The Smile: 9/24

NYC reaches record settlement with DoorDash, Trump's lawsuit against J. Ann Selzer is dismissed, and more!

September 24, 2026

Hi friend,

Happy Thursday! New York City has reached a record $131.5 million settlement with DoorDash over violations of the city’s delivery-worker pay laws. More than $115 million will go directly to over 260,000 workers who were underpaid, paid late, or not paid at all, while the agreement also establishes a three-year compliance-monitoring system.

There’s even more good news today: An Iowa judge dismissed President Trump’s lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer, scientists are crowdsourcing wildlife photos to better understand food webs and help protect endangered species, and a family reunited with the doula and first responders who helped deliver their baby on the side of a road.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Donna S., who shared this adorable photo of a dry muskrat from Elk River, MN! 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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