The Smile: 10/29

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia — including California, New York, and Pennsylvania — has filed a federal lawsuit demanding the USDA release emergency funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing for more than 42 million Americans.

✍️ Add your name to applaud the states fighting to protect food assistance, defend families, and hold Trump accountable for his callous shutdown tactics.

And in more good news: judges are continuing to block Trump’s attacks on workers, Governor Newsom is defending fair elections, and volunteers nationwide are bringing books and joy to children in their communities.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

25 states sue Trump administration over SNAP food stamp freeze during shutdown

California says it will monitor the Justice Department's election watchers next week

Love is in the air! Meet the Palm Beach Zoo's capybara couple

A new fund will route millions to the literary arts

Federal Judge Skewers Top Trump Officials Over ‘Troubling’ Statements Against Abrego Garcia

Mamdani holds wide lead over Cuomo in new poll

Border Patrol chief leading Trump immigration crackdown in Chicago ordered to report daily to federal judge

Cascade man creates “Haunted Forest” attraction for neurodivergent children and community

Volunteers foster literacy by reading to children and giving them books

Judge extends order barring the Trump administration from firing federal workers during the shutdown

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Raven H., who shared the cutest photo of her cat, Lewis! 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. 🌟