Iowa's Victory, Press Freedom, and Solar Innovations for Wildlife

We kick things off with a significant victory in Iowa, where Catelin Drey flipped a Republican state Senate seat, breaking the GOP's supermajority for the first time since 2022. Drey's grassroots campaign resonated with voters seeking authentic leadership and solutions to pressing issues, showcasing a renewed commitment to democracy in the Midwest.

Next, we delve into a federal judge's ruling that Elon Musk must face a class action lawsuit for allegedly misleading voters during his $1 million a day election giveaway. This case raises important questions about transparency in political campaigns and the influence of wealthy individuals on democracy.

We then celebrate Governor JB Pritzker's signing of legislation in Illinois that strengthens protections for journalists against retaliatory lawsuits. This law reinforces the essential role of the press in holding power accountable and ensures that journalists can report the truth without fear of legal intimidation.

Turning to crime rates, we reveal that Washington, D.C. has experienced a significant drop in violent crime, contradicting narratives of a public safety crisis. This data emphasizes the need to focus on real safety concerns in communities across the nation.

In an uplifting listener-suggested segment, we explore how innovative solar farms are not only generating clean energy but also fostering wildlife habitats and boosting biodiversity. This dual benefit exemplifies how renewable energy initiatives can contribute positively to the environment.

Lastly, we discuss the ongoing contract negotiations for school bus drivers and aides in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, who have voted to authorize a strike to demand fair pay and better working conditions. This situation highlights the broader challenges faced by essential workers in the education sector.

Join us for this episode filled with hope, activism, and the belief that positive change is possible in America! If you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share, we’d love to hear from you! Call or message us at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at [e-mail].

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/catelin-drey-democrat-wins-iowa-state-senate-election


https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/elon-musk-must-face-lawsuit-claiming-he-ran-illegal-1-million-election-lottery-2025-08-20/


https://capitolnewsillinois.com/news/pritzker-signs-law-expanding-lawsuit-protections-for-illinois-news-media/


https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/national-guard-troops-dc-states-rcna225859


https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/experts-uncover-incredible-side-effects-114500771.html


https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-anne-arundel-county-school-bus-driver-strike/




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 be
a Wolf Rockland, your host, ready to help you swap
out doom and gloom for some genuine hope with uplifting
stories for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists, and anyone

(00:28):
who believes in making America a better place for everyone.
It's no secret these are challenging times. Rfk Junior limiting
COVID nineteen vaccines, the government trying to deport Kilmar Abrigo Garcia,
and Trump taking over Union Station in Washington, d C.

(00:48):
Today's headlines often overwhelm us with troubling news, making it
all too easy to lose sight of hope. But that's
exactly why it's vital to highlight the positive progressive wins
happening 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

(01:12):
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 news headlines designed to brighten your day. Democrats scored
a decisive and inspiring victory in Iowa, as Caitlin Drey

(01:35):
flipped a once solid Republican state Senate seat in Sioux City,
breaking the GOP's supermajority for the first time since twenty
twenty two, with fifty five percent of the vote to
Republican Christopher Prosch's forty four percent. Drey's win represents more
than a twenty point swing from Donald Trump's twenty twenty

(01:58):
four performance in the district and signals unenergized and expanding
coalition for progressives in the heart of the Midwest. Dre,
a first time candidate and the founder of grassroots group
Moms for Iowa, ran on a platform that spooked directly
to working families, emphasizing the need the urgent need for

(02:22):
change in Iowa's economy, healthcare system, and leadership style. Channeling
local frustrations and a desire for authenticity, she drew support
from voters across the political spectrum who are increasingly dissatisfied
with divisive politics and neglect of critical community issues. Drey's

(02:43):
victory message resonated people who want to believe their leaders
are fighting for them, not for partisan games. Underscoring the
power of real connection and transparency in politics. This win
shows a surge in democratic momentum that has swept across
Iowa and other states this year. Drey's race was fueled

(03:05):
by an energized grassroots movement and an unprecedented outpouring of
volunteer support, with thirty thousand national and local activists engaged
in get out the vote efforts. Democrats have outperformed expectations
in multiple special elections, flipping districts once considered unwinnable and

(03:27):
demonstrating that voters want solutions over rhetoric and a renewed
commitment to democracy. By breaking the Republican supermajority, Democrats have
restored checks and balances to Iowa's government, gaining the power
to block unilateral appointments and ensure broader representation in state policy.

(03:47):
As special election victories build across the nation, progressives have
reasons to be positive about twenty twenty six and beyond,
reminding Americans that organizing authentic leadership and inclusive vision can
triumph even in the most daunting political landscapes. A federal
judge has ruled that Elon Musk must face a class

(04:10):
action lawsuit brought by voters who allege they were deceived
by his million dollar a day election giveaway during the
twenty twenty four presidential campaign. According to the lawsuit, Musk
and his America Pack enticed voters in seven key battleground
states to sign a petition supporting the US Constitution, promising

(04:33):
that recipients of the million dollar prize would be chosen
randomly as an a lottery, though in practice voters had
no actual chance of winning. The lead plaintiff, Jacqueline McCafferty,
claims that petition signers were required to provide their names, addresses,
email addresses, and phone numbers, valuable personal data that was

(04:57):
then used for political targeting. Judge Robert Pittman determined that
it was plausible that the plaintiff justifiably relied on Musk's
claims of a random lottery when providing her information, allowing
the case to proceed. Notably, filings in other courts revealed
that winners of the payout were in fact pre selected

(05:21):
to serve as Pack spokespeople, calling into question whether the
so called lottery was ever legitimate. If the lawsuit is successful,
Musk and his pack could potentially face significant damages. And
be liable to class members in multiple states, with experts
noting the broader risks for using giveaways for political data collection.

(05:44):
The case spotlights the growing concerns about transparency and fairness
in campaign activities, data privacy, and the undue influence of
billionaires on the democratic process. This legal challenge underscores the
growing scrutiny of wealthy individuals using their platforms and wealth
to sway political outcomes, and highlights the importance of protecting

(06:07):
voters from deceptive practices, especially when private data and campaign
integrity are at stake. Before we get back to the news,
I want to tell you about an important podcast called
This Week Again, hosted by Suzanne Posel. It takes a
humorous look at politics and current events one week at

(06:27):
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 Orange Julius Caesar are just the beginning.
So if you want to recap of the week and

(06:47):
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.
You pose L This Week Again, Listen, laugh, repeat. Governor J. B.

(07:10):
Pritzker has signed legislation expanding protections for Illinois journalists and
news organizations against retaliatory lawsuits known as slaps strategic lawsuits
against public participation. Senate Bill eleven eighty one clarifies and
strengthens the state's Citizen Participation Act by making it explicit

(07:32):
that all forms of news reporting, including non investigative coverage,
are protected when covering matters of public concern. This reform
insures members of the press cannot be dragged into costly
and intimidating legal battles simply for doing their job, reporting
the truth and holding power to account. The law was

(07:54):
prompted by recent court rulings that denied SLAP protections to
the Chicago Sun Times in a defamation suit, despite the
reporting being based on watchdog investigations into public officials. Now,
Illinois clearly recognizes that journalism in the public interest is
an essential act of civic engagement and deserves robust legal

(08:17):
shields to safeguard the press's indispensable role in democracy. Senator
Steve Saddleman, a former news anchor and the bill's sponsor,
emphasized that the measure empowers journalists to exercise their First
Amendment rights without fear of legal harassment or intimidation. Pritzker
echoed this sentiment, celebrating the legislation as a bulwark against

(08:41):
ongoing efforts to silence and intimidate the press, especially in
the face of escalating attacks on journalists and independent media
across the nation. Under this new law, all legal proceedings
are also paused while an anti slap motion is under consideration,
helping protect news use organizations from burdensome discovery or prolonged litigation.

(09:04):
Illinois now joins a growing number of states upgrading their
anti slap safeguards, sending a strong message press freedom is
fundamental and journalists truth telling must be protected for the
benefit of all. Despite claims of a public safety crisis
in Washington, d C. The latest data show the city's

(09:27):
crime rates, especially violent crime, have dropped significantly in twenty
twenty five and are actually lower than those in many
of the states sending National Guard troops to the capital.
As of late August twenty twenty five, DC has seen
a fourteen percent decline in homicides, an eighteen percent decline

(09:48):
in assaults with a dangerous weapon, a thirty one percent
drop in robberies, and an overall twenty seven percent reduction
in violent crime compared to last year. These dramatic decreases
put d C at or near thirty year lows for
a violent crime. By contrast, FBI and local police data

(10:10):
indicate that cities and states like Mississippi, Jackson, Ohio, Cleveland, Tennessee, Memphis,
and Nashville, South Carolina, Columbia, Louisiana, New Orleans, and West Virginia,
continue to report much higher rates of violent crime, including homicides,
than DC. For example, Jackson, Mississippi, is home to the

(10:32):
highest murder rate in the nation, and major cities in Tennessee, Louisiana,
and South Carolina all currently outpaced DC in per capita
violent crime. The irony is stark. National Guard troops are
being pulled away from communities with more urgent crime concerns
and deployed to a city experiencing historic declines in violence. Experts,

(10:56):
Local leaders and community advocates have pointed out that the
folks on DC is more about political theater than genuine
public safety. Ultimately, these facts underscore that the narrative of
out of control crime in Washington is not only inaccurate,
but distracts from the real public safety needs of the states.
Sending their own troops away. Resources would be far better

(11:19):
invested in supporting safer, more prosperous communities at home. Up next,
a listener suggested story back at a minute, and now,
a listener suggested story from Bob In San Jose, California,
traditional solar panels are revealing an incredible dual benefit, producing

(11:44):
clean energy while simultaneously fostering wildlife habitats and boosting biodiversity.
Innovative solar farms across the United States are transforming previously
barren or degraded lands into flourishing ecosystems teeming with native plants, pollinators,
and wildlife. For instance, a solar meadow in Ramsey, Minnesota,

(12:07):
has blossomed into a vibrant field of wildflowers and grasses,
attracting butterflies, bees, and birds, turning energy sites into essential
refuges for struggling insect populations. These solar habitats provide critical
support for pollinators whose thriving populations contribute to improved crop

(12:29):
yields and strengthen food security. The increased plant diversity within
solar farm landscapes helps prevent soil erosion, promotes carbon sequestration,
and enhances overall ecosystem health. Adopting pollinator friendly land management
reduces maintenance costs for solar companies, making this approach beneficial

(12:53):
both environmentally and economically. The synergy of renewable energy production
and ecosystem restoration marks a promising path forward in tackling
climate change and biodiversity loss simultaneously. Researchers stress the importance
of managing solar project siting and design to minimize negative

(13:13):
impacts such as habitat fragmentation, migration disruption, and risks to
birds and bats from reflective panels. However, when done thoughtfully,
solar farms can host a diverse array of species, including
native bees, small mammals, and birds of conservation concern while
avoiding conflict with food production goals. Ground level solar installations

(13:38):
on degraded lands and integration of wildlife corridors can maximize
these conservation benefits. As we transition to clean power, solar
energy offers a unique opportunity to merge climate action with
wildlife conservation. By incorporating native plantings with pollinator friendly habitats
within solar arrays, developers can foster biodiversity, support ecosystem services,

(14:03):
and ensure that renewable energy growth also promotes a healthy,
sustainable environment for future generations. Bob, thank you so much
for that wonderful story. If you have thoughts, ideas, or
more good news to share, we'd love to hear from
you as well. Call or message us at two zero
two six five six six y two seven to one,

(14:27):
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. School
bus drivers and aids in ann Arundel County, Maryland, have
overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike as contract negotiations with

(14:47):
their employer, Student Transportation of America, stall over issues of
fair pay and respect on the job. The union represents
about one hundred seventy drivers and aids provide vital transportation
services to more than seventy two hundred students daily across
the county's elementary, middle and high schools. While no strike

(15:10):
date has been set. This authorization empowers union leaders to
call for a strike if a fair agreement is not
reached soon. Union representatives emphasize that the workers don't want
to disrupt student services, but are demanding adequate health insurance,
wages and better working conditions that recognize the crucial role
they play in safely transporting children. Many drivers, including parents themselves,

(15:37):
express pride in their work and concern about the burdens
placed on families when contract talks falter. The union points
to a similar strike in twenty twenty one that led
to improvements, warning that unresolved issues will force drivers to
take action again. School superintendent Doctor Mark Biddell has expressed

(15:57):
concern over the potential impact of a strike, warning that
it would leave dozens of routes uncovered and leave families
scrambling for alternatives. While school buses are currently staffed with
no vacancies. The superintendent stressed the importance of quick negotiation
to avoid disruptions that would unfairly penalize students and families.
The school district has made operational improvements in recent years,

(16:21):
but now finds itself caught in a complicated negotiating impasse
with sta. This labor standoff highlights broader challenges faced by
contracted school transportation services nationwide, especially amid persistent driver shortages
and increased demands on essential workers. That's a wrap for

(16:41):
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 Hine and Aaron Watson for making all
of this possible behind the scenes. I'm being able, Franklin,

(17:04):
weird name good News for Lefties and America.

Speaker 2 (17:26):
Here's what you've been missing on the Stephanie Miller Happy
Hour podcast.

Speaker 3 (17:31):
This is the same man, all right? Or this is
the same you know, orange tubby pile of rotted tomato,
all right, colostomy bag, diaper wearing fool who comes out there,
who says with Zelenskia, Oh so you if you you
just have a war, you start a war, then you
don't have to have elections. Oh okay, that's a good idea, right.

Speaker 4 (17:55):
Donald Trump is the most disgraceful, utterly despicable thing that
has ever held public office in America, and anyone who
doesn't come up and shouts straight out all right that
you're a lieon MF, then you are facilitating this disgrace.

Speaker 2 (18:15):
Subscribe to the Stephanie Miller Happy Hour podcast on Apple Podcasts,
Stephaniemiller dot com, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Speaker 1 (18:27):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
Six months into Donald Trump's second term, Americans are growing
increasingly skeptical of his leadership, with disapproval sharply outweighing approval
on his signature policies and overall performance. A new Pew
Research Center survey finds his approval rating down to thirty

(18:49):
eight percent, with sixty percent disapproving, a slide fueled by
backlash against his sweeping tariff plans and the much touted
One Big Beautiful Bill. Public opinion on Trump's economic agenda
has soured quickly. Sixty one percent disapprove of his tariffs,
widely blamed for driving up consumer costs, while only thirty

(19:11):
two percent approve of his tax and spending package. Even
Republicans are showing cracks of doubt. Support among GOP voters
who don't identify as strong Republicans has dropped substantially, and
independents who once leaned his way are increasingly abandoning him.
Beyond policy, Americans are reassessing Trump himself. Fewer describe him

(19:36):
as caring about ordinary people thirty seven percent, down from
forty two percent in twenty twenty four, or as mentally
sharp forty eight percent, down from fifty three percent. Only
twenty nine percent now view him as a good role
model who viewed him as that to begin with, While
many still say he stands up for what he believes in,

(19:57):
the perception of his effectiveness has a voded, with fifty
three percent saying he's making government function worse. The numbers
highlight a growing disillusionment not just among Democrats, but also
among independents and younger Republicans, with confidence lagging on nearly
every major issue, from health care to foreign policy. The

(20:19):
poll suggests Trump's combative style and unpopular economic agenda are
wearing thin for much of the public. The promises of
his second term are colliding with the everyday realities of
higher costs, chaos in government, and deepening distrust