Trump’s Approval Plummets, Iowa's Senate Seat Opens Up, and Washington Leads on Forest Conservation

A recent Quinnipiac University poll reveals a historic low in President Trump's approval ratings, signaling a growing demand for accountability and change as dissatisfaction spreads across the nation. We discuss the implications of this shift, particularly among independent voters, as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

In South Carolina, Republican Representative Nancy Mace faced an embarrassing turnout at a campaign event, raising questions about her grassroots support amid her controversial stances. Meanwhile, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, opening up a competitive Senate seat that could lead to new progressive voices in Iowa politics.

Washington State is making strides in environmental conservation by designating 77,000 acres of legacy forests for protection, a significant move in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. This initiative showcases the importance of thoughtful stewardship and the potential for innovative management strategies that benefit both the environment and local communities.

A heartwarming listener-suggested story highlights a unique competition where high school students build tiny homes, with one group donating their creation to a mental health rehabilitation center. This initiative not only provides housing for those in need but also empowers students through hands-on learning and community engagement.

We also share inspiring actions taken by two Orlando businesses in response to the removal of a Rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub. These local entrepreneurs are transforming their spaces into vibrant community art areas, ensuring that the spirit of love and inclusivity remains strong in the face of adversity.

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].

Today's stories:

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5476006-trump-approval-rating-drop/


https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/nancy-mace-canceled-speech-south-carolina-b2813390.html


https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/republican-sen-joni-ernst-wont-seek-re-election-iowa-2026-rcna228053


https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/washington-to-protect-the-old-growth-forests-of-tomorrow-creates-77000-acres-of-legacy-forests/


https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/tiny-house-nacogdoches-high-schoolers

https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2025/08/25/pulse-crosswalk-memorials



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 be
able Frogling, your host, ready to help you swap out
doom scrolling for some genuine hope scrolling with uplifting stories
for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists, and anyone who

(00:30):
believes in making America a better place for everyone. Today's
troubling headlines often overwhelm us, and I'm sure if you
follow the news, you'll read or hear about some of
them today. All the bad news makes it easy to
lose sight of hope, and that's exactly why it's vital
to highlight the positive progressive wins happening every day in

(00:52):
the United States of America to help us spread the positivity.
If you enjoyed the show, please rate and review us
on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast platform of choice.
It helps more lefties like you hear more good news
stories and stay positive and motivated for the days ahead. Now,

(01:12):
let's get to some good news headlines designed to brighten
your day. A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows President Trump's
approval rating at a historic low in his second term,
reflecting widespread frustration across the country. Only thirty seven percent
of registered voters approve of his job performance, while fifty

(01:33):
five percent disapprove, making a four point decline since July
and his lowest rating since January twenty twenty one. This
significant drop underscores the growing dissatisfaction with Trump's leadership amid
ongoing challenges facing the nation. The poll also highlights a
twenty one point shift since Trump began his second term,

(01:57):
when he enjoyed a forty six percent approval rating. The
rising disapproval signals that more Americans are seeking real change
and accountability from their leaders as the country grapples with
economic concerns, foreign policy dilemmas, and social issues. Independence, a
critical voting block, largely disapprove of the president's performance, with

(02:18):
fifty eight percent saying they do not support his job handling.
While Trump maintains strong support among Republicans, that base has
shrunk slightly to eighty four percent approval, down from ninety
percent last month. The widening gap between party lines reveals
a nation deeply divided, but one that increasingly challenges policies

(02:39):
and rhetoric that have polarized communities. Democrats show overwhelming disapproval
at ninety eight percent, reaffirming the urgent need for leadership
that unites rather than divides. As the twenty twenty six
mid term elections approach, These trends suggest momentum for progressive
efforts to push forward an agenda focused on rebuilding and renewal.

(03:04):
Voters clear demand for a better path forward points to
an opportunity for leaders committed to investing in communities, protecting rights,
and addressing the pressing issues that matter to most working
families across America. South Carolina Republican Representative Nancy Mace faced
a setback when she canceled a campaign speech due to

(03:27):
a strikingly low turnout. The event, hosted by the far
right group Moms for Liberty in Horry County, was expected
to draw over one hundred attendees eager to hear Mace
discuss protecting parental rights. However, when the time came, only
eight people showed up, prompting the congresswoman to skip her

(03:48):
planned remarks and instead meet with attendees individually. Despite the
disappointing crowd, Mace's campaign touted poll numbers showing her leading
the pack in the Republican gubernatorial primary with twenty percent support,
although over a third of GOP voters remained undecided. She
claimed throwing backing from Trump supporters in the state, highlighting

(04:09):
her alignment with President Trump and her branding as Trump
in high Heels. The dramatic contrast between polling data and
actual event turnout, however, raised questions about the campaign's grassroots momentum. Mace,
known for her combative style and hardline stances, including anti
transgender rhetoric, has courted controversy throughout her campaign. Earlier this summer,

(04:34):
she sparked backlash with remarks glorifying ice deportation raids and
openly embraced her reputation as a proud transphobe. These polarizing
tactics might be limiting her appeal beyond a narrow base.
Before we get back to the news, I want to
tell you about an important podcast called This Week Again,

(04:55):
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 Donald Trump, Mango Mussolini, and

(05:16):
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 with Suzanne Posel s U S
A N N E PO s E L This Week Again, Listen, laugh, repeat.

(05:43):
Senator Jody Ernest of Iowa announced she will not seek
reelection in twenty twenty six, opening up a competitive Senate
seat in estate known for long serving incumbents and political shifts. Ernst,
Iowa's first female combat veteran and elected to Congress, confirmed
her decision in a social media video, citing a desire

(06:05):
to focus more on her family and community after years
of public service. Ernst's retirement comes as a significant moment
in Iowa politics, following Governor Kim Reynolds's decision not to
run for another term. The open Senate seat is drawing
attention from multiple candidates, including Republican Representative Ashley Hinson, who

(06:27):
has indicated plans to run and has positioned herself as
a strong supporter of President Trump and his agenda. Several
Democrats have also declared their bids, energizing efforts to flip
the seat and expand democratic influence in the Senate. As
the twenty twenty six midterms approach, Iowa is poised for

(06:48):
a highly contested race, they could influence the balance of
power in Washington. Ernst's departure presents an opportunity for fresh
progressive voices and ideas, signaling a new chapter for all
Iowa voters seeking leadership that reflects their evolving concerns and aspirations.
Washington State is taking a significant step forward in forest

(07:11):
conservation by setting aside seventy seven thousand acres of legacy
forests to protect the old growth forests of tomorrow. These
legacy forests are mature, biodiverse woodlands that were logged before
World War II, but have since grown and developed unique
ecosystems richer than typical secondary forests. Public Lands Commissioner David

(07:34):
up the Grove announced this landmark move, highlighting that these
forests store more carbon and support more wildlife than younger forests,
making them vital in the fight against climate change and
biodiversity laws. This initiative marks the largest forest conservation action
in Washington in a generation, with the state removing these

(07:58):
areas from the standard laws looking rotation to preserve their
ecological value. The plant includes exploring innovative management strategies like
carbon credit markets to generate revenue while maintaining forest health
and habitat. Commissioner up the Grove emphasized balancing climate and
community needs by protecting these forests while continuing sustainable timber

(08:21):
harvests on other lands to fund local schools and services. Foresters,
ecologists and data scientists collaborated to identify one hundred six
thousand acres of older, structurally complex forests, selecting the most
critical seventy seven thousand acres for protection. This approach recognizes

(08:41):
legacy forests as the emerging old growth forests of the future,
providing wildlife corridors, clean water, and vital carbon sinks. Although
some logging interests have expressed concern, conservation advocates praise this
step as crucial to safeguarding Washington's natural heritage. Washington's protection

(09:03):
of legacy forests sets a powerful example for forest management worldwide,
sparking new conversations about how to nurture forests that have
recovered significantly over decades but still face threats. It underscores
the importance of thoughtful stewardship preserving biodiversity, combating climate change,
and ensuring that future generations inherit thriving resilient forests. Up next,

(09:29):
a listener suggested story back in a minute, and now
a listener suggested story from Brandon in Dallas, Texas. Every year,
the Construction Industry Education Foundation organizes tiny home building competitions
across states like Texas, Indiana, California, and Oregon. These challenges

(09:51):
give high school students a chance to design and construct
a ninety six plus square foot structure that meets industry standards,
all within just two days. This hands on experience goes
beyond traditional classroom learning by immersing students in real world
problem solving and teamwork on a job site. In March,

(10:12):
more than one hundred eighty five students divided into thirteen teams,
came together in Houston for the Design Build competition hosted
at lone Star College North Harris. Among them, students from
Natchidoche's High School's Career Technical Education program stood out by
building an impressive tiny house that placed second in the contest.

(10:35):
Instead of just seeing the competition as an academic exercise,
the students and their teachers chose to take their efforts
further by donating their completed tiny home to serve a
meaningful cause. That cause became the Village Knack, a mental
health rehabilitation center in Natchidosha's, Texas, which supports people experiencing

(10:57):
homelessness and chronic mental health challenges through temporary housing and
mentoring programs. The nonprofit encourages residents to engage in community
activities like gardening, pottery, be keeping, and more. Fostering a
holistic approach to recovery and self sufficiency. The tiny house
donation offers a lasting home for those in need, cycling

(11:20):
documents through and making room for new residents over time.
This initiative has a profound effect both on the students
and the community. For the young builders, it transforms their
project from a classroom assignment into a lasting gift that
benefits others. Sean Lucina, director of the CTE program, highlights

(11:41):
the satisfaction students experience realizing their skills have created something
tangible and enduring for people in their own community. An
empowering lesson in giving back through craftsmanship and care. Thanks
so much for that story, Brandon. If you have thoughts, ideas,
or more good news to share, we'd love to hear

(12:01):
from you. 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,
com or send it to us at Good news For
lefties On, Facebook, instagram or Blue. Sky after The Florida

(12:22):
department Of transportation painted over The Rainbow crosswalk near The
Pulse nightclub Last, friday Two orlando businesses took the initiative
to ensure the symbol of love and resilience remains vibrant
in the. Community Trina, gregory owner of the popular brunch
spot Seven, bytes plans to transform her restaurant's parking lot

(12:44):
into a community art space that promotes, love, resilience and
inclusivity for visitors and locals. Alike gregory emphasized her business
as a safe place for all individuals to, gather, work
and create, community describing the overwhelming support she has received
for this. Effort, Meanwhile Mojo Mann slimwares Owner Lane blackwell

(13:08):
has already painted a large progressive rainbow flag on his
parking lot pavement as a tribute to the forty nine
victims of The pulse. Shooting blackwell views this act as
a way to maintain visibility for THE lgbtq plus community
and keep the memory, alive asserting that despite, setbacks the
community will not be erased or. Silenced the effort from

(13:31):
these business owners follows the controversial state removal of the
original rainbow crosswalk near The pulse, site an act that
sparked protests and widespread outrage Among orlando residents and. Leaders
the rainbow, crosswalk created in twenty seventeen as part of
a memorial to the victims of the twenty sixteen mass

(13:51):
shooting At Pulse, nightclub had become a beacon OF lgbtq
plus pride and. Remembrance despite being painted over by state
officials citing regulations against political expression on, roadways local activists
and community members have continuously restored the crosswalk with chalk
and paint in acts of resilience and. Defiance Both gregory

(14:15):
And blackwell hope their contributions offer the community a peaceful
and lasting space to honor the forty nine lives, lost
while asserting the ongoing strength and presence Of ORLANDO'S lgbtq plus.
Population their actions stand as a powerful testament to community
solidarity in remembrance and celebration of. Diversity that's a wrap

(14:40):
for today's edition Of Good news For. Lefties remember if
these stories brighten your, outlook please help us spread the
word by rating and reviewing us On Apple, Podcasts, spotify
or your podcast platform of. CHOICE a big thanks to
our production, Team Rooseabel hine And Aaron watson for making
all of this possible behind the. Scenes i'm BeO Wolf

(15:03):
rockland weird Name Good news For lefties And.

Speaker 2 (15:08):
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Chatter are you craving some, smart, insightful and hilarious takes

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on the day's, News then get ready For america's original sexy,
Liberal Stephanie.

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Miller she's now delivering her signature blend of politics and
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(15:56):
or wherever you get your favorite.

Speaker 1 (15:57):
Podcasts and in case you missed, it here's this good news.
Headline Representative, Rocana democrat Of, california has taken a bold
stand For american consumers by announcing bipartisan legislation to Repeal
President trump's steep coffee, tariffs a move that aims to
put money back in people's pockets and restore affordability to daily.

(16:22):
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 And, colombia have been called out as an unnecessary
tax On americans at the start of their. Day kana's

(16:45):
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 terror on commodities like, coffee which simply cannot be
grown in meaningful quantities ON us soil only hurt, consumers

(17:08):
fueling higher prices with no benefit For american farmers or. Workers,
Instead kana's proposal is about common sense and economic. Fairness
backed by bipartisan, support this legislation would finally lift a
burden that hits millions of working, people small, businesses and

(17:28):
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 reaffirm the values of economic justice and pragmatic. Policymaking
their push to end the coffee tariff serves as a

(17:51):
reminder that, smart people centered policy rooted in fairness and
solidarity can bring relief and real change to mainstream