The Smile: 9/10

US states sue over endangered species, MapQuest stands its ground, and more!

September 10, 2026

Hi friend,

Happy Thursday! A coalition of 20 states and Washington, D.C., has filed two lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of Endangered Species Act protections. The states argue that new federal rules unlawfully weaken safeguards for threatened wildlife and their habitats, including by narrowing when habitat destruction qualifies as “harm” under the landmark conservation law.

There’s even more news today: MapQuest has put up a six-foot Chicago billboard directing travelers to “Lake Ontario” after keeping the historic name on its maps, wildlife crossings are continuing to expand to give animals safer routes around busy roads, and new political polling and forecasts show good news for Democrats.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Marc A., who shared this pretty photo from Marin County, California! 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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