Cooper's Senate Bid, Teamsters Unite, and Goats for Wildfire Prevention

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight the positive changes occurring across America, reminding us that hope is alive and well. We kick off with the announcement from former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who has declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2026. His extensive experience and commitment to economic justice position him as a formidable contender in a crucial battleground state. Next, we turn our attention to the courageous union workers of Hawaii Teamsters Local 996, who have joined a nationwide strike against Air Gas. This collective action underscores the ongoing fight for fair labor practices and highlights the resilience of workers demanding respect and better working conditions. In a significant move for voting rights, New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlon has firmly declined the DOJ's request for the state's voter registration list, standing up for state privacy laws and pushing back against federal overreach. This decision aligns New Hampshire with other states advocating for voter protection amid ongoing national debates on election integrity. We also celebrate Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's signing of two new gun safety bills aimed at promoting responsible firearm storage and enhancing law enforcement's ability to trace illegal firearms. These measures represent meaningful steps toward preventing gun violence and ensuring community safety. A listener-suggested story highlights Reno, Nevada's innovative use of goats for wildfire prevention, showcasing a low-tech, environmentally friendly approach to managing vegetation and reducing fire risks in residential areas. Lastly, we discuss the impressive role of clean energy technologies during recent heat waves, demonstrating how solar panels and battery storage have helped maintain grid stability while saving consumers millions. Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of progress, resilience, and the belief that change is not just possible, but actively happening across America! 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. More on today's stories here: https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-senate-roy-cooper-tillis-49e7b69b20db803f75a1893e1e890f18 https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/07/29/this-is-enough-union-workers-go-strike-against-airgas/ https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/new-hampshire-defies-doj-push-for-voter-data/ https://chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-governor/2025/07/28/illinois-governor-jb-pritzker-gun-safety-bills-safe-gun-storage-act https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/goats-assigned-reno-wildfire-prevention-work https://www.semafor.com/article/07/29/2025/us-clean-energy-helps-prevent-blackouts-during-heatwave 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 .