Progress in Red States, Democratic Wins, and a Pope's Promise for Inclusion

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on inspiring stories that remind us of the positive changes happening across America. We kick things off with Vermont Governor Phil Scott's courageous decision to decline a federal request for deploying the National Guard to D.C., prioritizing local authority and civil-military boundaries, and earning praise from retired military leaders for his principled stance. Next, we explore California Democrats' proactive steps to ensure fair representation by passing a redistricting bill aimed at countering partisan gerrymandering, which will be presented to voters as Proposition 50 this November. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasizes the importance of protecting democracy and ensuring every Californian's voice is heard in the electoral process. We also discuss Pope Leo XIV's upcoming meeting with We Are Church International, a coalition advocating for equality within the Roman Catholic Church. This dialogue marks a hopeful shift towards inclusivity and reform, challenging long-standing traditions in pursuit of a more welcoming community. Furthermore, a federal judge's ruling against Trump administration actions represents a significant victory for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in education, reaffirming the importance of fostering inclusive learning environments amidst political challenges. Finally, we celebrate a listener's heartfelt message, reminding us of the uplifting impact that good news can have on our lives. Plus, we highlight a positive development from Louisville, Kentucky, where the local library system is set to receive a $1 million grant to expand access to books and resources for the community. Join us for this invigorating episode, filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the belief that together, we can make a difference! More about today's stories: https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2025-08-15/phil-scott-rejects-request-deploy-vermont-national-guard-washington-d-c https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/california-democrats-pass-redistricting-bill-to-counter-trumps-texas-gerrymander/ https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/08/15/pope-to-meet-lgbtq-and-womens-equality-group/ https://apnews.com/article/trump-dei-schools-lawsuit-ruling-education-department-4c1dbb5f7b3997ba78c17b25a935fb3f?taid=689e54267b8666000148d68a&utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&utm_medium=AP&utm_source=Twitter https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/14/robert-kennedy-jr-vaccine-study-retraction?utm_source=www.readthesmile.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=the-smile-8-15 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. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .