Progress in LA Homelessness, States Battle for Education Funds, and Montana's New Teacher Program

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen presents a series of uplifting stories that showcase progress in the fight for social justice and community resilience. We kick off with a historic milestone in Los Angeles County, where homelessness has seen a decline for the second consecutive year. Thanks to Mayor Karen Bass's innovative strategies, including the Inside Safe Initiative, nearly 28,000 individuals have transitioned into permanent housing, marking a significant step toward addressing this pressing issue, although challenges remain. Next, we cover a coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia that has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to release $6.8 billion in federal education funding that was abruptly withheld. This funding is crucial for over 1.4 million children, and the lawsuit highlights the importance of collective action in safeguarding vital educational resources for underserved communities. In Montana, an exciting new teacher apprenticeship program is set to launch, offering aspiring educators a chance to earn while they learn. This initiative aims to tackle teacher shortages and ensure quality education in rural areas, fostering a new generation of committed educators. We also delve into the political turbulence facing Donald Trump as he navigates growing dissatisfaction among his MAGA base regarding transparency in the Epstein case. This internal strife raises questions about the future of his support and the importance of accountability within political movements. Listeners will be charmed by a heartwarming story about Tugger, a Labrador puppy training to become a service dog for veterans, embodying the spirit of hope and healing in the community. Additionally, we celebrate Atlanta's groundbreaking cool roof ordinance, which aims to combat urban heat and promote environmental justice through innovative building practices. Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but is actively happening in our communities! 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/jul/14/los-angeles-county-homelessness-report https://archive.ph/RIxnE https://archive.ph/hBzTX https://thehill.com/newsletters/the-movement/5400909-trump-epstein-midterms-maga/ https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/philadelphia-phillies-new-service-dog-is-instant-celebrity-and-will-support-a-veteran-after-season-of-training/ https://www.yahoo.com/news/atlanta-embracing-cheap-effective-way-084500914.html 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 .