Épisodes

  • Courts, Congress, and Community

    Courts, Congress, and Community
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a refreshing dose of optimism with stories that highlight the resilience of democracy and community activism. We kick things off with a striking statistic: judges have ruled against Donald Trump two-thirds of the time, showcasing the judiciary's crucial role in upholding justice. Following that, we dive into Maryland's efforts to redraw congressional maps to counteract Republican gerrymandering, led by Governor Wes Moore, emphasizing the importance of fair representation. The episode also highlights a significant increase in protests across the U.S. since Trump's return to office, reflecting a growing movement for change in communities nationwide.
    Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a pivotal law to improve the handling of sexual assault evidence, ensuring better care for survivors. We also celebrate a new initiative in New York City aimed at expanding access to public restrooms, addressing a fundamental issue for residents.
    Lastly, we discuss the Department of Homeland Security's complaints about protests against their agents in Minnesota, showcasing the community's resistance to oppressive practices.

    Today's Stories:

    Donald Trump Is Losing in Court
    Maryland Democrats introduce redistricting legislation to counter Trump gerrymanders - Democracy Docket
    ‘Very historic time’: US protests have jumped since Trump’s first term | Trump administration | The Guardian
    New York sexual assault survivors gain stronger evidence protections under new law - silive.com
    Mamdani announces new public restroom initiative
    DHS Whines That Protesters Won’t Let Federal Agents Use Any Bathrooms | The New Republic

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    15 min
  • BREAKING Bye, Bye, Bovino!

    BREAKING Bye, Bye, Bovino!
    Jan 27 2026
    Border Patrol “commander at large” Gregory Bovino has been removed from his role and will return back to his old job in California, according to reports.

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    6 min
  • Hope in Courtrooms and Solidarity in Healthcare

    Hope in Courtrooms and Solidarity in Healthcare
    Jan 26 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we bring you a collection of uplifting stories that highlight the power of community, advocacy, and resilience. A New York court has ruled against the dilution of political power for black and Latino voters, mandating a redraw of the congressional map that could benefit Democrats in the upcoming midterms. This landmark decision underscores the importance of fair representation and the role of state courts in protecting voting rights.We also celebrate the removal of harmful anti-transgender provisions from federal appropriations bills, ensuring continued access to education and health care for transgender individuals. This victory comes as lawmakers work together to create a more inclusive environment for all.
    In a heartwarming segment, we discuss Heretic Coffee in Portland, Oregon, which has taken a bold stand to protect immigrant neighbors from ICE. Their commitment to community safety includes offering refuge and support, showcasing the strength of solidarity in action.Additionally, we highlight the unionization efforts of advanced practice providers at the University of Michigan Health Sparrow, who have successfully formed a union to advocate for better working conditions and patient care.Lastly, we celebrate Amber Glenn, who is set to make history as the first out woman to figure skate at the Olympics, a testament to the growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ athletes in sports.

    Today's Stories:

    Anti-trans provisions stripped from government funding bills | Advocate.com
    New York court strikes down congressional map, potentially handing Dems another seat - Democracy Docket
    Advanced practice providers at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow vote to unionize | News From The States
    Tax on short-term rentals like Airbnb again under discussion in WA • Washington State Standard
    Typo inspires coffee shop’s pro-immigrant fundraiser

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    16 min
  • Judge Says Trump Violated Free Speech Rights and Gov. Spanberger Ends ICE Collaboration

    Judge Says Trump Violated Free Speech Rights and Gov. Spanberger Ends ICE Collaboration
    Jan 25 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, your weekend host Wendy King has uplifting stories that deliver remarkable strides in democracy and community well-being.

    1. First off - Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger's bold veto of Executive Order 47, which ended local law enforcement's collaboration with ICE, marking a significant victory for immigrant rights advocates. This decision reflects the power of organized communities and the pivotal role of Latino voters in shaping political outcomes in the state.
    2. A federal judge's ruling blocks the Trump's administration from enforcing restrictive voting measures in Oregon and Washington, reaffirming the principle that states, not the federal government, regulate elections. This ruling is a major win for voters and reinforces the importance of accessible voting rights.
    3. Wendy highlights a federal judge's condemnation of the Trump administration's policies that threaten the free speech rights of non-citizens on college campuses, emphasizing that everyone in the U.S. deserves constitutional protections.
    4. In California, lawmakers are pushing for bills to streamline the adoption of clean energy technologies, aiming to lower utility costs and combat the rising cost of living. These initiatives could empower residents to take control of their energy future.
    5. Next, we share a listener-suggested story about a maintenance worker who received a settlement after a Border Patrol agent pointed a gun at him, illustrating the ongoing need for accountability in law enforcement.
    6. And finally, after an overpopulation of moose devastated a beaver habitat in the western part of Rocky Mountain National Park - a team of scientists are joining together to build a series of dams to encourage the beavers in the park to return and hopefully revive the ecology.

    Join us as we explore these uplifting stories that showcase the resilience of communities and the ongoing fight for justice and equality!

    Today's Stories:

    Virginia Governor Vetoes Executive Order Ending Local ICE Collaboration
    Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Election Order in Oregon and Washington
    Judge Rules Trump Administration Violated Non-Citizens' Free Speech Rights
    California Lawmakers Push Bills to Simplify Clean Energy Tech Adoption
    Settlement Reached in Case of Maintenance Worker Encountering Border Patrol Agent
    Human Beavers Create 29 Dams Across a National Park


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    26 min
  • Good News for Lefties- Progressive Voices Edition for January 25th, 2026

    Good News for Lefties- Progressive Voices Edition for January 25th, 2026
    Jan 25 2026
    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.

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    45 min
  • Good News Deep Dive with Candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alabama Dakarai Larriett

    Good News Deep Dive with Candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alabama Dakarai Larriett
    Jan 24 2026
    In this Deep Dive edition of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen engages with Alabama Senate candidate Dakari Larriett, who shares his inspiring journey from corporate life to public service. Raised in Alabama by a military father and a public school teacher, Dakari's experiences navigating failing school systems and advocating for justice after a troubling encounter with law enforcement have fueled his passion for change.

    He discusses the importance of addressing qualified immunity, the need for transparency in law enforcement, and his vision for a Motorist Bill of Rights. As the conversation unfolds, Dakari highlights the hope he finds in young voters and bipartisan efforts in Congress, emphasizing the need for community-focused policies.

    Tune in for an insightful discussion about the challenges and triumphs in the pursuit of justice and democracy in Alabama and beyond!

    Dakari Larriett's Campaign Website: www.dakarailarriett.com

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    20 min
  • Minneapolis Anti-ICE Protestors Confront Far Right Activists and Kick ICE Officers Out of Restaurants

    Minneapolis Anti-ICE Protestors Confront Far Right Activists and Kick ICE Officers Out of Restaurants
    Jan 24 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Wendy King brings you a series of impactful stories that highlight progress and community resilience.
    1. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a groundbreaking bill to expand family leave benefits, now allowing employees at companies with as few as 15 workers to take job-protected paid leave. This significant change aims to support families and ensure that more parents can bond with their newborns without fearing job loss.
    2. In Minneapolis, hundreds of anti-ICE protesters successfully pushed back against a small group of far-right activists, showcasing the power of community solidarity in the face of intimidation. The protests were sparked by recent tragic events involving ICE, emphasizing the urgent need for immigrant rights and protection.
    3. Wendy also celebrates the U.S. House of Representatives' decision to continue funding the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, reversing previous attempts to eliminate these vital cultural agencies. This move reflects a commitment to supporting the arts and humanities in America.
    4. In a notable incident in St. Paul, Minnesota, federal law enforcement agents were forced to leave a local restaurant after diners confronted them, demonstrating the growing resistance against aggressive immigration enforcement.
    5. In another good news story - the host of Jeopardy! - Ken Jennings is speaking out on social media promising to vote for any 2028 presidential candidate who vows to “prosecute” members of the Trump “regime” in the next administration.
    6. Finally, we share a story about Bucks County Pennsylvania Sheriff Danny Ceisler's decision to end a formal partnership with ICE, fulfilling a campaign promise and prioritizing community safety over federal immigration enforcement.
    Join us as we explore these inspiring stories that highlight the importance of advocacy, community action, and progressive change!

    Today's Stories:

    New Jersey expands family leave benefits
    Minneapolis anti-ICE protesters confront far-right activists
    House approves funding for NEA and NEH
    Federal agents forced to leave Minnesota restaurant
    Jeopardy host wants a candidate to take on Trump
    Bucks County Sheriff ends partnership with ICE


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    24 min
  • Union Triumphs, Solar Breakthroughs, and Hope for the Homeless

    Union Triumphs, Solar Breakthroughs, and Hope for the Homeless
    Jan 23 2026
    In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we bring you a series of uplifting stories that shine a light on progress and positive change across the nation. We start with the announcement that Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan is stepping down as a top federal prosecutor in Virginia, following a federal judge's ruling that barred her from continuing in that role. This is a significant step towards accountability in our judicial system.
    Next, we celebrate the staff at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, who have successfully voted to unionize with UAW Local 2110, marking a major victory for workers advocating for job security and pay equality. Their efforts come after years of organizing and highlight the importance of collective action in the workplace.Turning our attention to health, we report on a newly approved bill in Alabama that mandates health insurance companies to cover prostate cancer screenings for high-risk patients, ensuring better access to crucial health services for men in the state.In a groundbreaking achievement, Texas has surpassed coal in solar energy production for the first time, showcasing the state's rapid transition to renewable energy sources. This milestone reflects a broader shift towards sustainability and innovation in energy.We also share a listener-suggested story about California's State Senate, now led by Democratic State Senator Monique Limon, the first woman of color to hold the position. Her leadership promises to bring renewed focus on legislative oversight and support for marginalized communities.
    Finally, we highlight a new program in Albany County, New York, that employs a multidisciplinary street psychiatry team to provide mental health care to individuals experiencing homelessness, addressing an urgent need for supportive services in public spaces.Join us as we celebrate these inspiring stories that demonstrate the power of advocacy, community action, and progressive change!

    Today's Stories:

    Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan leaves her prosecutor post in Virginia
    Staff of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Vote to Unionize - UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America
    Alabama Senate passes bill eliminating cost-sharing for prostate cancer screening | News From The States
    Chart: Solar is finally bigger than coal in Texas | Canary Media
    Monique Limón becomes first woman of color, mother to lead California State Senate
    Washington National Opera Is Leaving the Kennedy Center - The New York Times


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    15 min