Good News for Lefties | Daily News for Democracy

We start with a groundbreaking ruling from U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmeier, who has mandated the Trump administration to release a Justice Department memo that authorizes lethal strikes by the Pentagon in the Caribbean and Pacific. Next, we celebrate California Governor Gavin Newsom's enactment of Assembly Bill 2222, a visionary initiative designed to revitalize struggling local newsrooms.

This Afternoon's Stories:

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/6124784-judge-orders-doj-memo-release/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/newsom-signs-landmark-bill-aimed-184525478.html

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In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen delivers a refreshing dose of optimism as we approach the midterm elections. We kick off with exciting news from Michigan, where Democrat Abdul El Sayed has secured his largest polling lead yet over Republican Mike Rogers, showcasing a promising shift in voter sentiment as Democrats aim to reclaim the Senate.

Next, we celebrate California Governor Gavin Newsom's bold decision to ban the use of shock gloves by law enforcement, reinforcing the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement. This move reflects a broader trend of Democratic-led states pushing back against harmful practices.

In Utah, a significant settlement will provide debt relief to borrowers exploited by a national auto loan company, highlighting the ongoing fight for consumer rights and accountability in the lending industry.

We also share an inspiring story from Rhode Island, where a recent study reveals that participation in arts education is linked to better school attendance, offering a compelling case for the importance of arts programs in combating chronic absenteeism.

Lastly, we highlight the remarkable efforts of a young girl named Sloan, who organized a diaper drive that collected an impressive 30,000 diapers for those in need, proving that compassion and community spirit can make a real difference.

Join us for these uplifting stories and more, as we continue to spotlight the positive changes happening across the country. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends to spread the good news!

Today's Stories:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/el-sayed-hits-highest-polling-160424065.html

https://apnews.com/article/california-gloves-shock-law-newsom-bill-91b68ae4fbd44065256fb5e6b06891ad

https://enjoyer.com/michigan-poll-fall-2026/

https://www.kpvi.com/news/regional_news/utah-among-40-states-to-settle-with-auto-loan-company-accused-of-predatory-lending/article_60452072-bf78-5c72-ba0f-99e116cee233.html

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/arts-education-linked-to-chronic-absenteeism

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/12-yos-annual-diaper-drive-dumps-30000-diapers-off-at-arizona-food-bank/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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We start with alarming polling data revealing that only 26% of Americans approve of Donald Trump's handling of the economy.  Next, we discuss a pivotal ruling from an appeals court that confirms Trump's collusion with the Department of Justice regarding a dismissed lawsuit against the IRS, highlighting the legal implications of his actions and the consequences for taxpayers.  

This Afternoon's Stories:

https://apnews.com/article/trump-economy-approval-trump-midterms-8d5809758a31b29c73f4351a8008147c

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/6121107-federal-appeals-court-donald-trump-irs-treasury-collusion/

 

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In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a light on the positive developments amidst the chaos leading up to the midterm elections. We kick things off with the resignation of a prominent election denier from the Trump administration, signaling a shift away from unfounded conspiracy theories that have plagued our democracy.

Next, we discuss a recent NPR/PBS News Marist Poll revealing that a solid majority of voters prefer Democrats over Republicans, especially in addressing pressing issues like the economy and foreign policy. With Trump’s approval ratings hitting record lows, it seems the tide is turning in favor of progressives.

We also highlight California's bold move to tackle ghost ticket sales, ensuring fair access to concert experiences for all fans. Governor Gavin Newsom's bipartisan bill aims to eliminate deceptive practices in ticket sales, making it a win for consumers.

In labor news, unionized staff at the Whitney Museum of American Art are gearing up for a potential strike over inadequate contract negotiations, reflecting the ongoing struggle for fair wages in the face of rising living costs in New York City.

Additionally, a powerful quilt made by demonstrators in Minnesota is drawing attention to the plight of immigrants, as they call for policy changes to restrict ICE operations that disrupt communities

Join us as we celebrate these uplifting stories and more, reinforcing the spirit of resilience and hope within the progressive movement. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends to keep the good news flowing!

Today's Stories:

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/election-denier-kurt-olsen-leaves-doj-after-failing-to-find-evidence-of-stolen-election/

https://www.npr.org/2026/09/23/nx-s1-5977613/trump-poll-democrats-congress

https://www.rawstory.com/ice-2677941297/

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/california-law-ghost-tickets

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/whitney-museum-union-workers-set-134427563.html

https://www.audacy.com/wccoradio/news/local/activists-quilt-protest-ice-walz Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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We start with a federal judge allowing a pro-voting challenge against Louisiana's proof of citizenship voter registration law to move forward, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in the electoral process and the protection of marginalized communities. Next, we celebrate a significant ruling against transphobic efforts led by Riley Gaines, as a judge dismisses her claims against the NCAA for not discriminating against transgender women, reinforcing the fight for equality in sports and beyond.

This Afternoon's Stories:

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/judge-greenlights-challenge-to-louisiana-anti-voting-law-citing-discrimination-claims/

https://www.erininthemorning.com/p/riley-gaines-title-ix-lawsuit-against

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In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a treasure trove of uplifting stories that highlight the resilience and determination of progressives as we gear up for the upcoming elections. We start with a significant ruling from a federal judge that blocks the Trump administration from using federal grants to impose anti-voting measures on states, ensuring that local governments maintain their autonomy in administering elections.

Next, we celebrate a clean sweep for progressive Democrats in New York City House primaries, where candidates focused on economic populism triumphed over billionaire-backed opponents, emphasizing the importance of putting working people first.

Senator Bernie Sanders is set to rally in California in support of Proposition 40, a measure that aims to tax billionaires to fund essential services like healthcare and education, as he calls on the wealthy to show compassion for working families.

Additionally, classified workers at Oregon's public universities have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract, averting a strike and securing vital cost-of-living adjustments and better protections for workers.

We also highlight the inspiring efforts of Max Awobu, an 18-year-old from the Bronx, who founded the Yinko Foundation to sponsor children's education in Ghana, proving that young people can make a significant impact globally.

Join us for these heartening stories and more that reflect the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends to spread the good news!

Today's Stories:

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/judge-strikes-down-trumps-bid-to-cut-states-anti-terror-funds-unless-they-impose-new-voting-restrictions/

https://abcnews.com/Business/mamdani-aligned-house-candidates-plan-fight-wealth-inequality/story?id=134168803

https://www.commondreams.org/news/sanders-california-prop-40

https://www.ijpr.org/2026-09-28/oregons-public-universities-classified-workers-narrowly-avoid-strike

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/18-year-old-from-the-bronx-starts-nonprofit-to-sponsor-school-children-in-ghana/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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We discuss the new safety class requirement for gun owners. We also delve into the progress of renewable energy in the U.S., showcasing the growth of solar, wind, and battery storage despite political challenges.

This Afternoon's Stories:

https://calmatters.org/justice/2026/09/new-gun-laws-safety-class/

https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-can-t-kill-renewables Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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advertising.

We speak with the editor and publisher of TheNation.com Katrina vanden Heuvel about the positive news the Left can focus on.

Read her article, Is There Any Good News Left?, here: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/progressive-left-wins-morales-mamdani/ 

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In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shines a spotlight on the encouraging developments as we approach the November elections. We kick off with a landmark ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, which has put an end to Missouri's gerrymandered congressional map, ensuring fair representation for voters in the upcoming elections. This unanimous decision not only protects the integrity of the electoral process but also prevents Republican efforts to manipulate district boundaries.

Next, we discuss a significant legal victory in Iowa, where a judge dismissed Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Des Moines Register, reinforcing the importance of free speech in political discourse and affirming that polling is a matter of public concern.

We also highlight the Iowa Farmers Union's endorsement of five Democratic candidates for Congress, emphasizing the need for leaders who address the pressing challenges faced by farmers.

In a listener-suggested story, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills aimed at increasing protections for the LGBTQ community, demonstrating a commitment to civil rights amid ongoing threats from the federal government.

Additionally, we celebrate a major ruling in Texas that mandates air conditioning in prisons by 2029, a crucial step towards humane treatment for incarcerated individuals.

Join us for these uplifting stories and more that reflect the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Don’t forget to share this episode with your friends to spread the good news!

Today's Stories:

https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-again-blocks-missouris-gerrymandered-congressional-map

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/23/us/politics/des-moines-register-trump-lawsuit.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

https://wcfcourier.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/article_108671b4-aecb-418f-ae39-a9042883619e.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/22/upshot/hispanic-voters-midterm-elections.html

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2026/09/27/newsom-signs-bills-aimed-at-protecting-lgbtq-people-citing-trump-administration-attacks-3/

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/lioness-justice-formerly-incarcerated-prison-air-conditioning

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A landmark ruling from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the right of states to regulate prediction markets, marking a critical moment for consumer protection in gambling. Next, we turn our attention to California, where a new law aims to address the historical injustices faced by Black communities living near oil wells.

https://thehill.com/policy/technology/6112365-6th-circuit-rules-against-kalshi/

https://capitalbnews.org/california-oil-wells-reparations/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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