Flags of Progress: Local Leaders Defy Hate and Celebrate Inclusion

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight the resilience of communities and the power of progressive values. We kick off with the bold decisions made by Salt Lake City and Boise, as both cities adopt new flags celebrating LGBTQ communities in direct defiance of state laws aimed at erasing pride symbols from public spaces. Mayor Aaron Mendenhall of Salt Lake City emphasizes that these flags reflect the city's values of inclusion and recognition of its diverse residents, while Boise's Mayor Loren McLean takes a similar stand, ensuring that the pride flag remains a visible symbol of belonging.

Next, we turn to Montana, where a coalition of moderate GOP senators, dubbed the "Nasty Nine," has joined forces with Democrats to deliver significant wins for healthcare, education, and working families. This bipartisan effort has resulted in Medicaid expansion, a child tax credit, and investments in affordable housing, proving that progress is possible even in polarized times.

On the Hawaiian island of Maui, volunteers are turning tragedy into renewal through the "From the Soil Up" initiative, nurturing thousands of native trees in response to devastating wildfires. This community-driven effort not only restores ecosystems but also fosters a sense of connection and healing among residents.

In South Florida, chefs and food advocates are rallying to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from proposed federal cuts. Their campaign highlights the program's vital role in fighting hunger and supporting local economies, reminding us that access to healthy food is a basic human right.

Lastly, we share an uplifting listener-suggested story about the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, whose progressive advocacy for compassion, justice, and inclusion resonates powerfully in today's world. His outspoken stance on critical issues is already inspiring hope among Catholics and progressives alike.

Join us for this episode filled with stories of courage, community, and the enduring spirit of progress!

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://apnews.com/article/boise-salt-lake-city-pride-flags-law-13c8f9f7269d1b33daaa7ef041c6c497?

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/robert-prevost-american-pope-trump-vance-b2747721.html


https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/08/cryptocurrency-legislation-senate-vote-00336381


https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/03/us/politics/montana-republicans-democrats-compromise.html?unlocked_article_code=1.GU8.hSer.CMQ1nLf0MxKu&smid=url-share


https://mauinow.com/2025/04/28/from-the-soil-up-an-islandwide-network-of-volunteers-nurtures-trees-for-burned-lahaina-kula/


https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2025-05-03/south-florida-chefs-fight-to-save-the-countrys-largest-food-assistance-program#


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Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.

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