Polls Show Support for Medicare for All, CA Stands Firm on Trans Rights, and Gun Safety Advances in Oregon

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen dives into a wealth of uplifting stories that showcase the power of public opinion and progressive action across the nation. We start with the latest Economist YouGov poll revealing that a significant majority of Americans oppose cuts to essential programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, emphasizing the public's demand for inclusive policies that prioritize people's needs over political agendas. Nearly 60% of Americans support a Medicare for All system, showcasing a strong desire for expanded healthcare coverage that transcends party lines. Next, we highlight California's courageous legal challenge against the Trump administration's aggressive immigration tactics, which have instilled fear in communities. A coalition of 18 states, led by California, has filed an amicus brief urging a federal court to halt the use of masked, unidentified ICE agents conducting suspicionless stops, asserting that these practices violate constitutional rights and threaten community safety. In a bold stand for LGBTQ rights, California has rejected federal demands to rescind protections for transgender athletes in school sports, affirming its commitment to inclusion and equality. This decision, supported by state officials, reinforces the rights of all students to participate in sports consistent with their gender identity, setting a powerful example for other states. We also discuss a recent court ruling in Denver, where two attorneys representing MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell were fined for submitting a court filing generated by AI that was fraught with errors. This incident underscores the importance of maintaining professional responsibility in legal work, even as technology becomes increasingly integrated into the field. Listeners will be inspired by a listener-suggested story about bipartisan efforts to seal eviction records in North Dakota, allowing tenants a chance to rebuild their lives after eviction. This common-sense reform reflects a growing movement to address housing insecurity and promote economic stability across the nation. Finally, we celebrate Oregon's passage of a significant gun safety bill aimed at reducing gun violence. The legislation bans rapid-fire devices and empowers local governments to set rules for concealed carry in public spaces, reflecting a commitment to community safety and responsible gun ownership. Join us for this empowering episode filled with stories of activism, resilience, and the unwavering belief that positive change is not only possible but actively happening! 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://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/52500-donald-trump-budget-health-care-tariffs-abortion-july-4-7-2025-economist-yougov-poll https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/california-17-other-states-challenge-suspicionless-stops-by-masked-ice-agents-in-la/ar-AA1I9dTO https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation-politics/california-will-not-block-trans-athletes-from-school-sports-defying-white-house/ https://coloradosun.com/2025/07/07/mike-lindell-attorneys-fined-artificial-intelligence/ https://stateline.org/2025/07/08/think-democrats-and-republicans-cant-work-together-on-sealing-eviction-records-they-do/ https://www.opb.org/article/2025/06/26/bump-stock-oregon-gun-bills/ 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 .