The Smile: 9/2

States fight Trump's Title X restrictions, California moves against shock gloves, and more!

September 02, 2026

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! A coalition of 23 states is taking the Trump administration to court over new restrictions on Title X, fighting to protect federal funding that helps low-income patients access family planning and reproductive healthcare. The states argue that the administration is improperly tying critical healthcare dollars to its ideological priorities and warn that clinics could be forced to cut services or close.

There’s even more encouraging news today: Chuck Schumer is introducing legislation to undo Trump’s tariffs on Canada, a New York community successfully rallied to protect its local hospital’s birthing center, and California lawmakers have sent Gov. Gavin Newsom a bill that would temporarily ban controversial electric shock gloves used by law enforcement.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Annie T., who shared this adorable photo of her cat, Molly Sue! 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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