Rising Support for Immigration, New Jersey's Universal Preschool, and Missouri's Foster Care Reform

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen takes you on an inspiring journey through a series of uplifting stories that highlight progress and resilience amidst challenging times. We begin with a remarkable shift in public sentiment, as nearly 80% of Americans now view immigration positively—the highest level of optimism in 25 years. This change reflects a growing recognition of the benefits immigrants bring to our society, transcending political divides and promoting a more inclusive narrative. Next, we celebrate New Jersey's groundbreaking legislation aimed at providing universal, high-quality early education for all children. Governor Phil Murphy's new law mandates full-day kindergarten by 2030 and expands access to preschool, ensuring that families across the state can benefit from foundational learning opportunities that foster economic mobility and address educational disparities. Missouri also makes headlines with a significant reform that protects the financial futures of vulnerable children in foster care. By ending the practice of seizing foster children's Social Security benefits to cover care costs, the state is prioritizing the needs of these young individuals and setting a higher standard for child welfare. We then turn our attention to a historic expedition by Indigenous youth who are paddling 300 miles down the Klamath River, marking a cultural reclamation following the removal of hydroelectric dams. This journey not only symbolizes healing and sovereignty for the tribes but also highlights the resilience of the river's ecosystem as salmon populations begin to thrive once again. Lastly, we discuss the preparations for a strike by concession workers at Fenway Park, who are advocating for fair wages and job security amidst rising automation. Their efforts underscore the importance of human connection in creating a vibrant community experience at the ballpark. Join us for this empowering episode filled with stories of hope 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://apnews.com/article/immigration-polling-trump-deportation-d138992f803e2d0b5b399aa9eaa36581 https://newjerseymonitor.com/2025/07/11/free-pre-k-kindergarten-expanded-under-new-law-signed-by-governor/ https://missouriindependent.com/2025/07/09/missouri-governor-signs-bill-banning-state-from-seizing-foster-kids-benefits/ https://www.cnn.com/travel/klamath-river-indigenous-paddle-c2e-spc https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/fenway-park-workers-strike-2-day-deadline/ https://techstartups.com/2025/07/09/youtube-to-demonetize-ai-generated-videos-starting-july-15/ 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 .