The Smile: 01/02/2025

 

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