The Smile: 7/1

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! Two federal judges have blocked the Trump administration's attempt to reshape the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, protecting teachers, nurses, first responders, nonprofit employees, and other public servants from changes the courts said exceeded the government's authority and threatened First Amendment protections.

👏 Applaud the judges defending student loan forgiveness, free speech, and the public servants who strengthen our communities!

There's more good news today: a federal judge blocked new Pentagon restrictions on journalists, Democrats in North Carolina proposed a constitutional amendment to protect early voting, and a first-of-its-kind wildlife overpass is helping both people and animals safely cross a busy six-lane highway.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Judges strike down Trump administration’s overhaul of student loan forgiveness program

Talarico and Paxton tied in latest Texas Senate poll

Supreme Court rejects Trump’s attempt to limit birthright citizenship

17 labor, delivery nurses in same hospital unit expecting babies

Judge blocks rule to strip public service workers of student loan forgiveness

AOC calls for forced ‘break up’ of big tech to protect consumers

Democrats make final push to raise minimum wage in this year’s Pa. budget

This first-of-its-kind wildlife overpass crosses a 6-lane highway. People can walk across it, too

Democrats propose constitutional amendment to protect early voting in North Carolina

Judge Cites Hegseth’s Own Words as He Blocks Pentagon’s Media Limits

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Matt R., who shared this adorable photo of their dog, Lucy! 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. 🌟