The Smile: 10/23

Hi friend,

Happy Thursday! Senator Jeff Merkley just wrapped up an extraordinary, nearly 23-hour speech on the Senate floor — one of the longest in modern history — calling out Donald Trump’s authoritarian attacks on democracy. Merkley’s marathon stand warned that Trump’s abuses of power, from deploying troops in U.S. cities to targeting political opponents, threaten the Constitution itself.

✍️ Add your name to applaud Senator Merkley’s courage and his stand against authoritarianism!

And in more good news: environmental advocates are suing to stop Trump’s reckless Clean Air Act exemptions, green sea turtles are no longer endangered, and Democrats are turning Trump’s shutdown talking points against him.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Democratic senator’s anti-Trump floor speech ends after nearly 23 hours

Illinois is targeting immigration officials who try to hide their license plates

Green sea turtles no longer endangered, IUCN says

Judge refuses to pause order barring feds from using force on journalists during protests

States Turn Trump’s Shutdown Attack Messages Against Him

Beef producers hit back after Trump rips high prices

Donald Trump’s Approval Rating on the Economy Hits New Low: Poll

Farmworkers hailed as heroes after rescuing 20 children from burning school bus in California

'Democracy is worth fighting for': Obama rallies California redistricting supporters

Green groups sue over Trump’s Clean Air Act exemptions for polluters

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Deborah R., who shared this gorgeous photo from Mt. Troy in Juneau, AK! 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. 🌟