The Smile: 9/21

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! California has enacted a package of new election safeguards against Trump ahead of November’s midterms, including a law making it a felony to seize ballots, election records, or certified voting technology before election results are certified.

👏 Add your name to celebrate California for enacting these protections for voters and for preventing Trump from interfering!

There’s even more good today: A federal judge struck down an Education Department directive used to terminate teacher-training grants over DEI-related content, Los Angeles County temporarily halted new data centers in unincorporated areas while officials develop regulations, and park rangers rescued a baby elephant trapped in a man-made watering hole.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

California enacts new election safeguards against potential Trump interference in midterms

‘He is kryptonite’: Republicans start breaking with Trump

Don’t forget to laugh: Hasan Minhaj won’t forget joy in difficult stories

Texas Republicans Face ‘Generational Wipeout’ Amid Disastrous Polls

Six Texas Polls Show Talarico Ahead of Paxton

James Talarico Leads Ken Paxton With Every Pollster for First Time

LA County issues temporary ban on data centers in unincorporated areas

USPS Hands Trump Another Huge Loss in His Quest to End Mail-in Voting

Park rangers leap to the rescue to save baby elephant trapped in man-made watering hole

Judge strikes down anti-DEI grant policy at Education Department

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Trudy M., who shared this cute photo of their cat, Jack! 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. 🌟