A Call for a General Strike, Vermont's Stand Against Hate, and California's Firefighter Pay Revolution

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we delve into a series of inspiring stories that highlight the power of community and the relentless pursuit of justice. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson electrifies the crowd at the city's no Kings rally with a bold call for a nationwide general strike, urging Americans to reclaim their power from corporate greed and political tyranny. His rallying cry resonates across the nation as millions join in solidarity against corruption and inequality. In Vermont, the resignation of Republican State Senator Sam Douglass following his involvement in a racist and misogynistic group chat sparks a renewed commitment to accountability and inclusivity in politics. Activists seize this moment to advocate for stronger anti-bias training and education, proving that public outcry can lead to meaningful change. Meanwhile, California takes a significant step toward justice as Governor Gavin Newsom signs Assembly Bill 247, raising the wages of incarcerated firefighters to the federal minimum. This landmark legislation acknowledges their vital contributions while promoting rehabilitation and respect for those who risk their lives to protect others. We also celebrate the booming clean energy sector, which now employs more Americans than traditional service roles, marking a transformative shift in the economy. With nearly 3.56 million jobs in renewable energy, this growth is a testament to grassroots efforts and innovation in the face of political challenges. Listeners will also be inspired by the groundbreaking work of Savor, a startup in California that is revolutionizing food production by creating butter from captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This innovative approach not only promises a sustainable future for food but also challenges the status quo of agriculture. Lastly, Alameda County's Board of Supervisors takes a crucial step toward ethical public investment by adopting a policy that divests from companies involved in human rights abuses and environmental harm, demonstrating a commitment to justice and compassion in financial decisions. Join us as we celebrate these victories and the ongoing fight for a fairer, more equitable society. If you enjoy the episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform! We’d love to hear from you, so reach out at 202-656-6271 or drop us a line at beowulf@twosquaredmediaproductions.com. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-general-strike_n_68f5168fe4b02184e56e6a11 https://www.commondreams.org/news/sam-douglass-resigns https://ktla.com/news/local-news/newsom-signs-bill-authorizing-historic-pay-raises-for-inmate-firefighters/ https://e360.yale.edu/digest/us-clean-energy-jobs-2024 https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/08/bill-gates-backed-startup-savor-wants-to-reinvent-butter-without-cows.html https://localnewsmatters.org/2025/10/06/alameda-county-supervisors-approve-ethical-investment-policy-pause-rollout-for-review/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support .