Trump Signs Executive Order Supporting Medical Marijuana and Elise Stefanik Calls It Quits

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 .