October 20, 2025 • 21 mins
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we shine a light on inspiring stories that celebrate resilience, community action, and the power of advocacy in the face of adversity. We begin with a landmark ruling that allows Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil to travel freely across the United States as he challenges the Trump administration's deportation efforts. This victory not only reaffirms the right to peacefully organize but also empowers Khalil to connect with supporters and amplify the voices of immigrant activists nationwide.
Next, we discuss Los Angeles County's bold emergency response to protect immigrant families from escalating immigration raids. By declaring an emergency, the county's leadership has committed to safeguarding renters and stabilizing communities affected by federal intimidation, demonstrating a moral obligation to stand by vulnerable neighbors.
We also celebrate the courageous walkout of journalists from the Pentagon in defense of press freedom, as they united against restrictive media policies that threaten the public's right to know. This act of solidarity highlights the vital role of independent journalism in holding power accountable and upholding democratic values.
As the federal government shutdown continues, ordinary Americans are stepping up to care for national parks, showcasing grassroots stewardship and community spirit. Volunteers across the country are keeping trails clean and providing support for furloughed park staff, proving that love for public lands transcends politics.
In a listener-suggested story, we reflect on the 50th anniversary of the gay rodeo, where queer cowfolk gathered to celebrate courage, community, and inclusivity. This momentous event honors the legacy of those who fought for acceptance and showcases the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.
Finally, we share the uplifting news of flamingos nesting again in Florida, a testament to successful conservation efforts and the resilience of nature. This revival symbolizes hope and the importance of protecting our environment for future generations.
Join us as we celebrate these positive developments and the ongoing fight for justice and equity. If you enjoy what you hear, 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/17/mahmoud-khalil-travel-restriction-ruling
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/la-county-board-approves-emergency-013737180.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/journalists-walk-pentagon-protest-absurd-002048923.html
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/national-parks-government-shutdown
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-life-and-style/gay-rodeo-world-finals-queer-cowboys-conservative-sport-reno-nevada-rcna237514
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/flamingos-return-to-florida
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
Next, we discuss Los Angeles County's bold emergency response to protect immigrant families from escalating immigration raids. By declaring an emergency, the county's leadership has committed to safeguarding renters and stabilizing communities affected by federal intimidation, demonstrating a moral obligation to stand by vulnerable neighbors.
We also celebrate the courageous walkout of journalists from the Pentagon in defense of press freedom, as they united against restrictive media policies that threaten the public's right to know. This act of solidarity highlights the vital role of independent journalism in holding power accountable and upholding democratic values.
As the federal government shutdown continues, ordinary Americans are stepping up to care for national parks, showcasing grassroots stewardship and community spirit. Volunteers across the country are keeping trails clean and providing support for furloughed park staff, proving that love for public lands transcends politics.
In a listener-suggested story, we reflect on the 50th anniversary of the gay rodeo, where queer cowfolk gathered to celebrate courage, community, and inclusivity. This momentous event honors the legacy of those who fought for acceptance and showcases the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.
Finally, we share the uplifting news of flamingos nesting again in Florida, a testament to successful conservation efforts and the resilience of nature. This revival symbolizes hope and the importance of protecting our environment for future generations.
Join us as we celebrate these positive developments and the ongoing fight for justice and equity. If you enjoy what you hear, 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/17/mahmoud-khalil-travel-restriction-ruling
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/la-county-board-approves-emergency-013737180.html
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/journalists-walk-pentagon-protest-absurd-002048923.html
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/national-parks-government-shutdown
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-life-and-style/gay-rodeo-world-finals-queer-cowboys-conservative-sport-reno-nevada-rcna237514
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/flamingos-return-to-florida
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 Bayable 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
every day in the United States to help us spread
(00:48):
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 here more
good news stories and stay positive and motivated for the
days ahead. Now, let's get to some good news headlines
designed to brighten your day. In a victory for freedom
(01:12):
of expression and immigrant rights, a federal judge has ruled
that Palestinian activist Mahmud Khalil is free to travel anywhere
in the United States while he continues challenging the Trump
administration's attempt to deport him. The decision marks a clear
win for those who have defended the right to peacefully
organize and speak out against injustice, even under increasing pressure
(01:35):
from federal authorities. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student
who was detained by Ice earlier this year amid nationwide
crackdowns on student demonstrators, was released in June following widespread
outrage and community support. Thursday's ruling expands his ability to
meet with supporters, attend rallies, and share his story across
(01:59):
the country, underscoring the importance of public advocacy in the
face of government overreach. The judge found no evidence that
Khalil posed a flight risk, a sharp rebuke to the
administration's attempts to restrict his movement. Khalil's legal team hailed
the court's decision as a reaffirmation of core constitutional protections.
(02:20):
Attorney Elena Dass, who represents Khalil, said he intends to
use his new found freedom to highlight threats faced by
immigrant activists and to foster solidarity among campus and community movements.
Advocates say his case has become a touchstone for immigrants
defending their right to speak truth to power without fear
of detention or deportation. For Khalil, now a legal permanent resident,
(02:44):
the court's order allows a return to public life after
months of confinement and surveillance. His upcoming travel will take
him to community centers, universities, and justice events nationwide, renewing
his commitment to the growing network of young people standing
for Palestinian human rights. Supporters described the decision as a
step forward not just for one activist, but for the
(03:07):
many who refused to be silenced by political intimidation. Los
Angeles County took decisive action to stand with immigrant families
by declaring an emergency response to Donald Trump's escalating immigration rates.
The county's Board of Supervisors voted four to one to
safeguard residents, setting in motion protections that could help shield
(03:29):
renters and stabilize communities disrupted by the administration's aggressive deportation agenda.
Leaders called the move a moral obligation to defend neighbors
who have been living under the threat of federal intimidation.
The emergency declaration, typically reserved for earthquakes, or wildfires now
recognizes the social and economic toll of the raids. It
(03:51):
empowers the county to implement an eviction moratorium, protecting tenants
who have lost work or income as a result of
federal operations, while all so unlocking potential funding from the
state to support those affected. County economists warned that the
raid could cost California hundreds of millions in lost productivity,
a price many say falls hardest on working families already
(04:13):
struggling to stay afloat. Supervisor Lindsay Horwth, who co authored
the motion, said Los Angeles cannot turn away from the
fear gripping immigrant communities. When our immigrant neighbors are targeted,
our entire county feels it in our workplaces, in our schools,
in our homes. Her statement echoed the sentiment of thousands
(04:35):
who took to the streets this summer after National Guard
troops were deployed to the city to back federal officers.
These protests, largely peaceful and community led, reflected the city's
long standing resistance to federal overreach and its commitment to inclusion.
Local organizers and housing advocates praised the county's swift action
as a model for humane governance in the face of cruelty.
(04:57):
They say, the measure reaffirms Los Angeles as a refuse,
a place where families should not have to choose between
safety and survival. As legal challenges mount against the administration's
deportation policies, Los Angeles leaders are rallying to show what
solidarity looks like, practical relief, shared humanity, and unwavering defense
of the right to live without fear. Before we get
(05:19):
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 every Sunday, and, in my opinion,
(05:39):
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 to podcasts. Guests, that's This Week
(06:01):
Again with Suzanne Posel, s USA n N E pose
L this week again, listen, laugh, repeat. Journalists from nearly
every major US news outlet made history Wednesday, walking out
of the Pentagon together in defense of a free press.
(06:22):
The mass exodus came after dozens refused to sign Defense
Secretary Pete Hegseith's restrictive new media policy, one they said
would criminalize national security reporting and threaten the public's right
to know. Between forty and fifty reporters packed their desks
and left as a group, drawing cheers from press freedom
advocates nationwide for their lineup of solidarity and principle. The
(06:44):
Pentagon Press Association confirmed that the Defense Department confiscated badges
from journalists representing outlets across the political spectrum after they
stood united against censorship. Make no mistake, the group said
in a statement, this is a dark day for press freedom.
But even as badges were seized and access revoked, reporters
(07:04):
vowed to keep covering the Pentagon from beyond its walls,
pledging to expose wrongdoing, uphold truth, and protect the First
Amendment against authoritarian pressure. The rejected rules would have forced
journalists to seek pre approval from the Department of Defense
before publishing material the Pentagon deemed sensitive. A sweeping attempt
to punish whistleblowers and muzzle accountability journalism. Hag Seys directive,
(07:29):
reportedly tied to internal leak scandals, drew rare unanimity in
opposition from both progressive and conservative media, from The New
York Times to Fox News. Press experts say the widespread
rejection shows how deeply the free press community values independence
over access. Outside the Pentagon, reporters linked arms and promised
(07:50):
to rebuild coverage on their own terms, describing the moment
as both an ending and a rebirth. They tried to
silence us, one veteran correspondent said, and instead they reminded
the country why journalism matters. For now, the nation's defense
beat will operate without Pentagon corridors, but not without courage, truth,
(08:10):
or the people's right to hear it. As the federal
government shut down drags into its third week, ordinary Americans
are stepping up to care for the nation's beloved public
lands in the absence of full time park staff. Across
the country, volunteers are sweeping trails, stocking food pantries for
furloughed rangers, and keeping vital stories alive, proving yet again
(08:34):
the strength of the National Park system lies not just
in its beauty, but in the people who love it.
From Oklahoma to Arizona to Colorado, communities are rallying to
protect natural and historic treasures that transcend politics and bureaucracy.
In Oklahoma City, volunteers led by the survivors of the
nineteen ninety five bombing have taken over tours at the
(08:57):
National Memorial, guiding visitors through through sacred ground with personal
stories of loss and resilience. For Susan Winchester, whose sister
was killed in the attack, the jester was simple, if
we can do something good, we do it, visitors say.
These tours have become even more meaningful, living acts of
remembrance that reflect the power of grassroots stewardship when official
(09:19):
operations fall silent. At the Grand Canyon, a former jailhouse
in Grand Canyon Village has been transformed into a lifeline
run by the flag Staff Family Food Center. The small
pantry is stocking shelves with essentials for rangers and volunteers
suddenly without paychecks. Organizer Heather la Pree, a longtime park resident,
(09:40):
says she's inspired by how fast neighbors have shown up
to fill the gaps left by Washington's dysfunction. It's a
tremendous amount of work, but exhilarating to see people help
each other, she said. The effort captures the best of
public service, humanity, compassion, and shared purpose. In Colorado's Rocky
Mountain National Park, community groups in the YMCA of the
(10:01):
Rockies are leading four mile cleanupikes, collecting trash and keeping
trails safe for visitors. Students, families, and retirees have joined
together to preserve the spaces that connect them to something
bigger than politics. We wanted to be good neighbors, said
organizer Jason Nelson. Wherever rangers can't be, Americans are rising
(10:21):
to the occasion, a grassroots movement reminding the nation that
its parks don't just belong to the government, They belong
to all of us. Up next, a listener suggested story
back in a minute, and now, a listener suggested story
from Ernest in Henderson, Nevada. Fifty years after the first
(10:45):
gay rodeo bucked open the gates of tradition, Queer cow
folks returned to Reno this month to celebrate a half
century of courage, community and country swagger. The World Gay
Rodeo Finals united hundreds of writers, dancers, and fans from
across the US, proving that the queer spirit continues to
thrive in spaces once close to it. Beneath Stetson's and sequins.
(11:08):
This year's finals told a story of love, mentorship, and defiance,
where every rope, toss and ride carried the weight of
history and the promise of freedom. What began in nineteen
seventy five as one man's dream to hold a rodeo
benefiting local elders has grown into a national movement, outlasting
decades of discrimination and personal loss. Founders like Phil Ragsdale
(11:32):
battled prejudice justified arenas willing to host their events. Then,
as the AIDS epidemics swept through the community, hundreds of
members were lost, but their legacy endures. At the fiftieth finals,
longtime riders and newcomers alike honored those trailblazers, blending rodeo
grit with drag pageantry at a radical reminder that queer
(11:54):
joy remains unstoppable. The arena was filled with intergenerational mentorship,
showcasing how deeply the international Gay Rodeo Association has built
a chosen family hall of Famered Chuck Browning, one of
the sports legends, competed alongside his protege, World Champion steer
rider Alexander SATs. Others like seventy year old Murmur Tuckness
(12:17):
and thirty four year old roper Katie Shaw, carried on
the spirit of solidarity that has always defined gay Rodeo,
an inclusive, nonprofit circuit that opens the shoot to everyone,
regardless of gender identity or orientation. Even straight allies joined
the ride, describing a culture of mutual respect rare in
mainstream rodeo spaces. With non binary contestants now taking part
(12:41):
and trans writers competing fully as themselves, the movement keeps
expanding to match the wider queer community. It represents new
traditions like the MXIGRA Royalty title signal a future that's
proudly diverse and forward looking. As one young competitor put it,
i didn't know a worldlike gay Rodeo existed, and I'll
(13:02):
be damned if I'm not helping keep it alive. After
fifty years in the saddle, the message from RENO was clear.
Queer cowfolk aren't just rewriting rodeo history. They're writing it
into a dazzling, inclusive new frontier. Thanks so much for
that story, Ernest. If you have thoughts, ideas, or more
good news to share, we'd love to hear from you.
(13:24):
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 for the first time in a,
century flamingos are nesting again In, florida a dazzling pink
(13:47):
symbol of what happens when people choose restoration over. Exploitation
scientists now believe the long lost native population is making
a genuine comeback in The Sunshine, state fueled by decades
of Ever glad's rehabilitation and grassroots dedication to protecting coastal
ecosystems after generations of disappearance caused by hunting and habitat.
(14:09):
Destruction the site of hundreds of wild flamingos wading Through
Florida bay reads like a promise kept to nature and
to the people who fought for. It ecologists trace this
renaissance back to years of local and federal collaboration that
repair the damage caused by. Overdevelopment since the early two,
(14:30):
thousands improvements to fresh water, flow salinity, balance and mangrove
recovery have revived the once Collapsing. Everglades waiting birds have
returned in record, numbers and now, flamingos long thought to
be only brief visitors or zoo, escapees are reclaiming their historic.
Home each new flamboyance spotted In Florida bay or The
(14:53):
keys is celebrated like a homecoming for a species that
outlasted greed and. Neglect the. Flamingos the story intertwines human
action and. Resilience in the late eighteen, hundreds the fashion
industry nearly wipe them out for their, feathers prompting Early
audubon activists to risk and sometimes lose their, lives defending bird.
(15:13):
Colonies today's resurgence carries forward that spirit of. Guardianship tag
birds like peaches and conchy track to cross The gulf
Between florida And mexico provide heartening proof that restoration can
reverse centuries of harm when science and compassion join. Forces
florida's pink revival is more than an ecological. Milestone it's
(15:36):
a testament to persistence in the face of climate change and.
Deregulation conservationists say it's also a preview of what a
just environmental policy can, deliver thriving, habitats clean, water and
a future where both people and wildlife can. Flourish as
The everglades stir back to, life the message rising from
(15:57):
the mangroves is. Clear if we heal the, land the
life will. Return that's a wrap 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 Rosabel, Hein Aaron,
(16:20):
watson And Jillian cunningham for making all of this possible
behind the. Scenes I'm Beowulf, rocklin weird name Good news
For lefties And.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
America here's what you've been missing on The Stephanie Miller
Happy hour.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Podcast he wasn't he shot people look at his. Ear
some debris or something hit. Him but IT'S i. CAN'T
i just, Can't, okay all? Right where WAS? I he?
Said par coaching right twenty nine hundred pages of lead,
Texts so that's not like one or two random. Whatever, Right,
(17:12):
yes the chats, Included oh there's some more fun FACTS
i had not read. Yet, yeah references to black people
as monkeys and watermelon. People, wow that's so fresh a
reference and current praise For Adolf, hitler and, oh discussions
of rape and guest chambers as fella knows a lot
of misogyny in mixed in with the anti semitism and
(17:32):
racism in. GENERAL i was waiting for. That, yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah lots of how super fun. Rapeist, okay by the,
way CAN i just say here's an? Example SO Jd
vance saying all that's, fine, right did you see this
When Elizabeth warren two days ago posted for two excruciating,
Years i've called for the return of the, hostages brutally kid,
(17:54):
left kidnapped On october seventh and held in. Gaza today
is a good? DAY Jd? Vance was you? Know post?
That and says the president to, him he did this
On Indigenous People day and? Interview what are you surprised
that all these Young republicans are? Douchebag just look at
he's the vice. PRESIDENT i Did.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
Okay they're taking troll online trolling in your real.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Life, well this is What's bella's. Point they're just. Trolls
they're not people that are interested in helping them in any.
Way they actually care about. Politics they only care about
owning The. Libs i've been saying that for years and
years and years and. Years that's the only thing they care. About,
congratulations little. DOUCHEBAGS i am this liberal is fully on this.
Morning subscribe to The Stephanie Miller Happy hour podcast On Apple,
(18:39):
Podcasts Stephanie miller dot, com or wherever you get your favorite, Podcasts.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
And in case you missed, it here's this good news.
Headline Across, ohio a unique partnership between correctional institutions and
The Ohio Wildlife center is changing lives on both sides
of the. Bars inmates at five, prisons Including marian And
Richland Correctional institutions and The Ohio reformatory For, women are
(19:14):
now caring for hundreds of injured and orphaned wild animals each,
year developing skills and compassion while giving vulnerable wildlife a
second chance at. Survival more than sixty incarcerated volunteers dedicate
time daily defeating healing and rehabilitating, birds, rabbits, apossums and
(19:35):
other wildlife that arrive from the center's hospital In. Columbus
with the program's, expansion facilities Like marion have created specialized
aviaries with volunteers undergoing hands on training and everything from
tube feeding orphaned animals to identifying symptoms of. ILLNESS a
(19:55):
major part of the effort's success comes from the inmates close,
attention spending hours with the, animals spotting problems, early and
innovating solutions in collaboration with wildlife. Professionals participation in the
program offers inmates far more than just a daily. Routine
volunteers report a renewed sense of, purpose, responsibility and self
(20:18):
confidence as they nurture animals and see them. Recover correctional
staff and psychologists have noted powerful, impacts ranging from improved
behavior and reduced substance abuse to new interest in learning
and career skills that help break the cycle of. Incarceration
many find deep meaning in the chance to be a
(20:39):
force for healing and, restoration both for the animals and
in their own personal. Journeys as climate, impacts urban growth
and human wildlife, conflicts and more native species into. Crisis
Ohio's Prison Wildlife initiatives stands as a beacon of progressive.
Rehabilitation by extending empathy and knowledge beyond walls and, fences
(21:02):
these programs are helping nearly two thousand animals return to
the wild each year and sparking hope for those working
toward their own release and. Renewal
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm Bayable 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
every day in the United States to help us spread
(00:48):
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 here more
good news stories and stay positive and motivated for the
days ahead. Now, let's get to some good news headlines
designed to brighten your day. In a victory for freedom
(01:12):
of expression and immigrant rights, a federal judge has ruled
that Palestinian activist Mahmud Khalil is free to travel anywhere
in the United States while he continues challenging the Trump
administration's attempt to deport him. The decision marks a clear
win for those who have defended the right to peacefully
organize and speak out against injustice, even under increasing pressure
(01:35):
from federal authorities. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student
who was detained by Ice earlier this year amid nationwide
crackdowns on student demonstrators, was released in June following widespread
outrage and community support. Thursday's ruling expands his ability to
meet with supporters, attend rallies, and share his story across
(01:59):
the country, underscoring the importance of public advocacy in the
face of government overreach. The judge found no evidence that
Khalil posed a flight risk, a sharp rebuke to the
administration's attempts to restrict his movement. Khalil's legal team hailed
the court's decision as a reaffirmation of core constitutional protections.
(02:20):
Attorney Elena Dass, who represents Khalil, said he intends to
use his new found freedom to highlight threats faced by
immigrant activists and to foster solidarity among campus and community movements.
Advocates say his case has become a touchstone for immigrants
defending their right to speak truth to power without fear
of detention or deportation. For Khalil, now a legal permanent resident,
(02:44):
the court's order allows a return to public life after
months of confinement and surveillance. His upcoming travel will take
him to community centers, universities, and justice events nationwide, renewing
his commitment to the growing network of young people standing
for Palestinian human rights. Supporters described the decision as a
step forward not just for one activist, but for the
(03:07):
many who refused to be silenced by political intimidation. Los
Angeles County took decisive action to stand with immigrant families
by declaring an emergency response to Donald Trump's escalating immigration rates.
The county's Board of Supervisors voted four to one to
safeguard residents, setting in motion protections that could help shield
(03:29):
renters and stabilize communities disrupted by the administration's aggressive deportation agenda.
Leaders called the move a moral obligation to defend neighbors
who have been living under the threat of federal intimidation.
The emergency declaration, typically reserved for earthquakes, or wildfires now
recognizes the social and economic toll of the raids. It
(03:51):
empowers the county to implement an eviction moratorium, protecting tenants
who have lost work or income as a result of
federal operations, while all so unlocking potential funding from the
state to support those affected. County economists warned that the
raid could cost California hundreds of millions in lost productivity,
a price many say falls hardest on working families already
(04:13):
struggling to stay afloat. Supervisor Lindsay Horwth, who co authored
the motion, said Los Angeles cannot turn away from the
fear gripping immigrant communities. When our immigrant neighbors are targeted,
our entire county feels it in our workplaces, in our schools,
in our homes. Her statement echoed the sentiment of thousands
(04:35):
who took to the streets this summer after National Guard
troops were deployed to the city to back federal officers.
These protests, largely peaceful and community led, reflected the city's
long standing resistance to federal overreach and its commitment to inclusion.
Local organizers and housing advocates praised the county's swift action
as a model for humane governance in the face of cruelty.
(04:57):
They say, the measure reaffirms Los Angeles as a refuse,
a place where families should not have to choose between
safety and survival. As legal challenges mount against the administration's
deportation policies, Los Angeles leaders are rallying to show what
solidarity looks like, practical relief, shared humanity, and unwavering defense
of the right to live without fear. Before we get
(05:19):
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 every Sunday, and, in my opinion,
(05:39):
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 to podcasts. Guests, that's This Week
(06:01):
Again with Suzanne Posel, s USA n N E pose
L this week again, listen, laugh, repeat. Journalists from nearly
every major US news outlet made history Wednesday, walking out
of the Pentagon together in defense of a free press.
(06:22):
The mass exodus came after dozens refused to sign Defense
Secretary Pete Hegseith's restrictive new media policy, one they said
would criminalize national security reporting and threaten the public's right
to know. Between forty and fifty reporters packed their desks
and left as a group, drawing cheers from press freedom
advocates nationwide for their lineup of solidarity and principle. The
(06:44):
Pentagon Press Association confirmed that the Defense Department confiscated badges
from journalists representing outlets across the political spectrum after they
stood united against censorship. Make no mistake, the group said
in a statement, this is a dark day for press freedom.
But even as badges were seized and access revoked, reporters
(07:04):
vowed to keep covering the Pentagon from beyond its walls,
pledging to expose wrongdoing, uphold truth, and protect the First
Amendment against authoritarian pressure. The rejected rules would have forced
journalists to seek pre approval from the Department of Defense
before publishing material the Pentagon deemed sensitive. A sweeping attempt
to punish whistleblowers and muzzle accountability journalism. Hag Seys directive,
(07:29):
reportedly tied to internal leak scandals, drew rare unanimity in
opposition from both progressive and conservative media, from The New
York Times to Fox News. Press experts say the widespread
rejection shows how deeply the free press community values independence
over access. Outside the Pentagon, reporters linked arms and promised
(07:50):
to rebuild coverage on their own terms, describing the moment
as both an ending and a rebirth. They tried to
silence us, one veteran correspondent said, and instead they reminded
the country why journalism matters. For now, the nation's defense
beat will operate without Pentagon corridors, but not without courage, truth,
(08:10):
or the people's right to hear it. As the federal
government shut down drags into its third week, ordinary Americans
are stepping up to care for the nation's beloved public
lands in the absence of full time park staff. Across
the country, volunteers are sweeping trails, stocking food pantries for
furloughed rangers, and keeping vital stories alive, proving yet again
(08:34):
the strength of the National Park system lies not just
in its beauty, but in the people who love it.
From Oklahoma to Arizona to Colorado, communities are rallying to
protect natural and historic treasures that transcend politics and bureaucracy.
In Oklahoma City, volunteers led by the survivors of the
nineteen ninety five bombing have taken over tours at the
(08:57):
National Memorial, guiding visitors through through sacred ground with personal
stories of loss and resilience. For Susan Winchester, whose sister
was killed in the attack, the jester was simple, if
we can do something good, we do it, visitors say.
These tours have become even more meaningful, living acts of
remembrance that reflect the power of grassroots stewardship when official
(09:19):
operations fall silent. At the Grand Canyon, a former jailhouse
in Grand Canyon Village has been transformed into a lifeline
run by the flag Staff Family Food Center. The small
pantry is stocking shelves with essentials for rangers and volunteers
suddenly without paychecks. Organizer Heather la Pree, a longtime park resident,
(09:40):
says she's inspired by how fast neighbors have shown up
to fill the gaps left by Washington's dysfunction. It's a
tremendous amount of work, but exhilarating to see people help
each other, she said. The effort captures the best of
public service, humanity, compassion, and shared purpose. In Colorado's Rocky
Mountain National Park, community groups in the YMCA of the
(10:01):
Rockies are leading four mile cleanupikes, collecting trash and keeping
trails safe for visitors. Students, families, and retirees have joined
together to preserve the spaces that connect them to something
bigger than politics. We wanted to be good neighbors, said
organizer Jason Nelson. Wherever rangers can't be, Americans are rising
(10:21):
to the occasion, a grassroots movement reminding the nation that
its parks don't just belong to the government, They belong
to all of us. Up next, a listener suggested story
back in a minute, and now, a listener suggested story
from Ernest in Henderson, Nevada. Fifty years after the first
(10:45):
gay rodeo bucked open the gates of tradition, Queer cow
folks returned to Reno this month to celebrate a half
century of courage, community and country swagger. The World Gay
Rodeo Finals united hundreds of writers, dancers, and fans from
across the US, proving that the queer spirit continues to
thrive in spaces once close to it. Beneath Stetson's and sequins.
(11:08):
This year's finals told a story of love, mentorship, and defiance,
where every rope, toss and ride carried the weight of
history and the promise of freedom. What began in nineteen
seventy five as one man's dream to hold a rodeo
benefiting local elders has grown into a national movement, outlasting
decades of discrimination and personal loss. Founders like Phil Ragsdale
(11:32):
battled prejudice justified arenas willing to host their events. Then,
as the AIDS epidemics swept through the community, hundreds of
members were lost, but their legacy endures. At the fiftieth finals,
longtime riders and newcomers alike honored those trailblazers, blending rodeo
grit with drag pageantry at a radical reminder that queer
(11:54):
joy remains unstoppable. The arena was filled with intergenerational mentorship,
showcasing how deeply the international Gay Rodeo Association has built
a chosen family hall of Famered Chuck Browning, one of
the sports legends, competed alongside his protege, World Champion steer
rider Alexander SATs. Others like seventy year old Murmur Tuckness
(12:17):
and thirty four year old roper Katie Shaw, carried on
the spirit of solidarity that has always defined gay Rodeo,
an inclusive, nonprofit circuit that opens the shoot to everyone,
regardless of gender identity or orientation. Even straight allies joined
the ride, describing a culture of mutual respect rare in
mainstream rodeo spaces. With non binary contestants now taking part
(12:41):
and trans writers competing fully as themselves, the movement keeps
expanding to match the wider queer community. It represents new
traditions like the MXIGRA Royalty title signal a future that's
proudly diverse and forward looking. As one young competitor put it,
i didn't know a worldlike gay Rodeo existed, and I'll
(13:02):
be damned if I'm not helping keep it alive. After
fifty years in the saddle, the message from RENO was clear.
Queer cowfolk aren't just rewriting rodeo history. They're writing it
into a dazzling, inclusive new frontier. Thanks so much for
that story, Ernest. If you have thoughts, ideas, or more
good news to share, we'd love to hear from you.
(13:24):
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 for the first time in a,
century flamingos are nesting again In, florida a dazzling pink
(13:47):
symbol of what happens when people choose restoration over. Exploitation
scientists now believe the long lost native population is making
a genuine comeback in The Sunshine, state fueled by decades
of Ever glad's rehabilitation and grassroots dedication to protecting coastal
ecosystems after generations of disappearance caused by hunting and habitat.
(14:09):
Destruction the site of hundreds of wild flamingos wading Through
Florida bay reads like a promise kept to nature and
to the people who fought for. It ecologists trace this
renaissance back to years of local and federal collaboration that
repair the damage caused by. Overdevelopment since the early two,
(14:30):
thousands improvements to fresh water, flow salinity, balance and mangrove
recovery have revived the once Collapsing. Everglades waiting birds have
returned in record, numbers and now, flamingos long thought to
be only brief visitors or zoo, escapees are reclaiming their historic.
Home each new flamboyance spotted In Florida bay or The
(14:53):
keys is celebrated like a homecoming for a species that
outlasted greed and. Neglect the. Flamingos the story intertwines human
action and. Resilience in the late eighteen, hundreds the fashion
industry nearly wipe them out for their, feathers prompting Early
audubon activists to risk and sometimes lose their, lives defending bird.
(15:13):
Colonies today's resurgence carries forward that spirit of. Guardianship tag
birds like peaches and conchy track to cross The gulf
Between florida And mexico provide heartening proof that restoration can
reverse centuries of harm when science and compassion join. Forces
florida's pink revival is more than an ecological. Milestone it's
(15:36):
a testament to persistence in the face of climate change and.
Deregulation conservationists say it's also a preview of what a
just environmental policy can, deliver thriving, habitats clean, water and
a future where both people and wildlife can. Flourish as
The everglades stir back to, life the message rising from
(15:57):
the mangroves is. Clear if we heal the, land the
life will. Return that's a wrap 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 Rosabel, Hein Aaron,
(16:20):
watson And Jillian cunningham for making all of this possible
behind the. Scenes I'm Beowulf, rocklin weird name Good news
For lefties And.
Speaker 2 (16:31):
America here's what you've been missing on The Stephanie Miller
Happy hour.
Speaker 3 (16:51):
Podcast he wasn't he shot people look at his. Ear
some debris or something hit. Him but IT'S i. CAN'T
i just, Can't, okay all? Right where WAS? I he?
Said par coaching right twenty nine hundred pages of lead,
Texts so that's not like one or two random. Whatever, Right,
(17:12):
yes the chats, Included oh there's some more fun FACTS
i had not read. Yet, yeah references to black people
as monkeys and watermelon. People, wow that's so fresh a
reference and current praise For Adolf, hitler and, oh discussions
of rape and guest chambers as fella knows a lot
of misogyny in mixed in with the anti semitism and
(17:32):
racism in. GENERAL i was waiting for. That, yeah, yeah, yeah,
yeah lots of how super fun. Rapeist, okay by the,
way CAN i just say here's an? Example SO Jd
vance saying all that's, fine, right did you see this
When Elizabeth warren two days ago posted for two excruciating,
Years i've called for the return of the, hostages brutally kid,
(17:54):
left kidnapped On october seventh and held in. Gaza today
is a good? DAY Jd? Vance was you? Know post?
That and says the president to, him he did this
On Indigenous People day and? Interview what are you surprised
that all these Young republicans are? Douchebag just look at
he's the vice. PRESIDENT i Did.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
Okay they're taking troll online trolling in your real.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Life, well this is What's bella's. Point they're just. Trolls
they're not people that are interested in helping them in any.
Way they actually care about. Politics they only care about
owning The. Libs i've been saying that for years and
years and years and. Years that's the only thing they care. About,
congratulations little. DOUCHEBAGS i am this liberal is fully on this.
Morning subscribe to The Stephanie Miller Happy hour podcast On Apple,
(18:39):
Podcasts Stephanie miller dot, com or wherever you get your favorite, Podcasts.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
And in case you missed, it here's this good news.
Headline Across, ohio a unique partnership between correctional institutions and
The Ohio Wildlife center is changing lives on both sides
of the. Bars inmates at five, prisons Including marian And
Richland Correctional institutions and The Ohio reformatory For, women are
(19:14):
now caring for hundreds of injured and orphaned wild animals each,
year developing skills and compassion while giving vulnerable wildlife a
second chance at. Survival more than sixty incarcerated volunteers dedicate
time daily defeating healing and rehabilitating, birds, rabbits, apossums and
(19:35):
other wildlife that arrive from the center's hospital In. Columbus
with the program's, expansion facilities Like marion have created specialized
aviaries with volunteers undergoing hands on training and everything from
tube feeding orphaned animals to identifying symptoms of. ILLNESS a
(19:55):
major part of the effort's success comes from the inmates close,
attention spending hours with the, animals spotting problems, early and
innovating solutions in collaboration with wildlife. Professionals participation in the
program offers inmates far more than just a daily. Routine
volunteers report a renewed sense of, purpose, responsibility and self
(20:18):
confidence as they nurture animals and see them. Recover correctional
staff and psychologists have noted powerful, impacts ranging from improved
behavior and reduced substance abuse to new interest in learning
and career skills that help break the cycle of. Incarceration
many find deep meaning in the chance to be a
(20:39):
force for healing and, restoration both for the animals and
in their own personal. Journeys as climate, impacts urban growth
and human wildlife, conflicts and more native species into. Crisis
Ohio's Prison Wildlife initiatives stands as a beacon of progressive.
Rehabilitation by extending empathy and knowledge beyond walls and, fences
(21:02):
these programs are helping nearly two thousand animals return to
the wild each year and sparking hope for those working
toward their own release and. Renewal
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