The Smile: 10/9

Hi friend,

Happy Thursday! In a fiery moment on Capitol Hill, Arizona Democrats Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego confronted Speaker Mike Johnson over his refusal to swear in Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva — a delay that’s blocking her from being the decisive 218th vote to force a release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

✍️ Add your name to thank Senators Kelly and Gallego for standing up to Speaker Johnson, demanding transparency, and defending the right of every elected representative to serve!

And in more good news: Chicago’s mayor is banning ICE from using city property, blue-collar Democratic women are making historic gains, and a Democrat has flipped a Republican seat in a stunning election upset.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Democrats Lob Epstein Accusations at Mike Johnson in Heated Hallway Clash

Kelly, Gallego confront Speaker Johnson outside his office

Republican Ousted By Democrat in Shock Election Defeat

Milwaukee nonprofit helps breast cancer patients find strength in shared journeys

Nobel Insiders Laugh at Trump’s Peace Prize Hopes: ‘Hard to Take Seriously’

Greene defection highlights health care cracks in GOP shutdown unity

2026 could be breakout year for blue-collar Democratic women

Watch: Pritzker to Trump: 'Come and get me'

Monarch butterfly gets a wing transplant. Here's how a Long Island nature center did it.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs order prohibiting use of city property for immigration enforcement

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Misty S., who shared this pretty photo of a double rainbow! 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. 🌟