The Smile: 1/21

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! A federal judge just shut down a disturbing power grab — barring Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan from “masquerading” as the top federal prosecutor in Virginia unless she’s lawfully appointed.

✍️ Applaud the court for defending the rule of law and stopping an unlawful attempt to politicize justice!

And there’s more good news worth celebrating today: courts are continuing to push back on executive overreach, federal judges are limiting aggressive ICE crowd-control tactics in Minneapolis, and Democratic leaders are demanding accountability and constitutional guardrails.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Judge bans Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan from 'masquerading' as top federal prosecutor

Gov. Mikie Sherrill signs executive orders aimed at making New Jersey more affordable

Local father-daughter duo set aside Canes-Hoosiers rivalry to join forces in the fight against cancer

US lawmakers seek to block Trump’s threatened tariffs on European allies

Here ‘Throw Like a Girl’ Means Power – Not an Insult

New Orleans brings back the house call, sending nurses to visit newborns and moms

Firefighters save dog from frozen pond in Clermont County

California judge’s dismantling of DOJ’s voter roll lawsuit could resonate nationwide

Judge limits ICE’s crowd control tactics following Minneapolis shooting

Democratic senator calls for Trump’s removal from office under 25th Amendment

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Marilyn P., who shared this beautiful photo from Kenosha, Wisconsin! 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. 🌟