Hi friend,

Happy New Year! It’s officially 2025—a fresh start and a chance to refocus on the progress we want to make together. After a tumultuous 2024, the challenges ahead may feel daunting, but they’re also a reminder of why our work and hope matter so much.

Today’s newsletter is here to kick off the year with uplifting stories that inspire resilience and remind us that even in tough times, progress is always possible.

Let’s dive into some good news to start 2025 on a positive note! 💛

Seniors won’t pay more than $2,000 for drugs at the pharmacy starting in January

New York employers must now offer paid medical leave during pregnancy

9 countries said goodbye to a devastating disease in 2024

North Carolina Gov. Cooper commutes sentences of 15 death row inmates

Baltimore woman still lives in home Jimmy Carter helped build in 1992, says he changed her life

Tiger-cats, sea squirts and beetles, oh my! Meet some species identified in 2024

New California regulation requires insurance companies to offer coverage in high-risk areas

Republicans Admit MAGA Civil War Is a Total ‘S**tshow’—and It’s Only Gonna Get Worse

It's Poppy vs. Hammie Mae in Virginia zoo's poll to name a baby pygmy hippo

21 states are getting minimum wage bumps in 2025

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. 🌟