

Restoring Climate Knowledge and Reimagining Political Action
May 21, 2025
18:45
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a series of inspiring stories that highlight resilience, community action, and environmental progress. We kick off with a major victory as the U.S. Department of Agriculture agrees to restore vital climate change data to its public websites, reversing the previous administration's deletions. This restoration, a result of collective advocacy, empowers farmers with essential resources to navigate climate challenges and supports sustainable agriculture.
Next, we spotlight Kat Abu Ghazali's groundbreaking campaign in Illinois's 9th congressional district, which prioritizes direct community support over conventional fundraising. Her innovative approach includes food drives and mutual aid initiatives, demonstrating how political engagement can create immediate, positive impacts in people's lives.
Listeners will also hear about the remarkable transformation along the Klamath River following the largest dam removal project in history, which has revitalized local ecosystems and salmon populations, showcasing the power of environmental restoration.
We then discuss Project Resource Optimization (PRO), a new initiative launched by former USAID staffers that connects philanthropists with urgent humanitarian projects, ensuring that vital health and education services continue in vulnerable communities even amid funding cuts.
Finally, we explore collaborative efforts in wildfire management, where forest managers and public health experts are working together to create safer, healthier communities through innovative strategies that balance ecological restoration with public safety.
Join us for this uplifting episode that celebrates the power of community, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for a better future!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/Lefties
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 out more about GNFL's daily news stories here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/climate/trump-deleted-climate-website-farmers-lawsuit.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HE8.DMtq.dlsw28h--i2F&smid=url-share
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/kat-abughazaleh-congress
https://www.fastcompany.com/91333804/these-stunning-photos-show-how-nature-came-back-after-the-worlds-largest-dam-removal-project
https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5379905/a-matchmaking-service-with-a-twist-connecting-big-givers-to-programs-cut-by-usaid
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/new-species-of-bacteria-can-act-as-electric-wiring-and-aid-in-pollution-cleanup-and-much-more/
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/forest-managers-public-health-experts-save-lives
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
If you like Justice Matters with Glenn Kirschner, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, The MeidasTouch Podcast, and Pod Save America, you'll LOVE Good News For Lefties!
Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-and-america-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
Next, we spotlight Kat Abu Ghazali's groundbreaking campaign in Illinois's 9th congressional district, which prioritizes direct community support over conventional fundraising. Her innovative approach includes food drives and mutual aid initiatives, demonstrating how political engagement can create immediate, positive impacts in people's lives.
Listeners will also hear about the remarkable transformation along the Klamath River following the largest dam removal project in history, which has revitalized local ecosystems and salmon populations, showcasing the power of environmental restoration.
We then discuss Project Resource Optimization (PRO), a new initiative launched by former USAID staffers that connects philanthropists with urgent humanitarian projects, ensuring that vital health and education services continue in vulnerable communities even amid funding cuts.
Finally, we explore collaborative efforts in wildfire management, where forest managers and public health experts are working together to create safer, healthier communities through innovative strategies that balance ecological restoration with public safety.
Join us for this uplifting episode that celebrates the power of community, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for a better future!
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/Lefties
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 out more about GNFL's daily news stories here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/12/climate/trump-deleted-climate-website-farmers-lawsuit.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HE8.DMtq.dlsw28h--i2F&smid=url-share
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/kat-abughazaleh-congress
https://www.fastcompany.com/91333804/these-stunning-photos-show-how-nature-came-back-after-the-worlds-largest-dam-removal-project
https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5379905/a-matchmaking-service-with-a-twist-connecting-big-givers-to-programs-cut-by-usaid
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/new-species-of-bacteria-can-act-as-electric-wiring-and-aid-in-pollution-cleanup-and-much-more/
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/forest-managers-public-health-experts-save-lives
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
If you like Justice Matters with Glenn Kirschner, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, The MeidasTouch Podcast, and Pod Save America, you'll LOVE Good News For Lefties!
Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-and-america-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.