The Smile: 8/3

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! California is giving workers another well-deserved raise. Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the state's minimum wage will increase to $17.40 an hour beginning January 1, creating the highest statewide minimum wage in the nation.

🎉 Celebrate California for raising the minimum wage, supporting working families, and standing up for fair pay and economic opportunity.

There's more good news today: Virginia restored voting rights to more than 66,000 people with past felony convictions, New York is challenging prediction markets it says violate state gambling laws, and a runaway dog was safely rescued from a train tunnel.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

California announces minimum wage increase as governor taunts Trump

Happy ending for runaway dog found in train tunnel

New York sues Kalshi, claiming prediction contracts violate state gambling laws

Trump’s Approval Rating Is Underwater in 11 States He Won Comfortably

Capital One says it closed Trump Organization’s accounts after anti-money-laundering review

She’s Remaking the Abortion Landscape One Pill at a Time

How the Democrats Can Benefit From Missing Mitch

SNAP recipients, some middle-class families get $60 monthly for produce in new bill. Who qualifies?

A small New Hampshire city is building tunnels just for salamanders. They're already saving lives

Virginia Gov. Spanberger has restored voting rights for 66,000 people with past felony convictions

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Tim H., who shared this cute photo of his dog, Buddy! 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. 🌟