Protecting Voting Rights, Empowering Young Voices & Community Care

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen serves up a refreshing array of progressive victories, tackling issues that matter to us all. We kick off with a landmark ruling from a federal judge in Boston, who has blocked key parts of Donald Trump's executive order aimed at imposing new voting restrictions. This ruling, requested by 19 Democratic-led states, prevents the administration from enforcing requirements for documentary proof of citizenship and from barring states from counting mail-in ballots received after Election Day, marking a significant win for voting rights advocates. Next, we dive into a recent AP-NORC poll revealing that a majority of Americans oppose the upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., coinciding with Trump's birthday, due to its hefty price tag of up to $45 million. Public sentiment reflects broader concerns over military spending amid competing priorities for public funds. Oregon is making headlines as it moves to enact some of the strongest protections for the freedom to read in public schools. Senate Bill 1098, which prohibits the removal of books based solely on the identities of their authors or subjects, is set to bolster access to diverse literature, countering the rising tide of book bans across the nation. This legislation highlights the importance of representation and diverse voices in education. As Trump prepares for his lavish military celebration, grassroots activism is on the rise with the "No Kings" protests, taking place in all 50 states. These demonstrations emphasize community care and mutual aid, showcasing a commitment to nonviolent action while addressing the needs of those affected by recent federal cuts to social services. Listeners will also hear an inspiring story from Huntington Beach, California, where voters decisively rejected a MAGA-led effort to ban books and privatize public libraries. This victory reinforces the importance of access to diverse literature and the role of professional librarians in making decisions about library collections. Finally, we celebrate Bill Gates' announcement to donate the majority of his fortune over the next 20 years, focusing on improving health and education across Africa. This unprecedented philanthropic commitment is a timely intervention aimed at unleashing human potential and addressing pressing global challenges. Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of resilience, activism, and the unwavering spirit of community! 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 more about this week's stories here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-judge-blocks-trump-administration-132612881.html https://apnorc.org/projects/most-say-the-upcoming-military-parade-is-not-a-good-use-of-government-funds/ https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/09/oregon-freedom-to-read-library-bill-heads-to-governors-desk/ https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/no-kings-protest https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/voters-rebuke-calif-city-council-effort-ban-books-20374347.php https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn4qg5gzgzxo More good daily news for democracy on Facebook , Bluesky , and Instagram . Thanks to Rosabelle Heine 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 .