In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a series of powerful stories that highlight activism, accountability, and the ongoing fight for workers' rights. We begin with the introduction of the Block the Bombs Act, a significant legislative effort led by a coalition of House representatives aiming to halt the transfer of offensive U.S. weapons to Israel amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This bold move reflects a growing demand for a foreign policy that prioritizes human rights and the protection of civilian lives over military spending.
Next, we explore the alarming data from a recent KFF health tracking poll revealing that a vast majority of Americans, including many Republicans, oppose proposed Medicaid cuts that threaten healthcare access for millions. This bipartisan concern underscores the political risks facing lawmakers as they consider drastic reductions to a program that is vital for American families.
As President Trump plans a lavish military parade, grassroots activists are preparing for a National Day of Defiance, with over 1,400 protests scheduled across the country. This movement embodies the spirit of civic engagement and a commitment to democratic values, challenging the notion of authoritarianism and asserting that power belongs to the people.
In a significant accountability moment, former D.C. police officer Shane Lamond was sentenced to 18 months in prison for obstructing justice related to his communications with Proud Boys leader Enrique Terrio. This case highlights the need for transparency and accountability within law enforcement, especially in the wake of the January 6 events.
Listeners will also hear about the Vox Media union's pledge to strike unless management addresses rising living costs and safeguards jobs from artificial intelligence. Their collective action demonstrates the power of solidarity in the fight for fair wages and job security in an evolving media landscape.
Finally, we celebrate Oregon's potential landmark legislation that would provide unemployment benefits to striking workers, positioning the state as a leader in labor rights. This bill represents a transformative step toward ensuring that workers are protected while standing up for their rights.
Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of resistance, solidarity, and the relentless pursuit of justice!
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 [email protected].
You can find out more about GNFL's daily news stories here:
https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-bombs-to-israel
https://www.rawstory.com/dire-consequences-spelled-out-for-gop-as-new-survey-reveals-medicaid-fallout/
https://www.dworkinsubstack.com/p/1400-protests-scheduled-to-rain-on
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5336984-dc-police-lieutenant-sentenced-prison/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/vox-media-union-pledges-strike-194959928.html
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/06/oregon-likely-to-ok-unemployment-for-workers-on-strike.html

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Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.
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