Episode
Urban Forests, Student Screen Time, and Climate Resilience
- Published
- Jul 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 997
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Summary
n this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of encouraging developments that showcase the resilience and determination of progressives across the nation. We kick off with the American Civil Liberties Union's ambitious $25 million campaign aimed at bolstering abortion and voting rights in key states ahead of the midterm elections. This strategic investment seeks to establish a robust constitutional framework to protect these essential rights at the state level, where the future of democracy is increasingly being decided. Next, we turn to Maryland, where lawmakers have announced a special session to tackle congressional redistricting in response to recent Republican gerrymandering. This initiative aims to amend the state's redistricting rules, potentially reshaping the political landscape to favor Democrats in the upcoming elections. In a significant environmental achievement, the University of Oregon has committed $15 million to replace its natural gas boilers with electric ones, a move that aligns with community demands for decarbonization and reflects a growing commitment to sustainability. We also celebrate the launch of Climate US, a new website created by former NOAA employees to provide accessible climate information, filling the gap left by the previous government-run site that was shut down. This initiative is vital for scientists, educators, and the public seeking reliable data on climate issues. Additionally, we share exciting news from New York City, where the first-ever Urban Forest Plan has been unveiled, aiming to increase the city's tree canopy to 30% by 2040. This plan is a crucial step towards environmental justice and enhancing the quality of life for all New Yorkers. Finally, we highlight a groundbreaking policy f…