The Smile: 2/4

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! Maryland Democrats are taking a stand for fair representation by advancing a new congressional map designed to counter GOP gerrymanders and protect voters’ voices ahead of the 2026 midterms.

✍️ Applaud this move to defend fair maps and ensure every community’s voice counts.

There’s plenty of good news today: everyday heroes pulled a dog to safety from a deep well, New York’s governor is pushing back on local cooperation with ICE, and athletes and citizens alike are speaking up about justice and accountability in Minneapolis. 

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Maryland House greenlights new congressional map to counter GOP gerrymanders

Democratic victory in deep-red Texas district casts a pall over GOP plans to keep the House

Fire crews rescue dog from a nearly 30-foot-deep well days after it went missing

'They're a rogue agency': N.Y. Gov. Hochul seeks to ban local police from working with ICE

Individual States Join World Health Organization After Trump Drops It

State Department sued over immigrant visa ban affecting 75 countries

Washington state lawmakers join other states in proposing a millionaire's tax

When the snow came down these heroes stepped up

Minnesota Olympians, other athletes speak up about federal agents in Minneapolis

Federal Judge Calls Out the Racism of Trump Admin’s Plan to End TPS for Haitians

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Jon N., who shared this adorable photo of his cat, Precious! 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. 🌟