The Smile: 2/25

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! Democrats are preparing a powerful show of principle ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union — organizing counter-events, bringing guests whose stories demand accountability, and making it clear they won’t stay silent in the face of corruption or attacks on democracy.

✍️ Applaud these Democrats for standing up, demanding transparency, and refusing to normalize what shouldn’t be normalized.

There’s more momentum today: Senate Democrats are blocking a DHS funding bill amid a standoff over immigration enforcement, lawmakers are probing whether Epstein files were unlawfully withheld, and judges and juries continue serving as crucial guardrails for our democracy.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Democrats hold counter-events during Trump’s State of the Union address: ‘These are not normal times’

Senate Democrats block DHS funding bill as impasse deepens

Dems demand probe of Trump’s SAVE America Act website

Pactolus Global School principal greets students daily with music and grooves

As Trump Imposes New Tariffs, State Lawmakers Demand Direct Refunds for Americans

The Judges and Juries Saving the Republic From Trump

She’s raised almost $20m to help Minnesota – she thinks you can do it too

Dog abandoned at Las Vegas Airport finds forever home

Trump Team Quietly Drops Case Against Dems in “Illegal Orders” Video

Democrats to probe DOJ’s alleged withholding of Epstein files on Trump

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Tim T., who shared this beautiful photo from Sarasota Bay! 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. 🌟