The Smile: 1/19

Spanberger blocks ICE overreach, courts protect SNAP + civil rights, and Democrats fight gerrymandering!

January 19, 2026

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! Virginia’s new Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger is wasting no time standing up for immigrant communities — repealing a dangerous ICE cooperation order on her very first day in office and making clear that Virginia’s law enforcement should focus on keeping everyone safe.

And there’s even more hopeful news to start the week: federal judges are stepping in to rein in ICE tactics after the Minneapolis shooting, Minnesota just won a major court victory protecting SNAP benefits, and Virginia is moving forward with a plan to fight back against GOP gerrymandering.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Deborah R., who shared cute photo of her cat, Sheba! 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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