Episodes

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of encouraging stories that remind us of the ongoing fight for justice and progress as we approach the midterm elections. Kicking things off, a federal court in California has issued a significant ruling that halts Donald Trump’s proposed restructuring of the USDA, a victory for public workers and advocates who argue that the changes would harm farmers and consumers alike. This temporary injunction is a crucial step in protecting vital services for rural communities. In another major win for workers, Lyft has agreed to a landmark $272.5 million settlement with the State of California over allegations of wage theft, marking the largest settlement of its kind in the state’s history. California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the agreement, which ensures that drivers will receive compensation for their hard work. We also explore a new California law setting the minimum marriage age at 18, a critical ste…

A federal judge has ruled in favor of CNN, MSNow, and Politico, allowing them continued access to the White House as their lawsuit against the Trump administration unfolds. Additionally, a federal judge has determined that President Trump cannot unilaterally fire court-appointed U.S. attorneys, reinforcing constitutional checks and balances.

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen dives into a series of uplifting stories that remind us of the progress being made amidst the political climate as we approach the midterm elections. We begin with a look at Donald Trump's financial gains since returning to power, revealing public sentiment that questions his ethics and priorities. Meanwhile, California's SEIU Local 1000 is gearing up for a historic one-day strike, with overwhelming support from its members, highligh...

Kimberly Gargoyle is stepping down as US ambassador to Greece after weeks of reports that she sought payment from a Trump donor in exchange for access to administration officials. Links: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/13/kimberly-guilfoyle-ambassador-greece-step-down https://news.wttw.com/2026/10/12/chicago-hotel-workers-continue-strike-monday-they-seek-new-contract Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of perso...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of uplifting stories as we approach the midterm elections. Kicking things off, a federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order halting taxpayer-funded ads promoting Donald Trump, a significant victory for watchdog groups and a step towards fairer elections. In a positive turn for public safety, New York City reports record lows in shootings and murders, showcasing the effectiveness of community effort...

We kick off with a significant ruling from U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who has temporarily halted tree cutting at the historic East Potomac Golf Course, responding to concerns over Donald Trump's plans for the site. Next, we celebrate the re-election of Sean Fain as president of the United Auto Workers, where he secured over 68% of the vote. This Afternoon's Stories: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/12/order-halt-tree-removal-washington-dc-golf-course-trump https://www.commondream...

We speak about good news for the planet with The Nation’s Shilpi Chhotray, co-founder & president of Counterstream Media and host of The Nation's environmental podcast A People’s Climate. https://www.thenation.com/content/peoples-climate/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a plethora of encouraging stories that highlight the positive momentum for progressives as we approach the midterm elections. Kicking off, we discuss the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's (DCCC) bold strategy to expand its targets into traditionally Republican strongholds, with an optimistic outlook on winning significant seats in the House. Political Director Brooke Butler predicts a potential Democratic majority ...

Did you know that Good News for Lefties is featured on the Progressive Voices Network? That's right, every Saturday and Sunday from 12-1pm ET / 9-10am PT, you can hear the best good news of the week by going to ProgressiveVoices.com or to Progressive voices on the TuneIn app. Today we feature a recent episode - listen and check out the other fine shows at ProgressiveVoices.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--62...

In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties and the Banned Camp podcast, host Beowulf Rochlen joins Dan and Jen for a lively discussion about the importance of reading and the ongoing battle against book bans. This week, they dive into the classic "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, while Beowulf shares the latest news on book banning and the freedom to read. The episode features an inspiring initiative from the Rock Island, Illinois, Public Library and Midwest Writing Cente...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings us a dose of optimism with stories that highlight resilience and progress. We kick things off with a poll showing former Senator Sherrod Brown leading incumbent Senator John Husted by six points in Ohio, signaling a challenging election cycle for Republicans amidst rising discontent over the war in Iran and economic concerns. Next, we celebrate Maine's receipt of over $36 million in federal funding aimed at helping low-income house...

In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties and the Banned Camp podcast, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a unique blend of comedy and critical discussion as he joins Dan and Jen for a lively conversation about book banning. This week, they dive into the controversial themes of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" while exploring the historical roots of censorship in the United States. We learn about the National Education Association's eye-opening article on the racist origins ...

Maryland’s No Kings Act took effect took, creating a new avenue to bring civil claims against federal officers who violate people’s rights. Here to speak with us about that and the fight against fascism is Maryland Delegate Ashanti Martinez. You can find out more about him at https://martinezformaryland.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a selection of inspiring stories that highlight resilience and progress in the face of adversity. We start with a significant ruling from a federal judge ordering the Department of Homeland Security to facilitate the return of Ahmed Soliman, a man unlawfully deported to Equatorial Guinea. This victory for due process rights comes amidst alarming reports of abuse faced by Soliman and others held in detention. Next, we celebra...

We start with a groundbreaking initiative in Jefferson County, Kentucky, where residents can now vote from their cars on Election Day, enhancing accessibility for those with disabilities. This move is a significant step towards ensuring that every voter can participate in the democratic process. Shifting gears, we delve into a CNN poll revealing that a majority of Americans are concerned about the rapid development of AI technology, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to protect citizen...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings a wave of optimism as we gear up for the midterm elections. Kicking off with a promising lead for New Hampshire Representative Chris Pappas in the state's open U.S. Senate race, we see the Democrat holding a seven-point advantage over Republican nominee John E. Sununu, showcasing the potential for progressive victories this November. Next, we celebrate Virginia's new clean slate law, which automatically seals misdemeanor offen...

We start with a lively scene from Donald Trump's recent rally in San Antonio, where protests erupted as he urged support for Senate candidate Ken Paxton. Next, we celebrate Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's initiative to erase medical debt for tens of thousands of Kentuckians. This Afternoon's Stories: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/08/donald-trumps-texas-rally-rocked-by-repeated-protests?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other https://www.lpm.org/news/2026-09-15/kentucky-gov-beshear-announces-s...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of uplifting stories that highlight progress and positive developments as we approach the midterm elections. Kicking off with a significant court ruling in California, a federal judge has struck down a restrictive mail ballot rule that disenfranchised voters with disabilities, ensuring that every voice can be heard at the polls. Next, we delve into a critical climate lawsuit as the U.S. Supreme Court shows ske...

Kicking off with a landmark ruling from the Montana Supreme Court, we discuss how the court unanimously struck down Republican-backed restrictions on citizen-led ballot initiatives, reaffirming the people's constitutional power to make laws without undue obstacles. Next, we highlight Pennsylvania's innovative Solar for Schools program, which is helping schools install solar panels with generous state grants covering up to 75% of project costs. This Afternoon's Stories: https://www.democracydocke...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a powerful lineup of positive stories that highlight the progress being made across the country. We start with a significant victory in Oklahoma, where an oil and gas company has plugged a toxic wastewater disposal well after a thorough investigation revealed regulatory violations. This crucial step ensures the protection of public groundwater supplies for the city of Enid. Next, we celebrate a historic moment for labor righ...

The latest polling data revealing a steady low in Donald Trump's approval ratings, now holding at a mere 32%. Shifting to heartwarming local efforts, we highlight Durham, North Carolina's unarmed Community Response team, which is making strides in providing compassionate assistance to those in need, demonstrating the effectiveness of alternative response programs. This Afternoon's Stories: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6131134-donald-trump-approval-rating-record-low-stuck-survey/ h...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a refreshing dose of optimism as we approach the midterm elections. Kicking off with a significant victory for absentee voters in Montana, a state court blocks a burdensome birth date verification requirement, ensuring that valid ballots from individuals with disabilities won't be rejected on technicalities. This ruling highlights the importance of accessible voting for all. Next, we celebrate a win for environmentalists as ...

We start with a significant legal victory as a federal judge denies Donald Trump's Department of Justice access to Georgia's unredacted voter registration list, marking the 26th defeat for the administration in its quest for voter data. Next, we highlight California Governor Gavin Newsom's groundbreaking laws aimed at safeguarding workers from the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence. This Afternoon's Stories: https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-suffers-26th-straight-loss-in-vote...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a wave of positivity as we gear up for the upcoming midterm elections. We kick off with exciting news from California, where a new NBC Universal poll shows that a plurality of likely voters support a one-time wealth tax on billionaires, aimed at addressing the growing wealth gap and funding vital healthcare initiatives. Next, we discuss Maryland Governor Wes Moore's initiative to form a bipartisan group of governors to tac...