The Smile: 12/17

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! Senate Democrats are drawing a clear line for accountability, announcing they’ll block civilian nominations until Attorney General Pam Bondi provides the legally required briefing on the release of the Epstein files.

✍️ Applaud these senators for standing firm for the rule of law and refusing to let accountability slide!

And there’s more encouraging news to brighten your day: Democratic senators are investigating whether Big Tech data centers are driving up electricity bills, a judge has ordered the release of a wrongly detained Iranian bodybuilder, and former Trump voters are swinging back toward Democrats over rising costs.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Democrats to block Senate nominations over Bondi’s ‘failure’ on Epstein files

Muslim rights group sues Florida Gov. DeSantis over ‘foreign terrorist’ label

Missouri’s stack of redistricting lawsuits expected to grow over whether new map is in effect

Army soldier home for the holidays in emotional Fairfax family reunion

Zohran Mamdani’s Popularity Is Surging in New York

Judge orders release of Iranian bodybuilder after nearly 5-month detention

Ex-Trump voters swung hard to Democrats over costs in NJ & VA, new research shows

Watch: Tiny puppy saved by adoptive doggie mom finds forever home

Judge refuses to grant Sarah Palin a new trial in her libel suit against New York Times

Democratic senators investigate data centers’ effects on electricity prices

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Patrice S., who shared this cute photo of her dogs, Gucci and Stella! 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. 🌟