23 JAN 2026 · In this episode of Good News for Lefties, we bring you a series of uplifting stories that shine a light on progress and positive change across the nation. We start with the announcement that Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan is stepping down as a top federal prosecutor in Virginia, following a federal judge's ruling that barred her from continuing in that role. This is a significant step towards accountability in our judicial system.
Next, we celebrate the staff at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, who have successfully voted to unionize with UAW Local 2110, marking a major victory for workers advocating for job security and pay equality. Their efforts come after years of organizing and highlight the importance of collective action in the workplace.Turning our attention to health, we report on a newly approved bill in Alabama that mandates health insurance companies to cover prostate cancer screenings for high-risk patients, ensuring better access to crucial health services for men in the state.In a groundbreaking achievement, Texas has surpassed coal in solar energy production for the first time, showcasing the state's rapid transition to renewable energy sources. This milestone reflects a broader shift towards sustainability and innovation in energy.We also share a listener-suggested story about California's State Senate, now led by Democratic State Senator Monique Limon, the first woman of color to hold the position. Her leadership promises to bring renewed focus on legislative oversight and support for marginalized communities.
Finally, we highlight a new program in Albany County, New York, that employs a multidisciplinary street psychiatry team to provide mental health care to individuals experiencing homelessness, addressing an urgent need for supportive services in public spaces.Join us as we celebrate these inspiring stories that demonstrate the power of advocacy, community action, and progressive change!
Today's Stories:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/judge-posts-job-opening-top-prosecutor-spot-doj-claims-lindsey-halliga-rcna254982
https://uaw.org/staff-of-the-metropolitan-museum-of-art-vote-to-unionize/
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/alabama-senate-passes-bill-eliminating-cost-sharing-prostate-cancer-screening
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/chart-solar-is-finally-bigger-than-coal-in-texas
https://www.capradio.org/articles/2026/01/05/monique-limon-becomes-first-woman-of-color-mother-to-lead-california-state-senate/?emci=16fb63e5-b8ed-f011-8194-000d3a11f903&emdi=56e1f30a-b9ed-f011-8194-000d3a11f903&ceid=24376453&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/09/arts/music/washington-national-opera-kennedy-center.html?campaign_id=60&emc=edit_na_20260109&instance_id=169078&nl=breaking-news®i_id=70183721&segment_id=213444&user_id=a22cdf50ee78026aeb03bece73c2433c&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.