The Smile: 3/23

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! A federal judge just delivered a major win for press freedom, siding with The New York Times and blocking a Pentagon policy that restricted reporters’ access based on whether they agreed to new rules.

✍️ Applaud this defense of the First Amendment and a free press.

There’s more momentum today: states are suing to defend bedrock climate protections, Chicago is fighting to restore critical federal funding, and Democrats are holding the line against harmful legislation.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Judge sides with New York Times over policy that limited reporters' access to Pentagon

Elon Musk to Owe Billions After Jury Finds He Misled Twitter Investors Before Takeover

America Strong: the dog that nobody wanted finds a home!

The women leading the farmworker movement won’t let it be defined by Cesar Chavez

Eight US states ask judge to temporarily stop $3.5bn Nexstar and Tegna merger

Democrats block SAVE America Act amendment to bar transgender athletes in women’s sports

'I’m super-Republican, but you got my vote': The Democratic deer hunter setting his sights on flipping Iowa

‘I will not comply’: Tennessee librarian refuses to move LGBTQ+ books

Chicago Transit Authority sues to restore billions in federal funding

Best friends of 50 years go viral after one shares cancer journey

US states sue Trump EPA over decision to repeal bedrock climate finding

Today’s user-submitted photo actually comes from me during my recent trip to Japan! 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. 🌟