Courts Stand Up for Citizenship, Oregon's Microgrid Revolution, and Workers Unite for Fair Wages

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a series of inspiring stories that illuminate hope and progress in the face of adversity. We kick off with a significant legal victory as a third federal court blocks Donald Trump's executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship. This ruling reinforces the constitutional guarantee enshrined in the 14th Amendment, demonstrating the resilience of our judicial system in protecting fundamental rights. Next, we celebrate a temporary win for voting rights advocates as the Supreme Court intervenes to preserve the ability of private parties, including Native American tribes, to challenge discriminatory election maps under the Voting Rights Act. This decision highlights the ongoing fight for fair representation and the importance of safeguarding democratic principles. In Los Angeles, we discuss the challenges federal prosecutors face in securing indictments against anti-ICE protesters, reflecting the community's support and the complexities of politically charged legal actions. The low indictment rate showcases the judicial system's reluctance to pursue cases perceived as politically motivated. We then shift our focus to the striking DreamWorks Animation workers in Glendale, who are advocating for fair wages and better working conditions. Their action underscores a broader movement toward labor rights within the entertainment industry, emphasizing the essential contributions of all workers behind the scenes. Listeners will be inspired by Oregon's pioneering legislation establishing a comprehensive framework for microgrids, enhancing energy resilience and community self-reliance in the face of climate-related challenges. This ambitious policy aims to empower local governments and tribes to maintain essential services during emergencies. Finally, we delve into a recent study revealing that a majority of Americans prefer a more ethnically and religiously diverse society, challenging prevailing narratives of division and highlighting a widespread aspiration for inclusivity. Join us for this empowering episode filled with stories of resilience, unity, 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://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5421154-court-blocks-trump-birthright-citizenship-nationwide-injunction/ https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5418738-supreme-court-halts-appeals-ruling/ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/la-grand-juries-refusing-indict-135108921.html https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/dreamworks-commissary-workers-strike-amid-171706994.html https://stateline.org/2025/07/17/oregon-approves-nations-first-framework-for-microgrids/ https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/diversity-in-america-study 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 .