New York's Bold Stand Against Hate, California's Clean Energy Surge, and Colorado's Life-Saving Initiative

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we present a series of inspiring stories that showcase resilience, accountability, and progress across the nation. We begin with a significant move in New York, where Assemblyman M. Michael Riley swiftly dismissed his chief of staff after the exposure of his ties to a racist group. This decisive action has been praised as a vital step toward accountability and a rejection of hate in politics, reinforcing the importance of decency in public service.

Next, we celebrate California's remarkable clean energy milestone, with nearly one in three new vehicles sold this summer being zero-emission. Governor Gavin Newsom's commitment to innovation and sustainable transportation is paving the way for a cleaner future, further demonstrating the state's leadership in combating climate change.

In Colorado, a new training program for teachers aims to empower them to utilize the state's Red Flag law, enhancing school safety in the wake of recent tragedies. This initiative underscores the proactive steps being taken to prevent gun violence and protect students, showcasing community-driven solutions to pressing issues.

We also report on the collapse of Dr. Phil's right-wing media venture, highlighting the challenges of celebrity branding in polarized politics. His failure serves as a reminder that authenticity and connection with audiences are crucial in media and public engagement.

Furthermore, we share an innovative breakthrough from Arizona, where researchers have developed a solar drying tower that transforms surplus produce into a sustainable resource, addressing global food waste while providing clean drinking water. This project exemplifies how local solutions can have a significant impact on environmental issues.

Finally, we spotlight the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation's groundbreaking initiative to establish an indigenous-led trade corridor, revitalizing historical trade routes and promoting economic sovereignty. This ambitious plan not only aims to enhance cross-border commerce but also reclaims cultural identity and resilience.

Join us as we celebrate these positive developments and the ongoing fight for justice and equity. If you enjoy what you hear, 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 [e-mail].

For more about today's stories:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/04/immigrant-children-ice-detention-ruling


https://www.ijpr.org/environment-energy-and-transportation/2025-10-03/federal-judge-finds-feds-illegally-capped-sustainable-energy-funding-in-oregon-california-17-other-states


https://www.courthousenews.com/appeals-court-blocks-republicans-attempt-to-purge-michigan-voter-rolls/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email


https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2025/09/small-coastal-alabama-town-elects-first-black-woman-mayor.html?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email


https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/residents-shut-down-google-data-134500250.html


https://www.fws.gov/press-release/2025-09/interior-announces-more-54-million-waterfowl-habitat-increased-public-access?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:06):
Good News for Lefties and America. Hello and thanks for
joining another episode of Good News for Lefties Happy you
Know Kings Day. I'm Beowulf Rocklin, your host, ready to
help you swap out doom and gloom for some genuine
hope with uplifting stories for democracy defenders, progressives, liberals, socialists, leftists,

(00:29):
and anyone who believes in making America a better place
for everyone. Today's troubling headlines often overwhelm us, and I'm
sure if you follow the news, you'll read or hear
about some of them today. All the bad news makes
it easy to lose sight of hope, and that's exactly
why it's vital to highlight the positive progressive wins happening

(00:50):
every day in the United States of America. To help
us spread the positivity. If you enjoy the show, please
rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your
podcast platform of choice. It helps more lefties like you
hear more good news stories and stay positive and motivated
for the days ahead. Now, let's get to some good

(01:12):
news headlines designed to brighten your day. New York progressives
are welcoming Assemblyman Michael Riley's swift decision to dismiss his
longtime chief of staff, Peter Guinta, after revelations tied him
to a racist group among young Republican leaders. The messages,

(01:32):
first reported by Politico, included grotesque references to Hitler and
genocidal jokes, sparking national outrage and sharp condemnation from officials
across the spectrum. Riley, a Staten Island Republican, said the
comments did not reflect his values and acted decisively once
they were verified, a move widely praised by advocates for

(01:55):
justice and decency in public service. The telegram chat, which
involved a dozen GOP figures including state legislators and political aids,
contained hundreds of messages celebrating white supremacy in mocking victims
of atrocities. While some participants attempted to claim the messages
were doctored, the scope and tone of the exchanges, including

(02:18):
Geta's proclaimed admiration for Hitler, underline what many see as
a disturbing undercurrent with sections of the party's youth movement.
Vermont's Republican governor Phil Scott called the comments disgusting and inexcusable,
and demanded resignations, joining Democrats who said the matter goes
far beyond individual lapses of judgment. New York Governor Cathy

(02:41):
Hokeel responded firmly, saying those involved should be permanently removed
from public roles and party positions. Hokeel described the revelations
as symptomatic of an environment in which far right rhetoric
has been normalized within certain Republican circles. These are not jokes,
their reflections of a culture that tolerates hate, she said,

(03:02):
urging a complete rejection of such behavior within every level
of civic life. Community leaders in civil rights groups in
New York have echoed that call, noting that Riley's decision
signals how intolerance can and should be met with accountability,
even within politically divided spaces. For progressives across the state,
the scandal has become a catalyst for renewed demands to

(03:24):
strengthen oversight in political staffing and reaffirm values of inclusion
and respect. As one activists put it, when elected officials
act quickly to reject hate, it shows the country what
responsible leadership looks like. No excuses, no delays, just decency
in action. California's clean energy revolution just roared past another milestone.

(03:50):
Governor Gavin Newsom announced that nearly one in three new
vehicles sold in the Golden State this summer were zero emission,
a groundbreaking twenty nine point one percent of all new
car purchases. The record setting quarters saw one hundred twenty
four thousand, seven hundred fifty five electric and plug in
models hit the road, signaling a clear rebuke of federal

(04:13):
attempts to stall progress on climate and clean air initiatives.
As news and put it, we believe in innovation not isolation,
pledging that California will continue leading the charge toward a
one hundred percent clean transportation future. Behind the surge lies
a mix of smart policy and grassroots demand. Californians rushed

(04:36):
to take advantage of expiring federal tax credits, but experts
stress that the growth is far from a one time spike.
With more than two hundred thousand public charging stations statewide
and new charger reliability standards taking effect, drivers are finding
it easier than ever to ditch gas entirely. Energy Commissioner
Nancy Skinner celebrated the shift, noting that almost every ca

(05:00):
Californian now lives within ten minutes of a fast charger,
a feat few regions in the world can match. The
third quarter jump marks nearly a thirty percent increase from
the previous quarter, driving California's total zero emission vehicle count
to more than two point four million and putting the
state ahead of its twenty twenty five climate goals. The

(05:22):
lineup of available clean car models has exploded to one
hundred forty six, reflecting fierce competition and consumer choice across
all income levels. Nearly a quarter of all new trucks, buses,
and vans sold in California are now zero emission, two
years ahead of schedule, underscoring the shift's momentum in every

(05:42):
sector of the economy. California's progress comes as Washington reverts
two pro fossil policies under President Trump, but leaders in
Sacramento remain defiantly optimistic while the federal government stumbles backwards,
said Air Resources Board share Loren sanj whchays, California charges ahead,
lighting the path to a cleaner, more prosperous future at

(06:06):
a time when climate disasters loom large. The state's record
breaking ev sales stand as a statement of collective determination,
proof that innovation, environmental strength, and economic growth can thrive
together in the same lane. Before we get back to
the news, I want to tell you about an important
podcast called This Week Again, hosted by Suzanne Posel. It

(06:30):
takes a humorous look at politics and current events one
week at a time. It's a funny, angry, progressive, sarcastic,
hilarious podcast that drops every Sunday, and, in my opinion,
is the largest single repository of creatively insulting names for
Donald Trump. Mango Mussolini and Orange Julius Caesar are just

(06:51):
the beginning. So if you want to recap of the
week and you want a laugh into the bargain, listen
to This Week Again with Suzanne Posel on this platform
or wherever you listen to podcasts. That's This Week Again
with Suzanne Posel s U S A N N E
pos E L This Week Again, Listen, Laugh, Repeat. Colorado

(07:18):
is taking another forward looking step in gun violence prevention,
launching a new statewide training program to help teachers use
the state's Red Flag Law, a life saving legal tool
that lets concerned individuals request temporary firearm removal from those
at risk of harming themselves or others. The initiative, announced

(07:39):
by Attorney General Phil Wiser, comes at a time of
renewed focus on school safety following the recent Evergreen High
School shooting that left two students injured and one dead.
It's another painful reminder that we must use every tool
we have to keep our schools safe, Weiser said, calling
the training's essential for empowering educators to act when warning

(08:00):
signs appear. The new ERPO Curriculum for Educators offers two
thirty minute online sessions that walk teachers through the process
of filing an extreme risk protection order, from identifying credible
threats to petitioning a judge for emergency firearm restriction. The
program is offered free of charge and counts toward continuing

(08:23):
education credit for both K through twelve and college instructors.
While educators have had access to red flag petitions since
twenty twenty three, few have filed them due to lack
of awareness. Wiser hopes this training will close that gap,
particularly as surveys show that one in five Colorado middle
school students can access a loaded gun within an hour.

(08:44):
If you're worried about a student, this law gives you
the power to act quickly and compassionately, Wiser explained. Experts
at the University of Colorado's firearm injury prevention initiative say
the program could be a major turning point. Chris Nepke,
who tracks erpo use, liken the approach to casting wider

(09:04):
safety nets, catching more warning signs before tragedy strikes. Since
Colorado's red flag law took effect in twenty twenty, roughly
seven hundred petitions have been filed and nearly five hundred granted,
many in emergency situations where quick action saved lives. The
Attorney General's new training builds on that foundation, helping teachers

(09:26):
act on emotional distress and potential violence before it escalates.
Gun safety advocates have hailed the program as a model
for other states, emphasizing that educators, often the first to
see red flags, deserve clarity and support in taking preventative action.
The effort also aligns with broader state legislation aimed at
reducing youth fire arm access and improving safe storage education.

(09:50):
As Wiser put it, we've seen too many headlines about
students with guns, but now Colorado's teachers have a concrete,
practical set of tools to change those outcomes. With this initiative,
Colorado was once again proving that community driven prevention and
smart legal frameworks can work together to save lives. Doctor

(10:11):
Phil McGraw's effort to reinvent himself as a mega aligned
media mogul has collapsed in spectacular fashion, marking one of
the most dramatic flameouts in right wing media this year.
According to reports from Slate and Raw Story, McGraw's network,
Merritt Street Media, launched in twenty twenty four with bombastic

(10:31):
promises about defending family values and the soul of America,
is now bankrupt, hemorrhaging staff entangled in lawsuits with its
religious broadcasting partner, Trinity Broadcasting Network. McGraw's venture, once touted
as the next conservative powerhouse, failed to draw an audience
averaging just twenty seven thousand weekly viewers, despite relentless appearances

(10:55):
alongside Donald Trump and other administration insiders. His talk show
replaced Doctor Phil Primetime, sputtered into extended hiatuses before layoffs
gutted his Texas production office. By midsummer, the operation that
McGraw had pitched as a bulwark against woke America entered
bankruptcy proceedings, with creditors accusing him of financially misrepresenting himself

(11:19):
and partners claiming millions in unpaid debts. Slate's coverage paints
McGraw's decline as both personal and symbolic, a case study
in how celebrity branding collapses when mixed with polarizing politics.
Once a household figure of daytime self help comfort, McGraw
tied his identity to Trump's second term agenda, promoting immigration crackdowns,

(11:42):
denouncing protesters, and aligning his platform with ultra conservative conspiracy content.
As The Daily Beast and Politico observed, the pivot cost
him credibility with his longtime audience, alienated advertisers, and left
him stranded among a crowded field of maga figure whose
authenticity he could not replicate. Unfazed by the wreckage, McGraw

(12:05):
has promised a new citizen journalism setup Envoy Media, with
fellow entertainer Steve Harvey, a proposal skeptic's view as a
last ditch rebread you think, analyst say, McGraw's implosion underscores
the limits of right wing celebrity entrepreneurship. What once worked
as pop psychology doesn't translate to political outrage, As Slat's

(12:28):
piece concludes, Doctor Phil's reinvention as a culture warrior, isn't working.
That's a fact, Doctor Phil's reinvention as a culture warrior
isn't working. In fact, it's the final act in his
own unraveling. Next, a listener suggested story back in a minute,

(12:50):
and now, a listener suggested story from Helen. In Pasadena, Arizona,
a team of University of Arizona innovators is turning sunlight
into a powerful weapon against global food waste. Researchers led
by Professor Goggy Dividuits, have developed a twenty five foot
solar drying tower that can dehydrate fruits and vegetables within hours,

(13:13):
slashing emissions, preserving water, and transforming how surplus produce is
stored and shared. The startup behind the breakthrough, Kueru, is
scaling the technology to handle up to four tons of
produce at once and aims to make the system operational worldwide,
backed by tech Launch Arizona's commercialization program. The tower's design

(13:35):
uses natural heat gradients to efficiently remove moisture, eliminating harmful
bacteria and preserving nutritional value without generating carbon pollution. Its
transparent walls allow sunlight to enter while rising hot air
speeds the drying process, reducing what typically takes days to
mere hours in Arizona's desert climate. That efficiency is matched

(13:58):
by a secondary innovation. Captured vapor from drying is condensed
into clean drinking water, making the process doubly sustainable. The
technology embodies a blend of ancient wisdom and modern engineering.
Food drying has existed for thousands of years, but Kueru's
vertical tower design represents a leap forward, combining traditional techniques

(14:22):
with scalable science. As co founder Renata Coello explained, farmers
put in enormous time and care to grow food. It's
heartbreaking to see it wasted. Our mission is to give
that effort a second life. Positioned near Nogalis, an area
where millions of pounds of produce are discarded annually, the

(14:42):
team sees real potential to change how agribusinesses and communities
handle excess food supply. This research aligns with Arizona's broader
commitment to climate smart innovation, highlighting how localized solutions can
have global ripple effects by extending shelf life, recovery, bring water,
and cutting landfield based The solar drying tower represents not

(15:04):
only scientific advancement, but also economic and environmental renewal. As
Dividowitz noted, what began as a university prototype is becoming
a commercial solution and a model for sustainable change around
the world. Thanks so much for that story, Helen. If
you have thoughts, ideas, or more good news to share,
we'd love to hear from you. Call or message us

(15:27):
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.
The Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation in Saskatchewan is pioneering a

(15:48):
historic indigenous led trade corridor that revives centuries old cross
border trade routes once used to move goods like buffalo
hides and pemmican. This corridor plan to enable trucks from
the first Nation to transport food, furniture, and critical minerals
across the US Canada border without tariffs or taxes, strengthening

(16:11):
indigenous sovereignty and economic power across Dakota territories spanning Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba,
and into the United States. This ambitious plan is anchored
in the ancient Osseti Sakowin Trade Network, a longstanding alliance
of Dakota, Lakota and Nakota peoples linked by kinship and

(16:33):
cultural bonds. The initiative is far from symbolic. It aims
to become a powerful economic engine, controlling the flow of
vital natural resources while expanding business opportunities for indigenous communities.
A two billion dollar infrastructure proposal submitted to Canada's Privy
Council seeks to develop core projects such as a cross

(16:57):
border trade portal, renewable in corridors, and smart transportation systems.
While the US recognizes the seventeen ninety four j Treaty
affirming indigenous rights to unrestricted cross border trade, Canada has
yet to fully acknowledge these rights, creating ongoing legal challenges. Nevertheless,

(17:18):
the Standing Buffalo Dakota Nation asserts its sovereignty, interpreting international
laws and historical agreements to claim control over its own
trade on its own lands. The nation is also advancing
environmental and consultation protocols to ensure sustainable and indigenous led
development within the corridor by reimagining traditional trade routes through

(17:41):
a modern economic framework. The Standing Buffalo Dakota Nations corridor
has the potential to redefine cross border commerce in North America.
It embodies indigenous resilience and leadership seeking not only economic revitalization,
but also a reclamation of sovereignty and cultural identity across

(18:02):
borders long imposed by colonialism. That's a wrapp for today's
edition of Good News for Lefties. Remember if these stories
brighten your outlook, please help us spread the word by
rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your
podcast platform of choice. A big thanks to our production

(18:22):
team Rosabel Hein, Aaron Watson, and Jillian Cunningham for making
all of this possible behind the scenes. I'm Bao Wolf Rocklin,
weird name Good News for Lefties and America.

Speaker 2 (18:52):
Here's what you've been missing on the Stephanie Miller Happy
Hour podcast. He wasn't a shot. People look at his ear.
Some debris or something hit him. But it's like I can't,
I just can't. Okay, All right, where was I? He said?
Par coaching? Right? Twenty nine hundred pages of lead texts,
So that's not like one or two random whatever, right, Yes,

(19:16):
the chats included Oh there's some more fun facts I
had not read yet. Yeah, references to black people as
monkeys and watermelon people. Wow, that's so fresh a reference
and current praise for Adolf Hitler and oh, discussions of
rape and guest chambers. As fella knows, a lot of
misogyny in mixed in with the anti semitism and racism

(19:36):
in general. I was waiting for that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
lots of how super fun rapeist. Okay, by the way,
can I just say here's an example, so jd Vance saying,
all that's fine, right, did you see this when Elizabeth
Warren two days ago posted for two excruciating years, I've
called for the return of the hostages, brutally kid left,

(19:58):
kidnapped on October seventh and held a gaza. Today is
a good day? Jd Vance? Was you know post that?
And says the president told me he did this on
Indigenous People Day and honterview. What are you surprised that
all these younger publicans are douchebag? Just look at he's
the vice president I did.

Speaker 1 (20:17):
Okay, they're taking troll online trolling in the real life.

Speaker 2 (20:20):
Well, this is what's Bella's point. They're just trolls. They're
not people that are interested in helping them in any
way they actually care about politics. They only care about
owning the Libs. I've been saying that for years and
years and years and years.

Speaker 1 (20:33):
That's the only thing they care about.

Speaker 2 (20:35):
Congratulations, little douchebags. I am this liberal is fully on
this morning. Subscribe to the Stephanie Miller Happy Hour podcast
on Apple Podcasts, Stephanie Miller dot com, or wherever you
get your favorite podcasts.

Speaker 1 (20:52):
And in case you missed it, here's this good news headline.
The Federal Trade Commission, joined by seven states, has taken
sweeping legal action against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, calling out
their exploitative ticket resale tactics that have squeezed both artists
and concertgoers for years. The lawsuit charges the Ticketmaster not

(21:14):
only conspired with ticket brokers to scoop up millions of
tickets and jack up prices on its resale platform, but
also deliberately misled fans about the true costs and ticket limits,
making live music harder to access for everyday people. Investigators
uncovered how Ticketmaster quietly aided brokers through special software and

(21:34):
business practices, turning a blind eye as a handful of
resellers hoarded massive numbers of tickets. Internal emails revealed that
the company refused to use tools that would actually curb
these abuses because it would cut into profits, choosing Wall
Street rewards over honest fans. The scheme's scale is staggering.

(21:56):
From twenty nineteen to twenty twenty four, over eighty two
billion dollar dollars was spent on tickets, while mandatory fees
as high as forty four percent of the advertised ticket
price were regularly hidden until the last moment. The FTC's
complaint digs even deeper, exposing how Ticketmaster's own research confirmed
that hiding true costs hurt consumers, but executives pressed ahead anyway.

(22:18):
Ticketmaster holds a virtual monopoly on major concert venues, controlling
at least eighty percent of ticketing, and its shady tactics,
according to the FTC, violate laws designed to protect the
public and ensure a level playing field. By joining forces,
the FTC and state leaders are demanding real accountability and
working to put artists and fans back at the center

(22:40):
of live music experiences. The legal fight is now under
way in federal court, with progressives across the country cheering
the move to break up this monopoly and defend consumer rights.
NASA's newest astronaut class is making history. For the first
time ever, women outnumber men among the agency's chosen candidates,
signaling a groundbreaking step forward for representation and opportunity in

(23:04):
American space exploration. Six out of the ten astronaut candidates
selected to help lead future missions to the International Space Station,
the Moon and eventually Mars are women, reflecting the growing
strength and achievement of women in stem fields. The class
includes accomplished engineers, military veterans, and doctors with backgrounds spanning

(23:25):
professional rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, and private space missions. Notably, Anna Menon,
an engineer, has already set altitude records. As an astronaut,
these pioneers will spend the next two years training to
fly NASA's jets, prepare for spacewalks, and, in partnership with
Russian cosmonauts, learn new languages for collaboration beyond Earth. NASA

(23:47):
is setting its sights on ambitious goals like Artemis two's
journey around the Moon and Artemis threes planned landing near
the lunar South Pole. While Mars looms as a future frontier.
Public excitement is strong, with leaders and advocates noting that
The class's gender balance will inspire countless youth, especially girls,
to imagine themselves exploring space. As NASA phases into missions

(24:11):
with commercial partners and builds toward a lunar Gateway outpost,
these new astronauts stand ready to shape the next era.
With the Artemis program paving the way to put the
first woman on the Moon. The newest NASA astronaut class
represents the hope, courage, and limitless possibility at the heart
of science and discovery.