Episodes

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 intersection of literature and censorship. This season, they dive into the iconic "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, exploring its relevance in today's society amidst ongoing censorship debates. We kick things off with an inspiring story from Charleston County, South Carolina, where librarian John Strasberg has built a life-size ...

In this week's episode of Good News for Lefties and the World, host Beowulf Rochlen takes us on a global journey, highlighting progressive stories that inspire hope and positivity. We start with a significant ruling from the European Union, where Alphabet, the parent company of Google, faced a decisive defeat in its battle against a hefty $4.69 billion fine for abusing its dominant position in the digital marketplace. This ruling reaffirms the importance of fair competition and consumer rights i...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings a wave of uplifting stories that highlight recent victories for progressives and the community. We begin with a landmark ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, which declared parts of Florida's Stop Woke Act unconstitutional, reinforcing the importance of free speech and academic freedom in classrooms. This decision marks a significant win for educators and students alike, promoting open discourse on race and ...

We begin with a significant ruling from a federal judge who has upheld an injunction against the Department of Homeland Security's use of the SAVE system for certifying voter citizenship status. Next, we turn our attention to Georgia, where incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is gearing up for a tough battle against Trump-endorsed Representative Mike Collins in the upcoming midterm elections. Today's Stories: DHS citizenship database must remain suspended, D.C. judge says in scathing opini...

n this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of encouraging developments that showcase the resilience and determination of progressives across the nation. We kick off with the American Civil Liberties Union's ambitious $25 million campaign aimed at bolstering abortion and voting rights in key states ahead of the midterm elections. This strategic investment seeks to establish a robust constitutional framework to protect these essential rights at the state leve...

We kick off with a significant legal victory as a federal judge dismisses Donald Trump's defamation lawsuit against the Washington Post, affirming the importance of journalistic integrity and the high legal standards required for public figures to prove malice in defamation cases. Next, we celebrate a groundbreaking initiative from New York City, where Mayor Mamdani's administration has allocated funds for a pet food pantry and expanded spay and neuter services, reflecting a commitment to equity...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a refreshing dose of positivity amidst the political chaos. We begin with a significant court ruling as a federal appeals court slows down the Trump Department of Justice's attempts to access sensitive voter data from Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, marking a procedural setback in their ongoing efforts. This decision reflects a commitment to safeguarding voter integrity and reinforces the importance of due process in...

We kick off with a significant ruling from a New York federal judge, ordering Donald Trump to pay E. Jean Carroll $5 million plus interest for damages related to a civil verdict that found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation. Next, we delve into a major legal victory for election integrity. Trump damages to be paid E. Jean Carroll, judge says Trump-appointed judge rejects DOJ’s demands for personal info of 2020 Georgia election workers - Democracy Docket Become a supporter of this podca...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a series of uplifting stories that highlight resilience and progress across the nation. We start with a significant legal blow to Donald Trump, as a federal judge has rejected his request to delay payment of a $5.8 million judgment owed to E. Jean Carroll, who was awarded damages after a jury found Trump liable for sexual abuse and defamation. This ruling reinforces accountability and justice for survivors of sexual violence. ...

We start with the closure of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), an initiative that faced backlash for its detrimental impact on federal employment and taxpayer money. Next, we spotlight a progressive proposal in California that would expand access to medication abortion for community college students through campus health centers. Elon Musk's DOGE agency ended operations on July 4 Abortion pills could come to California community college health centers | News From The States Becom...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a series of uplifting stories that shine a light on progress and resilience across America. We begin with a significant legal victory in California, where a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to divert critical funding away from permanent housing solutions for the homeless. This ruling ensures that vital resources remain focused on long-term housing rather than temporary shelters, reflecting a com...

Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health clinics have regained access to Medicaid funding after the expiration of a defunding provision from the One Big Beautiful Bill act. In Delaware, where lawmakers have passed a series of bills aimed at regulating large energy users, particularly data centers. Bills to regulate large load energy users, like data centers, head to governor | Delaware Public Media Planned Parenthood Can Access Medicaid Funds Again as Congress Lets Ban Expire | Common D...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight progress and resilience in the face of adversity. We kick off with groundbreaking legislation in New Jersey that strengthens protections for reproductive and transgender healthcare providers, ensuring that all residents can access necessary medical care without fear of interference. This measure, passed with strong support from lawmakers, is a significant step toward safegua...

In this week's episode of Good News for Lefties and the World, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you uplifting stories from around the globe that highlight the power of justice, compassion, and environmental progress. We kick off with a landmark ruling in Chile, where three agents of the former Pinochet regime received prison sentences for the 1976 murder of Ronnie Carpin Moffat, a victory for human rights advocates and a step towards accountability for historical injustices. Next, we delve into the ...

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--6...

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 on the intersection of literature, censorship, and pop culture. The trio delves into the world of banned books, spotlighting Dua Lipa's latest initiative—the Manifesto Library in Porto, Portugal. This groundbreaking collection aims to challenge authority and censorship, showcasing Lipa's commitment to promoting literary access and conversation. A...

In this festive Fourth of July weekend episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a collection of uplifting stories that highlight the resilience of democracy and the power of community action. We start with House Speaker Mike Johnson's failed attempt to attach the controversial Save America Act to the National Defense Authorization Act, showcasing the ongoing struggles within the Republican Party and the importance of bipartisan cooperation in ensuring national security. Nex...

In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties and the Banned Camp podcast, host Beowulf Rochlen joins Dan and Jen to explore the intersection of comedy and advocacy through banned literature. They dive into the latest developments in book banning, focusing on the innovative initiative in Pittsburgh, where little queer libraries are providing access to banned LGBTQ literature in celebration of Pride Month. Ray Sydney Smith from the Pittsburgh Equality Center shares insights on this p...

In this festive Fourth of July episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you uplifting stories that celebrate democracy and resilience. We kick off with a promising poll showing Democratic candidate Josh Turek leading GOP Congresswoman Ashley Hinson in the Iowa Senate race, highlighting the potential for change in a historically Republican state. Turek's campaign focuses on uniting voters across party lines to strengthen healthcare and agriculture, making a compelling case for pr...

We kick off with the announcement of California's Proposition 40, a proposed billionaire tax that aims to generate approximately $100 billion to fund healthcare, food assistance, and education. Next, we celebrate a significant victory for voting access in Maricopa County, Arizona, where early voting sites have increased from 12 to 16, ensuring greater accessibility for marginalized communities ahead of the upcoming primary election. 'Vote YES on Prop 40': California Billionaire Tax Opposed by N...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights remarkable stories that illustrate the resilience of communities and the ongoing fight for justice. We begin with a significant legal victory in Tennessee, where a judge has temporarily blocked a harmful reporting policy that would have reported 400 immigrant children with disabilities to immigration enforcement, ensuring these vulnerable children continue to receive necessary healthcare. Next, we discuss E. Jean Carroll'...

A pivotal ruling from a federal court that halts the USPS's implementation of Donald Trump's executive order targeting mail-in ballots, ensuring that mail related to elections will be prioritized through 2028. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement of Abdul El Sayed in the Michigan Senate primary, signaling a strong push for progressive leadership in a competitive race. With El Sayed emerging as a frontrunner, this election is shaping up to be a key moment for the Democratic Party...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares uplifting stories that showcase the power of advocacy and community action. We start with a landmark wage theft settlement in New York, where a home care program will pay $162 million to its workers, benefiting around 200,000 home health aides. This significant payout is a victory for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others, highlighting the importance of fair compensation and labor rights. Next, we discuss New Je...

A groundbreaking victory for progressive politics as Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist, unseats 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st congressional district primary. Federal judges block the Trump administration's new restrictions on the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, protecting public service workers from unfair debt relief barriers. Today's Stories: Another Blow to Democratic Establishment as Melat Kiros Unseats 30-Year Incumbent in Colorado | Common Dream...