Episodes

In this week's episode of Good News for Lefties and the World, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of uplifting stories that highlight progress and positive change across the globe. We start with a remarkable statistic from Denmark, where battery electric vehicles accounted for an astonishing 97% of new car registrations in July, showcasing the country's commitment to a green automotive future. Despite potential tax increases, the momentum for electric vehicles is expected to continue, ...

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 book banning and the latest developments in the literary world. We kick things off with some exciting news from Knox County, Tennessee, where a school district is reevaluating its previously banned books following significant public pushback. This decision to form a committee with teachers and potentially students aims to foster civic engage...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a series of inspiring stories that highlight resilience and positive change in the face of adversity. We start with a significant ruling from a federal judge that upholds the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, which has successfully reduced unwanted pregnancies among American teenagers by over 65%. This decision reinforces the importance of comprehensive sexual education despite attempts to undermine it by the Trump administra...

We kick things off with surprising polling results from Arkansas, where Democratic candidate Haley Schoffner is neck-and-neck with Republican Senator Tom Cotton, showcasing a shift in voter sentiment among independents and key demographics. Next, we turn our attention to Idaho, where independent Senate candidate Todd Achilles is making waves by leading three-term Republican Senator Jim Risch in a head-to-head matchup, indicating a potential shake-up in a traditionally red state. Shock polls sho...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of uplifting developments that are painting a brighter picture for democracy and progressive values. We start with the latest poll numbers revealing a significant drop in Donald Trump's approval rating, as a majority of Americans express dissatisfaction with their economic situation under his administration. Next, we celebrate Amanda Janoo's victory in Vermont's Democratic gubernatorial primary, where her pro...

We begin with a landmark ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which struck down South Carolina's age-based restrictions on mail voting, reinforcing the constitutional right to vote for all ages under the 26th Amendment. Next, we celebrate the grand opening of LG Energy Solutions' new battery manufacturing plant in Lansing, Michigan, which represents a $2 billion investment and the creation of 900 jobs, with plans for even more as production ramps up. Age restrictions on mail voting ar...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a selection of uplifting stories that highlight progress and positivity in the political landscape. We start with exciting news from California, where Proposition 40, a one-time tax on billionaires, is gaining traction with 48% support among likely voters, aiming to generate $100 billion for healthcare and education. Next, we delve into the growing opposition to artificial intelligence data centers, as a significant major...

Angie Nixon triumphs in the Florida U.S. Senate primary, defeating well-funded opponent Alexander Vindman. We also discuss Maine's commitment to providing gender-affirming care despite recent federal restrictions, ensuring that thousands of residents continue to receive necessary support. Democratic socialist Angie Nixon scores surprise win in Florida US Senate primary | US midterm elections 2026 | The Guardian Maine will continue providing gender-affirming care for minors Become a supporter o...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of positive developments that are reinforcing democracy and social justice across the nation. We kick things off with a significant ruling from U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez, who dismissed the Trump administration's attempt to access sensitive state voter rolls, marking the 23rd loss for the Department of Justice in its pursuit of unfounded claims regarding non-citizen voting. Next, we explore a recent B...

We kick things off with a Change Research poll revealing that Democratic candidate Mary Peltola is leading incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan in the Alaska U.S. Senate race, a surprising twist in the traditionally red state. In a significant legal victory, the Kennedy Center has been ordered to pay over $250,000 in legal fees to jazz musician Chuck Red after an unsuccessful lawsuit stemming from his cancellation of a performance in protest of Donald Trump's name being added to the institu...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of encouraging developments that are shaping the political landscape as we approach the midterm elections. We dive into a Financial Times poll revealing that a majority of U.S. voters feel worse off under Donald Trump's presidency, with growing trust in Democrats to manage the economy and inflation. As the November elections approach, the poll indicates a five-point lead for Democrats, suggesting a shift in voter ...

We start with the Supreme Court's refusal to reconsider Donald Trump's appeal in the E. Jean Carroll case, effectively upholding a $5 million jury award against him for sexual abuse and defamation. Next, we share the news of a Trump merchandise store in Tennessee closing its doors due to a lack of customers, highlighting shifting sentiments among his supporters. Supreme Court rejects final Trump appeal of $5 million E. Jean Carroll verdict - ABC News Massive Trump merchandise store goes out of...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a series of uplifting stories that highlight progress and resilience in the face of adversity. We start with California's landmark decision to ban paraquat, a toxic herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease, marking a significant public health victory as advocates celebrate the state's commitment to safer agricultural practices. Meanwhile, polling data reveals a dramatic decline in Donald Trump's approval ratings among Black...

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 ongoing battle against book banning, all while diving into the themes of Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale." We start with an inspiring story about Randall Tarpy Schwed and his husband Mark, who, after becoming fathers, curated a remarkable collection of LGBTQ children's books. This collection has found a new home at the Mechanics Inst...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight the resilience of democracy and the power of community. We kick off with a significant legal win in Boston, where a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Harvard University, affirming the institution's commitment to protecting its Jewish students amidst political tensions. Next, we celebrate a victory in Nebraska, where a court rejected the Republican National Committee's a...

In this week's episode of Good News for Lefties and the World, host Beowulf Rochlen takes us on a journey through a series of uplifting global stories that highlight progressive victories and positive change. We begin with FIFA President Gianni Infantino's decision to abandon a controversial plan to sell World Cup profits to private equity, following widespread pushback from the soccer community. This decision underscores the importance of preserving the integrity of football for fans and player...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King dishes up a series of uplifting stories that showcase the resilience and progress of the Democratic movement. We kick off with a promising Senate race in North Carolina, where former Governor Roy Cooper holds a significant lead over Republican challenger Michael Whatley, signaling a potential shift in the Tar Heel state. As concerns about the economy and political turmoil grow, Democrats are eyeing crucial Senate pickups that could help ...

If you’re enjoying all the good news here at Good News For Fefties, then I have a feeling you’re going to like our new podcast, good chats for lefties. It's a brand new show, hosted by me, Beowulf rochlen, where I talk with some of the people who help make good news happen. Officials, activists, organizers, and generally good people who I talk to about positive progressive news and how we can get more of it. Our first guest is Puneet Maharaj, the executive director of National Nurses United. Lis...

We begin with a remarkable election in Tennessee, where 22-year-old Brendan Doughtie has flipped a Republican seat on the Rutherford County Commission, becoming the youngest and first openly gay person elected to the position. Next, we travel to Joliet, Illinois, where City Councilman Juan Moreno stands in solidarity with over 100 IKEA workers on strike, advocating for fair wages and the right to organize. Who is Brendan Doughtie? The 22-year-old bagel shop worker who just flipped a red Tenness...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a series of uplifting stories that highlight the ongoing fight for democracy and social justice across the nation. We start with a significant victory in Massachusetts, where a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempts to undermine mail voting, ensuring that millions of Americans can participate in the upcoming midterm elections without confusion. Next, we celebrate Colorado's new law mandating public ...

We begin with a significant ruling from a federal judge who dismissed the Trump administration's lawsuit against Harvard University, which alleged that the institution failed to protect Jewish and Israeli students from harassment. Press Secretary Leavitt anounces she will be stepping down. Today's Stories: Judge dismisses Trump lawsuit that claimed Harvard failed to protect Jewish students | US news | The Guardian WH press secretary Leavitt stepping down Become a supporter of this podcast: ht...

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on some remarkable legislative advancements and community initiatives that are making a positive impact across the nation. We kick off with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signing a groundbreaking law that removes restrictions on abortions after 24 weeks, ensuring that patients can receive necessary care without having to leave the state. This pivotal change has garnered praise from advocates, including the ACLU of...

We begin with the inspiring news of Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan winning her Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate by a landslide, advocating for Medicare for All, expanded Social Security, and the dismantling of ICE. Next, we explore the opening of the Anythink Nature Library in Thornton, Colorado—the first of its kind in the nation. Donald Trump’s approval rating | The Economist City’s public defender strike ends after Bronx Defenders reach tentative deal — Queens Daily Eag...