Voices for Freedom, Changing Congress, and Monarchs on the Move

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we explore a series of inspiring stories that highlight the power of community action and progressive values in the face of adversity. Hundreds of demonstrators rallied outside Disney's headquarters, protesting the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show as a violation of free expression. The Writers Guild of America led the charge, equating this moment to a battle against authoritarianism, and vowing to continue their fight until Kimmel returns to the airwaves. In a significant political shift, Representative Michael McCall of Texas announced he would not seek reelection, joining a growing list of Republicans stepping away from Congress. This departure signals potential opportunities for Democrats in upcoming elections, as established incumbents leave behind competitive districts ripe for new voices and progressive change. Teachers and community organizers in Los Angeles are stepping up to protect immigrant families from federal immigration raids, demonstrating solidarity and care for the city's 30,000 immigrant students. This grassroots effort showcases how education can be a sanctuary, ensuring that every child feels safe and welcome in their learning environment. In Michigan, conservation efforts are underway to restore pollinator habitats at a major monarch roosting site. Local volunteers planted 1,600 native seedlings, supporting not just monarchs but a wide array of vital pollinators. This initiative emphasizes the importance of local action in preserving ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity. We also spotlight an Iowa startup, Renewal Blade, that is innovating solutions for retired wind turbine blades by recycling them into concrete products. This sustainable approach not only diverts waste from landfills but also creates valuable building materials, demonstrating how the clean energy economy can foster innovation and environmental responsibility. Lastly, we celebrate Alabama writer Carrie Fugate's initiative to refurbish a 1940 Ford pickup truck into a traveling bookstore that features banned books. This project aims to push back against censorship and promote access to diverse literature, embodying the spirit of resistance against ignorance and erasure. Join us as we shine a light on these uplifting stories that remind us of the progress being made every day. If you find these stories inspiring, please help us spread the word by rating and reviewing us on your favorite podcast platform! We love hearing from you, so reach out at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com. For more about these stories: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/18/jimmy-kimmel-protest-disney-abc-burbank https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/national-politics/republican-rep-michael-mccaul-wont-seek-reelection/269-df5df3d9-05fe-45e7-9321-cad29aa7f77e https://www.huffpost.com/entry/los-angeles-school-district-ice_n_68c05e75e4b059d8ed35e84c/amp https://www.mlive.com/news/2025/09/monarch-butterfly-hotspot-gets-improved-pollinator-habitat-with-1600-native-seedlings.html https://www.ktiv.com/2025/09/08/iowa-company-finds-use-discarded-wind-turbine-blades/ https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/banned-bookstore-pickup-truck-alabama https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/18/jimmy-kimmel-protest-disney-abc-burbank Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .