Episodes

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on the positive developments amidst the backdrop of challenging times. We delve into a recent University of Massachusetts Amherst poll revealing a significant decline in Donald Trump's approval ratings, particularly regarding his handling of the Iran war, with over two-thirds of respondents expressing disapproval. This marks a critical moment as economic concerns continue to weigh heavily on voters. We also celebrate ...

We start with a significant ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani in Massachusetts, who has upheld a temporary restraining order against the U.S. Postal Service's implementation of Donald Trump's executive order aimed at mail voting. With the midterm elections just two months away, Judge Talwani emphasizes the necessity for clear electoral rules, highlighting the potential consequences for voters. Next, we celebrate a landmark bill passed by the California Legislature that empower...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight progress and resilience across the nation. We kick off with a landmark ruling from a federal judge declaring the Trump administration's actions against AI startup Anthropic as unlawful retaliation, emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech in the tech industry. Next, we celebrate a significant victory for Oregon's recycling law, as a judge upholds the state's eff...

We kick off with a landmark ruling from a federal court judge in California, who declared that the Trump administration's attempt to deport international students advocating for Palestinian rights was unconstitutional, reinforcing the vital importance of the First and Fifth Amendments. Next, we celebrate the tentative agreement reached by striking workers in Chisago County, Minnesota, who after nearly four months on strike, secured a 20% wage increase and improved health insurance. This Afterno...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of uplifting stories that showcase resilience and progress in the face of challenges. We start with a significant development in the U.S. Postal Service, where Senator Mike Rounds is holding up Donald Trump's nominations for the Postal Board, demanding improvements in mail service for rural states. This pushback from within the Republican Party signals a growing awareness of the importance of reliable postal servi...

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, host Beowulf Rochlen joins forces with Dan and Jen from the Banned Camp podcast to tackle the pressing issue of book banning. As they delve into Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," Beowulf brings you the latest updates on the fight against censorship and the organizations standing up for academic freedom. This episode highlights a significant initiative in Florida, where the Equality Florida Political Action Committee and the Sout...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight progress and resilience across the nation. We kick off with exciting news from Texas, where a recent poll shows Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton by six points in the race for senator. This shift in voter sentiment, particularly among independents and minority groups, signals a promising trend for Democrats in the Lone Star State. Next, we celebrate Californ...

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 latest in book banning and related topics, all while diving into the controversial Texas Bluebonnet curriculum. We celebrate a significant victory in Colorado, where the Montezuma Cortez school board has decided to revoke this far-right curriculum filled with biblical teachings and glaring inaccuracies, including a hilariously misguided...

In this week's episode of Good News for Lefties and the World, host Beowulf Rochlen takes us on a journey through inspiring stories that showcase progressive movements and initiatives making a difference globally. We kick off with Zack Polanski, the leader of the Green Party in the UK, who is championing the Media Sovereignty Act to overhaul media ownership, aiming to protect democracy from billionaire control over the press. This ambitious campaign seeks to promote independent media and transpa...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you an array of uplifting stories that shine a light on progress and resilience in the face of adversity. We kick off with a promising poll indicating that Democrats are leading Republicans by 8 points on a generic congressional ballot, highlighting a potential shift in voter sentiment as the midterms approach. Next, we celebrate North Carolina Governor Josh Stein's courageous veto of House Bill 958, a move aimed at protecting vo...

We begin with a significant ruling from a federal judge in Boston, who has blocked new U.S. Postal Service regulations that would restrict mail-in voting. Next, we turn to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where musicians have authorized their first strike in 145 years due to unresolved contract negotiations, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and collective bargaining in the arts. This Afternoon's Stories: 'Trump Must Keep His Hands Off Our Elections': Judge Again Blocks Attack on Mail-In V...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a wealth of uplifting stories that highlight positive changes and movements across the nation. We start with a significant wage increase for airport workers in Houston, Texas, as Mayor John Whitmire signs an executive order raising their pay to $20 an hour, benefiting over 35,000 employees. This follows a successful strike by hospitality workers that secured similar raises, showcasing the power of union advocacy. Next, we...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on the ongoing struggles and victories of workers and communities fighting for justice. We kick off with Starbucks workers who are calling for a boycott of the coffee chain due to its refusal to finalize a union contract, highlighting their demands for a living wage and better working conditions amidst rising corporate profits. The union's fight represents a broader trend of workers standing up against corporate greed ...

We start with a significant ruling from a federal judge who temporarily blocked Ohio's proof of citizenship requirement for voter registration, affirming the importance of accessibility in the electoral process. Next, we celebrate a victory for free speech as a Texas judge strikes down a law aimed at restricting drag shows, emphasizing the protection of First Amendment rights. Today's Stories: Judge blocks enforcement of Ohio proof-of-citizenship rule for voter registration | AP News Judge str...

We kick off with a landmark settlement between Meta and a coalition of state attorneys general, addressing the mental health impacts of apps like Facebook and Instagram on children. Next, we turn our attention to Amtrak's exciting announcement of 83 new train sets, named Arrow, set to enhance travel across multiple routes, including the Pacific Northwest. Today's Stories: Judge blocks enforcement of Ohio proof-of-citizenship rule for voter registration | AP News Judge strikes down Texas ban on...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of uplifting developments that showcase the resilience of progressive movements across the nation. We begin with Congressman Al Green's bold move to file articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, citing his violent anti-immigrant policies as a significant threat to democracy. This resolution is backed by polling that shows a majority of voters supporting a third impeachment. Next, we delve into shifting senti...

We begin with a landmark arbitration ruling that reinstated Washington Post columnist Karen Attiah after her wrongful termination over social media posts. Next, we delve into the political landscape, revealing a troubling new poll showing Donald Trump's approval rating has plummeted to 33%, amidst growing discontent over the ongoing war in Iran and economic concerns. This Afternoon's Stories: Washington Post Ordered to Rehire Columnist Who Was Fired for Charlie Kirk Comments | Common Dreams Pr...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a wave of uplifting stories that shine a light on progressive victories and movements across the nation. We kick off with a significant ruling from a federal appeals court that invalidated subpoenas issued by an acting U.S. attorney in New York, a move seen as a setback for Donald Trump's campaign against his political adversaries. This ruling bolsters New York Attorney General Letitia James' civil case against Trump for f...

A federal judge in New York has ruled against Donald Trump and the U.S. State Department, stating their suspension of visa applications for individuals from 75 nations was unlawful and discriminatory, marking a crucial win for immigrant rights. We also cover a landmark decision in Nebraska, where a court dismissed the Republican National Committee's lawsuit aimed at blocking overseas citizens from voting, affirming the rights of Americans abroad to participate in elections. Today's Stories: 'T...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a series of encouraging updates that highlight the progressive movement's momentum. We begin with a revealing poll from California indicating that voters are increasingly favoring progressive and democratic socialist candidates over mainstream Democrats, signaling a shift in the political landscape. Next, we celebrate a landmark ruling by a U.S. judge declaring Idaho's near-total abortion ban unconstitutional, affirming the r...

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, host Beowulf Rochlen joins the dynamic duo, Dan and Jen, from the Banned Camp podcast for an engaging discussion on the current landscape of book banning. As they delve into the latest news, Beowulf shares exciting developments from Massachusetts, where new laws are being enacted to protect the freedom to read and counteract the rising tide of book bans across the nation. The recently signed legislation emphasizes that library material...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a series of uplifting stories that highlight the ongoing fight for democracy and social justice. We kick off with the Democratic National Committee's lawsuit against the Department of Justice, aiming to uncover any plans for seizing election materials prior to the 2026 midterms, emphasizing the importance of transparency and voter rights. Our second story features Congresswoman Joyce Beatty's urgent request to block the Kenne...