Civil Rights in Action, Environmental Justice Wins & Workers Unite for Fairness

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen serves up a hearty helping of progressive victories and inspiring activism. We kick things off with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who is boldly challenging federal overreach by filing a lawsuit against Trump's former attorney after his controversial arrest during a peaceful protest against mass deportations. Baraka's commitment to civil rights and accountability sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, especially when it comes to protecting the rights of immigrant communities.

Next, we celebrate a significant environmental win as Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago agrees to pay $4.8 million to settle violations related to its cooling system's impact on the Chicago River. This settlement not only funds crucial habitat restoration but also ensures ongoing monitoring to protect local aquatic life, demonstrating the importance of corporate accountability in safeguarding our natural resources.

The episode also highlights the escalating labor movement in Colorado, where union members at Safeway and Albertson stores have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike amidst ongoing contract negotiations. With near-unanimous support, workers are standing firm against unfair labor practices and demanding better pay and working conditions.

In New York City, the United Auto Workers have thrown their support behind mayoral candidate Zorhan Mamdani, bolstering his progressive campaign ahead of the Democratic primary. Mamdani's bold vision for social justice and economic reform resonates with voters seeking change, as he aims to challenge the establishment and prioritize working-class needs.

Listeners will be inspired by a powerful community response in San Diego, where residents mobilized to protect local businesses during an ICE raid, showcasing solidarity and resistance against aggressive immigration enforcement.

Finally, we discuss a landmark ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth, who has ordered the Bureau of Prisons to continue providing gender-affirming care, reinforcing the importance of dignity and healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of gender identity.

Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of resilience, activism, and the relentless pursuit of justice!

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/newark-mayor-ras-baraka-sues-trump-lawyer-alina-habba-arrest/


https://news.wttw.com/2025/05/22/trump-tower-pay-48m-environmental-violations-funds-will-help-restore-chicago-river


https://www.yahoo.com/news/safeway-albertsons-union-members-vote-225611839.html

https://www.commondreams.org/news/uaw-zohran-cuomo


https://archive.ph/uZug7


https://thehill.com/homenews/lgbtq/5330761-judge-federal-prisons-gender-affirming-care-transgender-inmates-trump-order/


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More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.

Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good news for lefties and America. Ladies and gentlemen, and
all you democracy devotees. Welcome to another episode of good
News for Lefties. I'm your host, Beowolf Rockland, here to
help you hope scroll instead of doom. Scroll with a

(00:26):
hearty serving of progressive wins and liberal triumphs. Before we
get rolling, I've got a quick favor to ask if
you love hearing about democracy and action, progressive policies, making
a real change, and a little corporate come up. And
then please share this podcast with a friend, post a
link on your social media, or shout us out to

(00:48):
anyone who could use some good news in these challenging times.
And don't forget rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,
or wherever you listen. Your support helps more lefties and
good folks in general find us and keep the good
news coming. All right, let's dive into today's headlines and
reminder sales that progress is still possible. Newark, New Jersey

(01:14):
Mayor Ross Baraka is boldly standing up for civil rights
and democratic values, filing a federal lawsuit against Trump appointed
Acting US Attorney Alina Haba, yes Trump's former personal attorney,
after his controversial arrest during a peaceful protest against mass deportations. Baraka,

(01:35):
a longtime advocate for immigrant communities and a leading Democratic
contender for New Jersey governor, is challenging what he calls
a politically motivated abuse of power, alleging false arrest, malicious prosecution,
and defamation by federal officials intent on silencing dissent. The
incident unfolded on May ninth outside Delaney Hall, a new

(02:00):
converted ice detention facility, where Baraka was arrested despite being
invited inside for an oversight visit with members of Congress.
His arrest, orchestrated by Homeland Security agents and sanctioned by Habba,
drew immediate condemnation from civil rights advocates and a rare
public rebuke from a federal judge who criticized prosecutors for

(02:24):
prioritizing political agendas over justice. The charges against Baraka were
quickly dropped, but not before the episode sparked national outrage
and renewed calls for accountability in law enforcement. Baraka's lawsuit
not only seeks damages for the harm he endured, including
reputational damage and emotional distress, but also aims to set

(02:47):
a precedent against the weaponization of the justice system for
political gain. By taking the stand, Baraka is sending a
clear message no one, not even a top federal official,
is above the law. Law and public servants must be
held accountable when they trample on constitutional rights. This case

(03:07):
arrives at a pivotal moment as communities nationwide demand greater
transparency and justice in the face of aggressive immigration enforcement.
Baraka's leadership and willingness to challenge abuse of power exemplify
the progressive movement's commitment to protecting civil liberties, defending the
right to protest, and ensuring that government serves the people,

(03:31):
not political interests. Interesting news from Trump International Hotel and
Tower in Chicago, which has agreed to pay four point
eight million dollars to settle a series of environmental violations
related to its use of water from the Chicago River
for its massive cooling system. The settlement, announced by Illinois

(03:56):
Attorney General Quame Raoul, resolves years of non compliance, including
operating without proper permits, failing to conduct required studies to
protect aquatic life, under reporting discharges for more than a decade,
and a whole laundry list of the type of things
that Donald Trump has been known for throughout his career.

(04:19):
A judge found last fall that Trump Tower had violated
the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and created a public nuisance
by failing to take steps to minimize harm to fish
another wildlife drawn into or trapped by the building's intake system,
which is capable of pulling over twenty million gallons of
water from the river daily. The building also discharged heated

(04:44):
water back into the river, posing further risks to the
river's ecosystem. Of the four point eight million dollar settlement,
three million will directly fund habitat restoration projects along the
Chicago River, helping to repair damage and improve conditions for
fish and other aquatic life. The agreement also requires Trump

(05:05):
Tower to install flow meters to monitor heated water discharges,
submit to third party audits, and make technical changes to
prevent aquatic life from being trapped in its cooling system.
Attorney General Raoul emphasized that the Chicago River is a
treasured resource for recreation, commerce, and wildlife, and this settlement

(05:27):
will help ensure its protection for future generations. Before we
get back to the news, I want to tell you
about an important podcast called This Week Again, hosted by
Suzanne Posel. It takes a humorous look at politics and
current events one week at a time. It's a funny, angry, progressive, sarcastic,

(05:48):
hilarious podcast that drops every Sunday and, in my opinion,
is the largest single repository of creatively insulting names for
Donald Trump. Mango Mussolini and Orange Jewel Caesar are just
the beginning. So if you want to recap of the
week and you want a laugh into the bargain, listen
to This Week Again with Suzanne Posel on this platform

(06:11):
or wherever you listen to podcasts. That's This Week Again
with Suzanne Posel. S U S A N N E
PO s E L This Week Again, Listen, laugh, repeat.
Union members at Safeway in Albertson's stores across Colorado have
voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, signaling escalating tensions over

(06:35):
contract negotiations and unfair labor practices. The votes, which took
place in locations including Pueblo Fountain, Salida, Vale, Fort Morgan,
Grand Junction, Estes Park, and Steamboat Springs, showed near unanimous
support for strike action, with many locations reporting one hundred

(06:56):
percent approval among workers. More votes are expected along the
front range in the coming days. The United Food and
Commercial Workers UFCW Local seven is protesting what it describes
as a pattern of unfair practices by the grocery chains,
including refusal to offer retroactive wage increases and benefit contributions,

(07:20):
bypassing the union to deal directly with workers on grievances,
and concealing illegal no poaching agreements with Kroger. During the
twenty twenty two King Soupers grocery store strike, workers say
these actions are part of a broader effort by management
to squeeze wages and benefits while failing to address chronic
understaffing and workplace concerns. While no strike date has yet

(07:45):
been set, the union must give seventy two hours notice
before walking off the job. Strike authorization comes as negotiations
with both Safeway, owned by Albertson's and King Soupers owned
by Kroger reach critical points, with the King Supers contract
set to expire June eighth. Previous strikes at King Soupers

(08:06):
and Denver saw thousands of workers walk out for nearly
two weeks earlier this year, Union leaders emphasized that workers
are united and determined to secure better pay, benefits and
respect on the job, urging all members to stand together
as negotiations continue. United Auto Workers President Sean Fain has

(08:28):
thrown the powerful union support behind New York City mayoral
candidate and State assembly member Zorhan Mamdani, marking a major
boost for Mamdani's surging progressive campaign just weeks before the
Democratic primary. In a newly released video, UAW leaders and
rank and file members praised Mamdani's unwavering record of standing

(08:51):
with workers, highlighting his presence on picket lines, his advocacy
for better wages, and his commitment to building a city
where working families can truly thrive. The uaw's endorsement comes
with a pointed rejection of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom
the union criticizes for his anti worker record and lack

(09:11):
of support during key labor battles. Mamdani's campaign has gained
momentum rapidly, with recent polling showing him solidly in second
place and closing the gap with Cuomo. As the June
twenty fourth primary approaches, The UAW joins the Working Families
Party in ranking Mamdani as their first choice candidate, signaling

(09:33):
a growing progressive coalition determined to challenge the political establishment
and put working class New Yorkers at the center of
city policy. The uaw's backing is especially significant in a
race where labor endorsements are split, with some major unions
backing Cuomo, but a rising tide of grassroots and progressive

(09:53):
organizations rallying behind Mamdani. At the heart of Mamdani's campaign
is a bold vision for affordability and justice, freezing rents
for the city's one million rents, stabilized apartments, making all
city buses free, opening city owned grocery stores in every borough,
providing universal childcare, and raising the minimum wage to thirty

(10:15):
dollars an hour by twenty thirty. His unapologetic stance on
these issues, combined with a tireless grassroots organizing effort, has
resonated with younger voters, communities of color, and those long
overlooked by traditional politics. UAW President Fane summed up the endorsement,
Zorhan Mamdani has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in

(10:39):
our fight against some of the toughest bosses in New
York City. He's fought for better wages for our livelihoods
and for a Livable City for UAW members, with early
voting starting June fourteenth. The uaw's endorsement energizes Mamdani's campaign
and the city's progressive movement, showing that when labor and
grassroots forces unite, real change is possible even in the

(11:03):
face of powerful opposition. As the primary nears, all eyes
are on whether this coalition can overcome Cuomo's establishment support
and deliver a transformative victory for working New Yorkers. Up next,
a listener suggested story back in a minute, and now

(11:24):
a listener suggested story from June on Blue Sky. San
Diego's South Park community is showing what real solidarity looks
like in the face of aggressive federal immigration attacks. When
heavily armed ICE agents rated beloved neighborhood restaurants Buona Forchetta
and Enoteca Buena Fourchetta last week, residents didn't just watch.

(11:48):
They mobilized. As news of the raid spread, a large
crowd quickly gathered, chanting shame and physically blocking government vehicles
from leaving, standing shoulder to shoulder to protect their neighbors
and demand accountability. Videos circulating on social media capture the
courage and determination of the community. Residents confronted agents, refusing

(12:11):
to be intimidated, even as federal officers deployed flash bank
grenades and brandish assault rifles. Their message was clear, San
Diego will not tolerate militarized raids or the targeting of
immigrant families and peaceful neighborhoods. Local leaders echo the outrage
and resolve of their constituents. City council member Sean Ilo

(12:35):
Rivera called for a collective response against what he described
as state sponsored terrorism, while other officials demanded transparency and
an ind to such traumatic enforcement tactics. The owners of
Buona Forchetta immediately closed all their locations in solidarity with
their staff, pledging support for employees and families affected by

(12:56):
the raid. This powerful display of community resist distance is
galvanizing San Diego and sending a message far beyond city limits.
When immigrant families are targeted, neighbors will rise up, demanding justice, dignity,
and a city where everyone belongs. Thanks for that story, June.
That was amazing. If you have thoughts, ideas, and more

(13:19):
good news to share, we'd love to hear from you
as well, Call or message us at two zero two
six five six six two seven to one or drop
us a line at Beowulf at two Squared Media Productions
dot Com. US District Court Judge Royce Lambert has ordered
the Bureau of Prisons to continue providing gender affirming care,

(13:41):
blocking the Trump administration's attempt to halt these essential medical
services through executive order. This ruling not only recognizes the
medical necessity of such care, but also underscores that every person,
regardless of gender identity, deserves access to healthcare and basic
dignity even while incarcerated. This decision is a milestone for equality,

(14:05):
as it extends protection to a class of all current
and future federal inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria, ensuring that
their fundamental constitutional rights are not to be subject to
political whims. Judge Labirth's injunction restores access to hormone therapy
and social accommodations such as gender conforming undergarments and hair

(14:28):
removal products that had been stripped away. The court made
clear that the abrupt denial of care was not based
on any reasoned or factual basis, but rather on arbitrary
policy setting a precedent for evidence based humane treatment in
federal institutions. Advocates of transgender rights are celebrating this victory

(14:48):
as a testament to the power of collective action in
the enduring strength of the constitution. Organizations like the ACLU
and the Transgender Law Center representing the Courageous Plan emphasize
that this ruling is not just a win for transgender inmates,
but a vital reminder that constitutional protections extend to all,

(15:09):
regardless of identity or circumstance. As Kareem Kendrick of the
ACLU noted, the decision is a critical lifeline for trans
people in federal custody at a rebuke to policies that
seek to strip away their humanity. Looking forward, this ruling
signals a hopeful trajectory for LGBTQ plus rights and the

(15:31):
broader movement toward equality in America's justice system. It demonstrates
that progress is possible even in the face of regressive policies,
and that the courts remain a powerful venue for defending
human rights. The ongoing fight for access to gender affirming
care in prisons is part of a larger vision for

(15:52):
a society where everyone's dignity is recognized and protected, paving
the way for a more inclusive and compacts future well,
that wraps up another episode of good News for Lefties.
If today's stories gave you hope or made you smile,
help us spread the word. Share this podcast with your friends,
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(16:14):
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If you've got your own good news or story idea,
you can drop us a line either on social media

(16:36):
or at Beowulf at two squared Media Productions dot com,
or you can call or message us at two zero
two six five six six' two seven to. One we'd
love to hear from. You special thanks to Rooseabelt hein
And Aaron watson for their behind the scenes. Magic I'm Beowulf,
rocklin weird name Good news For lefties And.

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(17:24):
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