In this holiday weekend edition of Good News for Lefties, Wendy King brings you a roundup of uplifting stories that highlight resilience and progress in the face of adversity.

First, we delve into a significant ruling by a federal judge who determined that Donald Trump is not immune from civil claims related to the January 6 Capitol attack, emphasizing that no one is above the law. This ruling sets the stage for potential accountability as the legal battles continue.

Next, we turn our attention to Rhode Island, where the Teamsters union has reached a tentative agreement with First Student, ensuring better retirement and health care benefits for school bus drivers, a win for workers and families relying on safe transportation for their children.

We also spotlight children's entertainer Ms. Rachel, who is advocating for the closure of the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, where children and families are unjustly detained. Her efforts shed light on the plight of detained children and the need for compassionate care.

In a remarkable public health achievement, smoking rates in the U.S. have dropped to below 10%, marking a historic low. This milestone reflects decades of advocacy and education around the dangers of tobacco use, showcasing the power of collective action.

Then, Wendy discusses a federal judge vacating a declaration from the Department of Health and Human Services that threatened to cut federal funding from medical professionals who provide gender-affirming care for minors. The judge ruled that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. exceeded his authority when he issued a declaration that the judge said essentially modified the federally recognized standard of health care.

Lastly, we celebrate the introduction of Carl the Collector, PBS's first autistic lead character, who is breaking stereotypes and promoting understanding of autism in children's media. This initiative not only highlights neurodiversity but also aims to foster empathy among young viewers.

Join us as we explore these inspiring stories and more, reminding us that progress is possible when we stand together for justice and compassion.

TODAYS STORIES
https://apnews.com/article/trump-presidential-immunity-jan-6-capitol-riot-13ce62c37c69a82e5748ce6ba4fc8ebb
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/first-student-union-reach-tentative-155459718.html
https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/ms-rachel-ice-facility-detains-children-dilley-texas-1236696574/
https://gizmodo.com/americas-smoking-habit-just-hit-a-wild-milestone-that-once-seemed-impossible-2000732807
https://www.courthousenews.com/federal-judge-blocks-rfk-declaration-targeting-gender-affirming-care/
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/pbs-kids-carl-the-collector-autism

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