Episodes

A victory for trans rights in Kansas and Alligator Alcatraz goes bye-bye! https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/16/kansas-judge-blocks-law-banning-gender-transition-treatments-for-minors https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/alligator-alcatraz-south-florida-detention-center-closure Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com ...

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani receives praise for successfully closing a staggering $12 billion budget deficit without imposing austerity measures, demonstrating that prioritizing working families over billionaires leads to meaningful solutions. Senator Bernie Sanders applauds this bold move, emphasizing the importance of funding public services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. In Nebraska, Democratic primary candidate Cindy Burbank makes headlines by winning the state’s Democratic prim...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight the resilience and activism of communities across the nation. First, we discuss the sudden resignation of FDA Commissioner Marty Makari amid pressure from anti-abortion activists, signaling a significant shift in leadership within the health department. Next, a major victory in South Carolina as the state Senate rejects a Republican-led redistricting measure that would have und...

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 week's episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen takes us on a global journey to share inspiring stories that reflect progress and resilience in the face of challenges. In Brazil, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has halted a law that could have significantly reduced the prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro for his role in a coup plot, emphasizing accountability at the highest levels of government. The European Parliament has made strides for LGBTQ rights b...

In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties and the Banned Camp podcast, Beowulf Rochlen joins hosts Dan and Jen to delve into the critical issue of book banning. This season, they're focusing on J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in The Rye," while Beowulf provides insight into the latest developments in the fight against censorship in literature. The episode highlights the inspiring movement of librarians stepping into the political arena, with many running for public office to advocate ...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Wendy King highlights a series of uplifting stories that illuminate the resilience and progress of communities across the nation. A recent poll reveals a significant disapproval of President Trump's economic management, reflecting a growing concern about the likelihood of a recession, as many Americans grapple with rising costs and economic uncertainty. In Oregon, a tentative settlement has emerged from a contentious legal battle over corporate influen...

The abortion drug mifepristone can again be sent by mail - for now - and a Senate ruling on immigration goes well for progressives. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/14/supreme-court-mifepristone-abortion-pill-upheld https://www.rawstory.com/senate-dhs-funding/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen shares a series of uplifting stories that showcase the power of grassroots activism and legislative progress across the nation. Hawaii has made history by passing a groundbreaking bill that strips corporations of their ability to spend in state elections, challenging the Citizens United ruling. This bold move, driven by a strong legislative push, emphasizes the importance of democracy belonging to the people, not corporations. Oregon's De...

A ruling stopped the Feds from demanding personal info from trans patients and and families and truth-speaker Francesca Albanese get a free speech win. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/14/judge-block-doj-trans-patient-records-rhode-island https://www.commondreams.org/news/francesca-albanese-sanctions Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pc...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight progress and positive change across the nation. A significant victory for Montana voters as a court blocks a voter suppression law that would have limited Election Day registration, ensuring that eligible voters can cast their ballots throughout the day. This ruling is especially crucial for marginalized communities, including Native American and young voters, who often face barr...

Mississippi redistricting Is off and more recycling in California is on! https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/05/13/mississippi-redistricting-special-session-cancelled/90060367007/ https://calrecycle.ca.gov/2026/05/01/press-release-26-05/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of ...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen brings you a wave of uplifting stories that highlight progress and resilience in the face of adversity. The Writers Guild of America West Staff union has successfully ratified its first collective bargaining agreement, concluding an 82-day work stoppage with an impressive 89% approval from its members. This landmark contract secures significant wage increases and essential protections, marking a vital step forward for unionized workplaces...

In today's episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of uplifting stories that reflect progress and resilience in the face of adversity. A significant ruling has occurred as a January 6th Capitol attack participant, previously pardoned by Donald Trump, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for a burglary committed post-pardon. This case underscores the consequences of actions taken during a tumultuous time in American history. In a groundbreaking initiative, Cal...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen sheds light on a series of positive developments that showcase resilience and progress across the nation. A federal judge has ruled against Donald Trump's controversial Department of Government Efficiency, deeming their mass cancellation of National Endowment for the Humanities grants illegal, particularly criticizing their reliance on ChatGPT for decision-making. This ruling is a significant win for the arts and humanities community, rea...

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, Beowulf Rochlen joins Dan and Jen for a lively discussion on the intersection of comedy, banned books, and free speech. This season, the Band Camp crew dives into J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye," while Beowulf shares important updates on the ongoing battle against book bans across the country. Highlighting the inspiring efforts of Murfreesboro, Tennessee resident Brendan Donahoe, Beowulf shines a light ...

In this special Mother's Day episode of Good News for Lefties, Wendy King celebrates the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere while sharing uplifting stories that inspire hope and progress. A recent federal court ruling has struck down the Trump administration's global tariffs, marking a significant victory for small businesses and highlighting the importance of lawful governance in trade practices. The CIA's assessment of Iran's economic resilience reveals that the nation can withsta...

In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen joins Dan and Jen from the Banned Camp podcast for a lively discussion that merges the worlds of literature and current events. Together, they dive into the latest trends in book banning while celebrating the resurgence of independent bookstores across the U.S., which have seen a remarkable 670% increase in numbers from 2020 to 2025. This growth is attributed to a collective yearning for community spaces post-COVID, wher...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties and the World, Beowulf Rochlen takes us on a journey through uplifting global stories that reflect the spirit of progress and community resilience. Emmanuel Gregoire of the Socialist Party has emerged victorious in the Paris mayoral race, marking a significant triumph for the traditional left in France. With an estimated 51-53% of the vote, Gregoire's win signals a strong stance against the far right, as he aims to make Paris a sanctuary city. In Israel, ...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Reverend Billy, the iconic figure behind the Church of Stop Shopping. Reverend Billy has been a passionate advocate against consumerism since the 1990s, using his unique blend of performance art and activism to challenge the pervasive influence of advertising and corporate greed in our lives. The discussion dives into the origins of Reverend Billy's mission, sparked by his experiences in T...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties - Wendy King delivers positive developments that showcase the power of community and bipartisan efforts in the face of adversity. First up, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has approved a significant $319 million plan to plug a funding gap in the state's Medicaid program. This move ensures that millions of North Carolinians will continue to receive essential healthcare services. Both Republicans and Democrats came together to support this bill, recogni...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of encouraging stories that demonstrate the power of progress and community action across America. Democrat Chedrick Greene's victory in a special state Senate election in Michigan ensures that Democrats maintain control of the closely divided chamber, showcasing the importance of economic messaging and grassroots campaigning in pivotal battlegrounds. A new national survey reveals a significant shift among young voters...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen shares a series of uplifting stories that highlight progress and resilience across the nation. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has won the Republican primary for Secretary of State, defeating a far-right candidate backed by election deniers. This victory reflects a divide within the GOP and the ongoing battle for election integrity. Meanwhile, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has decided against calling a special session to redraw con...