Resisting Authoritarianism, Energizing Progressives & Protecting Patients

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings a much-needed dose of optimism amidst the chaos, highlighting significant victories for democracy and social justice. We kick things off with a landmark ruling from a federal judge who declared President Trump's deployment of the California National Guard to suppress protests illegal. This decision not only reaffirms the authority of state governance but also emphasizes the importance of protecting civil liberties during times of unrest. Next, we discuss the guilty verdict against Harvey Weinstein in his New York retrial, marking a crucial step forward in the fight against sexual violence and holding powerful individuals accountable for their actions. This verdict resonates as a message of hope for survivors everywhere. Listeners will also be excited to hear about the surprising lead of Democratic Socialist Zohar Mamdani over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral primary. Fueled by grassroots support and a focus on affordability, Mamdani's rise reflects a shift in the political landscape, showcasing the power of progressive movements. We then explore an innovative cooling solution at 11 Madison, a Manhattan skyscraper utilizing ice-based technology to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This sustainable approach serves as a model for future urban development and energy efficiency. In a heartening segment, we highlight a significant victory for reproductive rights in Montana, where the state Supreme Court struck down restrictive abortion laws, reaffirming the importance of bodily autonomy and privacy. This ruling is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and the ongoing fight for reproductive freedom. Finally, we celebrate Oregon's groundbreaking legislation that limits corporate influence in healthcare, ensuring that medical decisions remain in the hands of local providers. This law sets a national standard for protecting community health and prioritizing patient care over corporate profits. Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of progress, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of activism! If you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share, we’d love to hear from you! Call or message us at 202-656-6271, or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com. You can find more about this week's stories here: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/12/newsom-restraining-order-trump-troops-los-angeles https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/11/harvey-weinstein-new-york-sex-crimes-retrial-verdict https://www.commondreams.org/news/mamdani-poll-public-policy-polling https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/big-apple-building-proves-ice-is-nice-for-saving-money-over-power-hungry-a-c-units/ https://montanafreepress.org/2025/06/09/montana-supreme-court-strikes-down-2021-abortion-restrictions/ https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/09/bill-enacting-nations-strictest-limits-on-corporate-health-care-influence-signed-by-gov-kotek/ More good daily news for democracy on Facebook , Bluesky , and Instagram . Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .