Birthright Citizenship Wins, Reproductive Health Restored, and Wildlife Crossings Lead the Way

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of uplifting stories that shine a light on recent victories for justice, equality, and environmental progress. We kick off with a monumental ruling from a federal judge in New Hampshire, who has blocked President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. This pivotal decision ensures that all children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status, remain protected under the 14th Amendment, reaffirming the values of inclusion and equality in America. Next, we celebrate a significant win for reproductive health in the South as the Department of Health and Human Services restores federal family planning funds to Converge Partners in Access in Mississippi. Following a tumultuous funding suspension, this reinstatement will allow the nonprofit to resume essential services for thousands of Mississippians, ensuring access to vital reproductive health care across the region. In Wyoming, a thorough investigation by the Laramie County Sheriff's Office has found no evidence of non-citizen voting during the 2024 elections, directly challenging the justification for the state's strict proof of citizenship voting law. This outcome emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policy and the need to protect voting rights for all eligible citizens. Faith leaders across the nation are also making headlines as they mount a growing challenge to the political influence of Christians United for Israel. In a powerful act of nonviolent resistance, over 100 clergy members gathered at the U.S. Capitol to demand justice for Palestinians, highlighting a shift in public opinion and the need for interfaith solidarity in the face of oppression. Listeners will be inspired by a listener-suggested story about Pennsylvania's bipartisan effort to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana. This new proposal aims to create a regulated cannabis industry while prioritizing social equity and economic inclusion, showcasing the growing momentum for cannabis reform in the state. Finally, we explore the innovative trend of wildlife crossings across the U.S., designed to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and enhance habitat connectivity. With states like California and Colorado leading the charge, these projects are proving to be a win-win for public safety and conservation. Join us for this enlightening episode filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that positive change is not only possible but actively happening! 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.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-07-10/new-hampshire-judge-blocks-trump-birthright-citizenship-order-nationwide https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-agency-restores-family-planning-money-mississippi-group https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/wyomings-largest-county-finds-no-evidence-of-noncitizen-voting-undermining-states-anti-voting-law/ https://wagingnonviolence.org/2025/07/why-faith-leaders-are-standing-up-to-the-largest-pro-israel-christian-lobby/ https://pro.stateaffairs.com/pa/politics/senate-snuffs-out-house-bill-lights-up-its-own-marijuana-legalization-plan https://pluribusnews.com/news-and-events/wildlife-crossings-catch-on-as-states-try-to-cut-animal-collisions/ 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 .