Civil Rights in Action, Environmental Justice Wins & Workers Unite for Fairness

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen serves up a hearty helping of progressive victories and inspiring activism. We kick things off with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who is boldly challenging federal overreach by filing a lawsuit against Trump's former attorney after his controversial arrest during a peaceful protest against mass deportations. Baraka's commitment to civil rights and accountability sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, especially when it comes to protecting the rights of immigrant communities. Next, we celebrate a significant environmental win as Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago agrees to pay $4.8 million to settle violations related to its cooling system's impact on the Chicago River. This settlement not only funds crucial habitat restoration but also ensures ongoing monitoring to protect local aquatic life, demonstrating the importance of corporate accountability in safeguarding our natural resources. The episode also highlights the escalating labor movement in Colorado, where union members at Safeway and Albertson stores have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike amidst ongoing contract negotiations. With near-unanimous support, workers are standing firm against unfair labor practices and demanding better pay and working conditions. In New York City, the United Auto Workers have thrown their support behind mayoral candidate Zorhan Mamdani, bolstering his progressive campaign ahead of the Democratic primary. Mamdani's bold vision for social justice and economic reform resonates with voters seeking change, as he aims to challenge the establishment and prioritize working-class needs. Listeners will be inspired by a powerful community response in San Diego, where residents mobilized to protect local businesses during an ICE raid, showcasing solidarity and resistance against aggressive immigration enforcement. Finally, we discuss a landmark ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth, who has ordered the Bureau of Prisons to continue providing gender-affirming care, reinforcing the importance of dignity and healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of gender identity. Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of resilience, activism, and the relentless pursuit of justice! https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/newark-mayor-ras-baraka-sues-trump-lawyer-alina-habba-arrest/ https://news.wttw.com/2025/05/22/trump-tower-pay-48m-environmental-violations-funds-will-help-restore-chicago-river https://www.yahoo.com/news/safeway-albertsons-union-members-vote-225611839.html https://www.commondreams.org/news/uaw-zohran-cuomo https://archive.ph/uZug7 https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5330761-judge-federal-prisons-gender-affirming-care-transgender-inmates-trump-order/ 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. More good daily news for democracy on Facebook , Bluesky , and Instagram . Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance. if you like shows like Justice Matters, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, The MeidasTouch Podcast, or Pod Save America, you’ll love what we’re doing here. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .