Resist & Rising Together Weekly: Good News and Progress from the Resistance
Friends, if you need a reminder that good things are still happening in this country, I’ve got some good news for you! We had so much good news this week that we had to run two Good News pieces!
This week, Nebraska’s Supreme Court protected voting rights for eligible Americans overseas, while California advocates saved thousands of oak trees and vital wildlife habitat. In New Orleans, Planned Parenthood restored in-person reproductive healthcare. And in Los Angeles, nearly 500 Sysco workers won higher wages and stronger workplace protections after a three-day strike.
These wins remind us that progress is not just possible. It is happening right now, in communities across America, because everyday people are showing up and building power together.
There is still so much worth believing in. There is still so much worth protecting. And the people are still rising.
🗽 Wins for Freedom Over Fascism
Nebraska Supreme Court protects voting rights for eligible Americans living overseas.
On October 16, the Nebraska Supreme Court rejected a challenge to a state law allowing certain U.S. citizens born abroad to register and vote in Nebraska. In a 6–1 decision, the justices found that challengers had failed to establish that the law was unconstitutional in all its applications. The ruling preserves voting access for eligible overseas citizens with qualifying parental ties to Nebraska. Nebraska Examiner
Why this is a win: Every eligible voter deserves a voice. The decision protects an existing pathway to democratic participation and rejects an effort to eliminate it.
🌎 Wins for Protecting Our Planet
Community advocates save thousands of oak trees.
On October 16, environmental and recreation organizations announced a settlement over the proposed Coyote Creek solar development in Sacramento County. The agreement significantly reduces the project’s impact on mature blue oaks, with tree losses capped at 200 instead of the approximately 3,500 originally anticipated. It also includes substantial conservation protections for surrounding habitat. The Abridged by PBS KVIE
Progress worth celebrating: Clean energy and conservation do not have to be enemies. Local advocates pushed for a better approach that protects thousands of trees and important wildlife habitat while allowing a redesigned renewable-energy project to proceed. A separate tribal cultural-resources dispute remains unresolved.
💗 Wins for Reproductive Freedom for All
Planned Parenthood opens in New Orleans, restoring in-person reproductive healthcare.
On October 14, Planned Parenthood returned to providing in-person healthcare in New Orleans through its Great Plains network. The new health center restores access to services including contraception, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, cancer screenings, and other preventive healthcare. The reopening follows the closure of the organization’s previous Louisiana operations and builds on expanded telehealth services. Planned Parenthood Louisiana
A step in the right direction: Reproductive freedom includes the ability to obtain reliable healthcare, preventive services, and information about your body. Restoring in-person care gives patients another place to receive essential medical services.
✊ Wins for Labor Rights
Nearly 500 Sysco workers secure major contract improvements after three-day strike.
On October 16, Teamsters in Los Angeles announced ratification of a new agreement with Sysco after workers held a three-day strike. Nearly 500 members of Locals 630 and 848 secured significant wage increases and protections for longstanding workplace rights. Union leaders described the agreement as one of the strongest in their history. Teamsters
Why this is a big deal: Workers demonstrated that collective action can produce real economic improvements. Their organizing resulted in a ratified agreement that protects existing rights while increasing compensation and setting an example for food distribution workers elsewhere.
There is still so much worth believing in.
Voting rights were protected. Journalists gained important safeguards. Immigrant communities saw legal protections upheld. Wildlife and thousands of trees gained protection. Reproductive healthcare returned to a community, and workers secured stronger contracts. Share this good news with someone who needs a reminder that progress is still possible.
If this post informed you, moved you, or gave you something worth passing on, please tap ❤️, leave a comment, or share it with someone who should see it. Every interaction helps more people find this work and helps us build people power together.
Progress happens because people refuse to give up.
Friends, this week’s victories remind us that progress comes in many forms.
Sometimes it is a court ruling that protects voting rights. Sometimes it is a community coming together to save thousands of oak trees and protect wildlife. Sometimes it is a reproductive healthcare center reopening its doors. And sometimes it is nearly 500 workers standing together to secure better wages and stronger workplace protections.
None of these victories happened by accident. They happened because people organized, spoke out, challenged decisions, and refused to give up.
Not every victory is permanent. Not every challenge has ended. But every meaningful step forward matters.
We are not powerless. We are not alone. And progress is still possible.
Power belongs to the people who show up, speak out, stand together, and demand accountability from the leaders and institutions that serve our communities.
Join us as we continue to champion freedom over fascism, progress over fear, and power to the people!
Laurie Woodward Garcia, (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests) Leader, People Power United
