Declining Approval, Historic Settlements & Resilient Pollinators

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers an invigorating update on significant shifts in the political landscape and inspiring stories of resilience. We kick things off with the latest Quinnipiac poll revealing President Trump's job approval rating has plummeted to 38%, a stark reflection of growing public discontent with his administration's handling of critical issues such as immigration and the economy. This decline signals a potential turning point as dissatisfaction mounts among voters.

Next, we celebrate a landmark ruling by U.S. District Judge John Tigar, who blocked the Trump administration's executive orders aimed at suppressing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision is a major win for LGBTQ organizations and advocates, ensuring that federal funding cannot be tied to discriminatory practices and allowing vital services to continue without fear of censorship.

Listeners will be inspired by Portland, Oregon's historic $8.5 million settlement to descendants of Black families displaced during urban renewal projects. This settlement, a recognition of past injustices, not only provides financial compensation but also includes commitments to community involvement and historical acknowledgment, marking a significant step toward restorative justice.

In a heartwarming segment, we discuss the collaborative efforts in North Carolina to restore bee populations devastated by Hurricane Helene. Beekeepers, researchers, and volunteers have come together to rebuild hives, highlighting the community spirit that thrives even in the face of adversity and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystems.

We also dive into the bipartisan Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Peter Welch and Josh Hawley, aiming to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour. This proposal is a crucial step toward economic justice, addressing the affordability crisis faced by millions of workers across the country.

Finally, we spotlight Fervo Energy's groundbreaking financing for the Cape Station geothermal power plant, which promises to become the world's largest enhanced geothermal facility. This ambitious project aims to provide clean, reliable energy for hundreds of thousands of homes, showcasing the potential of innovative solutions in the fight against climate change.

Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of progress, community strength, and the relentless pursuit of justice!

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.

You can find more about this week's stories here:

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5346550-trump-job-approval-drops-survey/?tbref=hp


https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/judge-blocks-administration-enforcing-anti-diversity-anti-transgender-rcna211949


https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/05/albina-black-descendants-displacement-reparations/


https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/asheville-north-carolina-bees-honeybees-helene


https://www.welch.senate.gov/welch-hawley-lead-bipartisan-bill-to-raise-the-federal-minimum-raise/


https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/11/fervo-energy-lands-206m-in-financing-to-build-massive-geothermal-power-plant/



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Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.

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