August 5, 2025 • 22 mins
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights inspiring stories that remind us of the resilience and courage of those fighting for democracy and justice across the nation.
We begin with the bold actions of Texas Democrats, who left the state to block a controversial redistricting plan that threatened voting rights for marginalized communities. Their stand against gerrymandering and corruption not only halted the special session but also sent a powerful message of solidarity and commitment to equitable representation.
Next, we celebrate a significant ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which upheld a decision against discriminatory immigration raids. This victory for civil rights advocates reaffirms the constitutional protections for all residents, regardless of immigration status, and highlights the ongoing fight against government overreach.
In a revealing investigation, we discuss how claims of non-citizen voting have been debunked across multiple states, demonstrating that the real threat to democracy lies in voter suppression, not fraud. This data empowers advocates to challenge unjust voting laws that disproportionately disenfranchise communities of color.
Listeners will also hear a heartwarming story of a beached minke whale in Alaska, rescued by local volunteers, showcasing the incredible bond between communities and their environment.
Finally, we share a creative protest by National Park Service rangers in response to budget cuts, who organized a bake sale to raise awareness about the vital need for funding to protect America's public lands.
As we wrap up, we spotlight Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' strong refusal to comply with a federal request for personal voter information, standing firm for voter privacy and state sovereignty.
Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of hope, courage, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but actively unfolding 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.
More on today's stories here:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/texas-democrats-flee-state-to-thwart-trump-led-plot-against-democracy
https://www.commondreams.org/news/ice-raids-california
https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/states-investigate-noncitizen-voting/
https://alaskapublic.org/news/environment/2025-07-22/beached-seldovia-whale-returns-alive-to-kachemak-bay
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/national-park-ranger-bake-sale
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/maine-secretary-of-state-tells-doj-to-go-jump-in-the-gulf-of-maine-after-refusing-voting-records-request/ar-AA1JG2GS
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
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.
We begin with the bold actions of Texas Democrats, who left the state to block a controversial redistricting plan that threatened voting rights for marginalized communities. Their stand against gerrymandering and corruption not only halted the special session but also sent a powerful message of solidarity and commitment to equitable representation.
Next, we celebrate a significant ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which upheld a decision against discriminatory immigration raids. This victory for civil rights advocates reaffirms the constitutional protections for all residents, regardless of immigration status, and highlights the ongoing fight against government overreach.
In a revealing investigation, we discuss how claims of non-citizen voting have been debunked across multiple states, demonstrating that the real threat to democracy lies in voter suppression, not fraud. This data empowers advocates to challenge unjust voting laws that disproportionately disenfranchise communities of color.
Listeners will also hear a heartwarming story of a beached minke whale in Alaska, rescued by local volunteers, showcasing the incredible bond between communities and their environment.
Finally, we share a creative protest by National Park Service rangers in response to budget cuts, who organized a bake sale to raise awareness about the vital need for funding to protect America's public lands.
As we wrap up, we spotlight Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows' strong refusal to comply with a federal request for personal voter information, standing firm for voter privacy and state sovereignty.
Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of hope, courage, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but actively unfolding 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.
More on today's stories here:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/texas-democrats-flee-state-to-thwart-trump-led-plot-against-democracy
https://www.commondreams.org/news/ice-raids-california
https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/states-investigate-noncitizen-voting/
https://alaskapublic.org/news/environment/2025-07-22/beached-seldovia-whale-returns-alive-to-kachemak-bay
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/national-park-ranger-bake-sale
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/maine-secretary-of-state-tells-doj-to-go-jump-in-the-gulf-of-maine-after-refusing-voting-records-request/ar-AA1JG2GS
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
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.
Mark as Played
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 thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm Beowulf Rockland,
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,
(00:28):
and 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, Trump firing officials who
report facts he doesn't like, and the wholesale destruction of
critical government agencies. Today's headlines often overwhelm us with troubling news,
(00:55):
making it all too easy to lose sight of hope.
That's exactly what by 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's genuine movement toward a better America. So let these
(01:16):
stories serve as a reminder that change is not just possible,
it's happening. Carry this hope with you and share it
with others. Let's kick off with some good news headlines
designed to brighten your day. Texas Democrats made headlines this
week with a dramatic act of resistance, leaving the state
(01:37):
amas to block a vote on a Republican backed redistricting
plan widely seen as an assault on voting rights. Their
action temporarily denied the Texas House the quorum required to
move forward, effectively halting a special session that had veered
from disaster relief into a deeply controversial push to redraw
(02:01):
voting districts. The proposed maps threatened to dilute the political
power of black and Latino Texans, amplifying partisan gerrymandering efforts
orchestrated with explicit support from Donald Trump ahead of the
twenty twenty six midterm elections. State Representative Jen Wu, chair
(02:23):
of the House Democratic Caucus, articulated the moral clarity behind
the decision, affirming the Democrats were not abandoning their responsibilities,
but standing up for the voices of communities long targeted
by discriminatory tactics. We're walking out on a rigged system
that refuses to listen to the people we represent, Wu said,
(02:47):
making it clear that this was a stand against corruption,
not a retreat from the fight for a fair democracy.
The stakes are enormous At a time when the nation's
democratic norms are being stress tested, Texas Democrats are refusing
to acquiesce to a system intent on perpetuating inequality and
(03:08):
silencing marginalized communities. Their action has resonated far beyond Texas,
with progressive leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom signaling a
willingness to match Republican power grabs with tough countermeasures, demonstrating
that the fight for representative democracy is national in scope
(03:30):
and that progressives are prepared to defend the integrity of
elections everywhere. By leaving the state, Texas Democrats are sending
a powerful message of solidarity, courage, and unwavering commitment to
protecting every voter's voice. Their stand inspires advocates for democracy
(03:52):
and equality across the country to demand better and reject
any attempt to entrench minority rule. In the face of
calculated efforts to undermine free elections, these lawmakers have shown
that defending democracy sometimes means breaking with routine and taking dramatic,
principled action to safeguard the future for all. In a
(04:17):
victory for immigrant and civil rights advocates, the US Court
of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has upheld a lower
court decision that found immigration rates targeting individuals based on
apparent racial identity, language, or proximity to certain locations are unlawful.
The ruling, delivered late Friday by a three judge panel,
(04:40):
is a direct rebuke of a Trump era immigration enforcement
tactic widely condemned as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The case, brought
by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California Public Council and
affected workers, challenged a series of of raids that swept
(05:01):
up people simply for speaking Spanish, appearing to belong to
a particular ethnicity, or being near places where day laborers
and agricultural workers gather. The courts found these actions were
based on profiling and stereotypes, not legitimate suspicion or pursuit
of public safety. This decision is further confirmation that the
(05:23):
administration's paramilitary invasion of Los Angeles violated the Constitution and
caused irreparable injury across the region, said Mohammed Tajsar, senior
attorney of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California. The Ninth
Circuit decision keeps in place a ban on such raids
(05:45):
across parts of southern California. As legal proceedings continue. Advocacy
groups celebrated the victory as a crucial check on government
overreach and a powerful affirmation of constitutional rights for all
residents regard regardless of immigration status. Every person, regardless of
(06:05):
immigration status, has the right to live, work, and belong
in their community without being hunted, harassed, or locked away,
said Lindsey Tozzolowski, President and CEO of Immigrant Defenders Law Center.
She said that California's defenders are determined to meet these
challenges both in the courtroom and beyond. While the Trump
(06:28):
administration may still seek further review or a Supreme Court stay,
this ruling reiterates that no one government included, is above
the law. It stands as a resolute defense of the
principle that America's communities, especially communities of color and working
class immigrants, deserve dignity, security, and justice free from targeted
(06:52):
state persecution. 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
(07:12):
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 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
(07:34):
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. A sweeping wave of
investigations across the US, launched by election officials, prosecutors, and
(07:55):
GOP led legislatures, once again reveals that non citizens voting
is a vanishingly rare phenomenon, despite persistent partisan rhetoric claiming otherwise.
In state after state, reviews of millions of ballots found
only isolated, often accidental or administrative error cases, with no
(08:17):
evidence of the organized, widespread fraud invoked to justify ever
restricter voting rules. In Texas, officials identified thirty three potential
non citizens who may have voted in the twenty twenty
four election, referring them to Attorney General Ken Paxton for investigation. Yet,
(08:38):
even as partisan leaders claim these isolated cases warrant dramatic
new restrictions, they represent a minuscule fraction thirty three out
of roughly eleven point three million ballots cast statewide. As
of late July, there was no public evidence that any
of the thirty three knowingly violated the law or had
(09:01):
been charged, and the state's long history of aggressive investigations
has produced scant convictions, especially of non citizens. Other states
tell similar stories. In Michigan, just fifteen individuals appeared to
be non citizens out of more than five point seven
(09:22):
million votes, most flagged by routine audits and unlikely to
have voted with fraudulent intent. Oregon's review found thirty eight
non citizens voted due to a clerical error out of
two point three million ballots, and Iowa found thirty five.
After verifying records for more than one point six million voters.
(09:45):
In Wyoming, zero documented cases emerged all eleven all thirteen
individuals flagged were eligible citizens. Voting rights advocates and legal
experts warned that despite the data, mythmaking persists, driving new
(10:08):
proof of citizenship requirements and barriers that disproportionately disenfranchise eligible voters,
especially naturalized Americans and communities of color. Experts argue these
laws solve a problem that in reality barely exists, while
diverting resources from genuine civic needs and undermining broad participation
(10:30):
in democracy. But the data is clear, empowered by evidence,
not rhetoric. America's election systems are strong, catching the exceedingly
rare errors that occur, while the largest threat to voting
rights remains voter suppression itself, not non citizen fraud. A
(10:53):
fifteen foot mink whale beached near Seldovia, Alaska, beat the
odds and returned to Katchamac Bay alive after spending six
hours stranded on MacDonald's spit. The whale's ordeal drew the
rapid response of Alaska Sea Life Center, the Seldovia Village Tribe,
(11:15):
and local volunteers. Upon arrival, environmental coordinator Stephen Payton and
a group of about fifteen residents worked together to keep
the whale wet and cool by pouring sea water over
its body and wrapping it in wet towels, crucial actions
to prevent sunburn and dehydration. Fortunately, rainy weather also helped
(11:38):
protect the animal. The whale endured significant injuries from thrashing
along the rocky shore, with its belly badly scratched and
its orientation sideways with the blowhole facing the water, posing
an additional risk for drowning. However, as the tide rose,
the whale was able to right itself and, to the
(11:59):
relief of the community, ultimately swam away. Observers reported seeing
the whale swimming and spouting in the bay later the
same day, a positive sign of its apparent recovery. Experts
believe the whale's stranding may have been caused by a
harmful algael bloom, as several dead marine mammals were reported
(12:20):
in the area that week. These incidents have heightened local
concerns about toxic algae impacting marine life in Kachemac Bay.
Mink whales are the smallest baalen whales in North America
and infrequently found close to shore in this region. The
Seldovia rescue effort is a heartening example of community action
(12:43):
and the critical bond between people and their environment. Those
who encounter stranded or distressed marine mammals in Alaska are
urged to contact the Alaska Sea Life Center for guidance
and response assistance. Up next, a listener suggested story back
in a minute, and now, a listener suggested story from
(13:08):
Valerie in Ashland, Oregon. National Park Service rangers and advocates
have taken a creative stand against historic budget cuts by
hosting a public Lands Can't Run on Crumb's bakesale in Denver, Colorado.
Among those leading the charge is Elizabeth Velano, a former
ranger with six years of experience who specialized in climate
(13:30):
change training before her contract wasn't renewed. Amid sweeping layoffs,
the Trump administration's drastic proposal to slash one point two
billion dollars nearly forty percent of the NPS budget, has
left parks across the country understaffed and underfunded, threatening the protection, maintenance,
(13:52):
and operation of more than four hundred and thirty National parks.
The bake sale, while symbolic and unable to replace billions
in funding, served as a vital grassroots effort to spread
awareness and rally community support for public lands facing unprecedented threats.
Organized by Resistance Rangers, a group of current and former
(14:14):
park rangers dedicated to defending the NPS and Mountain Mamas,
a climate advocacy group mobilizing local mothers. The event was
both a celebration of public lands and a call to action.
Young activists voiced urgent concerns about climate change and preservation,
affirming the importance of accessible nature for future generations. Teresa Pierno,
(14:41):
president of the National Parks Conservation Association, labeled the proposed
cuts the most extreme, unrealistic, and destructive National Park Service
budget a president has ever proposed, warning that the survival
of America's natural and historical treasures is at serious risk.
The alliance of grassroots advocacy and professional expertise shows a
(15:05):
powerful message. National parks cannot thrive without proper investment and
dedicated rangers to steward these irreplaceable landscapes. Vilano and the
advocates emphasize that protecting public lands is not solely the
responsibility of politicians, but rests on the collective voice and
actions of citizens, from bake sales to lobbying and beyond.
(15:29):
They urge everyday people to demand accountability and to support
policies that honor and preserve these sacred spaces. Vilano says
that constituents can have an important impact when they stand
united to protect the heritage and future of the nation's parks.
Thanks so much for that wonderful story, Valerie. If you
(15:51):
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 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. Maine
(16:13):
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows firmly rejected a request from
the US Department of Justice seeking detailed personal voter information
from the state, issuing a pointed and memorable rebuke. Speaking
at a press conference, Bellows told the DOJ to go
jump in the Gulf of Maine, underscoring her view that
(16:34):
the federal government was overstepping constitutional boundaries by demanding sensitive
data without proper cause. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division, citing
the National Voter Registration Act, had asked for comprehensive copies
of Maine's statewide voter registration list, election officials responsible for
(16:55):
maintaining these records, and details about the state's efforts to
update its voter rolls. Bellows, a Democrat running for governor
next year, expressed concern that the request was less about
election integrity and more about sowing false narratives to undermine
voter confidence amid political distractions. Citing Article I of the U.
(17:16):
S Constitution, Bellows said the states have the primary authority
to oversee elections, calling the DOJ's request an abuse of power.
She highlighted Bain's strong electoral board, noting that voter turnout
was the third highest nationally in twenty twenty four and
the highest in twenty twenty two. Bellows also accused the
(17:38):
DOJ of unfairly casting doubt on the professionalism of local
election officials who worked diligently to maintain accurate and secure
voter rules. While Below's offered to share the annual reports
her office submits on voterleist maintenance, she steadfastly refused to
hand over the confidential personal data requested by the DOJ.
(18:02):
Bellow's defiant stance has drawn national attention as a stand
for voter of privacy, state sovereignty, and trust in democratic processes.
And that's it 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.
(18:24):
A big thanks to our production team, Rooseabel Heine and
Aaron Watson for making all of this possible behind the scenes.
I'm be a Wolf Rocklin weird name Good news for
lefties and America.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Are you tired of the same old, boring political chatter.
Are you craving some mark in cycle and hilarious takes
on the day's news, Then get ready for America's original
sexy liberals, Stephanie Miller. She's now delivering her signature blend
of politics and pop culture five days a week in
podcast form. Dive into the day's headlines with Stephanie Miller
Out of the Gate and unwind with hilarious conversations on
(19:16):
Stephanie Miller's Happy Hour podcast. Don't miss a single laugh
or incredible moment. Subscribe to Stephanie Miller Out of the
Gate and Stephanie Miller's Happy Hour podcast on Apple Podcasts,
Stephanie Miller dot com, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
Donald Trump is facing a sharp downturn in public approval,
marking a pivotal moment in his second term, as new
polls reveal widespread discontent, especially among independent voters. The latest
Decision disc HQ average shows Trump's net approval rating sinking
(19:53):
to more than nine points under water, while Real Clear
Politics average register's disapproval at a high fifty two point
seven percent. Pulls from major organizations including Gallop, now places
approval rating as low as thirty seven percent, highlighting a
rapid erosion in public confidence since early summer. The decline
(20:14):
is being driven in part by growing concerns over the
administration's management of high profile issues, particularly the response to
the Jeffrey Epstein case, as well as Trump's approach to
immigration and economic policy. Notably, support among independents has plunged
to just twenty nine percent, matching the lowest point of
his presidency with that demographic. Recent immigration crackdowns, including widely
(20:40):
publicized ice raids at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals,
have also driven his approval on immigration to a second
term record low of forty one percent, an issue previously
seen as one of his strengths. While Trump's core base
of Republican voters remains largely support with approval remaining steady
(21:02):
at around eighty five to ninety percent. Democratic strategists are
seeing new opportunities with the president's slip among independents and moderates.
Observers note that while Trump secured legislative wins this summer,
including passing his signature Big Beautiful Bill, his broader record
is being eclipsed by mounting public concerns over inflation, civil liberties,
(21:25):
and perceptions that campaign promises remain unfulfilled. The ongoing controversy
over the Epstein files has even sparked criticism among the megabase,
suggesting the turbulence is more than a partisan split. Experts
point out that the ability to keep the ball moving
on public attention, a hallmark of Trump's political career, has
(21:47):
proven less effective while in this climate with a second
term president not facing reelection, Trump's team has embraced aggressive
policy moves, but the lack of electoral accountabilities being ten
tested as public opinion sours. As Democrats prepare for the midterms,
they are betting that the president's current difficulties will translate
(22:08):
into an opportunity at the ballot box, signaling a new
phase of political uncertainty in the months ahead.
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello, and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm Beowulf Rockland,
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,
(00:28):
and 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, Trump firing officials who
report facts he doesn't like, and the wholesale destruction of
critical government agencies. Today's headlines often overwhelm us with troubling news,
(00:55):
making it all too easy to lose sight of hope.
That's exactly what by 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's genuine movement toward a better America. So let these
(01:16):
stories serve as a reminder that change is not just possible,
it's happening. Carry this hope with you and share it
with others. Let's kick off with some good news headlines
designed to brighten your day. Texas Democrats made headlines this
week with a dramatic act of resistance, leaving the state
(01:37):
amas to block a vote on a Republican backed redistricting
plan widely seen as an assault on voting rights. Their
action temporarily denied the Texas House the quorum required to
move forward, effectively halting a special session that had veered
from disaster relief into a deeply controversial push to redraw
(02:01):
voting districts. The proposed maps threatened to dilute the political
power of black and Latino Texans, amplifying partisan gerrymandering efforts
orchestrated with explicit support from Donald Trump ahead of the
twenty twenty six midterm elections. State Representative Jen Wu, chair
(02:23):
of the House Democratic Caucus, articulated the moral clarity behind
the decision, affirming the Democrats were not abandoning their responsibilities,
but standing up for the voices of communities long targeted
by discriminatory tactics. We're walking out on a rigged system
that refuses to listen to the people we represent, Wu said,
(02:47):
making it clear that this was a stand against corruption,
not a retreat from the fight for a fair democracy.
The stakes are enormous At a time when the nation's
democratic norms are being stress tested, Texas Democrats are refusing
to acquiesce to a system intent on perpetuating inequality and
(03:08):
silencing marginalized communities. Their action has resonated far beyond Texas,
with progressive leaders like California Governor Gavin Newsom signaling a
willingness to match Republican power grabs with tough countermeasures, demonstrating
that the fight for representative democracy is national in scope
(03:30):
and that progressives are prepared to defend the integrity of
elections everywhere. By leaving the state, Texas Democrats are sending
a powerful message of solidarity, courage, and unwavering commitment to
protecting every voter's voice. Their stand inspires advocates for democracy
(03:52):
and equality across the country to demand better and reject
any attempt to entrench minority rule. In the face of
calculated efforts to undermine free elections, these lawmakers have shown
that defending democracy sometimes means breaking with routine and taking dramatic,
principled action to safeguard the future for all. In a
(04:17):
victory for immigrant and civil rights advocates, the US Court
of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has upheld a lower
court decision that found immigration rates targeting individuals based on
apparent racial identity, language, or proximity to certain locations are unlawful.
The ruling, delivered late Friday by a three judge panel,
(04:40):
is a direct rebuke of a Trump era immigration enforcement
tactic widely condemned as discriminatory and unconstitutional. The case, brought
by the ACLU Foundation of Southern California Public Council and
affected workers, challenged a series of of raids that swept
(05:01):
up people simply for speaking Spanish, appearing to belong to
a particular ethnicity, or being near places where day laborers
and agricultural workers gather. The courts found these actions were
based on profiling and stereotypes, not legitimate suspicion or pursuit
of public safety. This decision is further confirmation that the
(05:23):
administration's paramilitary invasion of Los Angeles violated the Constitution and
caused irreparable injury across the region, said Mohammed Tajsar, senior
attorney of the ACLU Foundation of Southern California. The Ninth
Circuit decision keeps in place a ban on such raids
(05:45):
across parts of southern California. As legal proceedings continue. Advocacy
groups celebrated the victory as a crucial check on government
overreach and a powerful affirmation of constitutional rights for all
residents regard regardless of immigration status. Every person, regardless of
(06:05):
immigration status, has the right to live, work, and belong
in their community without being hunted, harassed, or locked away,
said Lindsey Tozzolowski, President and CEO of Immigrant Defenders Law Center.
She said that California's defenders are determined to meet these
challenges both in the courtroom and beyond. While the Trump
(06:28):
administration may still seek further review or a Supreme Court stay,
this ruling reiterates that no one government included, is above
the law. It stands as a resolute defense of the
principle that America's communities, especially communities of color and working
class immigrants, deserve dignity, security, and justice free from targeted
(06:52):
state persecution. 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
(07:12):
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 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
(07:34):
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. A sweeping wave of
investigations across the US, launched by election officials, prosecutors, and
(07:55):
GOP led legislatures, once again reveals that non citizens voting
is a vanishingly rare phenomenon, despite persistent partisan rhetoric claiming otherwise.
In state after state, reviews of millions of ballots found
only isolated, often accidental or administrative error cases, with no
(08:17):
evidence of the organized, widespread fraud invoked to justify ever
restricter voting rules. In Texas, officials identified thirty three potential
non citizens who may have voted in the twenty twenty
four election, referring them to Attorney General Ken Paxton for investigation. Yet,
(08:38):
even as partisan leaders claim these isolated cases warrant dramatic
new restrictions, they represent a minuscule fraction thirty three out
of roughly eleven point three million ballots cast statewide. As
of late July, there was no public evidence that any
of the thirty three knowingly violated the law or had
(09:01):
been charged, and the state's long history of aggressive investigations
has produced scant convictions, especially of non citizens. Other states
tell similar stories. In Michigan, just fifteen individuals appeared to
be non citizens out of more than five point seven
(09:22):
million votes, most flagged by routine audits and unlikely to
have voted with fraudulent intent. Oregon's review found thirty eight
non citizens voted due to a clerical error out of
two point three million ballots, and Iowa found thirty five.
After verifying records for more than one point six million voters.
(09:45):
In Wyoming, zero documented cases emerged all eleven all thirteen
individuals flagged were eligible citizens. Voting rights advocates and legal
experts warned that despite the data, mythmaking persists, driving new
(10:08):
proof of citizenship requirements and barriers that disproportionately disenfranchise eligible voters,
especially naturalized Americans and communities of color. Experts argue these
laws solve a problem that in reality barely exists, while
diverting resources from genuine civic needs and undermining broad participation
(10:30):
in democracy. But the data is clear, empowered by evidence,
not rhetoric. America's election systems are strong, catching the exceedingly
rare errors that occur, while the largest threat to voting
rights remains voter suppression itself, not non citizen fraud. A
(10:53):
fifteen foot mink whale beached near Seldovia, Alaska, beat the
odds and returned to Katchamac Bay alive after spending six
hours stranded on MacDonald's spit. The whale's ordeal drew the
rapid response of Alaska Sea Life Center, the Seldovia Village Tribe,
(11:15):
and local volunteers. Upon arrival, environmental coordinator Stephen Payton and
a group of about fifteen residents worked together to keep
the whale wet and cool by pouring sea water over
its body and wrapping it in wet towels, crucial actions
to prevent sunburn and dehydration. Fortunately, rainy weather also helped
(11:38):
protect the animal. The whale endured significant injuries from thrashing
along the rocky shore, with its belly badly scratched and
its orientation sideways with the blowhole facing the water, posing
an additional risk for drowning. However, as the tide rose,
the whale was able to right itself and, to the
(11:59):
relief of the community, ultimately swam away. Observers reported seeing
the whale swimming and spouting in the bay later the
same day, a positive sign of its apparent recovery. Experts
believe the whale's stranding may have been caused by a
harmful algael bloom, as several dead marine mammals were reported
(12:20):
in the area that week. These incidents have heightened local
concerns about toxic algae impacting marine life in Kachemac Bay.
Mink whales are the smallest baalen whales in North America
and infrequently found close to shore in this region. The
Seldovia rescue effort is a heartening example of community action
(12:43):
and the critical bond between people and their environment. Those
who encounter stranded or distressed marine mammals in Alaska are
urged to contact the Alaska Sea Life Center for guidance
and response assistance. Up next, a listener suggested story back
in a minute, and now, a listener suggested story from
(13:08):
Valerie in Ashland, Oregon. National Park Service rangers and advocates
have taken a creative stand against historic budget cuts by
hosting a public Lands Can't Run on Crumb's bakesale in Denver, Colorado.
Among those leading the charge is Elizabeth Velano, a former
ranger with six years of experience who specialized in climate
(13:30):
change training before her contract wasn't renewed. Amid sweeping layoffs,
the Trump administration's drastic proposal to slash one point two
billion dollars nearly forty percent of the NPS budget, has
left parks across the country understaffed and underfunded, threatening the protection, maintenance,
(13:52):
and operation of more than four hundred and thirty National parks.
The bake sale, while symbolic and unable to replace billions
in funding, served as a vital grassroots effort to spread
awareness and rally community support for public lands facing unprecedented threats.
Organized by Resistance Rangers, a group of current and former
(14:14):
park rangers dedicated to defending the NPS and Mountain Mamas,
a climate advocacy group mobilizing local mothers. The event was
both a celebration of public lands and a call to action.
Young activists voiced urgent concerns about climate change and preservation,
affirming the importance of accessible nature for future generations. Teresa Pierno,
(14:41):
president of the National Parks Conservation Association, labeled the proposed
cuts the most extreme, unrealistic, and destructive National Park Service
budget a president has ever proposed, warning that the survival
of America's natural and historical treasures is at serious risk.
The alliance of grassroots advocacy and professional expertise shows a
(15:05):
powerful message. National parks cannot thrive without proper investment and
dedicated rangers to steward these irreplaceable landscapes. Vilano and the
advocates emphasize that protecting public lands is not solely the
responsibility of politicians, but rests on the collective voice and
actions of citizens, from bake sales to lobbying and beyond.
(15:29):
They urge everyday people to demand accountability and to support
policies that honor and preserve these sacred spaces. Vilano says
that constituents can have an important impact when they stand
united to protect the heritage and future of the nation's parks.
Thanks so much for that wonderful story, Valerie. If you
(15:51):
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 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. Maine
(16:13):
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows firmly rejected a request from
the US Department of Justice seeking detailed personal voter information
from the state, issuing a pointed and memorable rebuke. Speaking
at a press conference, Bellows told the DOJ to go
jump in the Gulf of Maine, underscoring her view that
(16:34):
the federal government was overstepping constitutional boundaries by demanding sensitive
data without proper cause. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division, citing
the National Voter Registration Act, had asked for comprehensive copies
of Maine's statewide voter registration list, election officials responsible for
(16:55):
maintaining these records, and details about the state's efforts to
update its voter rolls. Bellows, a Democrat running for governor
next year, expressed concern that the request was less about
election integrity and more about sowing false narratives to undermine
voter confidence amid political distractions. Citing Article I of the U.
(17:16):
S Constitution, Bellows said the states have the primary authority
to oversee elections, calling the DOJ's request an abuse of power.
She highlighted Bain's strong electoral board, noting that voter turnout
was the third highest nationally in twenty twenty four and
the highest in twenty twenty two. Bellows also accused the
(17:38):
DOJ of unfairly casting doubt on the professionalism of local
election officials who worked diligently to maintain accurate and secure
voter rules. While Below's offered to share the annual reports
her office submits on voterleist maintenance, she steadfastly refused to
hand over the confidential personal data requested by the DOJ.
(18:02):
Bellow's defiant stance has drawn national attention as a stand
for voter of privacy, state sovereignty, and trust in democratic processes.
And that's it 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.
(18:24):
A big thanks to our production team, Rooseabel Heine and
Aaron Watson for making all of this possible behind the scenes.
I'm be a Wolf Rocklin weird name Good news for
lefties and America.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
Are you tired of the same old, boring political chatter.
Are you craving some mark in cycle and hilarious takes
on the day's news, Then get ready for America's original
sexy liberals, Stephanie Miller. She's now delivering her signature blend
of politics and pop culture five days a week in
podcast form. Dive into the day's headlines with Stephanie Miller
Out of the Gate and unwind with hilarious conversations on
(19:16):
Stephanie Miller's Happy Hour podcast. Don't miss a single laugh
or incredible moment. Subscribe to Stephanie Miller Out of the
Gate and Stephanie Miller's Happy Hour podcast on Apple Podcasts,
Stephanie Miller dot com, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
Donald Trump is facing a sharp downturn in public approval,
marking a pivotal moment in his second term, as new
polls reveal widespread discontent, especially among independent voters. The latest
Decision disc HQ average shows Trump's net approval rating sinking
(19:53):
to more than nine points under water, while Real Clear
Politics average register's disapproval at a high fifty two point
seven percent. Pulls from major organizations including Gallop, now places
approval rating as low as thirty seven percent, highlighting a
rapid erosion in public confidence since early summer. The decline
(20:14):
is being driven in part by growing concerns over the
administration's management of high profile issues, particularly the response to
the Jeffrey Epstein case, as well as Trump's approach to
immigration and economic policy. Notably, support among independents has plunged
to just twenty nine percent, matching the lowest point of
his presidency with that demographic. Recent immigration crackdowns, including widely
(20:40):
publicized ice raids at sensitive locations like schools and hospitals,
have also driven his approval on immigration to a second
term record low of forty one percent, an issue previously
seen as one of his strengths. While Trump's core base
of Republican voters remains largely support with approval remaining steady
(21:02):
at around eighty five to ninety percent. Democratic strategists are
seeing new opportunities with the president's slip among independents and moderates.
Observers note that while Trump secured legislative wins this summer,
including passing his signature Big Beautiful Bill, his broader record
is being eclipsed by mounting public concerns over inflation, civil liberties,
(21:25):
and perceptions that campaign promises remain unfulfilled. The ongoing controversy
over the Epstein files has even sparked criticism among the megabase,
suggesting the turbulence is more than a partisan split. Experts
point out that the ability to keep the ball moving
on public attention, a hallmark of Trump's political career, has
(21:47):
proven less effective while in this climate with a second
term president not facing reelection, Trump's team has embraced aggressive
policy moves, but the lack of electoral accountabilities being ten
tested as public opinion sours. As Democrats prepare for the midterms,
they are betting that the president's current difficulties will translate
(22:08):
into an opportunity at the ballot box, signaling a new
phase of political uncertainty in the months ahead.
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