The Smile: 9/17

The Utah Supreme Court just struck down gerrymandered maps, Democrats push back on the GOP’s funding scheme, and more!

September 17, 2025

Hi friend,

Happy Wednesday! In a major victory for fair representation, the Utah Supreme Court has rejected the state legislature’s bid to keep its gerrymandered congressional map in place. Lawmakers now must deliver a new map by September 25 — giving Utah voters a real chance at fair districts and a stronger democracy.

And in more good news: Senate Democratic leaders are vowing to block the GOP’s harmful funding plan, fired federal workers just scored a significant legal win against Trump’s mass terminations, and youth climate activists are taking their landmark state court victory to the federal level to challenge Trump’s fossil fuel agenda.

Let’s dive into the good news! 💛

Today’s user-submitted photo comes from Kristen G., who shared the cutest photo of her Australian Labradoodle! 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

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