Refugee Fairness, Tackling Homelessness & Consumer Protection Wins

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a vibrant collection of stories that highlight the resilience of progressive values and the power of community action. We begin with a revealing Yahoo News YouGov poll that showcases a significant shift in American attitudes, with only 22% supporting President Trump's controversial policy favoring white Afrikaners for refugee resettlement. Instead, a strong majority advocates for a more equitable refugee system, emphasizing compassion and fairness for all those fleeing violence and persecution. Next, we turn our attention to Maine, where lawmakers are taking bold steps to combat student homelessness. The passage of LD384 aims to create a dedicated housing assistance fund for at-risk students, providing crucial support to families facing eviction and ensuring that education remains a priority for all children. We also celebrate the growing trend of bipartisan support for paid parental leave across Republican-led states, with Alabama, Iowa, and Mississippi joining the ranks of those offering essential benefits to public employees. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the importance of family-friendly policies in building a stable workforce. In a groundbreaking study from North Carolina State University, researchers demonstrate that states can achieve substantial climate progress independently of federal leadership. By collaborating on ambitious climate goals, states can significantly reduce emissions and drive innovation in clean energy technologies. Listeners will be inspired by a listener-suggested story from Boise, Idaho, where the city's geothermal heating system stands as a testament to sustainable energy practices, reducing carbon emissions while providing warmth and efficiency to community buildings. Finally, we highlight Connecticut's recent passage of a comprehensive consumer protection bill, which empowers residents against hidden fees and unfair practices, setting a new standard for consumer rights nationwide. Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of hope, activism, and the relentless pursuit of justice! If you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share, we’d love to hear from you! Call or message us at 202-656-6271, or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com. You can find out more about GNFL 's daily news stories here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/poll-just-22-of-americans-agree-with-trumps-policy-on-afrikaner-refugees-184025714.html https://mainemorningstar.com/2025/05/29/maine-lawmakers-hope-to-combat-rising-student-homelessness-with-new-housing-assistance-fund/ https://stateline.org/2025/05/30/more-gop-states-embrace-paid-parental-leave-for-teachers-public-employees/ https://www.ecowatch.com/states-climate-action-federal-neglect.html https://www.optimistdaily.com/2025/05/how-boise-is-heating-hundreds-of-buildings-with-clean-geothermal-energy/ https://www.courant.com/2025/05/30/ct-passes-consumer-protections-on-price-gouging-hidden-fees/ More good daily news for democracy on Facebook , Bluesky , and Instagram . Thanks to Rosabelle Hein and Aaron Watson for production assistance. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .