to democratize
solar energy. Industry experts anticipate growing acceptance as regulators catch
up and more Americans discover the power of small scale

(14:41):
solar to save money, fight climate change, and take control
over their energy future. 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 on social media wherever you post. A big thanks
to our production team, Roosabel Hine and Aaron Watson for

(15:02):
making all of this possible behind the scenes. I'm Beowulf Rocklin,
weird name, Good News Filefties and America.

Speaker 2 (15:29):
Here's what you've been missing on the Stephanie Miller Happy
Hour podcast.

Speaker 3 (15:34):
This is the same man, all right, or this is
the same you know, orange tubby pile of rotted tomato,
all right? Colostomy bag diaper wearing fool who comes out
there who says with Zelenskia, Oh so you if you
you just have a war, you start a war, then
you don't have to have elections.

Speaker 4 (15:54):
Oh okay, that's a good idea, right, Donald Trump is
the most 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
lie in mf then you are facilitating this disgrace.

Speaker 2 (16:18):
Subscribe to the Stephanie Miller Happy Hour podcast on Apple Podcasts,
Stephanie Miller dot com or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Speaker 1 (16:30):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
Foot Traffic at American Eagles stores dipped noticeably in early
August following the launch of its controversial Sydney Sleeney campaign.
According to new data. Analytics firm passed By reported that
visits to the retailer were down nine percent year over

(16:53):
year during the week of August third, marking the second
consecutive week of declines after the campaigns debut. In contrast,
the brand had been enjoying growth just weeks earlier, with
foot traffic rising nearly six percent and five percent in
mid July. The campaign, titled Sydney Sweeney Has Great Genes,

(17:15):
has sparked criticism from some observers, who argue its imagery
carried unsettling undertones and leaned heavily into sexualized marketing. American
Eagle has not commented publicly on whether its internal data
shows a similar pattern in sales or customer visits. The
company has faced a polarizing spotlight as the campaign drew

(17:36):
endorsements from political figures, even as cultural critics questioned its message.
On social media, most posts about the ads have been
favorable you know on x from fascists. Whether the downturn
reflects a short term fluctuation or a broader consumer response
remains to be seen. For now. The case highlights both

(17:57):
the risks and reach of high profile campaigns. Whether the
downturn reflects a short term fluctuation or a broader consumer
response remains to be seen.