Maine Passes Law Limiting Cooperation with ICE and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Calls it Quits

For democracy defenders, progressives, and anyone committed to building a more equitable America, finding uplifting stories is more important than ever. This podcast gathers several pieces of recent good news, highlighting victories for fair representation, scientific integrity, and community support. Host Wendy King shines a light on stories that inspire hope and action among progressives, liberals, and all those striving for a better future. Maryland Takes a Proactive Stand Against Gerrymandering In a significant move to protect fair elections, Maryland is taking new steps to address partisan gerrymandering ahead of the 2026 midterms.Governor Wes Moore has established a new Redistricting Commission tasked with evaluating the state's congressional maps. This initiative is a direct response to nationwide efforts to draw districts that favor one political party over another. The commission is actively engaging the public by soliciting map proposals and holding public meetings to gather feedback."I think everybody in Maryland right now is looking at what's happening around the country," Governor Moore stated, emphasizing the need to ensure Maryland's maps remain fair. While expressing his dislike for the political gamesmanship of gerrymandering, he stressed that if Congress fails to act on a national ban, then "100% all options... will be on the table in the state of Maryland." This effort follows similar moves in states like California and Virginia, creating a front of resistance against unfair electoral practices and aiming to ensure the next Congress truly reflects the will of the people. Maine Enacts New Law to Protect Immigrant Communities Maine has officially enacted a new law that creates a clear boundary between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Governor Janet Mills allowed the bill to become law, which largely prohibits state and local police from cooperating with federal immigration operations unless explicitly required by state or federal law. In an op-ed, Governor Mills acknowledged the law could present complexities for law enforcement but ultimately stated that the current times call for such a measure. In addition to this new law, she also repealed a controversial executive order from the previous administration that had mandated enhanced cooperation between state police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A Leadership Shake-Up at the FBI FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino has announced his resignation, concluding a brief but turbulent period at the bureau. His tenure was marked by several key controversies: Clashes with the Justice Department: Notably over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Reconciling Past and Present: Bongino struggled to balance his duties as a law enforcement official with provocative conspiracy theories he promoted as a popular conservative podcast host. Unconventional Appointment: Having no prior FBI experience, his appointment was seen as a move to install a loyalist who pledged to overhaul an agency that former President Trump claimed was "weaponized" against him. Bongino's departure is one of the most high-profile resignations from the administration, signaling a significant shift within the agency's leadership. California Champions Science by Hiring Former CDC Leaders California Governor Gavin Newsom has hired two former top officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) who publicly accused the Trump administration of sidelining science. Susan Menarez, a former CDC director, was fired after resisting White House pressure to alter scientific reports. Dr. Deborah Howery, a former chief medical officer, quit in protest of Dr. Menarez's firing. Both have been brought on as consultants for the California Department of Public Health. This move reinforces Governor Newsom's strategy to position California as a democratic stronghold and a leader in science-based policy, countering the political pressures that have influenced federal health agencies. Portland's Unconventional Fundraiser Breaks Records for Children's Hospital In a heartwarming story of community spirit, Portland-area strippers have once again proven to be a major force for good. Their annual holiday fundraiser, "Tatas for Toys," raised a record-breaking $60,000 for the Doernbecher Children's Hospital.This marks the 15th year of the event, which has now donated a cumulative total of over $183,000 in toys, making the group the hospital's top donor. The money raised is used to purchase toys from local businesses, supporting both the community and the hospital's child life therapy program. The sold-out event, featuring variety acts, auctions, and music, demonstrates a powerful and unique form of local charity. An Extended Holiday Break for Federal Employees To close on a festive note, President Trump issued an executive order declaring both Christmas Eve and December 26th as federal holidays for the year. This order closes federal agencies and gives employees paid time off to spend with their families. While agency heads can require essential personnel to work, the move provides a welcome extended break for the majority of the federal workforce. Staying Positive and Informed These stories serve as a reminder that even in challenging times, progress is being made. From state-level actions protecting democracy to local communities coming together for a good cause, there is plenty of good news to be found. Sharing these moments of optimism is a small but powerful way to support the ongoing work of building a better future. Story Links: https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/maryland-democrats-push-forward-with-redistricting-despite-critics/ https://wgme.com/newsletter-daily/governor-janet-mills-lets-bill-that-would-limit-cooperation-between-police-ice-become-law-maine-immigration-customs-enforcement-president-donald-trump https://apnews.com/article/bongino-fbi-trump-patel-3f388cb8ccd9124eff3a7c7aec32c1b3?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=69432ff2c2e22c00017e8dfd&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky https://crooksandliars.com/2025/12/newsom-hires-two-top-cdc-experts-work-ca https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/tatas-for-toys-portland https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5655984-trump-declares-christmas-holidays/ BRIAN TYLER COHEN NEWS : Interview with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZYmA10OGRg Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .