Ohio's Equal Rights Amendment, Innovative Energy Storage Breakthroughs, and Workers Stand Strong in Massachusetts

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rochlen brings you a collection of inspiring stories that highlight progress and resilience across the nation. We kick off with a monumental step in Ohio, where a citizen-led initiative for the Equal Rights Amendment has cleared its first hurdle toward the 2026 ballot. This amendment aims to enshrine comprehensive anti-discrimination protections, ensuring equality for all Ohioans, including the repeal of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. Advocates believe this measure reflects the values of dignity and justice that Ohioans stand for.

Next, we celebrate Redwood Materials' groundbreaking achievement in clean energy innovation with the launch of the world's largest energy storage project using repurposed electric vehicle batteries. This project not only sets a new standard for energy storage but also demonstrates how second-life batteries can contribute to a sustainable future, reducing costs and supporting renewable energy growth.

We also cover the ongoing trash and recycling strike by Republic Services workers in Massachusetts, where Teamsters Local 25 members are demanding fair wages and better working conditions. Despite the challenges posed by the strike, community support for the workers remains strong, highlighting the importance of labor rights in our society.

In a significant climate action win, New York has passed a bill to end a decades-old policy that forced utility customers to subsidize new natural gas hookups. This reform is poised to accelerate the transition to cleaner, all-electric buildings, making energy more affordable and sustainable for New Yorkers.

Listeners will be intrigued by the entry of Tyler Vandenberg, a marine intelligence officer and Jeopardy champion, into the race for California's 3rd congressional district. His unique background and military service are expected to resonate with a diverse voter base, adding excitement to an already competitive race.

Finally, we share a heartwarming story of conservation success as hundreds of Northern Tidewater gobies have been returned to Topanga Lagoon in Malibu after a collaborative rescue effort. This reintroduction marks a hopeful milestone for ecological restoration and demonstrates the power of community-driven action in protecting endangered species.

Join us for this uplifting episode filled with stories of advocacy, resilience, and the belief that positive change is not only possible but actively happening!

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.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ohio-equal-rights-amendment-clears-first-hurdle-toward-2026-ballot/ar-AA1HVBcw


https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/energy-storage/redwood-used-batteries-data-center


https://patch.com/massachusetts/across-ma/trash-strike-continues-past-one-week-communities-look-solution


https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/fossil-fuels/new-york-repeal-gas-hookup-incentive


https://politicalanimalnews.com/a-jeopardy-champ-made-a-big-announcement-that-left-beltway-insiders-completely-stunned/


https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-06-18/endangered-fish-palisades-burn-scar-returned-to-their-malibu-home


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Thanks to Rosabelle Heine and Aaron Watson for production assistance.

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