Minneapolis Progressives Rise, Federal Judge Upholds FTC Protections, and States Unite for Disaster Preparedness

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a vibrant mix of uplifting stories that illuminate progress and resilience in our communities. We begin with a significant victory in Minneapolis, where state Senator Omar Fateh has secured the DFL party's endorsement for mayor, signaling a shift towards progressive leadership. Fateh's commitment to working-class priorities and community inclusion resonates with residents eager for real change, highlighting the power of grassroots movements. Next, we discuss a landmark ruling from a federal judge affirming the legality of Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter's position, reinforcing the importance of independent regulatory agencies in safeguarding consumer rights. This decision underscores the necessity of upholding democratic principles against attempts to undermine them. A coalition of 20 Democratic-led states has also taken a stand by filing a lawsuit to reverse the Trump administration's termination of a vital FEMA program that funds disaster preparedness. This legal action aims to protect communities from climate-driven threats, showcasing a collective commitment to resilience and safety. Listeners will be inspired by the story of track star Sadie Shriner, who is suing Princeton University for discrimination after being barred from competing due to her gender identity. Shriner's case highlights the ongoing fight for trans rights in sports, emphasizing the need for equality and inclusion. We also feature a listener-suggested story about innovative strides in earthquake preparedness, showcasing how research and investment in safety can save lives. The advancements being made at institutions like UCSD are setting new standards for building resilience in seismic zones. Finally, we explore California Democrats' ambitious plans to redraw the state's congressional map in a bid to secure additional Democratic seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. This strategic effort reflects the party's commitment to fair representation and active engagement in the political process. Join us for this empowering episode filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but actively unfolding around us! 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/21/omar-fateh-minneapolis-mayor-endorsements https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/judge-rules-trumps-firing-ftc-commissioner-was-illegal-2025-07-17/ https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/democratic-states-sue-trump-administration-over-fema-funding-cuts/ar-AA1IJqah https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/07/17/sadie-schreiner-princeton-university-sued/ https://theprogressnetwork.org/earthquake-preparedness-progress/ https://punchbowl.news/archive/71725-am-2/ 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 .