Judges Stand Firm Against Trump, EPA Defends Our Health, and Fresno Fights Back!

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we dive into a series of uplifting stories that highlight the resilience of our democratic institutions and communities standing up for justice. We begin with a powerful trend as Trump-appointed judges increasingly reject his administration's overreach, issuing rulings that protect constitutional rights and uphold the rule of law. From blocking mass deportations to safeguarding press freedom, these judges are demonstrating their commitment to justice, even amidst political pressure. Next, we celebrate a senior federal prosecutor in Virginia who has refused to pursue politically motivated charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James, showcasing the independence of the Justice Department's career attorneys in the face of intimidation. This act of defiance sends a strong message that facts and ethics will prevail over political vengeance. We also highlight a significant victory for environmental justice, as the EPA stands firm on a rule requiring polluters to fund the cleanup of toxic PFAS chemicals, ensuring that corporate responsibility is upheld despite industry pushback. This ruling is a crucial step towards protecting public health and holding corporations accountable for environmental harm. In the world of theater, we report on the potential for Broadway's first actors strike in over 50 years as performers demand fair treatment and humane working conditions. With support from over 1,000 artists, the movement underscores the importance of dignity and safety in the arts. Lastly, we share an inspiring story from Pennsylvania, where innovative Health to Go kiosks are providing essential resources like naloxone and hygiene kits to those in need, breaking down barriers to care and saving lives in the process. These machines exemplify the power of community-driven solutions to address public health crises. Join us as we celebrate these remarkable stories that remind us of the progress being made toward a more just and equitable society. If you find these stories inspiring, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform! We’d love to hear from you, so reach out at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com. For more about today's stories: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/06/trump-judges-ruling-against-him-00595511 https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/top-prosecutor-trump-pressure-charge-new-york-ag-rcna235922 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/climate/epa-pfas-forever-chemicals.html?unlocked_article_code=1.n08.LikU.v1M2SsdRfuyL&smid=url-share&utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=%F0%9F%97%9E%EF%B8%8F%20Good%20News:%20New%20conservation%20school%20established%20with%20historic%20grant%20-%2019102241&sh_kit=7a2950363f4b90b1881ae76c68d24551846eea9063b67a6a14e9fa39bc419e40 https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/broadway-actors-prepare-strike-first-180621979.html https://fresnoland.org/2025/09/24/federal-funding/?emci=8f2ef373-1d9b-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&emdi=a9ff7197-1d9b-f011-8e61-6045bded8ba4&ceid=24376453&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .