The Smile: 5/8

Hi friend,

Happy Friday! Virginia State Sen. Louise Lucas is refusing to be intimidated after an FBI raid tied to her office came just weeks after she helped lead a major voting rights victory in Virginia.

✊ Stand with her as she continues fighting for democracy and fair representation.

There’s more news today: Democrats are pushing back against political threats, courts are defending due process, communities are supporting families and workers, and Republicans are facing growing political pressure ahead of the midterms.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

‘I am not backing down’: Virginia redistricting champion Louise Lucas blasts Trump FBI raid as intimidation

Exclusive: Hakeem Jeffries responds to Trump’s threat to prosecute him: ‘We’re winning’

A new federal bill aims to protect pregnant women held in prisons and jails

Watch the sweet moment an Army son surprises mom at her college graduation

In a new poll, Americans voice broad bipartisan support for age caps in Congress

Andy Beshear won twice in Trump country. Now he wants to show Democrats how to do it everywhere

A Library Dedicated Solely to the Epstein Files Is Opening in New York

Senate GOP fears $1B for White House ballroom represents political landmine

Republicans fall one vote short on bill to criminalize blowing whistles to warn of ICE

Another federal appeals court rejects ICE’s mandatory detention policy

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Savona C., who shared this cute photo of her dog, Abby, at Crater Lake! 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. 🌟