The Smile: 9/28

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! Formerly incarcerated women and other advocates have won a major court ruling requiring Texas to install air conditioning throughout its state prison system by the end of 2029!

👏 Applaud the court for changing dangerous conditions in jails and for challenging harmful practices in the criminal justice system!

There’s even more good today: The Supreme Court declined for a third time to let Missouri use a new congressional map while litigation continues, a federal judge ordered funding restored to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and Dolly Parton fans marked the first “9 to 5 Day” by supporting literacy and her Imagination Library.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

The ‘lionesses’ who sued to get air conditioning in every Texas prison — and won

Dolly Parton fans celebrate the first '9 to 5' day by honoring her love of literacy

Talarico leads Paxton by 5 points in Texas Senate race poll

Trump Approval Lowest for Any President Pre-Midterms Since 1990: WSJ Poll

Southern Democrats see hope for first time in years, seek to build on discontent of midterm voters

For the third time, Supreme Court declines to allow Missouri to use congressional map expected to aid Republicans

Susan Collins’s Flimsy Corruption Defense Collapses

These seniors play video games for connection, competition

Antiwar Veterans Group Spends Millions to Elect Democrats, Shaping Midterms

Judge orders feds to restore consumer watchdog funding

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Nicola G., who shared this lovely photo from Westport, CT! 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. 🌟