Tales of Resilience, Reform, and Reading Access

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen takes you on an uplifting journey through the positive changes happening across America, reminding us that hope is still alive amidst the chaos. We start with a surprising rift within the Trump administration as economic adviser Kevin Hassett breaks ranks, acknowledging the validity of recent job reports despite the President’s dismissive rhetoric. This moment of honesty highlights the importance of transparent reporting in a politically charged environment and offers a glimmer of hope for American workers. Next, we dive into the dramatic fracturing of the right-wing media landscape, where former allies are now embroiled in public feuds, showcasing the disarray within their ranks. As personal grievances take center stage, we see the potential for a shifting political dynamic, which could bode well for progressive movements. Turning to Chicago, we celebrate a landmark zoning reform that eliminates off-street parking mandates for new developments, paving the way for more affordable housing and vibrant neighborhoods. This shift is a testament to community-driven action and prioritizes people over rigid regulations. In an exciting conservation effort, Colorado is set to unveil the world’s largest wildlife overpass, designed to protect migrating animals and reduce vehicle collisions. This innovative infrastructure project exemplifies the balance between development and ecological health. We also highlight the ongoing trash collector strike in Massachusetts, where union members are fighting for better wages and health insurance, drawing attention to the importance of labor rights. Finally, we share the fantastic news from Louisville, Kentucky, where the public library is expanding its collection by purchasing 65,000 new titles, ensuring greater access to literature for the community. Join us for this inspiring episode filled with stories of resilience, progress, and the unwavering belief that positive 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 about today's stories here: https://www.rawstory.com/newstop-trump-adviser-rejects-rigged-numbers-narrative/ https://www.salon.com/2025/08/04/the-right-wing-podcast-wars-just-got-really-ugly/ https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2025/8/1/chicago-slashes-parking-mandates-in-a-big-win-for-small-developers https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/07/24/worlds-largest-wildlife-overpass-colorado-interstate-25 https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody/trash-strike-update-day-35-union-reaffirms-strike-vote-stoppage-nears-6th-week https://www.lpm.org/news/2025-07-24/wait-wait-do-tell-me-louisville-libraries-to-buy-65-000-extra-books-to-meet-demand 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 .