July 27, 2025 • 22 mins
In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen offers a refreshing perspective amidst the chaos of today's headlines, focusing on the positive strides being made toward a better America. We start with encouraging news on public safety, as violent crime rates are showing a significant decline across the nation, with homicides dropping by 16% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This marks one of the largest decreases since 1960, reflecting the effectiveness of community-focused policing and social programs that prioritize safety and resilience.
Next, we celebrate Connecticut's recent legislative victories in maternal health, with the signing of two crucial bills aimed at addressing disparities affecting women of color. These laws will enhance access to birth centers, improve Medicaid support for doulas, and establish a task force to review perinatal mental health care, marking a pivotal step toward equitable maternal care.
We also highlight the growing movement across states to tackle the retirement savings crisis through the implementation of automatic Individual Retirement Accounts (auto IRAs). Nevada's recent launch of its program aims to benefit approximately 500,000 workers, ensuring more Americans have access to retirement savings regardless of their employer's offerings.
In a groundbreaking effort to combat the effects of addictive social media, New York State Senator Andrew Gonardez has introduced legislation requiring warning labels on platforms with addictive design features and allowing users to opt out of algorithmic content. This progressive initiative seeks to prioritize user well-being and combat the mental health challenges associated with social media usage.
We also share a listener-suggested story about the profound benefits of nature for maternal health, particularly for Black women facing systemic challenges. Programs that connect women with green spaces are proving vital in reducing stress and improving birth outcomes, emphasizing the need for equitable access to nature.
Lastly, we delve into exciting research from Emory University revealing the potential anti-aging effects of psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms. This study opens the door to new possibilities for promoting healthier aging and longevity, highlighting the importance of rethinking legal barriers surrounding psychedelics.
Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but actively unfolding around us!
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 more about this week's stories here:
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/violent-crime-rates-decrease-covid-19
https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/lamont-signs-maternal-health-care-bills-20780440.php
https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/politics/2025/07/22/n-y--state-senator-aims-to-create--user-first--digital-landscape
https://stateline.org/2025/07/23/americans-havent-saved-for-retirement-states-are-creating-automatic-savings-plans/
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/black-women-maternal-health-nature/
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/psychedelic-mushrooms-reduced-human-cellular-aging-by-57-increased-lifespan-in-mice-30/
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lef
Next, we celebrate Connecticut's recent legislative victories in maternal health, with the signing of two crucial bills aimed at addressing disparities affecting women of color. These laws will enhance access to birth centers, improve Medicaid support for doulas, and establish a task force to review perinatal mental health care, marking a pivotal step toward equitable maternal care.
We also highlight the growing movement across states to tackle the retirement savings crisis through the implementation of automatic Individual Retirement Accounts (auto IRAs). Nevada's recent launch of its program aims to benefit approximately 500,000 workers, ensuring more Americans have access to retirement savings regardless of their employer's offerings.
In a groundbreaking effort to combat the effects of addictive social media, New York State Senator Andrew Gonardez has introduced legislation requiring warning labels on platforms with addictive design features and allowing users to opt out of algorithmic content. This progressive initiative seeks to prioritize user well-being and combat the mental health challenges associated with social media usage.
We also share a listener-suggested story about the profound benefits of nature for maternal health, particularly for Black women facing systemic challenges. Programs that connect women with green spaces are proving vital in reducing stress and improving birth outcomes, emphasizing the need for equitable access to nature.
Lastly, we delve into exciting research from Emory University revealing the potential anti-aging effects of psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms. This study opens the door to new possibilities for promoting healthier aging and longevity, highlighting the importance of rethinking legal barriers surrounding psychedelics.
Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of hope, resilience, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but actively unfolding around us!
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 more about this week's stories here:
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/violent-crime-rates-decrease-covid-19
https://www.nhregister.com/connecticut/article/lamont-signs-maternal-health-care-bills-20780440.php
https://nystateofpolitics.com/state-of-politics/new-york/politics/2025/07/22/n-y--state-senator-aims-to-create--user-first--digital-landscape
https://stateline.org/2025/07/23/americans-havent-saved-for-retirement-states-are-creating-automatic-savings-plans/
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/black-women-maternal-health-nature/
https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/psychedelic-mushrooms-reduced-human-cellular-aging-by-57-increased-lifespan-in-mice-30/
More good daily news for democracy on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.
Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lef
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello, and thank you
for joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm
be a wolf Rockland, your host, ready to help you
swap out doom, scrolling for hope, Scrolling with uplifting stories
for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists, and anyone who
(00:31):
believes in making America a better place for everyone. It's
no secret these are challenging times. The disappearing of immigrants
and citizens, our government aiding and abetting a genocide in Gaza,
and the wholesale destruction of critical government agencies. Today's headlines
often overwhelm us with troubling news, making it all too
(00:53):
easy to lose sight of hope. That's exactly why it's
vital to highlight the positive world progress that's happening every day,
progress that too often gets drowned out by the negativity.
Despite the setbacks, there's genuine movement toward a better America.
So let these stories serve as a reminder that change
(01:15):
isn't just possible, it's happening. Carry this hope with you
and share it with others. Let's kick off with some
good news headlines designed to brighten your day. Violent crime
across the United States is showing a strong and hopeful decline,
returning closer to pre pandemic levels after a surge during
(01:37):
the early COVID nineteen years. According to recent data from
the Council and Criminal Justice, homicides fell by sixteen percent
in twenty twenty four compared to the previous year, continuing
a positive trend that began in twenty twenty three with
an eleven point six percent decline. This reduction means thousands
fewer families are affected by violence, marking one of the
(01:59):
largest single year drops in homicides since at least nineteen sixty.
The encouraging trend is reflected in a broad range of
violent crimes. Cities across the country have reported decreases in
aggravated assaults, gun assaults, carjackings, robberies, and sexual assaults. For example,
carjackings fell by nearly a third and robbery rates dropped
(02:21):
by ten percent, while shoplifting incidents rose modestly. Ongoing efforts
to address retail theft, alongside community focused policing and social programs,
are helping sustain overall public safety improvements. Experts caution that
while the national picture is promising, some cities still face challenges,
with violence remaining above pre pandemic levels. However, many historically
(02:46):
high crime areas, such as Baltimore and Saint Louis, have
seen sharp declines, contributing significantly to the national progress. This
complex landscape shows the importance of targeted, equitable public safety steps,
strategies that combine law enforcement with investments in social services, education,
and economic opportunity. Public concern about crime remains important, but
(03:10):
recent data encourages a balanced perspective that recognizes real gains
without losing vigilance. As communities and policymakers build on this momentum,
the focus remains on fostering safe, resilient neighborhoods where all
residents can thrive. The sustained decrease in violent crime not
only reflects effective interventions, but also the strength and spirit
(03:34):
of communities working together toward a safer future. Governor Ned
Lamont celebrated the signing of two important maternal health care
bills in Connecticut recently at the Community Health Center of Middletown.
These laws, officially enacted on June tenth, aimed to tackle
Connecticut's ongoing maternal health crisis, particularly addressing disparities that disproportionately
(03:58):
affect women of color. Despite Connecticut's strong reputation in many
health areas, maternal and infant health outcomes have lagged, with
issues like premature births and low birth weights remaining prevalent.
The first bill, public at twenty five DASH thirty eight,
directs the state to develop a strategic plan to increase
(04:19):
the number of birth centers across Connecticut and to explore
ways to enhance Medicaid reimbursement for duelas support professionals known
to improve birth outcomes. This bill also expands the Connecticut
Fatherhood Initiative, encouraging greater involvement of fathers in maternal health support.
It recognizes that healthy pregnancies and births benefit entire families
(04:42):
and communities. The second law, Special Act twenty five DASH
seven establishes a task force to review perinatal mental health
care availability and identify service gaps, a critical needs area
where Connecticut received a D on the twenty twenty four
March of Dimes Maternal Mental Health report Card. The act
(05:05):
also creates an advisory committee to promote dual of friendly
practices in hospitals and to develop a report card system
rating maternity care facilities fostering transparency and quality improvement. Legislators
and advocates at the ceremony emphasize that these bills represent
key milestones in a larger fight for equitable maternal care.
(05:28):
Community health center leaders highlighted ongoing efforts like a mobile
maternal care van serving underserved areas. State Representative Ky Belton,
who has personal experience with maternal trauma, called the new
policies tools for justice that need to be followed by
adequate funding and accountability to truly close racial and geographic
(05:51):
gaps in maternal health outcomes. Several states are taking steps
to address the national retirement savings crisis by creating automatic
individual retirement account programs often called autoiras, for private sector
workers who lack access to employer sponsored retirement plans. Nevada
(06:12):
recently launched its statewide AUTOIRA, requiring employers with six or
more employees to participate unless they already offer a plan.
Workers are automatically enrolled but may opt out, making it
easy and seamless to build retirement savings through payroll deductions.
Nevada's new program alone could impact nearly a third of
(06:33):
the state's workforce. About five hundred thousand people. This movement
is rapidly growing. As of mid twenty twenty five, about
twenty states have established retirement programs to close the gap,
overseen by state treasurers and administered through appointed boards and
private fund managers. These programs particularly benefit workers at smaller companies,
(06:55):
who historically have had limited retirement savings options. For example,
Colorado's AUTOIRA has doubled participation among lower income workers earning
fifteen to twenty five thousand dollars annually, nearly leveling the
retirement savings playing field for vulnerable populations. State officials view
these programs as critical tools not only to improve individual
(07:19):
financial security, but also to alleviate long term public costs
tied to elderly poverty and social services. Colorado Treasurer Dave
Young said that encouraging retirement savings can prevent massive future
tax burdens, framing autoiras as a pragmatic solution with social
and economic benefits. Importantly, these plans belong to workers. They're portable,
(07:44):
and allow for occasional withdrawals and emergencies, offering flexibility while
building nest eggs. While early adoption has been led by
progressive states such as Oregon, California, and Illinois. The initiative
is increasingly bipartisan. Nevada's program passed under a Republican governor,
(08:04):
and other reed states are exploring similar efforts, despite some
pushback from financial industry groups advocating private sector options. Experts
see state driven auto eras as effective catalysts prompting more
employers to offer retirement benefits. The hope is that momentum
at the state level will eventually drive comprehensive federal retirement reform,
(08:28):
making retirement savings accessible to all American workers. New York
State Senator Andrew gau Nardees, a Brooklyn Democrat and Chairman
of the Senate Committee on Budget and Revenue, is championing
a user first digital landscape with two impactful bills aimed
at curbing the harmful effects of addictive social media platforms.
(08:52):
One bill, already passed by both houses, requires social media
platforms with addictive design features like infinite scocall role, AutoPlay,
algorithmic feeds, and push notifications to display warning labels similar
to those on cigarettes. These labels, informed by the latest
mental health research, will alert users to potential risks to
(09:14):
their physical and mental health. Complementing this, gaunardes has introduced
a second bill that would empower users by allowing them
to turn off the algorithms controlling the content they see.
This legislation addresses common concerns about social media's impact on
attention spans, mental health, and sleep, offering users greater control
(09:35):
over their experience and reducing exposure to compulsive engagement triggers.
The bill would also require platforms to make settings easily accessible,
banning manipulative design practices known as dark patterns, that make
it difficult for users to opt out of addictive features. Together,
these measures advanced Senator Gaunard's ongoing efforts to create a
(09:59):
digital environment that prioritizes human well being over platform profits
go figure. His work follows the passage of previous landmark
laws in New York, such as the Safe for Kids
Act and the Child Data Protection Act, both designed to
protect vulnerable users, especially children, from exploitative algorithms and invasive
(10:21):
data collection. These bills also align with Governor Kathy Hockel's
broader agenda, including her statewide push for cell phone free schools,
underscoring New York's commitment to addressing social media's influence on
youth mental health, with rising evidence linking social media addiction
to anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. Gaunard's legislation marks a
(10:45):
pioneering step toward transparency, user empowerment, and healthier digital consumption
in the Empire State. Up next, a listener suggested story
back in a minute, and now, a listener suggested story
from Liz in oxen Hill, Maryland. Connecting with nature offers
(11:07):
significant benefits from maternal health, especially for Black women who
face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and pregnancy complications.
Women like Marshall Lowe in New Orleans found that immersing
themselves in green spaces through activities like nature walks and
sensory experiences in forests provided profound mental relief, reduced stress,
(11:32):
and fostered a deep connection to their pregnancies. Research increasingly
supports these observations, showing that exposure to greenery correlates with
healthier pregnancies, lowered risk of postpartum depression, and improved birth outcomes.
Studies reveal that for black women, access to natural environments
is often limited by historical housing discrimination and ongoing disinvestment.
(11:57):
This lack of green space contributes to health disparities through
increased stress and higher incidences of complications like pre eclampsia,
a serious hypertensive disorder that significantly affects Black pregnant women
at rates over fifty percent higher than white women. Proximity
to areas rich in tree, canopy and parks has been
linked with reductions in prenatal stress and hypertension, showing the
(12:21):
protective role of nature. Community programs such as Girltrek provide
vital opportunities for Black women to reclaim wellness through nature
walks and social support, combating isolation and stress. Experts and
birth workers advocate for these nature based interventions as essential
complements to medical care, helping Black women nurture both physical
(12:44):
health and emotional power during pregnancy. The connection to nature
is seen not just as relaxation, but is reclaiming health
and empowerment amid systemic challenges. Advocate stress that individual healing
has to be paired with policy action to expand urban
green spaces in marginalized neighborhoods, safeguard existing parks, and invest
(13:06):
in community gardens and walkable areas. These steps are critical
for health equity, ensuring that black families can enjoy the
full benefits of nature's healing power. The movement to integrate
nature with maternal health exemplifies a promising path forward toward
reducing racial disparities and improving outcomes for black mothers and
(13:27):
babies nationwide. Thanks so much for that story, Liz. If
you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share,
we'd love to hear from you. Call or message us
at two zero two six five six six two seven
to one, drop us a line at Beowulf at two
squared Media Productions dot com, or send it to us
at good News for Lefties on Facebook, Instagram or Blue Sky.
(13:53):
Recent research from Emery University highlights that silocibon, the active
compound in psychic deelic mushrooms, may have remarkable anti aging effects,
both at the cellular level in humans and in life
span extension in mice. The study, published in Nature Partner
Journal's Aging, found that silocibin reduced cellular aging by up
(14:18):
to fifty seven percent in human lung fibroblast cells, significantly
delaying cellular senescence in elderly mice equivalent to sixty to
sixty five human years. Monthly doses of silocibin reversed signs
of aging like hair grain and loss, boosted physical activity
(14:39):
and extended lifespan by an average of thirty percent. Mechanistically,
silocibin's effects are linked to stimulating the serotonin five H
T two A receptors found in multiple organs and cell types,
including skin, brain, heart, and immune cells. This activation leads
(15:01):
to increased expression of sirt ie, a key regulator of
aging processes, cellular repair, and longevity. The research suggests that
beyond its well studied neurological and psychological benefits, silicibon may
influence systemic aging pathways by preserving telemare length and enhancing
(15:25):
DNA stability. These findings open exciting possibilities for silicibon as
a novel therapeutic agent targeting age related decline in chronic diseases.
With over one hundred and fifty clinical trials exploring siloicibons
benefits for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders,
(15:46):
this new avenue into longevity science adds a promising dimension
to its medical potential as scientific and medical communities continue
to unravel psilocibons wide ranging benefits. This study underscores the
urgency to rethink legal and pharmaceutical barriers surrounding psychedelics. The
hope is that such research can pave the way for safe,
(16:09):
regulated usage that harnesses psilocibon's full power not only for
mental health, but potentially for promoting healthier aging and life
span extension. And that's a wrap for today's edition of
Good News for Lefties. If these stories brighten your outlook,
please help us spread the word. Share this episode on
(16:29):
social media wherever you post. A big thanks to our
production team rooseabelt Heine and Aaron Watson for making all
of this possible behind the scenes. I'm bea wolf Rocklin
weird name good News for Lefties and America. Stay tuned
(17:00):
during this commercial break for more of me, your humble
and obedient servant, as I speak with Jen and Dan
of the band camp podcast.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
The John Peegle Saying Podcast is now available six times
a week with me John Fugelsang, I've been murdered on
CSI picketed by Westboro Baptist Church and host tell Me Everything.
On Serious Xmprogress one twenty seven. You will hear authors, politicians, actors, filmmakers, rappers,
rock stars, journalists, activists, unhinged callers, and way too many comedians.
They all have a place of a John feaglesang podcast,
(17:30):
and so do you. The John Fiagle sing Podcast Fair
and Biased. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher for
wherever you listen to Bobs.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
And Now. An excerpt from a recent episode of the
band Camp Podcast where I speak with hosts Jen and Dan.
Then go listen to the full show The band Camp
Podcast that's banned with two ends bandcamp podcast dot com
and just a quick trigger warning here there may be
some clips of Donald Trump played in this next sey.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
It's time for bancab News.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
True Speaker, news Speaker.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
They will Rocklin.
Speaker 3 (18:08):
It's a weird name, but he's got good news because
he can't be the truth. He's broadcasting live from the
Good News for LEFTI Studio is buried deep inside his
social safe house, hidden somewhere deep in the Oregon woods.
He is Babe well Brockland.
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Because Hello, Dan, Hello Jam, Hello scary book people. Have
I got some good news for you today, and it's
good news for women, and it's good news for men
because it turns out that in the United States of America,
men are contributing to household work more than ever before.
(18:49):
US men are spending a record high amount of time
on household activities, though inequalities between men's and women's contributions persist,
so we're still behind. We're working on it. We're catching up,
but we're not there yet, but we are making progress.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
Happy to do it, ladies, Happy to do it.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
Look, we've got a ways to go and we've got
a history to overcome here, so it's not all you know,
Sunshine and roses.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
What are we doing? Do you have a list of
the specific charges we've been doing.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
The additional work from men is most apparent in food
preparation and clean up. Men spent an average of sixteen
minutes per day cooking in two thousand and three. That
value has since jumped to twenty eight minutes. So we're
spending more time doing the cooking than we used to.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Because the women do not feed us. So we're for
uced to stop doing our man work to come and
do the woman's work, which is making our food, preparing
our food.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
I feel like the reruns of Leave It to Beaver
that I watched in the nineteen eighties did not particularly
prepare me well for life in the twenty first century,
it glossed over a few things, and there was it
in atrinsic imbalance there. I'm glad we're starting to overcome it,
but we're still burdened by that Paston.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Away June Cleavers had an eighty hour work week. In
that kitchen, she was in there a lot. Yeah, Jennifer,
you are a mother. How much time do you spend
in that kitchen. I don't spend much time in there
because I'm so busy doing other things. Like there's just
is it time in the kitchen all the time? Are
your kids forced to fend for themselves? I think it's
good for them to learn how to cook, right. Yeah,
(20:37):
I'm not saying anything else, So I've got your answer
is yes, here's what I think. But I do think
it's great that you know, guys are doing more. But
on the other hand, it's like, oh, you're supposed to
do more. Guys like it. Don't make it look like
it's her job to feed you or make sure your
underwear isn't on the floor. It's get gone new people.
But guys should also go to work and say, hey, yeah,
(21:00):
you know, Melanie in accounting, you should pay her more.
If you're paying me this amount, paid Melanie fairly because
she's a key employee here at ACME Worldwide. But you know,
let's start giving females more money.
Speaker 1 (21:13):
Yeah, maybe that is part of what we learn because
men have a tendency to value what they do, right,
we're kind of egotistical. If we're cooking more often and
cleaning more often, maybe that will be recompensed. And what
about the idea, you know, what about all this unpaid housework?
(21:33):
How do we account for that economically? That's a huge
amount of work that gets done and nobody gets.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
Paid for that. This's not right, agreed.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
I think it was in the nineteen seventies that the
women of Iceland went on strike because they wanted to
be paid for housework. I don't think it ended up
that they did, or I don't honestly know the details,
but that is something that needs to be addressed because.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
Ailed miserably Iceland the world's dirtiest houses. Talk of the world.
Everyone go listen to Bewolf, good news for Leftfiez. No,
never don't ever go there. They're terrible, terrible. They want
you to walk in their house with shoes on your feet.
It can only help. It can only help. Tracking in dirt. Terrible,
terrible what they're doing over there. They wear ugs inside. Gross.
Speaker 1 (22:19):
Till then the truth. Babar and listen to Jen and
Dan on the Bandcamp Podcast at bandcamp podcast dot com
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello, and thank you
for joining another episode of Good News for Lefties. I'm
be a wolf Rockland, your host, ready to help you
swap out doom, scrolling for hope, Scrolling with uplifting stories
for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists, and anyone who
(00:31):
believes in making America a better place for everyone. It's
no secret these are challenging times. The disappearing of immigrants
and citizens, our government aiding and abetting a genocide in Gaza,
and the wholesale destruction of critical government agencies. Today's headlines
often overwhelm us with troubling news, making it all too
(00:53):
easy to lose sight of hope. That's exactly why it's
vital to highlight the positive world progress that's happening every day,
progress that too often gets drowned out by the negativity.
Despite the setbacks, there's genuine movement toward a better America.
So let these stories serve as a reminder that change
(01:15):
isn't just possible, it's happening. Carry this hope with you
and share it with others. Let's kick off with some
good news headlines designed to brighten your day. Violent crime
across the United States is showing a strong and hopeful decline,
returning closer to pre pandemic levels after a surge during
(01:37):
the early COVID nineteen years. According to recent data from
the Council and Criminal Justice, homicides fell by sixteen percent
in twenty twenty four compared to the previous year, continuing
a positive trend that began in twenty twenty three with
an eleven point six percent decline. This reduction means thousands
fewer families are affected by violence, marking one of the
(01:59):
largest single year drops in homicides since at least nineteen sixty.
The encouraging trend is reflected in a broad range of
violent crimes. Cities across the country have reported decreases in
aggravated assaults, gun assaults, carjackings, robberies, and sexual assaults. For example,
carjackings fell by nearly a third and robbery rates dropped
(02:21):
by ten percent, while shoplifting incidents rose modestly. Ongoing efforts
to address retail theft, alongside community focused policing and social programs,
are helping sustain overall public safety improvements. Experts caution that
while the national picture is promising, some cities still face challenges,
with violence remaining above pre pandemic levels. However, many historically
(02:46):
high crime areas, such as Baltimore and Saint Louis, have
seen sharp declines, contributing significantly to the national progress. This
complex landscape shows the importance of targeted, equitable public safety steps,
strategies that combine law enforcement with investments in social services, education,
and economic opportunity. Public concern about crime remains important, but
(03:10):
recent data encourages a balanced perspective that recognizes real gains
without losing vigilance. As communities and policymakers build on this momentum,
the focus remains on fostering safe, resilient neighborhoods where all
residents can thrive. The sustained decrease in violent crime not
only reflects effective interventions, but also the strength and spirit
(03:34):
of communities working together toward a safer future. Governor Ned
Lamont celebrated the signing of two important maternal health care
bills in Connecticut recently at the Community Health Center of Middletown.
These laws, officially enacted on June tenth, aimed to tackle
Connecticut's ongoing maternal health crisis, particularly addressing disparities that disproportionately
(03:58):
affect women of color. Despite Connecticut's strong reputation in many
health areas, maternal and infant health outcomes have lagged, with
issues like premature births and low birth weights remaining prevalent.
The first bill, public at twenty five DASH thirty eight,
directs the state to develop a strategic plan to increase
(04:19):
the number of birth centers across Connecticut and to explore
ways to enhance Medicaid reimbursement for duelas support professionals known
to improve birth outcomes. This bill also expands the Connecticut
Fatherhood Initiative, encouraging greater involvement of fathers in maternal health support.
It recognizes that healthy pregnancies and births benefit entire families
(04:42):
and communities. The second law, Special Act twenty five DASH
seven establishes a task force to review perinatal mental health
care availability and identify service gaps, a critical needs area
where Connecticut received a D on the twenty twenty four
March of Dimes Maternal Mental Health report Card. The act
(05:05):
also creates an advisory committee to promote dual of friendly
practices in hospitals and to develop a report card system
rating maternity care facilities fostering transparency and quality improvement. Legislators
and advocates at the ceremony emphasize that these bills represent
key milestones in a larger fight for equitable maternal care.
(05:28):
Community health center leaders highlighted ongoing efforts like a mobile
maternal care van serving underserved areas. State Representative Ky Belton,
who has personal experience with maternal trauma, called the new
policies tools for justice that need to be followed by
adequate funding and accountability to truly close racial and geographic
(05:51):
gaps in maternal health outcomes. Several states are taking steps
to address the national retirement savings crisis by creating automatic
individual retirement account programs often called autoiras, for private sector
workers who lack access to employer sponsored retirement plans. Nevada
(06:12):
recently launched its statewide AUTOIRA, requiring employers with six or
more employees to participate unless they already offer a plan.
Workers are automatically enrolled but may opt out, making it
easy and seamless to build retirement savings through payroll deductions.
Nevada's new program alone could impact nearly a third of
(06:33):
the state's workforce. About five hundred thousand people. This movement
is rapidly growing. As of mid twenty twenty five, about
twenty states have established retirement programs to close the gap,
overseen by state treasurers and administered through appointed boards and
private fund managers. These programs particularly benefit workers at smaller companies,
(06:55):
who historically have had limited retirement savings options. For example,
Colorado's AUTOIRA has doubled participation among lower income workers earning
fifteen to twenty five thousand dollars annually, nearly leveling the
retirement savings playing field for vulnerable populations. State officials view
these programs as critical tools not only to improve individual
(07:19):
financial security, but also to alleviate long term public costs
tied to elderly poverty and social services. Colorado Treasurer Dave
Young said that encouraging retirement savings can prevent massive future
tax burdens, framing autoiras as a pragmatic solution with social
and economic benefits. Importantly, these plans belong to workers. They're portable,
(07:44):
and allow for occasional withdrawals and emergencies, offering flexibility while
building nest eggs. While early adoption has been led by
progressive states such as Oregon, California, and Illinois. The initiative
is increasingly bipartisan. Nevada's program passed under a Republican governor,
(08:04):
and other reed states are exploring similar efforts, despite some
pushback from financial industry groups advocating private sector options. Experts
see state driven auto eras as effective catalysts prompting more
employers to offer retirement benefits. The hope is that momentum
at the state level will eventually drive comprehensive federal retirement reform,
(08:28):
making retirement savings accessible to all American workers. New York
State Senator Andrew gau Nardees, a Brooklyn Democrat and Chairman
of the Senate Committee on Budget and Revenue, is championing
a user first digital landscape with two impactful bills aimed
at curbing the harmful effects of addictive social media platforms.
(08:52):
One bill, already passed by both houses, requires social media
platforms with addictive design features like infinite scocall role, AutoPlay,
algorithmic feeds, and push notifications to display warning labels similar
to those on cigarettes. These labels, informed by the latest
mental health research, will alert users to potential risks to
(09:14):
their physical and mental health. Complementing this, gaunardes has introduced
a second bill that would empower users by allowing them
to turn off the algorithms controlling the content they see.
This legislation addresses common concerns about social media's impact on
attention spans, mental health, and sleep, offering users greater control
(09:35):
over their experience and reducing exposure to compulsive engagement triggers.
The bill would also require platforms to make settings easily accessible,
banning manipulative design practices known as dark patterns, that make
it difficult for users to opt out of addictive features. Together,
these measures advanced Senator Gaunard's ongoing efforts to create a
(09:59):
digital environment that prioritizes human well being over platform profits
go figure. His work follows the passage of previous landmark
laws in New York, such as the Safe for Kids
Act and the Child Data Protection Act, both designed to
protect vulnerable users, especially children, from exploitative algorithms and invasive
(10:21):
data collection. These bills also align with Governor Kathy Hockel's
broader agenda, including her statewide push for cell phone free schools,
underscoring New York's commitment to addressing social media's influence on
youth mental health, with rising evidence linking social media addiction
to anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. Gaunard's legislation marks a
(10:45):
pioneering step toward transparency, user empowerment, and healthier digital consumption
in the Empire State. Up next, a listener suggested story
back in a minute, and now, a listener suggested story
from Liz in oxen Hill, Maryland. Connecting with nature offers
(11:07):
significant benefits from maternal health, especially for Black women who
face disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and pregnancy complications.
Women like Marshall Lowe in New Orleans found that immersing
themselves in green spaces through activities like nature walks and
sensory experiences in forests provided profound mental relief, reduced stress,
(11:32):
and fostered a deep connection to their pregnancies. Research increasingly
supports these observations, showing that exposure to greenery correlates with
healthier pregnancies, lowered risk of postpartum depression, and improved birth outcomes.
Studies reveal that for black women, access to natural environments
is often limited by historical housing discrimination and ongoing disinvestment.
(11:57):
This lack of green space contributes to health disparities through
increased stress and higher incidences of complications like pre eclampsia,
a serious hypertensive disorder that significantly affects Black pregnant women
at rates over fifty percent higher than white women. Proximity
to areas rich in tree, canopy and parks has been
linked with reductions in prenatal stress and hypertension, showing the
(12:21):
protective role of nature. Community programs such as Girltrek provide
vital opportunities for Black women to reclaim wellness through nature
walks and social support, combating isolation and stress. Experts and
birth workers advocate for these nature based interventions as essential
complements to medical care, helping Black women nurture both physical
(12:44):
health and emotional power during pregnancy. The connection to nature
is seen not just as relaxation, but is reclaiming health
and empowerment amid systemic challenges. Advocate stress that individual healing
has to be paired with policy action to expand urban
green spaces in marginalized neighborhoods, safeguard existing parks, and invest
(13:06):
in community gardens and walkable areas. These steps are critical
for health equity, ensuring that black families can enjoy the
full benefits of nature's healing power. The movement to integrate
nature with maternal health exemplifies a promising path forward toward
reducing racial disparities and improving outcomes for black mothers and
(13:27):
babies nationwide. Thanks so much for that story, Liz. If
you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share,
we'd love to hear from you. Call or message us
at two zero two six five six six two seven
to one, drop us a line at Beowulf at two
squared Media Productions dot com, or send it to us
at good News for Lefties on Facebook, Instagram or Blue Sky.
(13:53):
Recent research from Emery University highlights that silocibon, the active
compound in psychic deelic mushrooms, may have remarkable anti aging effects,
both at the cellular level in humans and in life
span extension in mice. The study, published in Nature Partner
Journal's Aging, found that silocibin reduced cellular aging by up
(14:18):
to fifty seven percent in human lung fibroblast cells, significantly
delaying cellular senescence in elderly mice equivalent to sixty to
sixty five human years. Monthly doses of silocibin reversed signs
of aging like hair grain and loss, boosted physical activity
(14:39):
and extended lifespan by an average of thirty percent. Mechanistically,
silocibin's effects are linked to stimulating the serotonin five H
T two A receptors found in multiple organs and cell types,
including skin, brain, heart, and immune cells. This activation leads
(15:01):
to increased expression of sirt ie, a key regulator of
aging processes, cellular repair, and longevity. The research suggests that
beyond its well studied neurological and psychological benefits, silicibon may
influence systemic aging pathways by preserving telemare length and enhancing
(15:25):
DNA stability. These findings open exciting possibilities for silicibon as
a novel therapeutic agent targeting age related decline in chronic diseases.
With over one hundred and fifty clinical trials exploring siloicibons
benefits for conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders,
(15:46):
this new avenue into longevity science adds a promising dimension
to its medical potential as scientific and medical communities continue
to unravel psilocibons wide ranging benefits. This study underscores the
urgency to rethink legal and pharmaceutical barriers surrounding psychedelics. The
hope is that such research can pave the way for safe,
(16:09):
regulated usage that harnesses psilocibon's full power not only for
mental health, but potentially for promoting healthier aging and life
span extension. And that's a wrap for today's edition of
Good News for Lefties. If these stories brighten your outlook,
please help us spread the word. Share this episode on
(16:29):
social media wherever you post. A big thanks to our
production team rooseabelt Heine and Aaron Watson for making all
of this possible behind the scenes. I'm bea wolf Rocklin
weird name good News for Lefties and America. Stay tuned
(17:00):
during this commercial break for more of me, your humble
and obedient servant, as I speak with Jen and Dan
of the band camp podcast.
Speaker 2 (17:08):
The John Peegle Saying Podcast is now available six times
a week with me John Fugelsang, I've been murdered on
CSI picketed by Westboro Baptist Church and host tell Me Everything.
On Serious Xmprogress one twenty seven. You will hear authors, politicians, actors, filmmakers, rappers,
rock stars, journalists, activists, unhinged callers, and way too many comedians.
They all have a place of a John feaglesang podcast,
(17:30):
and so do you. The John Fiagle sing Podcast Fair
and Biased. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher for
wherever you listen to Bobs.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
And Now. An excerpt from a recent episode of the
band Camp Podcast where I speak with hosts Jen and Dan.
Then go listen to the full show The band Camp
Podcast that's banned with two ends bandcamp podcast dot com
and just a quick trigger warning here there may be
some clips of Donald Trump played in this next sey.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
It's time for bancab News.
Speaker 4 (18:04):
True Speaker, news Speaker.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
They will Rocklin.
Speaker 3 (18:08):
It's a weird name, but he's got good news because
he can't be the truth. He's broadcasting live from the
Good News for LEFTI Studio is buried deep inside his
social safe house, hidden somewhere deep in the Oregon woods.
He is Babe well Brockland.
Speaker 4 (18:26):
Because Hello, Dan, Hello Jam, Hello scary book people. Have
I got some good news for you today, and it's
good news for women, and it's good news for men
because it turns out that in the United States of America,
men are contributing to household work more than ever before.
(18:49):
US men are spending a record high amount of time
on household activities, though inequalities between men's and women's contributions persist,
so we're still behind. We're working on it. We're catching up,
but we're not there yet, but we are making progress.
Speaker 3 (19:07):
Happy to do it, ladies, Happy to do it.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
Look, we've got a ways to go and we've got
a history to overcome here, so it's not all you know,
Sunshine and roses.
Speaker 3 (19:20):
What are we doing? Do you have a list of
the specific charges we've been doing.
Speaker 1 (19:24):
The additional work from men is most apparent in food
preparation and clean up. Men spent an average of sixteen
minutes per day cooking in two thousand and three. That
value has since jumped to twenty eight minutes. So we're
spending more time doing the cooking than we used to.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Because the women do not feed us. So we're for
uced to stop doing our man work to come and
do the woman's work, which is making our food, preparing
our food.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
I feel like the reruns of Leave It to Beaver
that I watched in the nineteen eighties did not particularly
prepare me well for life in the twenty first century,
it glossed over a few things, and there was it
in atrinsic imbalance there. I'm glad we're starting to overcome it,
but we're still burdened by that Paston.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Away June Cleavers had an eighty hour work week. In
that kitchen, she was in there a lot. Yeah, Jennifer,
you are a mother. How much time do you spend
in that kitchen. I don't spend much time in there
because I'm so busy doing other things. Like there's just
is it time in the kitchen all the time? Are
your kids forced to fend for themselves? I think it's
good for them to learn how to cook, right. Yeah,
(20:37):
I'm not saying anything else, So I've got your answer
is yes, here's what I think. But I do think
it's great that you know, guys are doing more. But
on the other hand, it's like, oh, you're supposed to
do more. Guys like it. Don't make it look like
it's her job to feed you or make sure your
underwear isn't on the floor. It's get gone new people.
But guys should also go to work and say, hey, yeah,
(21:00):
you know, Melanie in accounting, you should pay her more.
If you're paying me this amount, paid Melanie fairly because
she's a key employee here at ACME Worldwide. But you know,
let's start giving females more money.
Speaker 1 (21:13):
Yeah, maybe that is part of what we learn because
men have a tendency to value what they do, right,
we're kind of egotistical. If we're cooking more often and
cleaning more often, maybe that will be recompensed. And what
about the idea, you know, what about all this unpaid housework?
(21:33):
How do we account for that economically? That's a huge
amount of work that gets done and nobody gets.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
Paid for that. This's not right, agreed.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
I think it was in the nineteen seventies that the
women of Iceland went on strike because they wanted to
be paid for housework. I don't think it ended up
that they did, or I don't honestly know the details,
but that is something that needs to be addressed because.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
Ailed miserably Iceland the world's dirtiest houses. Talk of the world.
Everyone go listen to Bewolf, good news for Leftfiez. No,
never don't ever go there. They're terrible, terrible. They want
you to walk in their house with shoes on your feet.
It can only help. It can only help. Tracking in dirt. Terrible,
terrible what they're doing over there. They wear ugs inside. Gross.
Speaker 1 (22:19):
Till then the truth. Babar and listen to Jen and
Dan on the Bandcamp Podcast at bandcamp podcast dot com
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