In today’s episode of Good News For Lefties, Beowulf Rochlen brings you stories of victories, progress and hope. From a federal judge blocking Trump’s ban on transgender military service to bipartisan victories for gun safety in Alabama and Oregon, we’ve got the stories that prove democracy is alive and kicking. Plus, we’re celebrating Pattie Gonia, the drag queen and environmental activist who’s been named to National Geographic’s inaugural “33” list for her groundbreaking work blending art, advocacy, and joy. Whether you’re a liberal, a progressive, or just someone who loves good news in these dark times, this podcast is for you. So grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let Beowulf Rochlen deliver the good news… for Lefties… and America!
Listen to our friends Jennifer and Dan of the Banned Camp podcast at BannedCampPodcast.com
Listen to This Week Again with Susanne Posel.
And listen to The Good Government Show with Dave Martin
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
You can find out more about GNFL's daily news stories here:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/mar/18/donald-trump-venezuela-deportations-white-house-immigration-us-politics-live
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/19/glenn-ivey-chuck-schumer-republican-funding-bill
https://apnews.com/article/alabama-lawmakers-approve-glock-switch-ban-29dcf8bb54719f685931cbccace6e503
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/13/oregon-appeals-court-rules-in-favor-of-voter-appro/
http://goodgoodgood.co/articles/abandoned-high-school-housing-renovation
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/pattie-gonia-national-geographic-33
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
If you like Justice Matters with Glenn Kirschner, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, The MeidasTouch Podcast, and Pod Save America, you'll LOVE Good News For Lefties!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
Listen to our friends Jennifer and Dan of the Banned Camp podcast at BannedCampPodcast.com
Listen to This Week Again with Susanne Posel.
And listen to The Good Government Show with Dave Martin
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
You can find out more about GNFL's daily news stories here:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2025/mar/18/donald-trump-venezuela-deportations-white-house-immigration-us-politics-live
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/19/glenn-ivey-chuck-schumer-republican-funding-bill
https://apnews.com/article/alabama-lawmakers-approve-glock-switch-ban-29dcf8bb54719f685931cbccace6e503
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/mar/13/oregon-appeals-court-rules-in-favor-of-voter-appro/
http://goodgoodgood.co/articles/abandoned-high-school-housing-renovation
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/pattie-gonia-national-geographic-33
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
If you like Justice Matters with Glenn Kirschner, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, The MeidasTouch Podcast, and Pod Save America, you'll LOVE Good News For Lefties!
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello. Hello, this is
Good News for Lefties, the podcast that shines a light
on the stories that make you say, hey, maybe democracy
isn't doomed after all. I'm your host, Beowulf Franklin. Before
we dive into today's uplifting tails, I've got a quick
(00:28):
request for you. If you're enjoying the show, please share
it with your friends, your family, and that one coworker
who always looks like they need a little pick me up.
You can find us on Facebook, Blue Sky, and Instagram.
Just search for Good News for Lefties, and if you're
feeling extra generous, leave us a rating and review on
Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It helps
(00:51):
us spread the good news far and wide. All right,
let's get to it. On Tuesday, a federal judge blocked
Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender people from military service.
That's right, folks. Judge Annarees in Washington, d C. Ruled
that the president's order likely violates the constitutional rights of
(01:12):
transgender service members. Trump's executive order, signed on January twenty seventh,
claimed that the sexual identity of transgender service members conflicts
with a soldier's commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.
It also argued that allowing transgender people to serve would
harm military readiness, but Judge Rayes wasn't buying it. In
(01:36):
her ruling, Rayes issued a preliminary injunction requested by attorneys
for six transgender active duty service members and two others
seeking to join the military. She delayed her order by
three days to give the administration time to appeal, but
she made it clear where she stands. The court knows
that this opinion will lead to heated public debate and appeals.
(01:58):
She wrote, in a healthy democracy, both are positive outcomes.
We should all agree, however, that every person who has
answered the call to serve deserves our gratitude and respect.
One of the plaintiffs, Army Reserves Second Lieutenant Nicholas Talbot,
summed up the relief felt by many transgender service members.
(02:20):
This is such a sigh of relief, he said. This
is all I've ever wanted to do. This is my
dream job, and I finally have it, and I was
so terrified that I was about to lose it. The
judge's decision is a powerful reminder of the importance of
checks and balances in our democracy. As Reyes noted, judicial
overreach is no less pernicious than executive overreach, but she
(02:43):
also emphasized that it's the responsibility of each branch of
government to uphold the rights that the military defends every day.
This ruling is a significant victory for transgender rights and
for the thousands of transgender people who serve in the military.
It's also rebuke to the Trump administration's attempts to roll
back progress. In twenty sixteen, the Department of Defense allowed
(03:07):
transgender people to serve openly, and while Trump tried to
reinstate the ban during his first term, President Biden scrapped
it when he took office. The plaintiffs in this case
include an Army major awarded a Bronze Star for service
in Afghanistan, and a Sailor of the Year Award winner
serving in the Navy. As Reyes wrote, the cruel irony
(03:29):
is that thousands of transgender service members have sacrificed, some
risking their lives to insure for others the very equal
protection of rights the military ban seeks to deny them.
So let's take a moment to celebrate this win for
equality and justice, because when we stand up for the
rights of all people, we make our democracy stronger. Maryland
(03:52):
Congressman Glenn Ivy has become the first Democrat to publicly
call for Chuck Schumer to step down as Senate Minority leader.
At a packed town hall in Prince George's county, Ivy
didn't hold back. I respect Chuck Schumer. I think he
had a great career, he said, but it may be
time for Senate Democrats to get a new leader. The
crowd erupted an applause, signaling growing frustration with Schumer's decision
(04:17):
to allow a Republican funding built a pass, which many
argue surrendered crucial leverage against the administration. But Ivy didn't
get off easy either. Attendees interrupted him, demanding more aggressive
action against Trump's policies. You are talking about voting people
are losing their lives, one woman shouted. It is not
(04:38):
business as usual. You are too calm. This internal debate
about leadership in the Democratic Party highlights the challenges that
Democrats face as they navigate a divided political landscape. But
it's also a sign of healthy democracy, where leaders are
held accountable and tough conversations are had because when we
demand better from our representatives, we all win. Before we
(05:03):
get back to the news, I'd like to tell you
about a podcast called Love Doesn't Pay the Bills. It
explores the role of family caregivers in the modern United States.
Care work is vital to all other aspects of life,
yet often under resourced caregivers can't provide for their own
needs based on their love for those they care for alone,
access to income matters. Caregiving touches everyone at some point
(05:28):
in their lives. So listen to Love Doesn't Pay the Bills.
I'm a caregiver, and maybe you are too, or will be.
Go to Love Doesn'tpaythebills dot Com listen on this platform
or wherever podcasts are heard. Now, let's head down to Alabama,
where lawmakers have done something truly remarkable. They've come together
(05:49):
across party lines to pass a ban on glock switches
and other conversion devices that turn semi automatic weapons into
machine guns. That's right, folks, a state known for its
deep read politics, a bipartisan coalition has taken a stand
against gun violence. The Alabama Senate voted twenty four to
(06:10):
two to approve the bill, which now heads to Governor
k Ivy's desk, she's expected to sign it into law,
making possession or sale of these devices a Class C
felony punishable by up to ten years in prison. The
measure will take effect immediately upon signing. Glock switches and
similar devices are already banned under federal law, but until
(06:32):
now Alabama had no state law addressing them. These devices
allow semi automatic weapons to fire at a rapid, uncontrollable rate,
turning them into machine guns. Police say they significantly increase
the number of casualties during shootings. The push for this
legislation came after a deadly year in Alabama, including a
mass shooting outside of Birmingham nightclub in September that left
(06:55):
four people dead. State Representative Philip Ensler, a Montgunmy Democrat,
who has championed the bill for three years, called it
life saving legislation. While laws cannot bring back victims of
gun violence, this ban can help save lives moving forward,
Enzler said. Republican state Senator Will Barfoot of Pike Road
(07:18):
sponsored the bill, showing that gun safety isn't just a
Democratic issue. The fact that this bill passed with such
an overwhelming support in a state that recently eliminated its
concealed carry permit requirement is nothing short of extraordinary. Alabama
has one of the highest rates of gun violence in
the US, with twelve hundred and seventy eight gun related
(07:41):
deaths in twenty twenty two, the fourth highest gun death
rate in the country. This band won't solve everything, but
it's a step in the right direction. So let's take
a moment to celebrate a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.
Because when lawmakers put aside their differences to protect communities,
(08:02):
we all win. Now, let's head to Oregon, where the
state's second highest court has delivered a major victory for
gun safety advocates. On Wednesday, the court affirmed that Measure
one fourteen, a voter approved gun control law, is constitutional.
This decision could finally allow the law to take effect
(08:23):
after being tied up in legal battles for years. Here's
the backstory. In twenty twenty two, Oregon voters narrowly approved
Measure one fourteen, which limits the sale of high capacity
ammunition magazines and requires a permit and completed background check
before purchasing a gun. But almost immediately, two Harney County residents,
(08:47):
backed by national gun rights groups sued to block the law.
A rural Harney County judge Robert Racio sided with them,
putting the measure on hold. Fast forward to this week,
and a three judge panel of the Oregon Court of
Appeals has overturned Ratio's ruling. Presiding Judge Darlene Ortega wrote
(09:10):
a twenty five page opinion, we conclude that all of
Measure one fourteen is facially constitutional. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield,
whose office defended the measure, called the decision a big
step forward for gun safety in Oregon. He emphasized that
the law provides common sense safety measures to ensure gun
(09:32):
buyers undergo background checks and obtain proper permits, helping to
keep firearms out of the wrong hands. Measure one fourteen
supporters point to its potential to prevent tragedies like the
twenty seventeen Las Vegas shooting, the twenty sixteen Pulse night
club shooting, and the two thousand seven Virginia Tech shooting,
(09:53):
all of which involved high capacity magazines. In these horrific events,
shooters were able to fire dozen of rounds without reloading,
resulting in devastating loss of life. The law also aims
to close the Charleston loophole, named after the twenty fifteen
church shooting in South Carolina, where a shooter with a
disqualifying criminal record was able to buy a gun because
(10:15):
his background check was delayed. While the plaintiffs have a
little over a month to appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court,
this ruling is a significant win for gun safety advocates.
Up next, a listener suggested story back in a minute Now,
a listener suggested story from Bernadette in Wilmington, Delaware. In Homestead, Pennsylvania,
(10:41):
three friends Adam Klucchi, Dan Spanovich and Jesse Wigg have
turned an abandoned high school into a thriving apartment complex.
What was once bow Tie High School is now home
to thirty one stylish apartments, complete with a restored auditorium,
a gym, and even a chalkboard or two. Here's how
(11:03):
it happened. In twenty nineteen, the trio bought the vacant
school for one hundred thousand dollars. After considering options like
a we work space or a concert hall, they settled
on residential housing. Over the course of eighteen months and
three point three million dollars in renovations. They transformed the
old classrooms into twenty seven one bedroom and four two
(11:25):
bedroom apartments, renting for fourteen hundred and sixteen hundred dollars
a month, respectively. But this wasn't just any renovation. Koluchi, Spanovitch,
and whig All designers as well as investors, worked closely
with the National Park Service to preserve the building's historical features,
from the twelve foot high ceilings to the original tarretzo floors.
(11:47):
They made sure bow Tie High's character remained intact. The auditorium,
now a common area for residents, is what Spanovitch calls
the most dramatic feature of the building. We restored this
space pretty much from ruin, he said, pointing out the
original flooring and a salvaged bookshelf. The gym, meanwhile, is
filled with free weights, treadmills, and cardio equipment, though the
(12:10):
Trio kept the original basketball court intact. Even the apartments
have touches of the school's passed like a chalkboard tuck
behind a tenant's couch. We went out of our way
to ensure the school is kept its historical look, Calucci said,
But the Trio didn't stop there. Inspired by their success,
(12:32):
they purchased another abandoned school down the street, Schwab School,
for ninety thousand dollars, despite its dilapidated state think trees
growing on the first floor and water damage. They spent
four point five million dollars converting it into a thirty
three unit apartment building. Their work has struck a chord
with people online. When their story was shared on Instagram,
(12:54):
commentaris praised the project as a model for creative real
estate development, refurbish and repro purpose the old before building new.
One person wrote, so many abandoned buildings across the country
waiting for new use. Thanks for that story, Bernadette. If
you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share,
we'd love to hear from you. Call or message us
(13:16):
at two zero two six five six six two seven
to one, or drop us a line at beowulf at
two squared Media Productions dot com. And now we celebrate
a true icon of creativity, environmentalism, and unapologetic fabulousness. Patty Gonia,
the planet's favorite drag queen, has been named to National
(13:38):
Geographics inaugural National Geographic thirty three list. That's right, this
trailblazing environmentalist in LGBTQ Plus Advocate is being honored along
the likes of Selena Gomez, Michelle Yo and Jason Momoa.
The National Geographic thirty three list celebrates visionaries, creators, icons,
(14:00):
and adventurers who are united in their commitment to imaginative
solutions and urgent action. And Patty Gonia, whose journey began
when she went viral in twenty eighteen for hiking in
six inch heels, is the perfect embodiment of that mission.
Since her viral moment, Patty has used her platform to
(14:21):
blend drag artistry with environmental activism. She creates stunning outfits
from recycled materials and even trash while advocating for the
protection of the outdoors. She's also a board member of
Brave Trails, a nonprofit that offers summer camps and backpacking
trips for LGBTQ plus youth. But Patty's activism doesn't stop there.
(14:45):
She's hosted an environmental drag show tour, collaborated with Yo
Yo Ma and Quinn Christofferson on a song about fighting
for the planet, performed at the Netflix as a Joke Festival,
and even delivered a ted talk on the power of
joy in taking action. Patty will be featured in the
April issue of National Geographic alongside other change makers who
(15:05):
are shaping a better future. Patty, whose offstage name is
Wyn Wiley, is also the co founder of the nonprofit
outdoorst Oath, which promotes adventure education and climate justice through
an inclusive lens. I think the narrative written large for
the queer community is to run to big cities for acceptance,
she told National Geographic, and I feel like I ran
(15:28):
the other way into the woods. So let's take a
moment to celebrate Patty Gonia for showing us that activism
can be bold, joyful and utterly fabulous. Because when we
embrace our authentic selves and fight for what we believe in,
we can change the world. That's a wrap for today's
episode of Good News for Lefties. If you enjoyed the show,
(15:49):
don't forget to share it with your friends, your family,
and anyone else who could use a little positivity in
their lives. You can find us on Facebook, Blue Sky,
and Instagram. Just search for Good News for Lefties, and
if you're feeling generous, leave us a rating and review
on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.
It helps us spread the good news far and wide. Remember, folks,
(16:12):
democracy is a team sport and we're all in this together.
Until next time, I'm Beowulf Rockland, weird name good news
for Lefties and America. The John People Saying podcast is
(16:44):
now available six times a week with me John Fugel
Sang I've been murdered on CSI, ticketed by Westboro Baptist
Church and host tell me Everything. On Serious XM Progress
one twenty seven. You will hear authors, politicians, actors, filmmakers, rappers,
rock stars, journalists, activists, unhinged caller, and way too many comedians.
They all have a place of the John Figelsang Podcast,
and so do you. The John Figelsang Podcast Fair and Biased.
(17:07):
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you
listen to bods
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello. Hello, this is
Good News for Lefties, the podcast that shines a light
on the stories that make you say, hey, maybe democracy
isn't doomed after all. I'm your host, Beowulf Franklin. Before
we dive into today's uplifting tails, I've got a quick
(00:28):
request for you. If you're enjoying the show, please share
it with your friends, your family, and that one coworker
who always looks like they need a little pick me up.
You can find us on Facebook, Blue Sky, and Instagram.
Just search for Good News for Lefties, and if you're
feeling extra generous, leave us a rating and review on
Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It helps
(00:51):
us spread the good news far and wide. All right,
let's get to it. On Tuesday, a federal judge blocked
Donald Trump's executive order banning transgender people from military service.
That's right, folks. Judge Annarees in Washington, d C. Ruled
that the president's order likely violates the constitutional rights of
(01:12):
transgender service members. Trump's executive order, signed on January twenty seventh,
claimed that the sexual identity of transgender service members conflicts
with a soldier's commitment to an honorable, truthful, and disciplined lifestyle.
It also argued that allowing transgender people to serve would
harm military readiness, but Judge Rayes wasn't buying it. In
(01:36):
her ruling, Rayes issued a preliminary injunction requested by attorneys
for six transgender active duty service members and two others
seeking to join the military. She delayed her order by
three days to give the administration time to appeal, but
she made it clear where she stands. The court knows
that this opinion will lead to heated public debate and appeals.
(01:58):
She wrote, in a healthy democracy, both are positive outcomes.
We should all agree, however, that every person who has
answered the call to serve deserves our gratitude and respect.
One of the plaintiffs, Army Reserves Second Lieutenant Nicholas Talbot,
summed up the relief felt by many transgender service members.
(02:20):
This is such a sigh of relief, he said. This
is all I've ever wanted to do. This is my
dream job, and I finally have it, and I was
so terrified that I was about to lose it. The
judge's decision is a powerful reminder of the importance of
checks and balances in our democracy. As Reyes noted, judicial
overreach is no less pernicious than executive overreach, but she
(02:43):
also emphasized that it's the responsibility of each branch of
government to uphold the rights that the military defends every day.
This ruling is a significant victory for transgender rights and
for the thousands of transgender people who serve in the military.
It's also rebuke to the Trump administration's attempts to roll
back progress. In twenty sixteen, the Department of Defense allowed
(03:07):
transgender people to serve openly, and while Trump tried to
reinstate the ban during his first term, President Biden scrapped
it when he took office. The plaintiffs in this case
include an Army major awarded a Bronze Star for service
in Afghanistan, and a Sailor of the Year Award winner
serving in the Navy. As Reyes wrote, the cruel irony
(03:29):
is that thousands of transgender service members have sacrificed, some
risking their lives to insure for others the very equal
protection of rights the military ban seeks to deny them.
So let's take a moment to celebrate this win for
equality and justice, because when we stand up for the
rights of all people, we make our democracy stronger. Maryland
(03:52):
Congressman Glenn Ivy has become the first Democrat to publicly
call for Chuck Schumer to step down as Senate Minority leader.
At a packed town hall in Prince George's county, Ivy
didn't hold back. I respect Chuck Schumer. I think he
had a great career, he said, but it may be
time for Senate Democrats to get a new leader. The
crowd erupted an applause, signaling growing frustration with Schumer's decision
(04:17):
to allow a Republican funding built a pass, which many
argue surrendered crucial leverage against the administration. But Ivy didn't
get off easy either. Attendees interrupted him, demanding more aggressive
action against Trump's policies. You are talking about voting people
are losing their lives, one woman shouted. It is not
(04:38):
business as usual. You are too calm. This internal debate
about leadership in the Democratic Party highlights the challenges that
Democrats face as they navigate a divided political landscape. But
it's also a sign of healthy democracy, where leaders are
held accountable and tough conversations are had because when we
demand better from our representatives, we all win. Before we
(05:03):
get back to the news, I'd like to tell you
about a podcast called Love Doesn't Pay the Bills. It
explores the role of family caregivers in the modern United States.
Care work is vital to all other aspects of life,
yet often under resourced caregivers can't provide for their own
needs based on their love for those they care for alone,
access to income matters. Caregiving touches everyone at some point
(05:28):
in their lives. So listen to Love Doesn't Pay the Bills.
I'm a caregiver, and maybe you are too, or will be.
Go to Love Doesn'tpaythebills dot Com listen on this platform
or wherever podcasts are heard. Now, let's head down to Alabama,
where lawmakers have done something truly remarkable. They've come together
(05:49):
across party lines to pass a ban on glock switches
and other conversion devices that turn semi automatic weapons into
machine guns. That's right, folks, a state known for its
deep read politics, a bipartisan coalition has taken a stand
against gun violence. The Alabama Senate voted twenty four to
(06:10):
two to approve the bill, which now heads to Governor
k Ivy's desk, she's expected to sign it into law,
making possession or sale of these devices a Class C
felony punishable by up to ten years in prison. The
measure will take effect immediately upon signing. Glock switches and
similar devices are already banned under federal law, but until
(06:32):
now Alabama had no state law addressing them. These devices
allow semi automatic weapons to fire at a rapid, uncontrollable rate,
turning them into machine guns. Police say they significantly increase
the number of casualties during shootings. The push for this
legislation came after a deadly year in Alabama, including a
mass shooting outside of Birmingham nightclub in September that left
(06:55):
four people dead. State Representative Philip Ensler, a Montgunmy Democrat,
who has championed the bill for three years, called it
life saving legislation. While laws cannot bring back victims of
gun violence, this ban can help save lives moving forward,
Enzler said. Republican state Senator Will Barfoot of Pike Road
(07:18):
sponsored the bill, showing that gun safety isn't just a
Democratic issue. The fact that this bill passed with such
an overwhelming support in a state that recently eliminated its
concealed carry permit requirement is nothing short of extraordinary. Alabama
has one of the highest rates of gun violence in
the US, with twelve hundred and seventy eight gun related
(07:41):
deaths in twenty twenty two, the fourth highest gun death
rate in the country. This band won't solve everything, but
it's a step in the right direction. So let's take
a moment to celebrate a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.
Because when lawmakers put aside their differences to protect communities,
(08:02):
we all win. Now, let's head to Oregon, where the
state's second highest court has delivered a major victory for
gun safety advocates. On Wednesday, the court affirmed that Measure
one fourteen, a voter approved gun control law, is constitutional.
This decision could finally allow the law to take effect
(08:23):
after being tied up in legal battles for years. Here's
the backstory. In twenty twenty two, Oregon voters narrowly approved
Measure one fourteen, which limits the sale of high capacity
ammunition magazines and requires a permit and completed background check
before purchasing a gun. But almost immediately, two Harney County residents,
(08:47):
backed by national gun rights groups sued to block the law.
A rural Harney County judge Robert Racio sided with them,
putting the measure on hold. Fast forward to this week,
and a three judge panel of the Oregon Court of
Appeals has overturned Ratio's ruling. Presiding Judge Darlene Ortega wrote
(09:10):
a twenty five page opinion, we conclude that all of
Measure one fourteen is facially constitutional. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield,
whose office defended the measure, called the decision a big
step forward for gun safety in Oregon. He emphasized that
the law provides common sense safety measures to ensure gun
(09:32):
buyers undergo background checks and obtain proper permits, helping to
keep firearms out of the wrong hands. Measure one fourteen
supporters point to its potential to prevent tragedies like the
twenty seventeen Las Vegas shooting, the twenty sixteen Pulse night
club shooting, and the two thousand seven Virginia Tech shooting,
(09:53):
all of which involved high capacity magazines. In these horrific events,
shooters were able to fire dozen of rounds without reloading,
resulting in devastating loss of life. The law also aims
to close the Charleston loophole, named after the twenty fifteen
church shooting in South Carolina, where a shooter with a
disqualifying criminal record was able to buy a gun because
(10:15):
his background check was delayed. While the plaintiffs have a
little over a month to appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court,
this ruling is a significant win for gun safety advocates.
Up next, a listener suggested story back in a minute Now,
a listener suggested story from Bernadette in Wilmington, Delaware. In Homestead, Pennsylvania,
(10:41):
three friends Adam Klucchi, Dan Spanovich and Jesse Wigg have
turned an abandoned high school into a thriving apartment complex.
What was once bow Tie High School is now home
to thirty one stylish apartments, complete with a restored auditorium,
a gym, and even a chalkboard or two. Here's how
(11:03):
it happened. In twenty nineteen, the trio bought the vacant
school for one hundred thousand dollars. After considering options like
a we work space or a concert hall, they settled
on residential housing. Over the course of eighteen months and
three point three million dollars in renovations. They transformed the
old classrooms into twenty seven one bedroom and four two
(11:25):
bedroom apartments, renting for fourteen hundred and sixteen hundred dollars
a month, respectively. But this wasn't just any renovation. Koluchi, Spanovitch,
and whig All designers as well as investors, worked closely
with the National Park Service to preserve the building's historical features,
from the twelve foot high ceilings to the original tarretzo floors.
(11:47):
They made sure bow Tie High's character remained intact. The auditorium,
now a common area for residents, is what Spanovitch calls
the most dramatic feature of the building. We restored this
space pretty much from ruin, he said, pointing out the
original flooring and a salvaged bookshelf. The gym, meanwhile, is
filled with free weights, treadmills, and cardio equipment, though the
(12:10):
Trio kept the original basketball court intact. Even the apartments
have touches of the school's passed like a chalkboard tuck
behind a tenant's couch. We went out of our way
to ensure the school is kept its historical look, Calucci said,
But the Trio didn't stop there. Inspired by their success,
(12:32):
they purchased another abandoned school down the street, Schwab School,
for ninety thousand dollars, despite its dilapidated state think trees
growing on the first floor and water damage. They spent
four point five million dollars converting it into a thirty
three unit apartment building. Their work has struck a chord
with people online. When their story was shared on Instagram,
(12:54):
commentaris praised the project as a model for creative real
estate development, refurbish and repro purpose the old before building new.
One person wrote, so many abandoned buildings across the country
waiting for new use. Thanks for that story, Bernadette. If
you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share,
we'd love to hear from you. Call or message us
(13:16):
at two zero two six five six six two seven
to one, or drop us a line at beowulf at
two squared Media Productions dot com. And now we celebrate
a true icon of creativity, environmentalism, and unapologetic fabulousness. Patty Gonia,
the planet's favorite drag queen, has been named to National
(13:38):
Geographics inaugural National Geographic thirty three list. That's right, this
trailblazing environmentalist in LGBTQ Plus Advocate is being honored along
the likes of Selena Gomez, Michelle Yo and Jason Momoa.
The National Geographic thirty three list celebrates visionaries, creators, icons,
(14:00):
and adventurers who are united in their commitment to imaginative
solutions and urgent action. And Patty Gonia, whose journey began
when she went viral in twenty eighteen for hiking in
six inch heels, is the perfect embodiment of that mission.
Since her viral moment, Patty has used her platform to
(14:21):
blend drag artistry with environmental activism. She creates stunning outfits
from recycled materials and even trash while advocating for the
protection of the outdoors. She's also a board member of
Brave Trails, a nonprofit that offers summer camps and backpacking
trips for LGBTQ plus youth. But Patty's activism doesn't stop there.
(14:45):
She's hosted an environmental drag show tour, collaborated with Yo
Yo Ma and Quinn Christofferson on a song about fighting
for the planet, performed at the Netflix as a Joke Festival,
and even delivered a ted talk on the power of
joy in taking action. Patty will be featured in the
April issue of National Geographic alongside other change makers who
(15:05):
are shaping a better future. Patty, whose offstage name is
Wyn Wiley, is also the co founder of the nonprofit
outdoorst Oath, which promotes adventure education and climate justice through
an inclusive lens. I think the narrative written large for
the queer community is to run to big cities for acceptance,
she told National Geographic, and I feel like I ran
(15:28):
the other way into the woods. So let's take a
moment to celebrate Patty Gonia for showing us that activism
can be bold, joyful and utterly fabulous. Because when we
embrace our authentic selves and fight for what we believe in,
we can change the world. That's a wrap for today's
episode of Good News for Lefties. If you enjoyed the show,
(15:49):
don't forget to share it with your friends, your family,
and anyone else who could use a little positivity in
their lives. You can find us on Facebook, Blue Sky,
and Instagram. Just search for Good News for Lefties, and
if you're feeling generous, leave us a rating and review
on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your pods.
It helps us spread the good news far and wide. Remember, folks,
(16:12):
democracy is a team sport and we're all in this together.
Until next time, I'm Beowulf Rockland, weird name good news
for Lefties and America. The John People Saying podcast is
(16:44):
now available six times a week with me John Fugel
Sang I've been murdered on CSI, ticketed by Westboro Baptist
Church and host tell me Everything. On Serious XM Progress
one twenty seven. You will hear authors, politicians, actors, filmmakers, rappers,
rock stars, journalists, activists, unhinged caller, and way too many comedians.
They all have a place of the John Figelsang Podcast,
and so do you. The John Figelsang Podcast Fair and Biased.
(17:07):
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you
listen to bods
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