The Smile: 4/1

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! A federal judge just put the brakes on Trump’s unauthorized White House construction project, ruling that a massive new ballroom “has to stop” without approval from Congress — a clear win for accountability and the rule of law.

✍️ Celebrate this defense of our shared institutions and checks and balances.

There’s more good news today: courts are protecting voting rights and a free press, states are stepping up with new AI safeguards, and inspiring stories — from medical breakthroughs to community changemakers — remind us what progress looks like.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Judge rules that White House ballroom construction ‘has to stop!’

Democrats seen as taking back the House after Republicans quit in numbers not seen since the Great Depression

In win for voters, court blocks Arkansas’ restrictive registration rule

26-year-old now 'cancer-free' thanks to new colorectal cancer treatment

California to impose new AI regulations in defiance of Trump call

The Black Veteran Who Desegregated Interstate Buses

Nate Silver on recent polling: Trump has ‘profound problems’

Democrats look to win Southern Az legislative races in bid to flip statehouse

A composer brings music, joy and trans visibility to her church

Judge blocks Trump's executive order to end federal funding for PBS and NPR

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Kristine L., who shared this adorable photo of her cat! 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. 🌟