In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a powerful lineup of stories that showcase community resilience and progressive action across the nation. We start with a bold stand from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who confronted federal agents during a large-scale immigration raid, demanding their immediate withdrawal. Her unwavering commitment to protecting immigrant communities has galvanized local residents and advocates, reinforcing Los Angeles' values of justice and compassion amidst aggressive federal enforcement.

Next, we celebrate a landmark $550 million settlement for the Richmond, California community, which has long endured the health risks posed by the Chevron refinery. This victory, achieved through years of grassroots activism, provides a crucial opportunity for investment in much-needed infrastructure and services, highlighting the power of community organizing in the fight for environmental justice.

In a historic move, Texas has become the first Republican-led state to enact a right to repair law for consumer electronics, empowering residents to fix their own devices. This bipartisan legislation, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, ensures that manufacturers must provide the necessary parts and documentation to consumers and independent repair shops, marking a significant win for consumer rights and sustainability.

We also spotlight Novo Loop, a California-based startup tackling the global plastic waste crisis by upcycling hard-to-recycle plastics into high-performance materials. With a successful test run under their belt and significant funding secured, Novo Loop is poised to make a meaningful impact on sustainability and the circular economy, transforming discarded plastics into valuable resources.

Listeners will be intrigued by a listener-suggested story about a growing movement among U.S. service members advocating for the Right to Refuse unlawful orders. This campaign reflects a profound shift in military culture and civic responsibility, reaffirming the military's role as a guardian of democracy during a critical time for the nation.

Finally, we celebrate the end of Philadelphia's largest municipal workers strike in nearly four decades, with a historic agreement providing significant pay increases and bonuses for city employees. This victory underscores the vital role these workers play in the community and the importance of fair wages and dignity on the job.

Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of activism, progress, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but actively happening!

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.rawstory.com/ice-2672869680/

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/06/after-decades-of-pollution-california-community-secures-550-million-settlement-from-chevron/

https://www.ifixit.com/News/111288/texas-is-fixin-to-fix-repair-right-to-repair-signed-into-law

https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/24/novoloop-is-making-tons-of-upcycled-plastic/

https://newrepublic.com/article/197545/soldiers-military-right-refuse-trump-unlawful-orders

https://www.yahoo.com/news/mayor-philadelphia-city-workers-strike-131653739.html

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Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.

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Ian Mortimer

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