No Kings Protests, Community Resilience & Defiant Artistry

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen explores a powerful wave of civic engagement and community resilience in the face of adversity. We begin with the remarkable no Kings protests on June 14, 2025, where an estimated 4 to 6 million people across over 2,000 cities rallied to defend democratic values against authoritarianism. This grassroots movement, rivaling the Women's March of 2017, showcased a collective commitment to resisting oppressive policies, particularly those targeting immigrants and undermining social safety nets. Listeners will hear about Kike Hernandez, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who boldly spoke out against recent ICE raids, expressing solidarity with the immigrant community and highlighting the emotional toll of current immigration policies. His heartfelt message resonates within a city grappling with escalating unrest and serves as a reminder of the role athletes can play in amplifying marginalized voices. We also delve into Harvard University's legal battle against the Trump administration's attempts to freeze federal funding and impose strict oversight, with support from a coalition of Ivy League institutions and over 12,000 alumni. This case underscores the broader implications of governmental overreach on academic freedom and innovation. Next, we spotlight Phoenix, Arizona's innovative approach to urban climate resilience through the Greater Phoenix Urban Forestry Accelerator. This initiative aims to combat extreme heat by transforming neighborhoods while providing job opportunities and prioritizing historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and sustainability. Finally, we celebrate the inspiring story of Dr. Michael Zollicoffer, a beloved physician in Baltimore who, after facing his own health crisis, received overwhelming support from his community. His journey highlights the profound impact of compassion and the bonds that unite us. Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of activism, community strength, and the enduring spirit of resistance! 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 more about this week's stories here: https://www.thedailybeast.com/data-guru-g-elliott-morris-says-up-to-6-million-people-attended-no-kings-anti-donald-trump-protests/ https://archive.ph/2cb1j https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/harvard-princeton-yale-alumni-legal-backing-rcna212030 https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02012025/phoenix-sustainable-shade-program-to-combat-extreme-heat/ https://www.commondreams.org/further/do-you-hear-the-people-sing https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/doctor-gave-free-care-to-patients-for-decades-now-theyve-raised-280000-to-pay-for-his-cancer-treatment/ More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram. 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-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .