Good News for Lefties | Daily News for Democracy

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Positive, progressive news for democracy daily! Democrats, Leftists, liberals, and democratic socialists welcome. A respite from troubling headlines in difficult times. Sure, read the bad news, but then listen to us! Send good news tips to beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com or 202-656-6271 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

  1. 7h ago

    Crime Rates Plummet and Workers Gain Power

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen navigates through a series of impactful stories that highlight the pulse of progressive change in America. We kick off with a revealing poll showing that nearly half of Americans believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested, reflecting a growing sentiment for accountability in international affairs. Next, we dive into the fascinating case of former Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who faces charges related to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where a key witness claims the damage was pre-existing, raising questions about the accountability of public figures. In a positive turn, crime rates are on the decline across major U.S. cities, with homicides dropping significantly, indicating a promising trend towards safer communities. Virginia has taken a significant step forward by enacting a new law that requires employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings, empowering workers in salary negotiations and promoting transparency in the hiring process. Listener Adam from Phoenix shares an inspiring story about Governor Katie Hobbs' executive order prohibiting state employees from using non-public information for betting on prediction markets, a move aimed at safeguarding integrity in governance. Lastly, we celebrate Jackson, Mississippi, as it becomes the first city in the state to impose a moratorium on data centers, reflecting a community-driven approach to technology and development. Today's Stories:  By 22-Point Margin, Americans Think Netanyahu Should Be Arrested on US Soil | Common Dreams Reflecting Pool case: Witness conceded damage before Olympic canoeist Davey Hearn touched water Crime continues historic decline as homicide rates approach century lows • Ohio Capital Journal Virginia now requires employers to disclose salaries in job postings Hobbs bars Arizona state employees from using government info to bet on prediction markets | News From The States Jackson passes state’s first data center moratorium | News From The States Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

  2. 1d ago

    Resigning from Trump’s Chaos

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen highlights a series of uplifting stories that remind us of the progress being made despite the challenges we face. We kick off with the resignation of Mark Rosenblum from the Department of Homeland Security, who publicly criticized the Trump administration's stance on immigration, signaling a positive shift towards accountability in government. Next, we celebrate a significant legal victory in Arkansas, where a federal judge struck down restrictive ballot initiative laws, reinforcing the power of direct democracy and paving the way for future progressive reforms. In a notable development, Tennessee has removed controversial highway signs that renamed a section of road after Charlie Kirk, following backlash from veterans who felt excluded from the decision-making process. Maine is making strides against mass deportation with new laws that protect local resources from federal immigration enforcement, ensuring that communities can prioritize their residents' rights. Listener Alma from Portland shares a heartwarming story about the remarkable resurgence of alewives in Maine's Sebasticook River, where their annual migration is celebrated at the Alewife Festival, showcasing successful environmental restoration efforts. Lastly, we discuss the Trump administration's retreat from proposed rules that would have severely limited gender-affirming care for youth, a win for advocates fighting for transgender rights. Today's Stories:  Homeland Security Official Rips Trump’s ‘War On Immigrants’ In Resignation Announcement Win for Arkansas voters as judge blocks ballot initiative restrictions Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway signs moved after backlash New restrictions on state involvement in immigration enforcement take effect Wednesday | News From The States Dam Removal Efforts Lead to a Stunning Comeback for Maine’s Alewives - Inside Climate News Trump's HHS backs off most radical effort to stop healthcare for trans youth : NPR Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

  3. 2d ago

    Battling Surveillance Pricing and Celebrating Women Candidates

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a refreshing mix of uplifting stories that shine a light on progress and resilience. We begin with a significant ruling from a federal appellate panel, which upheld a lower court's injunction blocking the Trump administration's attempts to manipulate mail-in voting, a critical victory for voting rights advocates. Next, we celebrate the triumph of Maine Democrats as Troy Jackson secures the party's nomination for Senate amidst a chaotic primary, positioning him against Republican incumbent Susan Collins in a race that could impact the Senate balance. In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill signs the Fair Price Protection Act, banning surveillance pricing practices that exploit consumer data, a move that aligns with growing efforts to protect shoppers' rights. We also highlight an encouraging rise in female candidates for the upcoming elections, with record numbers of women running for governor and the U.S. House, reflecting a positive trend towards greater representation. A listener-suggested story from Renee in Pensacola, Florida, showcases a beautiful initiative transforming roadside areas into wildflower habitats, supporting monarch butterflies and enhancing local ecosystems. Finally, we explore a groundbreaking project in Colorado, where Jack's Solar Garden integrates solar energy production with agriculture, demonstrating a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and local farmers. Today's Stories:  In 'Win for Voters,' Another Federal Court Blocks Trump Attack on Mailed Ballots | Common Dreams Troy Jackson secures Democratic nomination for Maine Senate seat after chaotic primary race | Maine | The Guardian New Jersey governor signs law banning surveillance pricing to protect shoppers | New Jersey | The Guardian More women seek governor's seats than ever before Butterfly experts are planting 15,000 milkweed plants along Florida roadsides to help monarchs On a Colorado farm, solar panels bring shade for plants, power – and cash: in pictures | Solar power | The Guardian Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

  4. 3d ago

    DOJ's Losing Streak and Ossoff's Momentum

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen dives into a series of encouraging stories that highlight progress and resilience across the nation. We start with a significant legal setback for the Department of Justice, as a federal judge appointed by Donald Trump dismisses yet another lawsuit aimed at accessing voter registration records, marking the DOJ's record at 0 for 17 in these cases. This ruling underscores the ongoing challenges in safeguarding voting rights amidst political maneuvering. Next, we spotlight Georgia's Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who holds a promising nine-point lead over Republican challenger Mike Collins in the upcoming midterm elections, indicating a strong position for Democrats in a key battleground state. In Oregon, tensions rise as system operators for Portland General Electric prepare to strike, potentially impacting power supply during the critical wildfire season. The union's push for fair contracts highlights the ongoing fight for workers' rights in essential services. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency makes a commendable decision by halting a permit that would have allowed data centers to discharge wastewater into local waterways, responding to overwhelming public opposition and prioritizing environmental health. A listener-suggested story from Bert in Monterey, California, reveals that Citizens Bank is severing ties with private prison companies, marking a significant win for advocates against the financing of human suffering tied to immigration detention. Finally, we discuss a federal judge's rebuke of the government's attempt to compel New York Times reporters to reveal their sources, a victory for press freedom amid ongoing tensions between the media and the Trump administration. Today's Stories:  DOJ losing streak continues as Trump-appointed judge tosses Kentucky voter roll lawsuit - Democracy Docket Jon Ossoff's chances of beating Mike Collins in Georgia—new poll Workers at PGE’s Tualatin power grid operation center may go on strike starting Aug. 2, union says Ohio EPA pulls proposed permit for data center discharge Citizens Bank to end financial relationship with two private prison contractors | AP News Government withdraws subpoenas of 3 reporters for The New York Times | AP News Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

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Positive, progressive news for democracy daily! Democrats, Leftists, liberals, and democratic socialists welcome. A respite from troubling headlines in difficult times. Sure, read the bad news, but then listen to us! Send good news tips to beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com or 202-656-6271 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.