The Smile: 8/21

Hi friend,

Happy Friday! Senate Democrats are demanding answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over reported efforts to place an active-duty military officer in the leadership of Stars and Stripes, raising serious concerns about the editorial independence of a newspaper that generations of service members have relied on for trustworthy reporting.

🎉 Applaud Democrats for defending a free military press and demanding accountability from Hegseth!

There’s even more encouraging news today: Democrats hold an eight-point lead in a new congressional poll, scandal-plagued Republican Rep. Cory Mills has lost his Florida primary, and the Tennessee Aquarium welcomes a baby penguin boom.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Democrats Launch Probe Into Hegseth Meddling With Military Newspaper

Poll: Democrats lead in Congress by 8 points and edge Rubio, Vance for 2028

Embattled Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills loses his fight to keep his House seat

Tennessee Aquarium welcomes penguin baby boom

Donald Trump Suffers Worst Night for Endorsements of 2026 Cycle

Here’s what Democrats will investigate if they win in November

‘Go Woke, Go Broke’ is a Myth, New Study Finds Companies that Kept Diversity Initiatives Maintain High Revenue

Possibly ‘Best Political Ad Yet This Season’ Shows Texas Republican Ken Paxton’s 2012 Pen Theft

More than two dozen Rhode Islanders sworn in as citizens

Federal Judge Blocks Trump and RFK Effort to Get More Teens Pregnant

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Alissa K., who shared this beautiful photo of her dog, Obi! 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. 🌟