The Smile: 9/15

Half the country sues Trump, judges freezes Trump's mail-in plan, and more!

September 15, 2026

Hi friend,

Happy Tuesday! Twenty-two states and Washington, D.C., are challenging the Trump administration’s new “public charge” restrictions, which would give immigration officials broader discretion to consider an applicant’s use of public benefits when deciding green card and visa applications.

There’s even more good news today: A second federal judge has blocked the administration’s new mail-ballot restrictions ahead of the midterms, Florida voters delivered several victories for LGBTQ+ candidates while rejecting multiple Moms for Liberty-backed candidates, and scientists have developed a new way to track thawing permafrost across the planet in near real time.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Judi R., who shared this cute photo of her cat, Phoebe! 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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