Florida's Alligator Alcatraz Closure, Public Media Resilience, and Sisters' Pilgrimage for Justice

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a series of uplifting stories that highlight resilience and activism in the face of adversity. We start with a significant victory in Florida, as a federal judge orders the closure of the controversial immigration detention facility, known as Alligator Alcatraz. This decision, driven by concerns over inhumane conditions and ecological damage, marks a triumph for environmental groups and advocates for humane immigration policies, showcasing the power of community action. Next, we celebrate a coalition of philanthropists and foundations coming together to rescue vulnerable public radio and TV stations from devastating funding cuts. Spearheaded by the Knight Foundation, this initiative aims to raise $50 million to support local stations that serve as vital sources of news and education, highlighting the commitment to preserving public media's role in democracy. We also discuss Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raul's bold legal challenge against the Trump administration's attempt to withhold $54 million in federal funding for crime victims. This lawsuit underscores the importance of ensuring that support for survivors remains accessible, regardless of immigration status, and reflects a commitment to justice and compassion amidst political strife. In a significant corporate development, Target CEO Brian Cornell announces his departure in February 2026, following backlash against the company's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This shift serves as a reminder of the intrinsic link between corporate values and consumer trust, emphasizing the importance of authentic commitments to equity. We also feature a listener-suggested story about a powerful pilgrimage of hope led by nearly 500 Catholic sisters in Atlanta, who walked in solidarity to address urgent issues like forced migration and climate change. Their commitment to social justice and faith-based activism inspires a movement for change rooted in compassion and community. Lastly, we highlight a generous land gift to the University of Colorado Boulder, establishing the Spruce Gulch Wildlife Research Reserve. This donation not only supports ecological research but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, showcasing the potential for academic exploration in preserving our natural resources. Join us for this episode filled with stories of hope, activism, and the belief that positive change is possible in America! 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: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-florida-desantis https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/27/alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-florida-desantis https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/business/the-race-to-rescue-pbs-and-npr-stations.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fU8.no1b.kfcCH2JLx0pm&smid=em-share https://news.wttw.com/2025/08/18/illinois-sues-trump-administration-access-crime-victim-funding https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/20/business/target-stock-ceo-cornell https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/catholic-sisters-march-for-immigrants https://www.colorado.edu/today/2025/08/12/spruce-gulch-land-gift-enhances-future-ecological-and-academic-studies-cu-boulder Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .