Safeguarding Academic Freedom, Advocating for Health Rights & Building Community

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of uplifting stories that celebrate resilience, diversity, and the power of community action. We begin with a landmark ruling from a federal judge who has blocked the Trump administration's ban on international students at Harvard, safeguarding the rights of nearly 7,000 students and reinforcing the importance of academic freedom and global exchange in American higher education. This victory not only benefits Harvard but also stands as a testament to the values of opportunity and openness that define our nation.

Next, we highlight another significant judicial win as a federal judge halts the Trump administration's attempt to dismantle the Department of Education. This ruling preserves vital functions and prevents mass layoffs, ensuring that the department can continue its mission to support students and families across the country. The decision underscores the belief that every child deserves access to quality education and that public education must be defended against political overreach.

Listeners will also hear about the Hands Across Chicagoland rally, where thousands united to form a 30-mile human chain protesting against harmful policies. This powerful demonstration of solidarity emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the collective voice of the community in advocating for essential social programs.

We then discuss a federal lawsuit filed by the Washington State Nurses Association, demanding the restoration of crucial public health resources that have been deleted from federal websites. This coalition of health professionals is fighting to ensure access to vital scientific data, reinforcing the necessity of transparency and evidence-based care in our healthcare system.

In a heartwarming listener-suggested story, comedian and activist Hannah Einbinder raises $60,000 for humanitarian relief in Gaza, demonstrating how public figures can harness their platforms for meaningful impact. Her advocacy for Palestinian solidarity showcases the intersection of social justice and compassion in action.

Finally, we explore Maine's groundbreaking legislation that would allow healthcare providers to keep their names off abortion medication prescriptions, enhancing safety and privacy for those delivering essential reproductive healthcare. This progressive measure aims to protect providers from harassment and intimidation, standing in solidarity with patients' rights.

Join us for this inspiring episode that highlights the progress being made in our society and the importance of standing together for a brighter future!

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/Lefties

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 out more about GNFL's daily news stories here:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/federal-judge-blocks-trump-administration-191936641.html


https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-blocks-trump-administration-attempting-dismantle-department-education/story?id=122078365


https://abc7chicago.com/post/hands-chicagoland-rally-30-mile-protest-president-donald-trump-policies-links-aurora-chicago-ogden-avenue/16462021/


https://www.wsna.org/news/2025/wsna-is-joining-a-lawsuit-to-restore-access-to-federal-health-resources#:~:text=The%20Washington%20State%20Nurses%20Association,pulled%20from%20those%20agencies'%20websites.


https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/hannah-einbinder-gaza


https://www.mainepublic.org/health/2025-05-20/maine-inches-closer-to-adopting-law-allowing-doctors-to-keep-their-names-off-abortion-meds


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If you like Justice Matters with Glenn Kirschner, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, The MeidasTouch Podcast, and Pod Save America, you'll LOVE Good News For Lefties!

Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.

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