From LA's Streets to the Hall of Fame: Progress and Pride

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a hopeful selection of stories that demonstrate the power of progress and community action in the face of adversity. We kick off with the Pentagon's announcement of a significant drawdown of federalized California National Guard troops in Los Angeles, a move hailed by local leaders as a step towards restoring civil rights and community healing after months of protests against immigration enforcement. Next, we delve into a federal judge's challenge to the Trump administration regarding the dismantling of the Voice of America, emphasizing the importance of independent journalism and the need for transparency in government funding. This legal battle, supported by unions and advocates, seeks to protect a vital resource for global democracy and information equity. Oregon's Governor Tina Kotek is also making strides in addressing the state's housing crisis with new legislation aimed at increasing affordable housing options, particularly for middle-income families. This initiative is crucial as Oregon grapples with soaring home prices and a pressing need for diverse housing solutions. We explore compelling research showing that strengthening collective labor rights can significantly reduce economic inequality, highlighting the vital role of unions in advocating for fair wages and working conditions. Listeners will also hear about Father Joe's Villages in San Diego, which is expanding its dental care services for the homeless, thanks to a generous grant. This expansion aims to tackle the overlooked issue of dental health within vulnerable populations, providing essential care that can transform lives. Lastly, we celebrate Ichiro Suzuki's historic induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, a milestone that not only honors his remarkable career but also symbolizes greater representation for Asian athletes in sports.Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of resilience, progress, and the belief that change is not only possible but actively happening across America! 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 about these stories here: https://www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/general/1-350-more-national-guard-members-withdrawn-from-los-angeles/ar-AA1JFNKZ https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5429420-trump-adminsitration-voa-funding/ https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/29/gov-kotek-signs-laws-to-boost-housing-supply-but-more-work-to-be-done-to-solve-crisis/ https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/labor-rights-reduce-economic-inequality https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/free-dental-care-for-homeless https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/ichiro-suzuki-becomes-1st-asian-mlb-hall-famer-asian-players-rcna220513 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 .