Good News for Lefties | Daily News for Democracy

From Democratic gains in state legislatures to a historic Texas leadership bid, this episode rounds up political developments with real consequences for communities. Democrats are poised to control a majority of state legislatures for the first time in 16 years, with new majorities opening the door to a historic Texas House speaker. We also cover Alabama’s first openly gay sheriff, a major battery project bringing backup power to affordable housing, new funding for community solar in New York, a

Scott Colom’s historic win in Mississippi gives Democrats another Senate seat, while Bernie Sanders and Alyssa Slotkin call for new leadership and a clearer agenda. Plus, a judge dismisses the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking Harvard applicant records, and two wind projects are cleared to move forward after a court order.

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen brings a roundup of stories showing how policy, public investment, and civic engagement can shape real outcomes—from oversight of federal agencies and historic gains for Democratic women in Congress to promising findings from Flint’s RX Kids cash-support program. We also look at expanded access to generic HIV prevention medication and Maryland’s clean-energy investment. Listen for a hopeful, substantive look at the developments worth watc

Democrat Scott Colom is widening his lead in Mississippi’s Senate race, where a win would make him the state’s first Black senator since Reconstruction. In Alaska, Mary Peltola has pulled ahead of the combined vote totals of both candidates named Dan Sullivan—and could avoid a ranked-choice runoff.

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen brings a mix of hopeful headlines and important issues to follow: a record number of states electing women governors, progressive victories, graduate workers organizing for a fair contract, and Pittsburgh communities using rain gardens and trees to reduce flooding. Plus, hear updates on voter privacy and veterans’ views of military politicization. Give it a listen—and share it with someone who could use a dose of encouraging news.

Former Representative Mary Peltola is widening her lead over Senator Dan Sullivan in Alaska’s ranked-choice Senate race—and may now be ahead even if the contest goes to an instant runoff. Plus, Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton’s election means three Black women will serve in the U.S. Senate together for the first time.