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August 11, 2025 16 mins
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on the uplifting stories that remind us of the progress being made amidst challenging times.

We begin with a powerful wave of resistance from the university community, where faculty, students, and staff unite to defend academic freedom against the Trump administration's escalating attacks. The Day of Action for higher education saw rallies at over 150 campuses, showcasing the determination to protect inclusive education and resist political interference. This movement stands as a testament to the enduring power of solidarity in the face of authoritarian overreach.

Next, we turn our attention to Washington State, where lawmakers are pushing for new regulations to curb gun violence. Proposed legislation aims to require gun owners to securely store their firearms, alongside measures for permits and restrictions on ammunition purchases. This comprehensive approach marks a refreshing step toward addressing a critical issue affecting communities nationwide.

In a historic milestone, the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is set to welcome its first monument dedicated to women's history, thanks to the tireless advocacy of the Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation. This long-overdue tribute celebrates the fight for equality and representation, reminding us that every step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

The ACLU and the NEA have also joined forces to challenge the Department of Education's directive threatening to cut federal funding for institutions engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. This legal battle is crucial for protecting the rights of educators and students, ensuring that classrooms remain spaces for open dialogue and critical thinking.
We also share a heartwarming story from Massachusetts, where Governor Maura Healey has signed two significant laws aimed at lowering healthcare costs and increasing transparency, showcasing how progressive policies can make a real difference in people's lives.

Finally, we celebrate a remarkable community effort in Chelsea, Michigan, where hundreds of volunteers came together to assist in relocating Serendipity Books, a beloved independent bookstore. This beautiful display of solidarity highlights the value of community connection and support.

Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that positive change is not only possible but already happening across 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 beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com.

Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.


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

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello, and thank you
for joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm
your host, Beowolf Rocklin, and I'm here to help you
swap out doom and gloom for some genuine hope with
uplifting stories for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists, and

(00:29):
anyone who believes in making America a better place for everyone.
It's no secret that these are challenging times. The disappearing
of immigrants and citizens, our government aiding and abetting a
genocide in Gaza, and the wholesale destruction of critical government agencies.

(00:50):
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 positive, real world progress
that's happening every day, progress that too often gets drown
out by the negativity. Despite the setbacks, there's genuine movement

(01:11):
toward a better America. So let these stories serve as
a reminder that change isn't just possible, it is happening.
Carry this hope with you and share it with others. Now,
let's kick off with some good news headlines designed to
brighten your day. A powerful wave of resistance is building
within the university community nationwide, as faculty, students, and staff

(01:36):
unite to defend academic freedom and inclusive education against the
Trump administration's escalating attacks. Weeks after Rutger's University's Senate boldly
passed a resolution to form a mutual Defense Compact, a
coalition of universities is solidifying, determined to protect their institutions
from political interference and safeguard the principles of free thought

(02:00):
and open inquiry. The Day of Action for Higher Education
saw rallies and demonstrations at over one hundred and fifty campuses,
where students and faculty courageously voiced their opposition to Trump's
draconian policies. These policies include devastating funding cuts to vital
research programs, the dismantling of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives,

(02:24):
and the suppression of academic freedom, and the chilling reality
of ice detentions targeting student organizers. The science displayed at
rallies starkly illustrated the breadth of Trump's assault on higher education,
from slashing billions in funding for the National Institutes of
Health to jeopardizing critical scientific research, to the targeted arrests

(02:47):
of international students who dared speak out against injustice. This
movement is a direct response to Trump's demand that universities
collaborate in punishing students who participated in nationwide pro Powerseestinian
solidarity protests and against the genocide in Gaza. The administration's actions,
exemplified by Columbia University's alleged betrayal of student organizers like

(03:13):
Mahmud Khalil and Mohsen Madawi, highlight the urgent need for
universities to stand as bulwarks against authoritarian overreach. In stark contrast,
faculty senates at Big ten institutions, including the University of
Nebraska at Lincoln, Indiana University at Bloomington, Michigan State University,

(03:35):
and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, have joined Rutgers
in passing resolutions advocating for mutual defense compacts. These compacts
aimed to shield universities from the legal, financial, and political
incursion of the Trump administration. At the University of Michigan,
faculty members are pushing for a resolution to defend academic freedom,

(03:57):
institutional integrity, and the research enterprise and to challenge the
administration's capitulation to Trump's demands to dismantle the university's DEI office.
Sociology and law professor Sandra Levitsky condemned the university's preemptive capitulation,
highlighting the widespread fear and silence that have gripped many institutions.

(04:23):
Indiana University's Professor Emeritus Jim Sherman, echoed these concerns, noting
the reluctance of many public university administrators to draw national attention,
hoping to avoid becoming targets. He warned that this approach
only exacerbates the anxiety, angst, uncertainty, and instability pervading campuses.

(04:45):
The growing momentum behind mutual defense compacts represents a powerful
act of solidarity and a rejection of fear driven compliance.
These compacts, which call for pooled resources and coordinated legal defense,
all for a lifeline to faculty and students facing politically
motivated attacks. Harvard University's recent defiance of Trump's demands, refusing

(05:10):
to expel pro Palestinian students or dismantle solidarity groups, stands
as a beacon of resistance. The university's willingness to risk
its tax exempt status underscores the gravity of the situation
and the necessity of principled opposition. Labor unions, including United Electrical,

(05:31):
Radio and Machine Workers of America are also playing a
crucial role in this movement, demanding that universities establish international
worker support funds and refuse to cooperate with ICE's unconstitutional requests.
This burgeoning movement represents a powerful assertion of academic autonomy
and a collective stand against the forces seeking to undermine

(05:54):
the principles of open inquiry and inclusive education. It's a
testament to the enduring power of solidarity and the unwavering
commitment to defending the fundamental rights upon which our universities
are built. Now, let's talk about a serious issue that's
been making headlines gun violence. In Washington State, lawmakers are

(06:15):
pushing for new regulations aimed at curbing this epidemic. The
proposed House Bill eleven fifty two would require gun owners
to lock up their weapons in their homes and cars,
with penalties that escalate based on the consequences of unsafe storage.
This is a common sense measure. They could save lives
and prevent future tragedies. But that's not all the package

(06:38):
of legislation also includes measures to require permits for gun
purchases and restrict bulk purchases of ammunition. Democrats also want
to see an eleven percent excise tax imposed on the
sale of firearms and ammunition, with exceptions for police in
the military. Washington's tax would be on top of the
federal excise tax. Revenue from House Bill thirteen eighty six

(07:02):
is projected at thirty five million dollars in the twenty
twenty nine to twenty thirty one by ANEUM and would
be airmarked for programs focused on gun violence prevention. It's
a comprehensive approach to addressing gun violence, and it's refreshing
to see lawmakers taking action on this critical issue. Before
we get back to the news, I want to tell

(07:23):
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,
is the largest single repository of creatively insulting names for

(07:46):
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 Plot
or wherever you listen to podcasts, that's This Week Again
with Suzanne Posel s USA, n N E pose E

(08:09):
L This Week Again, Listen, laugh, repeat. The National Mall
in Washington, DC is set to welcome its first monument
dedicated to women's history. That's right, women are finally getting
their due recognition in America's front yard. For years, the

(08:30):
Women's Suffrage National Monument Foundation, along with a group of lawmakers,
has been advocating for this monument, and as of January fourth,
their dream is becoming a reality. In the final hours
of the twenty twenty four congressional session, lawmakers voted to
pass the Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act, which officially

(08:51):
authorizes the construction of this long overdue tribute. Anna Layman,
the executive director of the Women's Fridge National Monument Foundation,
described the movement as the most remarkable moment of my life.
It's a testament to the power of perseverance and the
importance of representation. The Foundation faced pushback and skepticism, with

(09:15):
some lawmakers questioning the need for a women's monument, but
in the end, the bill passed without a single dissenting vote.
The monument will be built on the National Mall, and
while the approval process may take some time, the fact
that its officially moving forward is a monumental achievement in itself.
Layman emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the design process,

(09:39):
ensuring that the voices of women from all backgrounds are represented.
So let's celebrate this historic milestone for women's history. It's
a reminder that the fight for equality continues, and every
step forward is a victory worth celebrating. The American Civil
Liberties Union ACLU and the National Education Asso NEA have

(10:01):
teamed up to file a lawsuit against the US Department
of Education. This legal action challenges the Department's recent directive
that threatens to cut federal funding for educational institutions engaging
in diversity, equity and inclusion DEI efforts. The lawsuit was
filed in U S District Court in New Hampshire and

(10:22):
argues that the Department of Education has overstepped its legal
authority by imposing vague restrictions that violate due process in
the First Amendment. The ACLU and NEA contend that these
measures are an unlawful attack on educational equity and academic freedom.
Becky Pringle, president of the NEA, stated, across the country,

(10:46):
educators do everything in their power to support every student,
no matter where they live, no matter how much their
family earns, or the color of their skin. She emphasized
that the department's threats are politically motivated and aim to
stifle the important work being done to create inclusive classrooms
where diversity is celebrated. The lawsuit outlines several key legal

(11:10):
grounds for challenging the department's actions, including violations of the
First Amendment, the Fifth Amendment, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
It argues that the Department cannot dictate curriculum or educational programs,
especially when it comes to fostering an environment that values
diversity and inclusion. This legal battle is crucial not only

(11:32):
for educators, but for students across the nation who deserve
a full and honest education. The chilling effects of the
departments overreach are already being felt, as educators may hesitate
to teach important topics related to race and equity for
fear of losing funding or facing punitive measures. As Anthony

(11:52):
d Romero, executive director of the ACLU, put it, this
is a blatant attack on free speech and academic freedom.
The aclun NEA are standing firm in their commitment to
protect the rights of educators and students alike, ensuring that
classrooms remain spaces for open dialogue and critical thinking. So

(12:13):
let's cheer on the ACLU and NEA as they fight
for educational equity and the rights of students and teachers
across the country. It's a battle worth fighting. Up next,
a listener suggested story back in a minute now. A
listener suggested story from Wendy in Maine, Massachusetts Governor Maura

(12:37):
Healey has signed into law two significant pieces of legislation
aimed at lowering healthcare costs and increasing transparency in the industry.
The new laws cap prescription drug costs at twenty five dollars,
improve access to primary care, and enhance oversight of the
healthcare industry. Governor Healey said, we know that one of

(12:59):
the big most strains on Massachusetts family budgets is the
high healthcare costs. These reforms are designed to alleviate some
of that financial burden, ensuring that life saving medications are
more affordable for those who need the most. Lieutenant Governor
Kim Driscoll echoed this sentiment, emphasizing massachusetts commitment to being

(13:21):
a global leader in healthcare innovation. With these new laws,
the state is taking proactive measures to hold the healthcare
industry accountable and protect patients. So here's the Governor Healey
and her team for their dedication to improving health care
access and affordability. It's an example of how progressive policies
can make a real difference in people's lives. Thanks for

(13:44):
that story, Wendy. If you've got thoughts, ideas, and more
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 one, or drop us a line
at Beowulf at two squared Media Productions. Hundreds of volunteers
in Chelsea, Michigan, recently came together in an extraordinary display

(14:07):
of solidarity to ensure the seamless relocation of Serendipity Books,
a cherished independent bookstore faced with the daunting task of
moving its entire inventory of ninety one hundred books to
a new location bookstore owner Michelle Tuplin reached out to
her devoted patrons and neighbors for assistance. The response was

(14:28):
nothing short of remarkable, with three hundred individuals eager to
lend their hands and energy to support this vital community hub.
What unfolded was a beautiful illustration of collective action. A
human chain, or rather two, stretching along the main street.
This book brigade efficiently and joyfully passed the store's entire
collection hand to hand from the old location to the

(14:51):
new space, just a short distance away. The new expanded location,
more than twice the size of the original, is set
to celebrate its grand opening on April twenty sixth, a
fitting date that coincides with America's Independent Books Your Day.
This story is about more than just moving books. It's
about community ownership, mutual support, and the collective valuing of

(15:13):
culture and connection. 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 thank you to
our production team, roosebelt Heine and Aaron Watson for making
all of this possible Behind the scenes, I'm be Wolf

(15:36):
Rocklin weird name good news for lefties and America.

Speaker 2 (15:58):
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you craving some smart, insightful, and hilarious takes on the
day's news, Then get ready for America's original sexy liberal,
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(16:20):
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