Advances in Safety, Justice, and Community Care

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on the transformative progress taking place across America, offering a refreshing counter-narrative to the often overwhelming headlines of despair. We kick off with an encouraging study from the University of Illinois that reveals a significant decline in police use of lethal force nationwide, showcasing a commitment to transparency and accountability in public safety. The research indicates a 24% drop in such incidents, reflecting a promising trend toward safer communities. Next, we celebrate the historic election of Susan Crawford to Wisconsin's Supreme Court, solidifying a liberal majority that could reshape key issues like voting rights and reproductive access. Her victory is a powerful testament to the electorate's desire for an impartial judiciary, even amidst record-breaking campaign spending. In an inspiring move towards food security, a decade-long study shows that participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) experience slower cognitive decline, underscoring the profound impact of addressing basic needs on brain health in older adults. Albuquerque, New Mexico, is taking a compassionate approach to homelessness by expanding safe outdoor spaces that provide dignity and access to essential services, contrasting sharply with punitive measures seen elsewhere. This model of care and support is garnering praise and could inspire similar initiatives nationwide. We also highlight Chef Edward Lee's innovative restaurant, Chia, which aims to eliminate single-use plastics in professional kitchens, demonstrating that sustainability can thrive alongside culinary excellence. Finally, we wrap up with a look at Alaska's legislature, which boldly overrode vetoes to restore vital education funding, showcasing bipartisan cooperation in support of public education. Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of resilience, hope, and the belief that positive change is not just a dream, but a reality unfolding across the nation! 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. More about today's stories here: https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2025/08/04/police-use-of-force-is-declining-according-to-university-of-illinois-study https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2025/08/01/susan-crawford-sworn-in-as-wisconsin-supreme-court-justice/85411393007/ https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/albuquerque-homelessness-safe-outdoor-spaces https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/30/health/snap-benefits-cognitive-decline-study-wellness https://nymag.com/strategist/article/edward-lee-plastic-free-restaurant-kitchen.html https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2025/08/02/alaska-legislature-briefly-delays-joint-session-amid-plans-to-vote-on-overriding-governors-vetoes/ 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 .