Good News for Lefties | Daily News for Democracy

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we celebrate a series of uplifting victories for democracy and social justice across the nation. Arizona voters scored a significant win as the state Supreme Court dismissed multiple challenges aimed at restricting mail-in voting and early election procedures, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process in a pivotal battleground state. Meanwhile, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson's historic millionaires tax is set to create a fairer tax system, providing essential benefits like free meals for K-12 students and substantial tax breaks for small businesses.
We also shine a light on a remarkable shift among Florida's Republican sheriffs, who are urging President Trump to reconsider mass deportations of undocumented immigrants without criminal records, reflecting a growing recognition of the humanity in those they serve.
In international news, polls reveal that a majority of American Jews oppose the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, signaling a significant divergence from traditional narratives and a call for peace over conflict. Additionally, we discuss a listener-suggested story highlighting a private prison company's decision to cease work with ICE, responding to employee protests against the inhumane treatment of detainees.
Finally, Pope Leo XIV has made a powerful plea for universal health care, declaring it a moral imperative that all citizens have access to necessary health services, emphasizing the need for solidarity and care for the vulnerable in society.

Today's Stories: 

In win for voters, Arizona Supreme Court rejects string of anti-voting lawsuits - Democracy Docket
'Inspiring': Washington Enacts Millionaires' Tax to Help Working Families | Common Dreams
Florida Sheriffs rebel against Trump's, DeSantis' mass deportation efforts • Florida Phoenix
Majority of American Jews Oppose Trump-Netanyahu War on Iran: Polls | Common Dreams
Top Architecture Firm Won’t Design More ICE Prisons After Employees Revolt – Mother Jones
Pope Leo calls universal healthcare a 'moral imperative' | Reuters

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In today's episode of Good News for Lefties, we celebrate significant strides toward justice and equality as New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill enacts a groundbreaking trio of immigration laws. These measures aim to limit cooperation with ICE, ensuring the protection of immigrant rights and dignity in the state. Sherrill's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities is echoed by State Senate Majority Leader Rocio Ruiz, who emphasizes the importance of these legislative advancements amidst national challenges.
We also highlight New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani's historic establishment of the Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA Affairs, led by the newly appointed Taylor Brown, the first trans person to head a city agency. This initiative promises to enhance protections and support for the LGBTQ community, reinforcing the city's dedication to inclusivity.
In a significant legal victory, a federal judge has blocked an Arkansas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, reaffirming the separation of church and state. This ruling aligns with the 1980 Supreme Court decision, promoting the importance of educational integrity and respect for diverse beliefs.
We also discuss the Montana Plan, which aims to prohibit corporate spending in political campaigns, as it moves forward with signature gathering for the November ballot. This initiative reflects a growing desire among Montanans to reclaim their elections from corporate influence.
Additionally, we share an inspiring story from the Los Angeles Unified School District, which has voted to sever ties with vendors that support ICE's immigration enforcement, reaffirming their commitment to protecting immigrant families in the community.
Finally, we celebrate the reintroduction of California condors to the Pacific Northwest, marking a hopeful milestone in conservation efforts as these majestic birds attempt to nest in their historical range after more than a century.

Today's Stories: 

Gov. Sherrill signs immigration bills limiting ICE cooperation in NJ - nj.com
Zohran Mamdani Announces Trans Director to Lead NYC’s First LGBTQIA+ Affairs Office | Them
Judge Blocks Arkansas Law Requiring Ten Commandments Displays in Schools
'Montana Plan' to prohibit corporate spending in politics green lit for signature gathering • Daily Montanan
LAUSD says it will cut out vendors with ties to ICE. Educators flag contract connected to defense tech investment firm
California condors nesting in Pacific Northwest for first time in a century, on Yurok territory

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A new national University of Massachusetts Amherst Poll finds President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to the lowest rating of his second term in office.

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Join us as we delve into the monumental nationwide "No Kings" protests, where millions rallied against authoritarianism, culminating in an impressive turnout in Minneapolis featuring voices like Bernie Sanders and Bruce Springsteen. With over 8 million participants across the country, this movement showcases the growing discontent with the current administration's power grabs and the call for change from the ground up.

We also touch on the significant strides being made in battery production, as the U.S. is on track to achieve self-sufficiency in energy storage, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. This shift not only empowers local economies but also promises a greener future.

Additionally, we highlight Governor Kathy Hochul's efforts to regulate 3D printers in New York to combat the rise of ghost guns, and Pope Leo XIV's poignant sermon urging peace over war, reminding us of the moral imperative to seek reconciliation.

Finally, we celebrate the legacy of former South Carolina Chief Justice Ernest Finney Jr. with the unveiling of a statue that honors his contributions to justice and equality.

Today's stories:

https://www.commondreams.org/news/no-kings-nationwide-rallies


https://www.commondreams.org/news/no-kings-general-strike


https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/hochul-pushes-ban-3d-technology-used-make-guns-22094029.php


https://www.commondreams.org/news/pope-leo-iran-war


https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy-manufacturing/us-capacity-storage-cell-factories


https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/statue-honors-ernest-finney-jr-235310389.html







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In North Carolina, a significant primary upset occurs as Republican Senate leader Phil Berger concedes to challenger Sam Page, despite Trump's endorsement. This close race highlights the power of voter choice and the changing political landscape.

We also discuss California Attorney General Rob Bonta's bold move to challenge Nextstar Media Group's $6.2 billion acquisition of Tenga, citing antitrust concerns. Bonta's commitment to fighting corporate consolidation showcases the importance of maintaining fair competition in media.

In labor news, the Teamsters union in New Hampshire has authorized a strike for First Student bus drivers, emphasizing the need for better working conditions and fair pay. The union's efforts highlight the ongoing struggle for labor rights in the education sector.

We also feature a fascinating story about the transformation of Providence, Rhode Island's historic Arcade into micro-apartments, providing affordable housing options while preserving the building's rich history. This innovative redevelopment exemplifies how adaptive reuse can benefit communities.

Lastly, we look at recent polling in Maine, where two Democratic candidates are leading incumbent Senator Susan Collins, signaling a competitive race ahead of the midterm elections.

Today's stories:

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/nc-senate-republican-leader-phil-berger-concedes-recount-sam-page-rcna265000


https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/california-attorney-general-asks-judge-to-block-nexstar-tegna-merger/ar-AA1Z5eB1


https://www.wmur.com/article/first-student-union-authorizes-employee-strike/70848617


https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5803536-montana-libertarian-candidate-graham-draft/


https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/rhode-island-mall-turned-affordable-housing


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democrats-chances-of-flipping-susan-collins-seat-get-major-boost-poll/ar-AA1Zsn0y



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In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties and the Banned Camp podcast, we dive into the world of banned books with hosts Dan and Jen, who are currently exploring J.D. Salinger's classic, "The Catcher in The Rye."

Join Beowulf Rochlen as he delivers a lively news segment on the latest developments in book banning and the ongoing fight for free speech. This week, we shine a spotlight on a courageous library director in Tennessee, Luann James, who is standing firm against efforts to relocate LGBTQ+ children's books, asserting that such actions violate First Amendment rights. Her unwavering stance serves as a beacon of hope in a state often perceived as resistant to progressive ideals.

As the conversation unfolds, we reflect on the complexities of political alliances and the importance of unity in protecting our freedoms. Beowulf, Dan, and Jen share their thoughts on the bizarre nature of political bedfellows while celebrating the resilience of those who advocate for the right to read and access diverse perspectives, even in the most challenging environments.

For more enlightening discussions, subscribe to the Banned Camp podcast, and join us in the fight against book banning!

bannedcamppodcast.com

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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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In this special crossover episode of Good News for Lefties and the Banned Camp podcast, we dive into the alarming trends of book banning across the United States, with a particular focus on Texas. Host Beowulf Rochlen joins Dan and Jen to discuss the New Braunfels school district's extreme measures in response to a state bill mandating book bans. Among the banned titles are works by notable figures like the Obamas, Bill Clinton, and even George W. Bush, raising questions about the implications of restricting access to diverse viewpoints and historical narratives.

The trio explores the absurdity of censoring literature that fosters critical thinking and encourages young minds to engage with complex issues. From classic authors like Jane Austen and John Steinbeck to contemporary voices like Malala Yousafzai, the conversation highlights the detrimental effects of limiting children's exposure to a broad range of ideas. As they unpack the motivations behind these bans, they emphasize the importance of nurturing informed and thoughtful citizens.

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that underscores the significance of free expression and the necessity of confronting censorship in all its forms.

Don't forget to check out Banned Camp for more engaging content on banned literature!

bannedcamppodcast.com

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In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we dive into some uplifting stories that highlight the power of community action and progressive values. A significant victory in Utah sees a pro-voting campaign successfully derail Republican efforts to legalize partisan gerrymandering, showcasing the effectiveness of grassroots organizing.

In New York City, Mayor Zoran Mamdani is taking a stand for efficiency by cutting wasteful government contracts, aiming to save over $1.7 billion without compromising essential services. This progressive approach contrasts sharply with past administrations and emphasizes the importance of accountability in public spending.

We also celebrate the tentative agreement reached between NYU's unionized faculty and the university, ending a brief strike and securing better compensation and job security for educators, a crucial step in supporting academic professionals.

Additionally, we highlight a groundbreaking initiative in Philadelphia that prohibits discrimination against workers experiencing menopause, furthering the fight for workplace equality and dignity.

Lastly, we discuss the long-awaited funding for a farming and education project in Durham County, North Carolina, which promises to enhance agricultural education and outdoor recreation opportunities in the community.

For more about today's stories:

https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/utah-ballot-measure-to-legalize-partisan-gerrymanders-fails-after-signature-removal-campaign/


https://www.commondreams.org/news/mamdani-budget


https://www.fairnesswv.org/news/victory-we-defeated-every-anti-lgbtq-bill-in-wvs-legislative-session


https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/nyu-faculty-union-reach-tentative-173900227.html


https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/philadelphia-workplace-accommodations-periods-menopause


https://indyweek.com/news/where-food-eaters-can-learn-more-about-the-people-that-work-so-hard-to-make-their-food-durham-county-farm-campus-moves-forward/



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In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we celebrate a significant political victory in Florida, where Democrat Emily Gregory triumphed in a special election for a state House seat, defeating a Trump-endorsed Republican candidate. This victory signals a shift in voter sentiment and emphasizes the importance of focusing on community issues.

We also discuss a groundbreaking jury verdict in California, holding Meta and Google responsible for contributing to youth mental health issues due to their addictive social media platforms. This landmark case could set a precedent for future accountability in the tech industry.

In New Mexico, another jury found Meta liable for endangering children, imposing a hefty penalty for misleading users about safety on its platforms. The ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for child safety in the digital age.

On the labor front, Portland Community College is nearing an agreement with its staff union to end a historic strike, highlighting the ongoing fight for fair compensation and working conditions in education.

Additionally, we share a listener-suggested story about a new Colorado bill aimed at increasing affordable housing by allowing property owners to split their lots, providing more opportunities for homeownership in a challenging market.

Finally, we take a look at the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, where liberal candidate Chris Taylor is leading in the polls, potentially extending the liberal majority on the court.

For more about today's stories:

https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-mar-a-lago-state-house-win


https://www.npr.org/2026/03/25/nx-s1-5746125/meta-youtube-social-media-trial-verdict


https://abcnews.com/GMA/Family/meta-hit-375-million-verdict-new-mexico-child/story


https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/portland-community-college-reaches-tentative-020806365.html


https://www.cohousedems.com/news/bill-to-create-more-affordable-housing-opportunities-passes


https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/chris-taylor-polling-ahead-of-maria-lazar-in-wi-supreme-court-race/ar-AA1ZjHh3

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/14/kennedy-center-board-meeting-democrat?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other





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