Good News for Lefties | Daily News for Democracy

Two Squared Media Productions, LLC

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. 17H AGO

    Supreme Court Wins, Climate Rules, and Electric Bus Innovations

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delves into a series of uplifting stories that highlight accountability and progress. We kick off with a landmark Supreme Court ruling that unanimously denied a private prison company's attempt to gain expansive legal protections, ensuring that lawsuits against federal contractors can proceed more quickly when unlawful actions are alleged. Next, we celebrate California's bold move as the Air Resources Board implements corporate climate disclosure laws, mandating large companies to report greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks, a critical step towards environmental accountability. Illinois is also making strides with a proposed measure to establish a review board for regulating prescription drug prices, aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for residents. Meanwhile, Oregon lawmakers are advancing a one-year moratorium on new tax breaks for data centers, highlighting the need to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability. A listener-suggested story brings us to Madison, Wisconsin, where overhead chargers for electric buses are proving effective even in frigid temperatures, showcasing advancements in zero-emission transportation. Lastly, we celebrate Chicago's creative spirit as the protest slogan "Abolish ICE" wins a snowplow naming contest, reflecting the city's resilience and humor in the face of challenging immigration policies.   Today's Stories:  SCOTUS rejects private prison company GEO Group's attempt at avoiding accountability California approves first corporate climate disclosure rules | Sacramento Bee Legislators, activists continue push for prescription drug affordability board | Capitol News Illinois Oregon moves toward 1-year moratorium on some data center tax breaks - oregonlive.com Electric Buses Have Passed a Brutal Cold-Weather Test 'Abolish ICE' wins Chicago's snowplow-naming contest | AP News Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

    14 min
  2. 1D AGO

    Immigration Wins, Salmon Recovery, and Geothermal Innovations

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares a series of empowering stories that exemplify progress and resilience in the face of adversity. We start with a landmark ruling from a federal judge in Boston declaring the Trump administration's policy of deporting undocumented immigrants to countries where they aren't citizens as unconstitutional, a significant victory for immigrant rights advocates. Next, we highlight another ruling from Oregon, where a federal judge has mandated changes to hydropower system operations to protect salmon populations, reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation efforts. In labor news, we discuss the ongoing nurses' strike at AH Henry Ford Genesis Hospital in Michigan, which is now entering its sixth month, as nurses advocate for better working conditions and pay. Additionally, we celebrate a bipartisan bill passed in Kentucky that bans devices converting semiautomatic firearms into automatic weapons, showcasing a collective effort towards gun safety. A listener-suggested story highlights Houston-based geothermal startup Quaise Energy, which is making strides in developing a new super hot power plant in Oregon, tapping into innovative energy solutions. Lastly, we report that the Department of Homeland Security will not be moving forward with a controversial ICE detention facility in New Hampshire, a decision welcomed by local advocates and lawmakers. Today's Stories:  Trump’s third-country deportation policy is unlawful, judge finds - The Washington Post  Judge sides with salmon against Trump administration in hydropower ruling | US news | The Guardian Teamsters nurses remain on strike at Henry Ford Genesys, six months after labor action began - CBS Detroit Kentucky House passes bill to ban machine gun conversion devices • Kentucky Lantern  Quaise looks to advance ‘superhot’ geothermal power… | Canary Media ICE detention facility proposed in Merrimack, New Hampshire will not move forward - CBS Boston Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

    12 min
  3. 2D AGO

    Legal Wins, Fair Taxes, and Paid Leave Progress in NYC

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of uplifting stories that shine a light on progress and resilience. We kick off with the exciting news that the U.S. Department of Justice has dropped its legal case against law firms that stood against Trump's executive orders, reaffirming the importance of legal representation and constitutional rights. Next, we highlight Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Ro Khanna's introduction of the "Make Billionaires Pay Their Fair Share" act, aimed at addressing income inequality by imposing a wealth tax on the richest Americans. This legislation could potentially raise $4.4 trillion over the next decade, providing much-needed support for families and public services. We also cover the political landscape in North Carolina, where Reverend Rodney Sadler is challenging incumbent Carla Cunningham, who has faced backlash for her controversial statements on immigration and culture. Sadler's grassroots campaign is gaining momentum, supported by prominent Democrats and organizations. In a significant judicial development, over 100 companies are filing lawsuits following the Supreme Court's ruling against Trump's global tariffs, seeking refunds for billions paid in tariffs. This legal push highlights the ongoing economic impact of the previous administration's policies. Our listener-suggested story reveals that the U.S. Forest Service has stopped issuing clothing containing harmful chemicals to wildland firefighters, responding to health concerns and advocating for safer working conditions. Lastly, we celebrate a new law in New York City that expands paid time off for workers, allowing them to take necessary leave for family care, a move towards better work-life balance. Today's Stories:  DoJ renews fight against law firms that stood up to Trump in abrupt reversal | Trump administration | The Guardian 'Enough Is Enough': Sanders, Khanna Propose Billionaires Tax to Raise $4.4 Trillion | Common Dreams The Feds Targeted Charlotte. Now a Local Democrat Who Helped ICE Faces Voters. | Bolts Trump Faces 2,000 Tariff Lawsuits Following Supreme Court Loss - Bloomberg U.S. Forest Service Stops Issuing Firefighter Pants That Contain PFAS — ProPublica Millions of New York City workers entitled to more time off as new law takes effect Sunday - CBS New York Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

    14 min
  4. 3D AGO

    Polling Against War, AI Ethics, and a WNBA Breakthrough

    We start with a revealing poll indicating widespread disapproval of Donald Trump's military actions in Iran, highlighting a growing skepticism towards U.S. military intervention among voters across party lines. Next, we celebrate the bold stance of Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, who has rejected the Pentagon's demands for unrestricted military use of their AI technology, emphasizing the importance of democratic values over military applications. In a significant move, Democratic lawmakers in several states are introducing bills to deter new ICE employees from seeking jobs in law enforcement and public education, reflecting a commitment to challenging harsh immigration policies. We discuss Maine's efforts to impose a moratorium on data center developments, balancing economic growth with environmental concerns, and how this could set a precedent for other states. A listener-suggested story reveals the WNBA's historic achievement in revenue sharing, marking a milestone in the league’s financial growth and the ongoing fight for equity in sports. Finally, we report on Denver's announcement of a moratorium on new data centers, allowing the city to strengthen regulations that ensure responsible resource use. Today's stories: https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-iran-attack-poll https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/anthropic-rebuffs-pentagon-ultimatum-warns-031354801.html://www.wsbradio.com/news/business/anthropic-refuses/DSVGDXHERQ4SJDQFAHGC6GW5TY/ https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/26/democrats-bar-ice-employees-civil-service-jobs https://dailyyonder.com/as-data-centers-look-to-rural-new-england-maine-considers-a-moratorium/2026/02/23/ https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/48014819/union-wnba-made-enough-money-revenue-sharing https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/local-politics/denver-moratorium-data-centers/73-d503f38f-dfda-42f9-ac7b-22a0277c5d96 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

    19 min
  5. 4D AGO

    Texas Senate Polls, New Jersey Voting Rights, and LGBTQ Hockey Rising

    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rocklin shares a wealth of encouraging stories that uplift the spirit of progressives and advocates for change. We kick off with a promising poll showing Representative Jasmine Crockett leading in a hypothetical Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas, demonstrating her strong support among likely Democratic voters. Next, we spotlight New Jersey's assembly panel, which has approved a state-level Voting Rights Act aimed at reinstating crucial protections against voter suppression, ensuring fair access to the ballot for all citizens. We also dive into the world of literature as we highlight the new season of the podcast "Band Camp," where hosts Jen and Dan explore banned books, shedding light on censorship and the importance of free expression. In sports, we celebrate the surge in participation and interest in LGBTQ hockey leagues across the nation, fueled by a popular show that has inspired new players and teams to emerge. Additionally, we discuss how ten Democratic-leaning states are stepping up to assist residents in affording Obamacare health plans, filling the gap left by the expiration of federal tax credits and ensuring continued access to healthcare. A listener-suggested story reveals the resignation of celebrity doctor Peter Attia from CBS News amid controversy, reminding us of the importance of accountability in public life. Lastly, we report on Oregon lawmakers advancing a bill to increase the lodging tax to fund wildlife conservation programs, a bipartisan effort that reflects a commitment to preserving natural resources and protecting endangered species. For more about today's stories: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5755382-jasmine-crockett-leads-texas-senate/ https://newjerseymonitor.com/2026/02/20/nj-voting-rights-act/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/watched-heated-rivalry-overcome-desire-hit-ice-rcna258438 https://stateline.org/2026/02/18/some-states-are-helping-to-make-obamacare-plans-more-affordable/ https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/23/business/peter-attia-resigns-from-cbs-news-following-epstein-backlash https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/24/house-lawmakers-lodging-tax-hike-oregon-wildlife/ https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2026-02-16/maine-lawmakers-consider-moratorium-on-new-data-centers Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

    13 min
4.9
out of 5
407 Ratings

About

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.

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