The Smile: 8/4

Texas Democrats stand up for fair maps, Trump’s immigration sweeps blocked, and joy from a subway kitten!

August 04, 2025

Hi friend,

Happy Monday! Over 50 Texas Democrats have left the state to block a Trump-backed redistricting vote that threatens to silence millions of Black and Latino voters. By doing so, they’ve temporarily halted GOP efforts to rig the map to give Republicans up to five extra congressional seats — all at the urging of Donald Trump.

And in more good news: a stray kitten won hearts (and found a forever home) on the NYC subway, a groom surprised his in-laws with ASL vows, and federal courts continue to rein in Trump’s most extreme deportation policies.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Renee S., who shared this pretty photo of a magnolia tree from Cary, NC! 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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