Reinstated CDC Staff, ACLU's Bold Legal Challenge, and Transformative Philanthropy from MacKenzie Scott!

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we bring you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight resilience, advocacy, and the power of community action. We start with the uplifting news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has reversed a troubling layoff decision, reinstating around 700 employees crucial to public health efforts. This swift action underscores the dedication of frontline scientists who are vital in combating infectious diseases like measles and Ebola, especially during challenging times. Next, we spotlight the ACLU of New Hampshire's groundbreaking lawsuit against an outdated loitering law that has disproportionately targeted the homeless community. This legal challenge seeks to dismantle discriminatory practices that criminalize basic public behaviors, affirming the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their housing status. We also celebrate philanthropist MacKenzie Scott's remarkable $42 million donation to 10,000 Degrees, a nonprofit focused on increasing college access for low-income students. Scott's trust-based funding approach empowers organizations to allocate resources where they are most needed, creating transformative opportunities for historically marginalized communities. In Pennsylvania, a coalition of Republicans is rallying to unseat Congressman Scott Perry, highlighting a growing rift within the GOP. This grassroots effort aims to present voters with a moderate alternative, as tensions rise over Perry's alignment with far-right politics and conspiracy theories. Finally, we share the inspiring story of former library director Terry Leslie, who won a $700,000 settlement after being fired for refusing to censor LGBTQ-themed books. Her victory stands as a testament to the fight for free speech and the importance of inclusive public libraries. Join us as we celebrate these positive developments and the ongoing fight for justice and equity. If you enjoy what you hear, 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.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/13/firings-cdc-employees-reversed https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/aclu-sues-new-hampshire-over-its-loitering-law-arguing-police-use-it-harass-homeless-people https://fortune.com/2025/10/10/billionaire-mackenzie-scott-doubles-down-on-dei-with-42-million-donation/ https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/09/pennsylvania-republicans-campaign-oust-scott-perry https://www.thepinknews.com/2025/10/10/library-director-book-ban-case/ http://nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03181-7 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .