Immigrant Rights Restored, Faith Leaders Rise, and SNAP Saved

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a powerful dose of optimism amidst the tumultuous political landscape. We begin with a landmark ruling from a federal appeals court that orders the return of Jordan Melgar Salmeron, who was wrongfully deported to El Salvador, reinforcing the importance of due process in immigration cases. This decision serves as a reminder that the judiciary can act as a critical check on administrative overreach, ensuring that individual rights are upheld. Next, we highlight the Catholic Church's compassionate stance on immigration, led by Bishop Michael Pham, who encourages faith leaders to stand with immigrants in court. His personal journey as a former refugee underscores the church's commitment to justice and solidarity, sending a powerful message that no one should navigate the immigration system alone. We also celebrate a significant victory for food security advocates as the Senate parliamentarian strikes down a Republican plan to shift food stamp costs to states, safeguarding vital assistance for millions of Americans. This ruling highlights the ongoing fight to protect essential safety net programs amidst political maneuvering. In a noteworthy advancement for gun safety, Rhode Island lawmakers have passed legislation banning the sale and manufacture of assault weapons, joining a growing number of states prioritizing public safety in the wake of mass shootings. This pragmatic approach reflects the voices of the community calling for change. Additionally, we discuss Governor Greg Abbott's surprising veto of a sweeping THC ban in Texas, signaling a shift toward pragmatic cannabis policy that supports the state's booming hemp industry and prioritizes public safety over prohibition. Finally, we explore the transformative potential of solar power as battery prices plummet, making round-the-clock solar electricity an economic reality in sunny regions. This breakthrough marks a pivotal moment in the clean energy transition, promising sustainable growth and energy independence. Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of justice, compassion, and progress! 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.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/24/el-salvador-deportation-return https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pope-leo-bishop-immigrants-court_n_684c41d0e4b070091d7755c6 https://ground.news/article/gops-food-stamp-plan-is-found-to-violate-senate-rules-its-the-latest-setback-for-trumps-big-bill-dining-and-cooking https://apnews.com/article/rhode-island-semiautomatic-gun-ban-a2f4af9d91a2581905cd8212d536b7a5 https://www.texastribune.org/2025/06/22/texas-thc-ban-bill-greg-abbott-veto-senate-bill-3/ https://electrek.co/2025/06/20/batteries-are-so-cheap-now-solar-power-doesnt-sleep-ember/ 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 .