The Smile: 8/25

Judge blocks Trump’s travel ban at the State Department, Albuquerque defends immigrant protections, and more!

August 25, 2025

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! In a major victory for immigrant rights and local autonomy, a federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from cutting off federal funding to 34 “sanctuary” cities and counties — including Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Denver, and Albuquerque. The ruling reaffirms what we already know: our communities have the right to protect immigrant families without being threatened or bullied by Washington.

And in more good news: Trump’s disapproval rating is climbing, Illinois has launched a new LGBTQ+ legal hotline, and Zohran Mamdani is surging in the NYC mayoral fundraising race.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Lynelle S., who shared this cute photo from Taughannock Falls State Park in New York! 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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