Education Restored, Justice for the Exonerated, and Denver's Heat Relief Initiative

in this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a wealth of uplifting stories that emphasize the power of justice, community, and progress. We begin with a landmark ruling from the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This decision reinstates over 1,300 employees and reaffirms the vital role of federal support in public education, ensuring that essential services for students and families remain intact. Advocates are celebrating this victory as a crucial step toward safeguarding educational opportunities for all. Next, we discuss the advancement of the defamation lawsuit brought by the Exonerated 5 against former President Trump. A federal judge has allowed the case to move forward, affirming the accountability of public figures for spreading false information that harms individuals. This ruling represents a significant moment for justice and truth, as the plaintiffs seek to set the record straight regarding their wrongful convictions. We also highlight a decisive victory for constitutional rights, as a federal judge has struck down an executive order targeting the law firm Sussman Godfrey. The ruling emphasizes the importance of protecting legal advocacy against political retaliation, reinforcing the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law. In an exciting development for renewable energy, the U.S. solar industry has achieved a remarkable milestone, adding 8.6 gigawatts of new manufacturing capacity in the first quarter of 2025. This surge reflects a growing commitment to clean energy and energy independence, although challenges remain regarding tariffs and policy stability. Listeners will also be inspired by the opening of Ricky's, a new queer women-owned sports bar in San Francisco's Castro District, dedicated to celebrating women's athletics and fostering community. This vibrant venue marks a significant step forward in LGBTQ visibility and representation, offering a welcoming space for fans of women's sports. Finally, we share Denver's innovative pilot program aimed at protecting vulnerable residents from extreme heat by providing portable air conditioning units and air purifiers. This initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to climate challenges, ensuring that low-income families have access to essential cooling solutions during scorching summers. Join us for this empowering episode filled with stories of resilience, advocacy, and hope! 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.yahoo.com/news/trump-cannot-proceed-gutting-us-210033084.html https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/28/trump-central-park-five-defamation.html https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/judge-strikes-down-trump-order-targeting-law-firm-susman-godfrey/ https://www.woodmac.com/press-releases/u.s-adds-8.6-gw-of-new-solar-module-manufacturing-capacity-one-of-its-strongest-quarters-of-growth-in-u.s-history/ https://sfstandard.com/2025/06/11/rikkis-womens-sports-bar-lesbian/ https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/9news-mornings/denver-pilot-program-ac-units-air-purifiers/73-6f355d78-b21f-49a1-a7f9-9d145543fb0c More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram. Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance. Show notes created by https://headliner.ap Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .