The Smile: 5/12

Hi friend,

Happy Tuesday! Senate Democrats are pushing back against Republicans’ plan to spend $1 billion in taxpayer money on security for Donald Trump’s White House ballroom project — demanding that public funds go toward helping working families, not political vanity projects.

✊ Stand with them as they fight for accountability and common-sense priorities.

There’s more encouraging news today: courts are protecting voting rights and due process, advocates are defending free speech and public landmarks, and communities across the country are showing resilience, compassion, and hope.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Senate Democrats to fight Republicans’ $1bn funding plan for Trump’s ballroom

In win for voters, Montana court blocks Republican-backed attack on Election Day registration

Paralyzed 23-year-old walks at graduation, shares message of hope

Jack Schlossberg wants free PrEP for all — and for his cousin to stop undermining HIV care (exclusive)

Supreme Court extends pause on abortion pill restrictions through Thursday

Third federal appeals court rejects ICE’s mandatory detention push

ABC argues Trump administration is trying to chill free speech

Democrats express ‘grave concerns’ over secretive ICE deportation flights

Nurses Surprise Cancer Patient with Vow Renewal Ceremony on His Anniversary: 'They Became Our Family'

Advocacy group sues Trump administration over effort to paint reflecting pool ‘American Flag Blue’

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Paula M., who shared this great photo below! 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. 🌟