Activists Win in Chicago, California Schools Ditch Junk Food, and Oregon Protects Consumers!

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we unveil a series of heartening stories that showcase the resilience of communities and the steadfast pursuit of justice. We kick off with a Chicago grand jury's courageous decision to decline indictments against activists protesting outside an ICE facility, highlighting a growing resistance against the Trump administration's aggressive tactics. This judicial stand reinforces the right to peaceful protest and the rejection of disproportionate prosecutions aimed at silencing dissent. Next, we celebrate California's groundbreaking Real Food Healthy Kids Act, which sets a ten-year timeline to phase out ultra-processed foods from school meals. This transformative legislation aims to improve children's health by prioritizing nutritious options, marking a significant shift in how schools approach food for students. Oregon is also making strides by enacting new laws to protect residents from deceptive financial practices, including a landmark measure that prevents medical debt from affecting credit scores. Governor Tina Kotak's initiatives are crucial for safeguarding working families against hidden costs and unfair financial traps. We then turn our attention to the Port of Cleveland, which is embarking on an electrification project funded by the Biden Era Clean Ports Program. This initiative aims to reduce emissions and modernize operations, positioning the port as a leader in sustainable maritime commerce while supporting local jobs and economic growth. Finally, we highlight a remarkable community effort in Hawaii, where volunteers and scientists are tackling ocean pollution by sorting through 50,000 pounds of marine debris. Their work not only addresses the immediate problem of plastic waste but also contributes to critical research aimed at influencing policy and promoting environmental stewardship. Join us as we celebrate these inspiring stories that remind us of the progress being made toward a more just and equitable society. If you find these stories uplifting, 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://talkingpointsmemo.com/where-things-stand/jury-refuses-to-indict-chicago-ice-protesters-in-latest-revolt-against-trump-overreach https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/california-phase-ultraprocessed-food-school-meals-rcna236506 https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/09/new-laws-aim-to-protect-oregonians-from-deceptive-financial-practices.html https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/sea-transport/cleveland-midwest-port-electrification-federal-grant https://www.kitv.com/news/50-000-pounds-of-marine-debris-sorted-for-science/article_4281d4e9-085b-40b7-a5f5-a7ea2fc1a9b1.html https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/jane-goodall-barbie Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .