In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of pivotal victories that affirm the rights of workers and the importance of community action. We begin with a landmark ruling from a federal judge who issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration's attempt to strip nearly a million federal employees of their collective bargaining rights. This decision, hailed by union leaders, underscores the vital role of strong unions in protecting workers' rights and free speech, reinforcing that attacks on organized labor will be met with determined resistance.

Next, we turn to Oregon, where House Democrats have advanced legislation to protect the state's National Guard from being used as law enforcement without the governor's consent. This proactive measure aims to ensure local control during emergencies while preventing federal overreach, particularly in light of recent controversial actions in California. The bill reflects a commitment to keeping the National Guard focused on serving Oregonians in times of need.

We also discuss the growing public opposition to President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package, which faces significant disapproval across various demographics. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans are against the bill, which attempts to extend previous tax cuts while cutting essential social programs. This unpopularity poses a challenge for Senate Republicans as they race to pass the legislation before the upcoming deadline.

In a positive development for maternal and infant health, Oregon lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 692, which mandates insurance coverage for doulas and lactation specialists. This bipartisan effort aims to improve maternal health outcomes and address disparities faced by marginalized communities, reflecting a broader commitment to equitable healthcare.

Finally, we celebrate a remarkable surge in charitable giving across the United States, with donations reaching nearly $600 billion in 2024. This growth highlights the resilience and generosity of Americans, as individuals and corporations step up to support a diverse range of causes, from food security to education.

Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of advocacy, progress, and hope!

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.

You can find more about this week's stories here:

https://www.commondreams.org/news/federal-employees-union-block

https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/06/oregon-dems-vote-to-prevent-trump-from-deploying-oregon-national-guard-as-he-did-in-california.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/polls-trump-bill-unpopular-republicans-stare-deadline-passage-rcna213724

https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/06/legislature-poised-to-require-insurance-coverage-for-expanded-care-for-moms-babies.html

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/charitable-giving-study

https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/lawsuit-challenges-billions-of-dollars-in-trump-administration-funding-cuts/ar-AA1Hlrvo

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-and-america-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

Episode 60 - Marianka, Slovakia