Khalil's Release, Court Victories, Scientific Discoveries, and Community Empowerment

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a wave of uplifting stories that highlight resilience, justice, and community activism. We start with the triumphant release of activist Mahmoud Khalil from ICE detention after over three months, a moment celebrated by supporters including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Khalil's case became a rallying point for immigrant rights, showcasing the ongoing fight for due process and the right to dissent in the face of harsh enforcement policies. Next, we discuss a significant legal victory as a federal appellate court strikes down Louisiana's law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This ruling reinforces the separation of church and state, affirming that public education must remain inclusive and free from government endorsement of religion. Listeners will also learn about an innovative volunteer initiative at the University of Southern California, which has launched a free hotline to assist individuals in moving their in-person immigration hearings online. This grassroots effort highlights the power of community engagement in addressing urgent civil rights issues, providing a safer alternative for immigrants navigating a complex system. In labor news, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, signaling a united front in contract negotiations with the School District of Philadelphia. Their demands for better working conditions and support for educators underscore the critical need for reform in public education. Finally, we celebrate a remarkable scientific discovery of new deep-sea spider species that thrive in extreme environments, revealing the intricate connections of life in our oceans and their role in climate regulation. Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of hope, activism, and the power of community! 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.cnn.com/2025/06/20/us/mahmoud-khalil-ordered-released-by-judge https://stateline.org/2025/06/20/federal-appellate-court-rejects-louisianas-ten-commandments-display-law/ https://www.uscannenbergmedia.com/2025/06/18/usc-agents-of-change-establishes-hotline-to-help-move-immigration-hearings-online/ https://www.phillyvoice.com/philadelphia-teachers-union-strike-authorization-vote-2025/ https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/methane-eating-deep-sea-spiders https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/donald-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-is-considerably-unpopular/ar-AA1GXYZU 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 .