Universities Stand Up to Trump, Courts Protect Chicago, and Faith Leaders Demand Gun Reform

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we bring you a collection of inspiring stories showcasing resilience, progress, and community action that uplift the spirit of democracy. We kick off with a bold stand from three prestigious universities—Brown, USC, and the University of Pennsylvania—who have rejected President Trump's controversial funding scheme aimed at controlling academic independence. Their commitment to preserving the integrity of higher education signals a powerful resistance against political overreach and a dedication to free thought.

Next, we celebrate a significant legal victory as a federal appeals court blocks Trump's attempt to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago, affirming the rights of local communities to manage their own public safety without unnecessary militarization. This ruling is a testament to the importance of local governance and the rule of law, empowering cities to uphold justice in their own way.

We also highlight the ongoing contract negotiations of transit workers in Philadelphia, who are fighting for fair wages and safe working conditions. With their union's strength, these essential workers are advocating for their rights and the public's need for reliable transportation, reminding us all of the importance of collective action.

In Minnesota, faith leaders are uniting to call for a statewide ban on assault weapons, emphasizing the moral imperative to protect communities from gun violence. Their advocacy reflects a growing movement for meaningful gun reform, driven by the urgent need for safety and justice in the wake of recent tragedies.

Additionally, we share groundbreaking advancements in refrigeration technology from Johns Hopkins researchers, who have developed a more efficient and environmentally friendly cooling system. This innovation not only promises to revolutionize the refrigeration industry but also opens up new possibilities for energy efficiency and sustainability across various applications.

Finally, we spotlight Latino communities taking charge of their health by monitoring air quality in their neighborhoods. Through grassroots initiatives, they are gathering crucial data to advocate for environmental justice and combat the disproportionate effects of pollution, showcasing the power of community-led action.

Join us as we celebrate these positive developments and the ongoing fight for justice and equity. If you enjoy what you hear, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform! We’d love to hear from you, so reach out at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at [e-mail].

For more about today's stories:

https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-penn


https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5560445-trump-national-guard-chicago-illinois/


https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/septa-prepares-for-potential-strike-as-union-contract-nears-expiration/ar-AA1O3ktH


https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/hundreds-of-clergy-members-sign-letter-demanding-minnesota-pass-law-to-ban-assault-weapons/89-afbf605c-7486-4428-88e3-31a7c0095638


https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250919085242.htm


https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/28/latino-communites-air-quality



Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm Baowulf Rockland,
your host, ready to help you swap out doom and
gloom for some genuine hope with uplifting stories for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists,

(00:29):
and anyone who believes in making America a better place
for everyone. Today's troubling headlines often overwhelm us, and I'm
sure if you follow the news, you'll read or hear
about some of them today. All the bad news makes
it easy to lose sight of hope, and that's exactly
why it's vital to highlight the positive progressive wins happening

(00:50):
every day in the United States of America. To help
us spread the positivity. If you enjoy the show, please
rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your
podcast platform of choice. It helps more lefties like you
hear more good news stories and stay positive and motivated
for the days ahead. Now, let's get to some good

(01:12):
news headlines designed to brighten your day. Three leading universities
have just thrown down a bold challenge to President Trump's
troubling new funding scheme, sending a powerful message that the
integrity of higher education will not be compromised for political gain.

(01:32):
Brown University, the University of Southern California, and the University
of Pennsylvania have all publicly declined to sign on to
the so called Compact for Academic Excellence, a Trump administration
proposal demanding universities aligned with the administration's agenda in exchange
for preferential federal funding. These institutions join MIT in firmly

(01:58):
rejecting an offer widely criticized by education advocates as an
inappropriate attempt to control university policies and limit academic independence.
Brown University's president made clear that while the school maintains
strong ties with the federal government and embraces key educational
principles like accessibility and diverse ideas, the Compacts directives threaten

(02:23):
the core principles that make American higher education a beacon
of innovation and free thought. Brown's leadership rightly sees the
Compact as an overreach that risks undermining their ability to
support open inquiry and serve students without interference. Over at
the University of Pennsylvania, a historic Ivy League institution with

(02:45):
a two hundred and eighty five year legacy of fostering opportunity.
The response was equally resolute. President J. Larry Jamison emphasized
that Penn's decision was shaped by input from faculty, students,
alumni trustees, all committed to upholding merit based achievement and

(03:05):
advancing discoveries to benefit society. The university's faculty Senate also
voiced overwhelming opposition to the compact, warning that it would
erode the fundamental values that underpin us higher education. Penn's
refusal to accept conditions that would dictate admissions, funding, and
governance policies protects the very foundation of opportunity and progress

(03:28):
that universities like Penn have long championed. At the University
of Southern California, Interim President jongsu Kim also declined the compact,
expressing concern that linking funding to Trump's rigid framework would
ultimately hamper intellectual freedom and undermine academic excellence. USC's academic
community voiced sharp criticism, denouncing the proposal as antithetical to

(03:53):
principles of open debate and free inquiry. Together, these universities
set an uplifting exit sample of courage and independence, standing
united against politically motivated attempts to curtail education. Their commitment
to nurturing critical thinking and protecting the autonomy of academic
institutions reaffirms higher education as a vital engine for democracy, innovation,

(04:18):
and social progress. A federal appeals court has blocked Donald
Trump's effort to deploy National Guard troops onto the streets
of Chicago, upholding a critical temporary restraining order that protects
local communities from an unnecessary militarized crackdown. The three judge
panel agreed with US District Judge April Perry's initial ruling

(04:42):
that there is no credible evidence of rebellion or insurrection
in Illinois that would justify using troops for law enforcement.
This decision safeguards the rights of Illinois residents and affirms
the authority of state and local leaders to manage public
safety without unwarrant federal intervention. Trump's administration argued that the

(05:03):
deployment was essential to protect federal immigration facilities from protesters
and maintain order. However, officials and attorneys representing Illinois and
Chicago strongly pushed back, saying the deployment undermines state sovereignty
and exacerbates tensions. Judge Perry criticized claims made by the
Department of Homeland Security as unreliable as we know they are,

(05:25):
and emphasized that the militarized presence risked escalating conflict rather
than improving safety in the community. Local voices hailed the
ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.
Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker denounced Trump's attempt as authoritarian
and praised the court for protecting Illinois residents from an

(05:46):
unnecessary show of force. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson affirmed his
commitment to finding what he called the administration's war on
Chicago through community focused just policies. This pushback directly challenges
m efforts to impose a harsh federal security agenda on
cities that have opted for more equitable and effective public

(06:06):
safety strategies. While the Trump administration remains defiant and plans
to appeal the ruling, this court decision marks a significant
check on executive overreach. It states clearly that using the
military as a blunt instrument against peaceful protesters or communities
addressing immigration and policing issues on their own terms is unacceptable.

(06:28):
As this legal battle unfolds the ruling of power, cities
and states fighting to center justice and local governance over
militarization and fear. 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

(06:51):
a time. It's a funny, angry, progressive, sarcastic, 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 Julius Caesar are just the beginning.
So if you want to recap of the week and

(07:11):
you want a laugh into the bargain, listen to This
Week Again with Suzanne Posel on this platform or wherever
you listen to podcasts. That's This Week Again with Suzanne
Posel s U S A N N E P O
s E L. This Week Again, Listen, Laugh, repeat. As

(07:33):
the contract between SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, and
its largest union, TWU Local two thirty four nears expiration
on November seventh, transit workers are standing strong in their
fight for fair wages, safer working conditions, and respect for
the essential services they provide. Representing nearly five thousand dedicated workers,

(07:59):
from bus, train and trolley operators to mechanics and maintenance staff,
this union plays a critical role in keeping Philadelphia moving
every day. After last year's courageous strike authorization vote, in
response to an initial contract offer that featured zero raises
and increased healthcare costs, TWU Local two thirty four secured

(08:21):
a one year contract with a five percent wage increase
and importance safety improvements, including bulletproof shields for drivers following
a tragic shooting on the job. Now, they continue to
negotiate in good faith, determined to build on these gains
for their families and community. Scept to management's recent internal
memo preparing non union staff to cover roles in the

(08:43):
event of a strike only highlights the union's leverage and
the importance of strong collective action. Non Union staff will
not be replacing the irreplaceable frontline workers, and a strike
would mean a complete halt to transit service, a reality
that reminds us why union strength is vital not just
for workers, but for the wider public relying on equitable,

(09:04):
accessible transportation transit workers deserve contracts that reflect the essential
nature of their labor, with fair pay, health care, and
safety considerations prioritized above all else. As contract talks move forward,
the union continues to fight for fairness, dignity, and the
respect for members who work tirelessly for the public good.

(09:27):
This is a struggle for everyone who depends on SEPTA's buses, trains,
and trolleys, a fight for a just, efficient and equitable
future for public transportation. In Philadelphia, Faith leaders across Minnesota
are making a compelling call for urgent action to address
gun violence by advocating for a statewide assault weapons ban.

(09:51):
Over seven hundred religious figures signed a powerful letter urging
Governor Tim Waltz and the legislature to convene a special
session dedicated to passing legislation that would ban assault weapons
and high capacity magazines. These clergy members say that the
power to create change rest with the lawmakers, and they

(10:12):
are demanding that this authority be exercised to protect communities
and save lives. Their actions include daily prayer sessions on
the capital steps aimed at keeping public attention focused on
the critical need for gun reform. The push for tougher
gun laws follows recent tragedies, including the devastating shooting at

(10:33):
Annunciation School in Minneapolis, which has intensified calls from communities
for meaningful safety measures. Local leaders and advocates argue that
current state laws are insufficient to curb gun violence, in
that municipalities should be empowered to pass their own ordinances.
Despite legislative gridlock, Faith leaders remain steadfast, asserting that the

(10:56):
moral imperative to protect children and families compels regardless of
political obstacles. A proposed bill in the Minnesota legislature, S
fifteen ninety six aims to prohibit the sale, transfer, and
possession of military style assault weapons such as the AR fifteen,
along with introducing buyback programs and stronger regulations on high

(11:20):
capacity magazines. The bill also seeks to enhance safety features,
restrict certain accessories, and impose stricter licensing and storage requirements. However,
opposition from Republican leaders has stalled the progress in the
state capitol, with some citing concerns over effectiveness and legal challenges. Still,

(11:40):
polling shows a significant majority of Minnesota's support such measures,
highlighting the widespread demand for comprehensive gun violence prevention. Despite
legislative setbacks. Local efforts are advancing in cities like Saint Paul,
where proposed ordinances aim to ban assault weapons and limit
firearm acts in public spaces. Mayor Melvin Carter and other

(12:03):
city leaders are prepared to take action within their jurisdictions,
even as they call on state lawmakers to lift restrictions
that prevent local gun control laws. The rising public consensus
underscores the urgency of enacting common sense gun reforms that
ensure no community has to bear the unbearable burden of
preventable violence. As faith leaders and citizens mobilize, the movement

(12:26):
for a Safer Minnesota continues to grow stronger, demanding action
rooted in care, justice, and collective responsibility. Up next, a
listener suggested story back in a minute, and now a
listener suggested story from Joe in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Researchers at

(12:49):
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory have made a breakthrough in
solid state thermoelectric refrigeration technology that nearly doubles the efficiency
of tradeationtional cooling devices. Their nano engineered material called controlled
hierarchy engineered superlattice structures or Chess significantly improves heat pumping

(13:12):
performance at room temperature, bringing about a one hundred percent
efficiency boost at the material level and a seventy five
percent improvement in thermoelectric modules and a seventy percent gain
in fully integrated refrigeration systems compared to conventional bulk thermoelectric materials.
This advance was confirmed in a study code published with

(13:35):
Samsung Research Engineers. The CHESS technology offers a scalable, practical
alternative to standard compressor based refrigeration, which is often bulky,
energy intensive, and reliant on environmentally harmful refrigerants. Because it
uses electron movement through nanoengineered semiconductor thin films, Chess refrigeration

(13:57):
devices have no moving parts, are quiet, compact, and more sustainable.
The technology requires an extraordinarily small volume of active material
per refrigeration unit, about the size of a grain of sand,
making mass production feasible with standard semiconductor chip manufacturing tools.

(14:18):
This position's Chess as a promising solution for wide ranging
applications from household refrigerators to large building HVAC systems. The
use of metal organic chemical vapor deposition MOCVD, a common,
cost effective manufacturing technique already employed in solar cells and LEDs,

(14:39):
adds to the practicality and economic viability of scaling up
production for Chess thin films. Beyond refrigeration, these materials can
convert temperature differences into electric power, opening doors to energy
harvesting in wearable electronics, prosthetics, and even spacecraft systems. On

(15:00):
going developments to refine Chess materials and system integrations, including
artificial intelligence driven energy optimization. This breakthrough sets a new
benchmark for the future of refrigeration and temperature control by
moving away from outdated and environmentally damaging compressor systems towards
solid state nano engineered options. The Chess technology exemplifies how

(15:24):
innovation and material science can drive both sustainability and performance
in critical, every day and advanced technological applications. Thanks so
much for that story, Joe. If you have thoughts, ideas,
or more good news to share, we'd love to hear
from you. Call or message us at two zero two
six five six six two seven to one, drop us

(15:47):
a line at beowolf at two squared Media Productions dot com,
or send it to us at good News for Lefties
on Facebook, Instagram or Blue sky. Latino community across the
US are stepping up to take control of their health
by closely monitoring and addressing air quality issues in their neighborhoods.
Motivated by alarming pollution levels, many have installed air quality

(16:12):
sensors to gather data on harmful pollutants like PM two
point five, particles linked to asthma, cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
Projects like el Aire k Resperamos, led by the Hispanic
Access Foundation, empower community members to collect localized data and

(16:33):
advocate for environmental justice in places often overlooked by federal monitoring,
which tends to focus on wealthier, predominantly white areas. This
grassroots initiative is crucial as Latino populations face disproportionately high
exposure to toxic air pollution, aggravated by industrial activity, traffic,
and worsening climate conditions such as wildfires and heat waves.

(16:58):
Residents like Aileen Miranda in California and CiCi Roano in
Idaho have become community leaders, sharing air quality data and
educating neighbours about pollution risks. These efforts reveal stark disparities
Latino neighborhoods contend with higher asthma rates or exposure to
diesel particulate matter, and proximity to heavily polluting industrial sites

(17:21):
compared to non Latino white areas. The disparity stems from
historic housing policies, economic inequities, and regulatory blind spots, leading
to health outcomes like increased asthma attacks, hospital visits, and
even cancer risks. Despite these urgent challenges, recent rollbacks by
the EPA under Donald Trump have dismantled many pollution regulations

(17:46):
and cut grants for crucial community led monitoring and action,
making local efforts even more vital. In response to funding
cuts and federal inaction, Latino led organizations and environmental coalitions
continue you to seek alternative resources to sustain and expand
their monitoring projects. They use real time data to inform

(18:08):
residents and hold policymakers accountable, while pushing for stronger regulatory
protections to combat environmental injustices. Community members highlight that solutions
to reduce industrial emissions and transition to cleaner technologies exist,
but will require political will and investment. By bridging science

(18:28):
with grassroots advocacy, these communities are making their voices heard
in the fight against pollution driven health disparities and climate impacts.
That's a wrap for today's edition of Good News for Lefties.
Remember if these stories brighten your outlook, please help us
spread the word by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify,

(18:50):
or your podcast platform of choice. A big thanks to
our production team Rosabel Hin, Aaron Watson, and Jillian Cunningham
for making all of this possible behind the scenes. I'm
Beowulf Rockland, weird name good News for Lefties and America.

Speaker 2 (19:25):
Here's what you've been missing on the Stephanie Miller Happy
Hour podcast. He wasn't he shot?

Speaker 1 (19:32):
People?

Speaker 2 (19:32):
Look at his ear, some debris or something hit him.
But it's like, I can't. I just can't. Okay, all right,
where was I? He said? Parlo coaching? Right, twenty nine
hundred pages of late texts, So that's not like one
or two random whatever, right, Yes, chats included. Oh there's
some more fun facts I had not read yet. Yeah.

(19:54):
References to black people as monkeys and watermelon people. Wow,
that's so fresh. A reference and per praise for Adolf
Hitler and discussions of rape and guest chamber. As Bella knows,
a lot of misogyny and mixed in with the anti
semitism and racism in general. I was waiting for that. Yeah, yeah,
lots of how super fun rapeist. Okay, by the way,

(20:18):
can I just say here's an example, so jd Vance saying,
all that's fine, right, did you see this when Elizabeth
Warren two days ago posted for two excruciating years, I've
called for the return of the hostages, brutally kid left,
kidnapped on October seventh and held in gaza. Today is
a good day? Jd Vance? Was you know post that?

(20:38):
And says the president told me he did this on
Indigenous People Day and honor review. What are you surprised
that all these younger probably are douche beck Just look
at he's the vice president.

Speaker 1 (20:51):
Okay, they're taking troll online, trolling in real life.

Speaker 2 (20:54):
Well, this is what's Bella's point. They're just trolls. They're
not people that are interested in helping the people in
any way. You actually care about politics. They only care
about owning the Libs. I've been saying that for years
and years and years and years.

Speaker 1 (21:07):
That's the only thing they care about.

Speaker 2 (21:09):
Congratulations, little douchebags, I am this liberal is fully owned
this morning. Subscribe to the Stephanie Miller Happy Hour podcast
on Apple Podcasts, Stephaniemiller dot com or wherever you get
your favorite podcasts.

Speaker 1 (21:26):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
The Port of Cleveland, Ohio is making significant strides toward
a sustainable future by beginning the electrification of its operations,
marking a major step and reducing emissions at one of
the biggest Midwest ports. Thanks to a ninety four million
dollar grant from the Biden Era Clean Ports Program, the

(21:49):
port is renovating its warehouse a on Lake Eries shore,
with rooftop solar panels, battery storage, and a network of
charging stations for electric cargo handling equipment. This ambitious project
will replace diesel forklifts and cranes with electric models to
build infrastructure like shore power connections to allow ships to
plug in while docked, cutting toxic pollution for workers and

(22:12):
nearby communities alike. The port's goal is to achieve net
zero greenhouse gas emissions by twenty fifty, covering not only
direct emissions from its equipment, but also emissions from energy use.
These efforts at the Port of Cleveland align with a
broader regional push with ports like Detroit, planning even earlier
net zero targets. Electrification efforts include electric tugboats and hybrid cranes,

(22:36):
all supported by clean energy from solar and a microgrid
developed in a partnership with Cleveland Public Power. This integrated
approach ensure if the port stays ahead of tightening environmental
regulations while fostering cleaner air and climate benefits. Beyond environmental gains,
this modernization also promises economic and community benefits, supporting over

(22:58):
twenty three thousand locals tied to the port and generating
about seven billion dollars in annual economic activity. With these
electrification upgrades, the port is investing not only in cleaner operations,
but also in its long term resilience and leadership in
sustainable maritime commerce. The ambitious mix of solar power, electric equipment,

(23:19):
and shore power makes the Port of Cleveland a trailblazer
for environmentally responsible shipping in the heart of the Midwest.