The Smile: 9/14

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! A federal judge has blocked agencies from requiring most federal job applicants to answer a question about which Trump administration executive orders or policy initiatives are personally significant to them.

👏 Applaud the court ruling blocking the “loyalty question” on federal job applications!

There’s even more good news today: Kansas inmates raised more than $4,000 to help pay off children’s school lunch debt, a Virginia school board restored middle school students’ ability to form noncurricular clubs following a lawsuit brought by LGBTQ+ students, and Celine Dion returned to the stage in Paris after her battle with stiff-person syndrome.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Federal Court Blocks Trump’s ‘Loyalty Question’ on Civil Service Job Applications

New Charlie Kirk statue vandalized at Turning Point USA headquarters

How Jimmy Kimmel and Disney Learned to Fight Trump

Kansas inmates raise over $4,000 to pay off school lunch debt: 'They made a difference for kids they don’t even know'

Celine Dion returns to the stage after battling rare illness

Republicans’ 9/11 Smear About AOC and Mamdani Instantly Collapses

First Nation declares itself safe haven for gender-affirming care amid Alberta’s ban for trans youth

Ted Cruz booed during 'College GameDay' appearance at Texas

LGBTQ+ middle schoolers took a conservative Virginia school board to court to protect their rights — and won

Immigrant rights, advocacy groups sue Trump administration for ‘warrantless arrest’

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