Episodes

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In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen joins forces with Dan and Jen from the Banned Camp podcast to tackle the pressing issue of book banning and censorship. Together, they dive into the latest developments, starting with a significant policy shift in Arkansas that aims to improve access to physical books for incarcerated individuals. The Arkansas Department of Corrections is now focusing on banning problematic publications rather than restricting acces...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a collection of uplifting stories that highlight positive changes across the nation. We begin with a significant ruling from a federal appeals court that temporarily prevents President Trump from permanently etching his name into the U.S. Institute of Peace building, showcasing the ongoing legal battles surrounding his administration's actions. Next, we celebrate California's new law requiring community colleges to offer aborti...

In this week's episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen takes us on a journey around the globe, uncovering inspiring stories that highlight progress and positivity. We begin with the Vatican's groundbreaking initiative to build a $117 million renewable energy plant, set to power the Holy See with a unique agrivoltaic system that combines solar power with agriculture, showcasing a commitment to sustainability. Next, we turn our attention to Taiwan, where a local union at Micron Tech...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties and the World, host Beowulf Rochlen takes us on a journey through inspiring and progressive stories from around the globe. Kicking things off, we celebrate Hungary's new wealth tax targeting the ultra-rich, a promise fulfilled by the Tiza Party following their recent electoral victory. This tax aims to address economic inequality by taxing assets exceeding 67 million forints. Next, we turn our attention to Germany, where a bold roadmap has been unveiled t...

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 fascinating world of book banning and its implications. This week, we dive into Singapore's innovative approach to combat doom-scrolling by incentivizing citizens to read physical books for at least 15 minutes a day. The initiative aims to enhance focus and critical thinking, rewarding participants with virtual coins that can be redeemed for small amounts ...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a collection of heartening stories that highlight positive changes across the nation. We kick off with a major legal victory as a D.C. judge dismisses the case against former Olympian David Hearn, affirming that the government cannot revive charges against him due to political pressure. This ruling underscores the importance of judicial integrity in the face of external influence. Next, we celebrate California Governor Gavin Ne...

We start with a groundbreaking ruling from U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmeier, who has mandated the Trump administration to release a Justice Department memo that authorizes lethal strikes by the Pentagon in the Caribbean and Pacific. Next, we celebrate California Governor Gavin Newsom's enactment of Assembly Bill 2222, a visionary initiative designed to revitalize struggling local newsrooms. This Afternoon's Stories: https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/6124784-judge-orders-doj-memo-re...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a refreshing dose of optimism as we approach the midterm elections. We kick off with exciting news from Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El Sayed has secured his largest polling lead yet over Republican Mike Rogers, showcasing a promising shift in voter sentiment as Democrats aim to reclaim the Senate. Next, we celebrate California Governor Gavin Newsom's bold decision to ban the use of shock gloves by law enforcement, reinfor...

We start with alarming polling data revealing that only 26% of Americans approve of Donald Trump's handling of the economy. Next, we discuss a pivotal ruling from an appeals court that confirms Trump's collusion with the Department of Justice regarding a dismissed lawsuit against the IRS, highlighting the legal implications of his actions and the consequences for taxpayers. This Afternoon's Stories: https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-approval-trump-midterms-8d5809758a31b29c73f4351a800814...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on the positive developments amidst the chaos leading up to the midterm elections. We kick things off with the resignation of a prominent election denier from the Trump administration, signaling a shift away from unfounded conspiracy theories that have plagued our democracy. Next, we discuss a recent NPR/PBS News Marist Poll revealing that a solid majority of voters prefer Democrats over Republicans, especially in addr...

We start with a federal judge allowing a pro-voting challenge against Louisiana's proof of citizenship voter registration law to move forward, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in the electoral process and the protection of marginalized communities. Next, we celebrate a significant ruling against transphobic efforts led by Riley Gaines, as a judge dismisses her claims against the NCAA for not discriminating against transgender women, reinforcing the fight for equality in sports and bey...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a treasure trove of uplifting stories that highlight the resilience and determination of progressives as we gear up for the upcoming elections. We start with a significant ruling from a federal judge that blocks the Trump administration from using federal grants to impose anti-voting measures on states, ensuring that local governments maintain their autonomy in administering elections. Next, we celebrate a clean sweep for ...

We discuss the new safety class requirement for gun owners. We also delve into the progress of renewable energy in the U.S., showcasing the growth of solar, wind, and battery storage despite political challenges. This Afternoon's Stories: https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/09/new-gun-laws-safety-class/ https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-can-t-kill-renewables

We speak with the editor and publisher of TheNation.com Katrina vanden Heuvel about the positive news the Left can focus on. Read her article, Is There Any Good News Left?, here: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/progressive-left-wins-morales-mamdani/ 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 shines a spotlight on the encouraging developments as we approach the November elections. We kick off with a landmark ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, which has put an end to Missouri's gerrymandered congressional map, ensuring fair representation for voters in the upcoming elections. This unanimous decision not only protects the integrity of the electoral process but also prevents Republican efforts to manipulate district boundar...

A landmark ruling from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the right of states to regulate prediction markets, marking a critical moment for consumer protection in gambling. Next, we turn our attention to California, where a new law aims to address the historical injustices faced by Black communities living near oil wells. https://thehill.com/policy/technology/6112365-6th-circuit-rules-against-kalshi/ https://capitalbnews.org/california-oil-wells-reparations/

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a dose of positivity as we gear up for the upcoming elections. We kick off with a landmark victory for workers in New York City, where Mayor Zhoran Mamdani announces a monumental $131 million settlement with DoorDash, ensuring fair compensation for food delivery workers who faced wage theft. This unprecedented settlement marks a significant step in holding corporations accountable for their actions. Next, we celebrate a suc...

A recent Marist poll reveals that Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico and gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa are leading their Republican counterparts, with Talarico at 50% and Hinojosa at 49%. This shift in momentum is critical in a state traditionally dominated by Republicans, particularly following Hinojosa's impactful ads targeting Governor Abbott's financial ties to data centers. This Afternoon's Stories: Marist poll finds James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa leading GOP rival...

Journalists from CNN, MS NOW, and POLITICO were granted entry to White House grounds Thursday after the outlet was denied access earlier in the morning despite a judge’s order to immediately restore access. Link: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/24/politico-granted-white-house-access-after-being-denied-earlier-thursday-01091766 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 brings you a wave of positive news as we approach the November elections. We kick off with Michigan's Democratic Senate candidate, Abdul El Sayed, gaining traction against Republican Mike Rogers, driven by voters' desire for change from Trump's leadership. In a significant legal victory, charges against Stanford students involved in a protest against Israel's actions in Gaza have been dropped, showcasing the power of activism and com...

The Cook Political Report has shifted the Senate races in Kansas and South Carolina toward Democrats, marking a potential turning point for these traditionally Republican strongholds. In a bold move, major television networks have suspended their White House pool coverage in solidarity with CNN, following Trump's denial of access to certain media outlets. This Afternoon’s Stories: Senate races shift toward Democrats in Kansas, South Carolina: Cook Political Report Major TV networks pull out of...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a fresh wave of uplifting stories as the November elections loom. We start with promising news from Texas, where Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico is gaining momentum, leading Republican Ken Paxton in the latest poll. Meanwhile, the Texas Supreme Court has blocked a controversial voting map in Galveston County, ensuring fair representation for minority voters and reinforcing the integrity of our electoral pro...

Republican Senator John Curtis of Utah is calling for an investigation into Donald Trump Jr.'s financial dealings, particularly after a Russian oligarch partially funded his recent wedding. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court has blocked the Department of Homeland Security from restoring a controversial tool intended for voter roll comparisons, upholding privacy laws and keeping voting access protected as the Trump administration pushes for new restrictions ahead of the midterms. This Afternoon'...