Stay ConnectedPositive, 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.
Copyright: © Beowulf Rochlen
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen shares inspiring stories that highlight progress and inclusivity across the nation. A landmark class action lawsuit settlement has led Aetna to provide equitable fertility benefits to LGBTQ members, ensuring same-sex couples can access the same insurance coverage for fertility treatments as their heterosexual counterparts. This monumental decision is set to benefit millions, including 91,000 Californians.
In Colorado, state lawmakers are pushing forward with their own regulations on artificial intelligence, defying a federal moratorium imposed by Donald Trump. Attorney General Phil Weiser is prepared to defend the state's right to implement protective measures against potential discrimination in AI usage.
Additionally, Los Angeles has officially ended its reliance on coal power, marking a significant step towards a clean energy future. Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the importance of this transition for both the environment and the city's economy.
In education news, educators in Minnesota's largest school district have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, signaling their commitment to advocating for better pay and health insurance coverage.
Lastly, the U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act, honoring the historical significance of the land and protecting it for future generations. Meanwhile, in a show of defiance against state censorship, St. Petersburg has installed rainbow-colored bike racks to celebrate LGBTQ pride despite recent removals of street art.
Join us as we celebrate these uplifting developments and more, proving that positive change is always within reach!
Today's Stories:
Aetna to cover IVF treatments for same-sex couples in national settlement | News From The States
Colorado bucks Trump's AI order - Axios Denver
Los Angeles says so long to coal
Anoka-Hennepin educators vote to authorize strike, union says - CBS Minnesota
Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Grounds Act passes Congress | SDPB
St. Pete installs rainbow bike racks under FL Pride crosswalk ban
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
Positive news for prgressives from accoss the nation!
Today's stories:
https://marylandmatters.org/2025/12/18/federal-judge-orders-reversal-of-hundreds-of-layoffs-finalized-during-shutdown/
https://apnews.com/article/utah-labor-unions-collective-bargaining-repeal-a84267e0c9bff480a648aacc79c1bc7c
https://nypost.com/2025/12/22/media/hollywood-actors-union-could-strike-over-netflix-wbd-merger-sources/
https://www.stpete.org/news_detail_T30_R1531.php
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/bostonians-wanted-more-bike-lanes-now-they-have-them-and-traffic-is-down/
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-judge-orders-release-afghan-trucker-detained-104-days-ice-custody
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rocklin brings you a collection of uplifting stories that highlight progress and resilience across the nation. A recent court ruling has led to the withdrawal of National Guard troops from the streets of Los Angeles, marking a significant step towards restoring community safety. Meanwhile, California is set to increase its minimum wage to $16.90 per hour, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve workers' rights and living standards.
In Maine, Governor Janet Mills has enacted a law to limit local authorities' collaboration with federal immigration agencies, safeguarding individual rights against wrongful detentions. Additionally, billionaire Mark Stevens is making waves in Colorado by purchasing an apartment complex and offering below-market rates to local workers, addressing the housing crisis in mountain towns.
WNBA players are also making headlines as they authorize their union to call a strike if necessary, pushing for better working conditions and fair compensation. Lastly, Maryland lawmakers have voted to create a commission to study potential reparations for slavery, signaling a commitment to addressing historical injustices.
Join us as we celebrate these inspiring developments and more, reminding us that positive change is always within reach!
For more about today's stories:
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-12-15/national-guard-los-angeles-deadline
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/californias-minimum-wage-increasing-2026-los-angeles-debates-30-hour
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/maine-considering-more-ways-push-back-trumps-deportation-agenda
httphttps://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/colorado-billionaire-buys-apartments-steamboat-springss://coloradosun.com/2025/12/15/steamboat-springs-billioniare-housing/
https://www.nbcsports.com/wnba/news/wnba-players-union-authorizes-negotiators-to-call-a-strike-if-needed-during-cba-talks
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/maryland-consider-slavery-reparations-gov-wes-moores-veto-overridden-rcna249615
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
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.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
This week's good news stories cover a major GOP shake-up, corporate accountability for Tesla, clean energy wins, and a surprising call for tax fairness. This time, we're highlighting several encouraging stories that signal progress, accountability, and a commitment to building a better America for everyone. From significant political shifts to wins for environmental and economic justice, host Wendy King delivers your healthy dose of good news...
GOP Shake-Up: Elise Stefanik Steps Back from Political Stage
In a surprising move, Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced she is ending her campaign for New York governor and will not seek reelection to her House seat next year. This decision marks a significant departure for a figure once considered a rising star in the party. In a statement, Stefanik cited the desire to avoid a "protracted Republican primary" and focus on her family, stating her most important title is "mom." This announcement comes shortly after a major challenger entered the primary race and follows a period of growing frustration between Stefanik and Republican congressional leadership, particularly Speaker Mike Johnson. Her exit opens up her Upstate New York district and follows other high-profile departures of Republican women from Congress, signaling potential shifts within the party's structure.
Corporate Accountability: California Holds Tesla to Account on 'Self-Driving' Claims California regulators are taking a firm stance against Tesla's marketing tactics for its autonomous driving features. A judge has recommended a potential 30-day suspension of Tesla's license to sell cars in the state unless the automaker clarifies its claims about "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" technology. This decision is a major step toward holding corporations accountable for their marketing and ensuring consumer safety in the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles.
Urban Renewal in Connecticut: State Funds Turn Blighted Land into Housing
Connecticut is investing in its communities by transforming contaminated, unused properties into much-needed housing. Governor Ned Lamont announced a $28 million investment in state Brownfield Remediation grants, which will pave the way for significant community revitalization.
A Win for Clean Energy: Utah's Largest Coal Plant Goes Offline
In a quiet victory for the environment, Utah's largest coal-fired power plant, the Intermountain Power Project, has ceased operations. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a primary recipient of the plant's energy, pulled the plug just before Thanksgiving. Remarkably, the shutdown occurred with no impact on customers, demonstrating that a transition to cleaner energy can be achieved without sacrificing reliability. As Zach Waterman of the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign noted, "That silence speaks volumes. We don't need to keep our communities tethered to outdated dirty coal plants to maintain reliable power." This move shows that California is choosing a cleaner path forward and sets a powerful precedent for other states to follow.
A Republican Call for Tax Fairness: Mitt Romney on Taxing the Wealthy
Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has made a powerful statement on economic policy, arguing in a New York Times op-ed that it's "time for rich people like me to pay more" in taxes. Romney's call comes as a projected shortfall in the Social Security Trust Fund threatens to cut benefits for seniors by 2034. Romney argued that closing tax "caverns"—not just loopholes—for the wealthiest Americans is essential for fairness and social stability. He pointed out that while he believes in free enterprise, the nation has reached a point where the wealthiest must contribute more to solve its economic problems. This perspective aligns with broad public opinion, as an October Gallup poll found that 63% of Americans support increasing income tax rates for upper-income individuals.
Progress on Cannabis: Federal Government Moves to Reclassify Marijuana
President Trump has signed an executive order directing the federal government to expedite the reclassification of marijuana. The move aims to reschedule cannabis from a Schedule I drug (alongside heroin) to a Schedule III drug, a category for substances with accepted medical uses. While this is not a step toward legalizing recreational use, it is a significant and long-awaited reform that aligns federal policy more closely with the laws in 40 states that have already enacted medical marijuana programs.
Story Links:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/gop-rep-elise-stefanik-drops-new-york-governors-race-rcna250154
https://apnews.com/article/tesla-self-driving-autopilot-deceptive-practices-b345d895e5e5e36dc76b4d3acd49f8b6
https://ctnewsjunkie.com/2025/12/17/connecticut-awards-28-million-to-16-cleanup-projects-expected-to-result-in-835-new-housing-units/
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/06/largest-utah-coal-plant-goes-quiet-as-los-angeles-goes-coal-free/amp/
https://thehill.com/business/economy/5657367-romney-proposes-wealth-tax/
https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2025/12/18/medical-marijuana/7091766090550/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
AOC would beat JD Vance, university workers in Maine are victorious, and a green bank in Connecticut helps solar power.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
A discharge petition moves forward for ACA subsidies, fees may disappear for court appointed attorneys, and Colorado moves to reduce collisions with animals.
Check out today's stories:
https://rollcall.com/2025/12/17/house-republicans-join-democrats-to-force-vote-on-aca-subsidies/
https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/continuing_coverage/data_centers/updated-state-legislature-overrides-moore-veto-enacts-data-center-analysis-bill/article_480ab5bb-71da-55d7-880e-2bd75fe773a5.html
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/senate-committee-advances-bill-end-municipal-public-defender-fees
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/12/new-york-street-vendors-ice-national-guard
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/12/lawsuit-trump-white-house-ballroom
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/wildlife-overpass-corridor-colorado
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen presents a range of uplifting stories that showcase resilience and progress in the face of challenges. A recent poll indicates a significant decline in support for Donald Trump among both mainstream Republicans and his MAGA base, suggesting a shift in political dynamics. Meanwhile, New Jersey is taking steps to expand its family leave law, potentially benefiting 1.7 million workers who currently lack coverage, highlighting a growing recognition of caregiving needs in society.
In a bold legal move, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, challenging his unconstitutional designation of the organization as a terrorist entity. This case underscores the ongoing fight for civil rights and free speech.
Additionally, baristas in Connecticut are joining a nationwide strike against Starbucks, advocating for fair labor practices and better working conditions, as part of a broader movement for workers' rights.
We also discuss the dismissal of Donald Trump's pledge to pardon a convicted former Colorado county clerk, with state officials asserting that he lacks the legal authority to intervene in state court matters. Lastly, Senate Democrats have introduced a bill to prevent any living president from having their likeness on U.S. currency, reinforcing the principles of democracy and accountability.
Join us as we explore these inspiring stories and more, reminding us that hope and positive change are always within reach!
Today's Stories:
Is MAGA tiring of Trump? New poll shows cracks in the president’s base
Bill would require more small businesses to give paid family leave | News From The States
US Muslim civil rights group sues Ron DeSantis over ‘foreign terrorist’ label | Florida | The Guardian
Danbury, West Hartford Starbucks workers join nationwide strike for fair pay, union says
Trump’s ‘Pardon’ of Tina Peters Rejected by Colorado Officials - The New York Times
Oregon senator introduces bill to block Trump from appearing on $1 coins - oregonlive.com
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
