The Smile: 3/20

Workers in Colorado are on strike, a professor is debunking dangerous anti-immigrant myths, hummingbirds are returning, and more!

March 20, 2026

Hi friend,

Happy Friday! Workers at one of the nation’s largest meatpacking plants have gone on strike to demand safer working conditions and better wages. The 3,800 workers, who are members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7, walked off their shift to start a picket line at the plant in Colorado, and they’re already making national news.

There’s more momentum today: a professor at UC Irvine won a prestigious international award for debunking myths about immigrants and crime, hummingbirds are about to return to yards and gardens, an immigration reporter detained by ICE has finally been released, fired FBI workers have filed a lawsuit, and Democrats have renewed hope for Wisconsin.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Jacqueline B, who shared this photo of an iguana in Costa Rica chowing down. 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. 🌟

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