The Smile: 2/7

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! Voters in Louisiana just delivered an encouraging reminder that strong, people-first leadership can win anywhere. Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez decisively won a state House special election in a district Donald Trump carried, even in tough political terrain.

✍️ Applaud this win for grassroots power and a growing Democratic bench in the South.

There’s more good news to kick off the week: a judge ordered the Trump administration to resume funding the critical Hudson Tunnel Project, courts are continuing to block extreme rollbacks of rights and social services, and states are stepping up to hold polluters accountable for climate costs.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Democrat Chasity Verret Martinez wins Louisiana state House special seat in district Trump won

Judge orders Trump administration to resume funding Hudson Tunnel Project

These US states want polluters to pay for the rising insurance costs of climate disasters

'In the end, we won': YouTuber turns hobby into Helene recovery

Judge strikes down old Arizona abortion restrictions that clash with voter-backed guarantees

'Melania' viewership falls off during Super Bowl weekend

Trump disapproval on economy hits new high: Survey

Judge extends block on Trump admin’s bid to slash social services funds to 5 states

Watch: Thousands of golden retrievers to meet up in one town

Virginia Democrats unveil a redistricting map that would aim to give them 4 more US House seats

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Jane H., who shared this amazing photo from Norway! 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. 🌟