Texas Senate Polls, New Jersey Voting Rights, and LGBTQ Hockey Rising

In this episode of Good News for Lefties, host Beowulf Rocklin shares a wealth of encouraging stories that uplift the spirit of progressives and advocates for change. We kick off with a promising poll showing Representative Jasmine Crockett leading in a hypothetical Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas, demonstrating her strong support among likely Democratic voters. Next, we spotlight New Jersey's assembly panel, which has approved a state-level Voting Rights Act aimed at reinstating crucial protections against voter suppression, ensuring fair access to the ballot for all citizens. We also dive into the world of literature as we highlight the new season of the podcast "Band Camp," where hosts Jen and Dan explore banned books, shedding light on censorship and the importance of free expression. In sports, we celebrate the surge in participation and interest in LGBTQ hockey leagues across the nation, fueled by a popular show that has inspired new players and teams to emerge. Additionally, we discuss how ten Democratic-leaning states are stepping up to assist residents in affording Obamacare health plans, filling the gap left by the expiration of federal tax credits and ensuring continued access to healthcare. A listener-suggested story reveals the resignation of celebrity doctor Peter Attia from CBS News amid controversy, reminding us of the importance of accountability in public life. Lastly, we report on Oregon lawmakers advancing a bill to increase the lodging tax to fund wildlife conservation programs, a bipartisan effort that reflects a commitment to preserving natural resources and protecting endangered species. For more about today's stories: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5755382-jasmine-crockett-leads-texas-senate/ https://newjerseymonitor.com/2026/02/20/nj-voting-rights-act/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/watched-heated-rivalry-overcome-desire-hit-ice-rcna258438 https://stateline.org/2026/02/18/some-states-are-helping-to-make-obamacare-plans-more-affordable/ https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/23/business/peter-attia-resigns-from-cbs-news-following-epstein-backlash https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/24/house-lawmakers-lodging-tax-hike-oregon-wildlife/ https://www.mainepublic.org/climate/2026-02-16/maine-lawmakers-consider-moratorium-on-new-data-centers Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/good-news-for-lefties-daily-news-for-democracy--6256627/support.