Gerrymandering Blocked, Affordable Care Act Gains Ground, and Teachers Stand Strong in Ohio!

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we dive into a series of empowering stories that highlight the resilience of communities and the ongoing fight for justice. A significant victory is unfolding in Missouri, where organizers have successfully gathered over 300,000 signatures to challenge a gerrymandered congressional map, signaling a strong demand for fair representation. As Richard von Glahn from People Not Politicians states, "The citizens of Missouri have spoken loudly and clearly." This grassroots effort is part of a larger trend as states across the nation grapple with redistricting ahead of the midterm elections. In a bipartisan move, a group of lawmakers is advocating for the extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, showcasing a collaborative spirit in addressing critical healthcare needs. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick emphasizes the importance of securing essential support for families, reflecting a commitment to responsible governance. Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett has officially launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate in Texas, aiming to flip a crucial seat and energize Democratic hopes for the upcoming elections. With her candid style and strong advocacy for civil rights, Crockett is poised to make waves in a traditionally Republican stronghold. We also spotlight a listener-suggested story about teachers in Ross Township, Ohio, who are prepared to strike if negotiations for better pay do not yield results. Their determination to improve teacher retention illustrates the ongoing struggle for fair compensation in education. In a noteworthy move for public health, San Francisco has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against food manufacturers over ultra-processed foods, holding corporations accountable for the health crises linked to their products. This bold action aims to address the severe impact of unhealthy food marketing on public health. Join us for these uplifting stories and more as we continue to spread hope and inspire action in our communities! For more about today's stories: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/09/missouri-map-gerrymandering https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5641051-moderate-house-republicans-aca-subsidies-extension/ https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democratic-rep-jasmine-crockett-announces-run-for-u-s-senate-in-texas https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shift-sen-bennet-supports-colorado-constitutional-amendment-emergency-redistricting https://www.fox19.com/2025/12/09/ross-township-teachers-union-approves-10-day-strike/ https://variety.com/2025/film/news/james-cameron-bans-ai-avatar-movies-fire-and-ash-1236597750/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .