Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/35954127?utm_source=youtube
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you stories of people organizing, showing up, and supporting their communities as the midterm elections approach.
A federal judge has blocked the Department of Homeland Security from conducting election-related field operations in nine states, ruling that the threat of voter intimidation outweighs the administration’s interest in investigating noncitizen voting. Meanwhile, early voting turnout in five of Texas’s biggest counties has shattered records, with Harris County alone seeing more than 104,000 voters cast ballots on the first day.
In Oregon, a tentative agreement has ended a six-day strike by Corvallis city workers. The deal includes a $1,000 bonus, protections against health care premium increases through at least 2030, and improvements to the wage schedule and workplace safety language.
Women are running for state legislative seats in record numbers this November. More than two-thirds of the 3,824 candidates are Democrats, marking another step toward better representation—while underscoring how much work remains to reach gender parity across both parties.
Beowulf also responds to listener Pamela’s question about whether wealth taxes could affect family farms, and shares news of a Texas church’s $75,000 donation to help erase medical debt for vulnerable families in North Austin.
Finally, meet Dianita Aranda, who is earning her high school diploma while working and completing a phlebotomy internship. Possible Dream Adult High School helps students like Aranda finish their education with personalized plans, workforce training, and free support such as childcare, counseling, and transportation.
Join us for these stories of civic participation, worker solidarity, and community care—and share the episode with someone who could use a little good news.