October 8, 2025 • 20 mins
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we bring you a series of empowering stories that highlight the victories and resilience of communities standing up for justice and progress. We start with a significant ruling from U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras, who has blocked the Trump administration's plan to detain immigrant children once they turn 18, ensuring that vulnerable youths are protected from unnecessary incarceration. This ruling is a testament to the power of organized advocacy and the importance of compassion in our immigration system.
Next, we celebrate another judicial win as a federal judge strikes down a Trump-era cap on funding for state-led clean energy programs, safeguarding essential resources for renewable energy projects across 19 states. This decision reinforces the vital role of clean energy initiatives in combating climate change and supporting job growth in local communities.
We also report on a federal appeals court's unanimous decision to reject Republican efforts to purge Michigan's voter rolls, affirming the integrity of the state's election system and protecting access to the ballot for millions of voters. This ruling stands as a crucial victory for voting rights advocates in the face of partisan attempts to suppress participation.
In a historic moment, Pritchard, Alabama, has elected Carleta Davis as its first black woman mayor, marking a significant shift in leadership for a community facing longstanding challenges. Her victory reflects the power of grassroots activism and the demand for accountable governance in local politics.
We also share a listener-suggested story about a suburban Indianapolis community's successful fight against Google's plans for a massive data center, showcasing the strength of grassroots organizing against corporate expansion.
Finally, we highlight the Interior Department's approval of over $54 million to protect vital wetlands and expand access to public lands, reinforcing the commitment to conservation and local economies.
Join us as we celebrate these uplifting stories that remind us of the progress being made towards a more just and equitable society. If you find these stories inspiring, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform! We’d love to hear from you, so reach out at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com.
For more about today's stories:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/04/immigrant-children-ice-detention-ruling
https://www.ijpr.org/environment-energy-and-transportation/2025-10-03/federal-judge-finds-feds-illegally-capped-sustainable-energy-funding-in-oregon-california-17-other-states
https://www.courthousenews.com/appeals-court-blocks-republicans-attempt-to-purge-michigan-voter-rolls/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2025/09/small-coastal-alabama-town-elects-first-black-woman-mayor.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/residents-shut-down-google-data-134500250.html
https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2025-09/interior-announces-more-54-million-waterfowl-habitat-increased-public-access?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
Next, we celebrate another judicial win as a federal judge strikes down a Trump-era cap on funding for state-led clean energy programs, safeguarding essential resources for renewable energy projects across 19 states. This decision reinforces the vital role of clean energy initiatives in combating climate change and supporting job growth in local communities.
We also report on a federal appeals court's unanimous decision to reject Republican efforts to purge Michigan's voter rolls, affirming the integrity of the state's election system and protecting access to the ballot for millions of voters. This ruling stands as a crucial victory for voting rights advocates in the face of partisan attempts to suppress participation.
In a historic moment, Pritchard, Alabama, has elected Carleta Davis as its first black woman mayor, marking a significant shift in leadership for a community facing longstanding challenges. Her victory reflects the power of grassroots activism and the demand for accountable governance in local politics.
We also share a listener-suggested story about a suburban Indianapolis community's successful fight against Google's plans for a massive data center, showcasing the strength of grassroots organizing against corporate expansion.
Finally, we highlight the Interior Department's approval of over $54 million to protect vital wetlands and expand access to public lands, reinforcing the commitment to conservation and local economies.
Join us as we celebrate these uplifting stories that remind us of the progress being made towards a more just and equitable society. If you find these stories inspiring, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform! We’d love to hear from you, so reach out at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com.
For more about today's stories:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/04/immigrant-children-ice-detention-ruling
https://www.ijpr.org/environment-energy-and-transportation/2025-10-03/federal-judge-finds-feds-illegally-capped-sustainable-energy-funding-in-oregon-california-17-other-states
https://www.courthousenews.com/appeals-court-blocks-republicans-attempt-to-purge-michigan-voter-rolls/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2025/09/small-coastal-alabama-town-elects-first-black-woman-mayor.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/residents-shut-down-google-data-134500250.html
https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2025-09/interior-announces-more-54-million-waterfowl-habitat-increased-public-access?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-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 baiabl Frocklin,
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,
(00:27):
and anyone who 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
(00:49):
every day in the United States of America to help
us spread the positivity. If you enjoy 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, let's get to some good
(01:12):
news headlines designed to brighten your day. A federal judge
has delivered a win for immigrant rights, blocking the Trump
administration from detaining immigrant children once they turn eighteen. The
ruling halts government plans to transfer these young people into
adult detention facilities, a move immigrant advocates warned would have
(01:36):
begun this weekend and further traumatized miners seeking safety in
the United States. US District Judge Rudolph Contreras in Washington,
d C. Issued the temporary restraining order late Saturday, directing
Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop shifting unaccompanied miners into
adult custody on their eighteenth birthdays. Contreras found that such
(02:01):
detention violated a twenty twenty one court order requiring that
those who reach adulthood be placed in the least restrictive
setting available, a policy aimed at protecting vulnerable youths from
unnecessary incarceration. Immigrant advocates and community groups applauded the decision
as a crucial defense of basic compassion and due process.
(02:26):
The administration's latest plan was designed to coerce children into
abandoning their cases through fear, said maraud Awade of the
New York Immigration Coalition, referring to a separate proposal that
would pay miners to self deport Advocates have called those
payments exploitative and said they undermined the asylum system itself,
(02:49):
which promises each child a fair hearing before removal. The
ruling comes amid renewed outcry over reports that Trump officials
have revived family separations and intensified detention efforts nationwide, even
targeting immigrant children and their sponsors. Lawyers say such tactics
(03:10):
echo passed abuses already deemed unlawful by federal courts for
many immigrant families and allies. Contrarast's order is a reminder
that organized advocacy still matters, and that federal courts remain
a vital check on government cruelty. More good news from
the courts, a federal judge, a different one has struck
(03:32):
down a Trump administration attempt to slash support for state
led clean energy programs, ruling that a cap on funding
for salaries, benefits, and other staffing costs was illegal. The
decision protects renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification projects in
nineteen states, ensuring they can continue without devastating job cuts
(03:55):
or delays. Judge Mustafa Kasubai of the us DA District
Court in Oregon sided with a coalition of Democratic Attorneys
general led by Oregon's Dan Rayfield, who argued that the
Department of Energies ten percent cap on indirect and fringe
costs violated federal law. Those costs, which include staff pay,
(04:18):
health coverage, and retirement benefits, are essential for delivering large
scale clean energy projects, from weatherizing homes to expanding public
transit electrification. State leaders said the administration's cap would have
derailed critical climate work, forced layoffs of experienced project staff,
(04:38):
and increased energy costs for families. This is about keeping
our clean energy workforce strong and ensuring communities see the
benefits of those programs. Rayfield's office noted following the ruling,
the last year alone, Oregon used a portion of its
seven hundred and eighty six thousand dollars in state energy
(04:58):
program grants to hey engineers, planners, and field staff, the
people who make renewable upgrades and efficiency gains happen on
the ground. The victory comes as the administration faces mounting
legal backlash over what Democratic governors and attorneys general describe
as politically motivated attacks on climate initiatives and blue states,
(05:21):
including the abrupt cancelation of seven point five billion dollars
for hydrogen and other green projects. By preserving funding flexibility,
The Court's decision ensures that state energy agencies can continue
driving a clean energy transition that lowers costs, creates jobs,
and safeguards the planet. Before we get back to the news,
(05:43):
I want to tell you about an important podcast called
This Week Again, hosted by Suzan 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.
(06:08):
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 to podcasts. That's This Week Again with Suzanne
Posel s us A N N E pose E L
(06:31):
This Week Again, Listen, laugh, repeat, still more good court news.
The Federal Appeals Court has rejected Republican efforts to purge
Michigan's voter rules, affirming that their lawsuit lacked any credible
evidence of harm or illegality. In a unanimous ruling, the
three judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
(06:53):
found that the Republican National Committee's claims of inaccurate voter
data were based on speculation, not fact, delivering another victory
for voting rights and election integrity advocates in a state
that is repeatedly faced partisan attempts to restrict access to
the ballot. The court agreed with US District Judge Jane Beckering,
(07:15):
who dismissed the case last year, finding that the RNC
failed to show any measurable injury resulting from Michigan's voter
registration practices. The panel wrote that the parties alleged harms,
such as possibly spending more money or misallocating campaign resources,
were purely conjectural and hypothetical. All three judges on the panel,
(07:37):
appointed by George W. Bush upheld that reasoning underscoring the
lack of evidence supporting claims of widespread voter list inaccuracies
or fraud. The ruling also pointed to a similar failed
case by a right wing nonprofit that tried to access
Michigan's voter data, noting that courts have consistently rejected these
attempts as baseless and politically motivated. Michigan Secretary of State
(08:01):
Jocelyn Benson, who has prioritized strengthening election security and voter access,
has repeatedly defended the state system as secure, accurate, and
nationally recognized for its high participation and bipartisan oversight. High
participation bipartisan two things MAGA definitely does not want. Voting
(08:23):
rights advocates hailed the decision as another example of the
courts standing up to partisan interference ahead of twenty twenty six.
By reaffirming the legitimacy of Michigan's voter roles, the Sixth
Circuit ensured that millions of voters, especially in communities long
targeted by suppression tactics, will remain protected from politically driven
(08:44):
purges masquerading as election integrity measures. Pritchard, Alabama, made history
last week by electing Carletta Davis as its first black
woman mayor, ushering in new leadership for a majority black
coastal community that has faced years of water, sewer and
(09:04):
governance challenges. Davis, a community organizer and leader of the
grassroots group We Matter eight Mile, decisively defeated incumbent Jimmy
Gardner in a runoff, earning more than three times his
total vote. Her win caps a season of local political
challenge in Prichard, where four of the five city council
(09:27):
seats are now held by women. Davis's activism on infrastructure issues,
particularly the town's chronic sewage spills and massive losses in
its water system, has resonated with residents looking for solutions
to long neglected problems. She has pledged to unite the
city and bring accountable leadership to a community where service
(09:49):
failures have often collided with election controversies. The campaign unfolded
against a backdrop of legal disputes and scrutiny over ballot
access last Bump. Its general election saw accusations of mishandled
provisional ballots, and the ACLU of Alabama sharply criticized the
city's voting process, citing poor access for eligible voters and
(10:12):
missteps by election officials. Despite these obstacles, Davis's grassroots outreach
and focus on essential services helped her carry neighborhoods still
contending with decades of disenfranchisement. For Prichard, Davis's victory represents
both a symbolic milestone and a pragmatic shift in a
(10:34):
town that is nearly eighty nine percent black and grappling
with high utility debt, crumbling infrastructure, and concerns over public safety.
Her leadership signals a commitment to inclusive problem solving and
community resilience. As she takes office alongside the newly elected council,
residents are hopeful that the city's spirit of champions, as
(10:56):
outgoing Mayor Gardner described it, will power a renewed push
for progress. Up next, a listener suggested story back in
a minute, and now, a listener suggested story from Frederica
in Indianapolis, Indiana. Residents in a suburban Indianapolis community scored
(11:19):
a victory against big tech this week, forcing Google to
withdraw plans for a sprawling, one billion dollar data center
that locals said would drain their resources literally. The company
pulled its rezoning request before the Indianapolis City Council after
months of fierce organizing, with residents warning the project would
(11:40):
spike energy costs and siphon off millions of gallons of
water during an ongoing drought. Community members cheered as Google's
attorneys announced the withdrawal at a packed meeting where neighbors
had shown up ready to speak out against what they
called unchecked corporate expansion at their expense. We beat Google,
(12:01):
one resident said, to thunderous applause, while others described the
fight as an example of grassroots determination triumphing over corporate power.
The proposed development in Franklin Township, more than four hundred
and sixty acres of farmland outside Indianapolis, had faced mounting
opposition since it was announced earlier this year. Residents circulated petitions,
(12:26):
held rallies, and flooded local hearings, arguing the plan would
burden the local grid, undermine home values, and generate few
permanent jobs. The campaign drew support from progressive allies, who
framed it as part of a growing nationwide movement to
hold tech giants accountable for their environmental impact and unrestrained
(12:47):
land grabs. Although Google could resubmit its application within months,
organizers say they're prepared to keep the pressure on. For
many in Indiana, the win marks a hopeful moment of
resistance again against what they see as the extractive footprint
of data driven corporate expansion. As one organizer put it,
(13:07):
people power still rings and we're not backing down. Thanks
so much for that. Story Frederica. 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 two seven to one, drop us
a line at Beowulf at two Squaredmedia Productions dot com,
(13:29):
or send it to us at good News for Lefties
on Facebook, Instagram or blue Sky. The Interior Department has
approved more than fifty four million dollars to protect vital
wetlands and expand access to public lands across the country,
strengthening federal efforts to restore ecosystems while supporting local recreation economies.
(13:52):
The funding comes through the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, drawn
primarily from duck stamp sales and fees on arms and ammunition,
a program that has generated over one point three billion
dollars since nineteen thirty four to preserve millions of acres
of wildlife habitat. The new investments will secure more than
(14:14):
twenty one thousand acres of wetlands at four National Wildlife
refuges from Utah to Louisiana. The largest project in Louisiana's
Upper Ochita National Wildlife Refuge, will protect over seventeen thousand
acres of habitat critical to migratory birds and the communities
(14:34):
that rely on healthy wetlands for flood protection and clean water.
These refuges reflect America's promise to future generations that our
public lands will remain places of wildlife, wonder and access
for everyone, said Interior Secretary Doug Bergham. As outdoor recreation
continues to surge, Federal wildlife refuges have become anchors of
(14:58):
both ecological resilitionllians and rural revitalization. Visitors to these sites
contribute directly to local economies, and expanded public access means
new opportunities for hunters, anglers, birders, and nature photographers alike.
Conservation leaders say the duck stamp program remains one of
the most effective and democratic models of public investment in
(15:21):
federal lands. Every twenty five dollars stamp purchased by citizens
helps fund lasting habitat protection. The announcement also highlights twenty
one new North American Wetlands Conservation Act projects, totaling four
point seven million dollars in federal grants, matched by more
than twice that in partner funds. Together, these initiatives mark
(15:42):
a growing commitment to restore degraded landscapes, safeguard clean water,
and ensure that communities across the country, from the Bayous
of Louisiana to the River Deltas of Tennessee benefit from
conservation rooted in public participation and environmental justice. That's a
wrap for today's edition of Good News for Lefties. Remember
(16:04):
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, Rosabel Hin and Aaron Watson for making
all of this possible behind the scenes. I'm Beowulf Rockland,
weird name good News for Lefties and America.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
Here's what you've been missing on the Stephanie Miller Happy
Hour podcast.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Donald put down another racist, awful video with Hakim again
in a sombrero and men behind him.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
They're all Donald Trump.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
They're all Donald Trump.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
Behind him as the Mario behind him.
Speaker 3 (17:06):
It's okay. So the first video, if you didn't see it,
it was a deep fake basically of Chuck Schumer and
Hakim Jefferies and they put Hakeem Jeffries in a sombre
with a mustache. Uh for whatever, well, for racist reasons obviously,
and then had Chuck Schumer's version say things that he
would never say. Plus he swore, which he doesn't do
(17:27):
in public. I assume he has a sailor's mouth in private,
but he's never said anything with that in public. And
so Donald last night decided to do it again. He
took basically the video of Jeffries on O'Donnell and then
Lawrence o'nald Lawrence o'donald's last night and basically, you know,
did a similar thing. And he said that Monday, Jeffries
(17:51):
said that Monday's video was a malignant distraction from people
who were determined to continue to rip healthcare away, which
is true. And he said that Donald is an serious
individual and has no interest in having a good faith conversation,
also true. So this new video, it's just it's childish,
(18:12):
to say the least. I don't expect anything else from
good point.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Subscribe to the Stephanie Miller Happy Hour podcast on Apple Podcasts,
Stephanie Miller dot com, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
Several US cities have become focal points for wealth concentration
and the political push to tax the ultra rich. New
York City, for example, is home to over one hundred
billionaires and is a major driver behind proposals to increase
(18:50):
taxes on millionaires and billionaires to fund universal childcare and
free public transit. Democratic mayoral candidate Zorhan Mamdani has champed
and a plan to raise the income tax rate by
two percentage points on city residents earning over one million dollars.
This plan seeks state approval and reflects a broader movement
(19:12):
to redirect wealth towards social programs benefiting everyday families. Portland, Oregon,
and San Francisco have already enacted local taxes on excessive
CEO pay, serving as models for similar measures nationwide. San
Francisco's tax, passed by ballot in twenty twenty, generated roughly
one hundred million dollars in its first year alone, illustrating
(19:36):
how targeted taxes on executive compensation can support public services.
These cities demonstrate a growing appetite among urban voters to
hold the wealthiest accountable and to reduce economic disparities through
practical measures. The wealth amassed in US cities is often
concentrated in specific neighborhoods known for affluence, such as Seattle's Medina,
(20:00):
Beacon Hill and Miami's Fisher Island. This geographic wealth clustering
intensifies debates about housing affordability and local taxation. Florida and
Texas cities like Miami and Houston attract ultra wealthy residents
partly due to their low tax policies, including no state
income tax, making efforts to raise municipal wealth taxes politically
(20:23):
and economically complex. These real world examples highlight a dynamic
political landscape where cities serve as laboratories for innovative tax
policies targeting wealth inequality as the pressure builds for economic reforms.
These jurisdictions provide critical case studies on how wealth taxes
can generate revenue for public goods while navigating the challenges
(20:45):
posed by wealthy residence, mobility, and political influence.
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm baiabl Frocklin,
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,
(00:27):
and anyone who 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
(00:49):
every day in the United States of America to help
us spread the positivity. If you enjoy 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, let's get to some good
(01:12):
news headlines designed to brighten your day. A federal judge
has delivered a win for immigrant rights, blocking the Trump
administration from detaining immigrant children once they turn eighteen. The
ruling halts government plans to transfer these young people into
adult detention facilities, a move immigrant advocates warned would have
(01:36):
begun this weekend and further traumatized miners seeking safety in
the United States. US District Judge Rudolph Contreras in Washington,
d C. Issued the temporary restraining order late Saturday, directing
Immigration and Customs Enforcement to stop shifting unaccompanied miners into
adult custody on their eighteenth birthdays. Contreras found that such
(02:01):
detention violated a twenty twenty one court order requiring that
those who reach adulthood be placed in the least restrictive
setting available, a policy aimed at protecting vulnerable youths from
unnecessary incarceration. Immigrant advocates and community groups applauded the decision
as a crucial defense of basic compassion and due process.
(02:26):
The administration's latest plan was designed to coerce children into
abandoning their cases through fear, said maraud Awade of the
New York Immigration Coalition, referring to a separate proposal that
would pay miners to self deport Advocates have called those
payments exploitative and said they undermined the asylum system itself,
(02:49):
which promises each child a fair hearing before removal. The
ruling comes amid renewed outcry over reports that Trump officials
have revived family separations and intensified detention efforts nationwide, even
targeting immigrant children and their sponsors. Lawyers say such tactics
(03:10):
echo passed abuses already deemed unlawful by federal courts for
many immigrant families and allies. Contrarast's order is a reminder
that organized advocacy still matters, and that federal courts remain
a vital check on government cruelty. More good news from
the courts, a federal judge, a different one has struck
(03:32):
down a Trump administration attempt to slash support for state
led clean energy programs, ruling that a cap on funding
for salaries, benefits, and other staffing costs was illegal. The
decision protects renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification projects in
nineteen states, ensuring they can continue without devastating job cuts
(03:55):
or delays. Judge Mustafa Kasubai of the us DA District
Court in Oregon sided with a coalition of Democratic Attorneys
general led by Oregon's Dan Rayfield, who argued that the
Department of Energies ten percent cap on indirect and fringe
costs violated federal law. Those costs, which include staff pay,
(04:18):
health coverage, and retirement benefits, are essential for delivering large
scale clean energy projects, from weatherizing homes to expanding public
transit electrification. State leaders said the administration's cap would have
derailed critical climate work, forced layoffs of experienced project staff,
(04:38):
and increased energy costs for families. This is about keeping
our clean energy workforce strong and ensuring communities see the
benefits of those programs. Rayfield's office noted following the ruling,
the last year alone, Oregon used a portion of its
seven hundred and eighty six thousand dollars in state energy
(04:58):
program grants to hey engineers, planners, and field staff, the
people who make renewable upgrades and efficiency gains happen on
the ground. The victory comes as the administration faces mounting
legal backlash over what Democratic governors and attorneys general describe
as politically motivated attacks on climate initiatives and blue states,
(05:21):
including the abrupt cancelation of seven point five billion dollars
for hydrogen and other green projects. By preserving funding flexibility,
The Court's decision ensures that state energy agencies can continue
driving a clean energy transition that lowers costs, creates jobs,
and safeguards the planet. Before we get back to the news,
(05:43):
I want to tell you about an important podcast called
This Week Again, hosted by Suzan 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.
(06:08):
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 to podcasts. That's This Week Again with Suzanne
Posel s us A N N E pose E L
(06:31):
This Week Again, Listen, laugh, repeat, still more good court news.
The Federal Appeals Court has rejected Republican efforts to purge
Michigan's voter rules, affirming that their lawsuit lacked any credible
evidence of harm or illegality. In a unanimous ruling, the
three judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
(06:53):
found that the Republican National Committee's claims of inaccurate voter
data were based on speculation, not fact, delivering another victory
for voting rights and election integrity advocates in a state
that is repeatedly faced partisan attempts to restrict access to
the ballot. The court agreed with US District Judge Jane Beckering,
(07:15):
who dismissed the case last year, finding that the RNC
failed to show any measurable injury resulting from Michigan's voter
registration practices. The panel wrote that the parties alleged harms,
such as possibly spending more money or misallocating campaign resources,
were purely conjectural and hypothetical. All three judges on the panel,
(07:37):
appointed by George W. Bush upheld that reasoning underscoring the
lack of evidence supporting claims of widespread voter list inaccuracies
or fraud. The ruling also pointed to a similar failed
case by a right wing nonprofit that tried to access
Michigan's voter data, noting that courts have consistently rejected these
attempts as baseless and politically motivated. Michigan Secretary of State
(08:01):
Jocelyn Benson, who has prioritized strengthening election security and voter access,
has repeatedly defended the state system as secure, accurate, and
nationally recognized for its high participation and bipartisan oversight. High
participation bipartisan two things MAGA definitely does not want. Voting
(08:23):
rights advocates hailed the decision as another example of the
courts standing up to partisan interference ahead of twenty twenty six.
By reaffirming the legitimacy of Michigan's voter roles, the Sixth
Circuit ensured that millions of voters, especially in communities long
targeted by suppression tactics, will remain protected from politically driven
(08:44):
purges masquerading as election integrity measures. Pritchard, Alabama, made history
last week by electing Carletta Davis as its first black
woman mayor, ushering in new leadership for a majority black
coastal community that has faced years of water, sewer and
(09:04):
governance challenges. Davis, a community organizer and leader of the
grassroots group We Matter eight Mile, decisively defeated incumbent Jimmy
Gardner in a runoff, earning more than three times his
total vote. Her win caps a season of local political
challenge in Prichard, where four of the five city council
(09:27):
seats are now held by women. Davis's activism on infrastructure issues,
particularly the town's chronic sewage spills and massive losses in
its water system, has resonated with residents looking for solutions
to long neglected problems. She has pledged to unite the
city and bring accountable leadership to a community where service
(09:49):
failures have often collided with election controversies. The campaign unfolded
against a backdrop of legal disputes and scrutiny over ballot
access last Bump. Its general election saw accusations of mishandled
provisional ballots, and the ACLU of Alabama sharply criticized the
city's voting process, citing poor access for eligible voters and
(10:12):
missteps by election officials. Despite these obstacles, Davis's grassroots outreach
and focus on essential services helped her carry neighborhoods still
contending with decades of disenfranchisement. For Prichard, Davis's victory represents
both a symbolic milestone and a pragmatic shift in a
(10:34):
town that is nearly eighty nine percent black and grappling
with high utility debt, crumbling infrastructure, and concerns over public safety.
Her leadership signals a commitment to inclusive problem solving and
community resilience. As she takes office alongside the newly elected council,
residents are hopeful that the city's spirit of champions, as
(10:56):
outgoing Mayor Gardner described it, will power a renewed push
for progress. Up next, a listener suggested story back in
a minute, and now, a listener suggested story from Frederica
in Indianapolis, Indiana. Residents in a suburban Indianapolis community scored
(11:19):
a victory against big tech this week, forcing Google to
withdraw plans for a sprawling, one billion dollar data center
that locals said would drain their resources literally. The company
pulled its rezoning request before the Indianapolis City Council after
months of fierce organizing, with residents warning the project would
(11:40):
spike energy costs and siphon off millions of gallons of
water during an ongoing drought. Community members cheered as Google's
attorneys announced the withdrawal at a packed meeting where neighbors
had shown up ready to speak out against what they
called unchecked corporate expansion at their expense. We beat Google,
(12:01):
one resident said, to thunderous applause, while others described the
fight as an example of grassroots determination triumphing over corporate power.
The proposed development in Franklin Township, more than four hundred
and sixty acres of farmland outside Indianapolis, had faced mounting
opposition since it was announced earlier this year. Residents circulated petitions,
(12:26):
held rallies, and flooded local hearings, arguing the plan would
burden the local grid, undermine home values, and generate few
permanent jobs. The campaign drew support from progressive allies, who
framed it as part of a growing nationwide movement to
hold tech giants accountable for their environmental impact and unrestrained
(12:47):
land grabs. Although Google could resubmit its application within months,
organizers say they're prepared to keep the pressure on. For
many in Indiana, the win marks a hopeful moment of
resistance again against what they see as the extractive footprint
of data driven corporate expansion. As one organizer put it,
(13:07):
people power still rings and we're not backing down. Thanks
so much for that. Story Frederica. 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 two seven to one, drop us
a line at Beowulf at two Squaredmedia Productions dot com,
(13:29):
or send it to us at good News for Lefties
on Facebook, Instagram or blue Sky. The Interior Department has
approved more than fifty four million dollars to protect vital
wetlands and expand access to public lands across the country,
strengthening federal efforts to restore ecosystems while supporting local recreation economies.
(13:52):
The funding comes through the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, drawn
primarily from duck stamp sales and fees on arms and ammunition,
a program that has generated over one point three billion
dollars since nineteen thirty four to preserve millions of acres
of wildlife habitat. The new investments will secure more than
(14:14):
twenty one thousand acres of wetlands at four National Wildlife
refuges from Utah to Louisiana. The largest project in Louisiana's
Upper Ochita National Wildlife Refuge, will protect over seventeen thousand
acres of habitat critical to migratory birds and the communities
(14:34):
that rely on healthy wetlands for flood protection and clean water.
These refuges reflect America's promise to future generations that our
public lands will remain places of wildlife, wonder and access
for everyone, said Interior Secretary Doug Bergham. As outdoor recreation
continues to surge, Federal wildlife refuges have become anchors of
(14:58):
both ecological resilitionllians and rural revitalization. Visitors to these sites
contribute directly to local economies, and expanded public access means
new opportunities for hunters, anglers, birders, and nature photographers alike.
Conservation leaders say the duck stamp program remains one of
the most effective and democratic models of public investment in
(15:21):
federal lands. Every twenty five dollars stamp purchased by citizens
helps fund lasting habitat protection. The announcement also highlights twenty
one new North American Wetlands Conservation Act projects, totaling four
point seven million dollars in federal grants, matched by more
than twice that in partner funds. Together, these initiatives mark
(15:42):
a growing commitment to restore degraded landscapes, safeguard clean water,
and ensure that communities across the country, from the Bayous
of Louisiana to the River Deltas of Tennessee benefit from
conservation rooted in public participation and environmental justice. That's a
wrap for today's edition of Good News for Lefties. Remember
(16:04):
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, Rosabel Hin and Aaron Watson for making
all of this possible behind the scenes. I'm Beowulf Rockland,
weird name good News for Lefties and America.
Speaker 2 (16:45):
Here's what you've been missing on the Stephanie Miller Happy
Hour podcast.
Speaker 3 (16:50):
Donald put down another racist, awful video with Hakim again
in a sombrero and men behind him.
Speaker 1 (16:59):
They're all Donald Trump.
Speaker 3 (17:00):
They're all Donald Trump.
Speaker 1 (17:01):
Behind him as the Mario behind him.
Speaker 3 (17:06):
It's okay. So the first video, if you didn't see it,
it was a deep fake basically of Chuck Schumer and
Hakim Jefferies and they put Hakeem Jeffries in a sombre
with a mustache. Uh for whatever, well, for racist reasons obviously,
and then had Chuck Schumer's version say things that he
would never say. Plus he swore, which he doesn't do
(17:27):
in public. I assume he has a sailor's mouth in private,
but he's never said anything with that in public. And
so Donald last night decided to do it again. He
took basically the video of Jeffries on O'Donnell and then
Lawrence o'nald Lawrence o'donald's last night and basically, you know,
did a similar thing. And he said that Monday, Jeffries
(17:51):
said that Monday's video was a malignant distraction from people
who were determined to continue to rip healthcare away, which
is true. And he said that Donald is an serious
individual and has no interest in having a good faith conversation,
also true. So this new video, it's just it's childish,
(18:12):
to say the least. I don't expect anything else from
good point.
Speaker 2 (18:17):
Subscribe to the Stephanie Miller Happy Hour podcast on Apple Podcasts,
Stephanie Miller dot com, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
Several US cities have become focal points for wealth concentration
and the political push to tax the ultra rich. New
York City, for example, is home to over one hundred
billionaires and is a major driver behind proposals to increase
(18:50):
taxes on millionaires and billionaires to fund universal childcare and
free public transit. Democratic mayoral candidate Zorhan Mamdani has champed
and a plan to raise the income tax rate by
two percentage points on city residents earning over one million dollars.
This plan seeks state approval and reflects a broader movement
(19:12):
to redirect wealth towards social programs benefiting everyday families. Portland, Oregon,
and San Francisco have already enacted local taxes on excessive
CEO pay, serving as models for similar measures nationwide. San
Francisco's tax, passed by ballot in twenty twenty, generated roughly
one hundred million dollars in its first year alone, illustrating
(19:36):
how targeted taxes on executive compensation can support public services.
These cities demonstrate a growing appetite among urban voters to
hold the wealthiest accountable and to reduce economic disparities through
practical measures. The wealth amassed in US cities is often
concentrated in specific neighborhoods known for affluence, such as Seattle's Medina,
(20:00):
Beacon Hill and Miami's Fisher Island. This geographic wealth clustering
intensifies debates about housing affordability and local taxation. Florida and
Texas cities like Miami and Houston attract ultra wealthy residents
partly due to their low tax policies, including no state
income tax, making efforts to raise municipal wealth taxes politically
(20:23):
and economically complex. These real world examples highlight a dynamic
political landscape where cities serve as laboratories for innovative tax
policies targeting wealth inequality as the pressure builds for economic reforms.
These jurisdictions provide critical case studies on how wealth taxes
can generate revenue for public goods while navigating the challenges
(20:45):
posed by wealthy residence, mobility, and political influence.
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