The Smile: 10/17

Accountability, justice, and progress — it’s all in today’s good news roundup!

October 17, 2025

Hi friend,

Happy Friday! Accountability is in action — and justice is being served. In Chicago, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis is demanding answers from the Trump administration after reports that federal agents defied her order to prevent violent encounters with peaceful protesters. She’s expanding her ruling to require body cameras for agents and ensuring that the rule of law still means something — even in the face of chaos and intimidation.

And in more good news: a judge blocked Trump’s land grab for his Miami library, California announced it will sell affordable insulin to take on Big Pharma, and progressives are holding strong in the shutdown fight for health care and workers’ rights.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Pam A., who shared this pretty photo of flowers from her backyard! If you want the chance to have your photo featured, reply to this email 😄

Thank you for reading, and we hope these articles shine a light on your day.

In solidarity,

Emily from The Smile

P.S. Know someone who could use a dose of good news? Forward this email and encourage them to subscribe to The Smile. Let’s spread the positivity together. 🌟

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