Month: September 2025

WASHINGTON — Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, again criticized a recent ruling in Utah requiring the state Legislature to redraw its congressional map, accusing Democrats of utilizing “leftist allies in the Utah courts” to gain political leverage.

In an interview with conservative podcast host Charlie Kirk posted over the weekend, Lee said Utah’s electoral system is “under attack” by state Democrats in an attempt to threaten Republicans’ overwhelming control in the Beehive State. Lee’s comments come as the Legislature must produce a new map before the end of the month that adheres to anti-gerrymandering laws previously passed by the state.

“This is great for Utah’s Democrats who haven’t controlled the Utah Legislature in many, many decades,” Lee said. “(Which is) not because Utah voters are ignorant, but because they don’t like what the Democratic Party is selling, and haven’t for decades.”

Lee disagreed with 3rd District Judge Dianna Gibson’s ruling last month that the Utah Legislature illegally gerrymandered the current congressional boundaries and ignored the will of voters to use an independent commission to draw the state’s map. The independent commission was approved in a citizen-led ballot initiative in 2018, but was later amended by the state Legislature to be used only as an “advisory board.”

The state then drew its own map in 2022 that split Salt Lake City, often considered a blue dot in an otherwise red state, evenly between the four congressional districts — diluting Democratic voters, voting groups alleged. Gibson sided with the groups, ordering new boundaries be drawn before next year’s midterm elections.

Lee rejected that ruling, arguing the judge invalidated the Legislature’s amendments to the ballot initiative “even though nothing in the Utah Constitution compels or even allows that result.”

“The Utah Legislature subsequently amended that law, which it has the power to do under the Utah Constitution,” Lee said. “The Legislature can subsequently amend or even repeal a law that was previously made under our state constitution through a ballot initiative.”

Lee also reiterated previous claims that independent commissions are typically used as political weapons to usurp the will of the state Legislature and whichever party holds majority control.

The Utah senator said that while those who are elected to the independent commission may be “well educated and well intentioned,” they should not be the final say for the state’s political decisions because they are not elected.

Under Gibson’s ruling, the state Legislature has until Oct. 6 to submit a new map that adheres to anti-gerrymandering rules passed under Proposition 4, the ballot initiative that established the independent commission.

Altering the lines could put a larger portion of Salt Lake City into one district, which Democrats argue could put the seat up for grabs — and give them an opportunity to flip a key district as they battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Lee claimed the ruling was being praised by Democrats because of that reason and that it scores the party, currently in the minority in Congress, “cheap points.”

“It’ll also result in maps that are far more generous to Democrats,” Lee said. “And I think that’s the whole point is that they hope to pick up at least one seat, maybe two, for Democrats in Utah as a result of this. So it’s kind of a judicial takeover of the political process.”

The map fight in Utah comes amid a larger national redistricting fight between Texas and California, with other states preparing to enter the fold.

Democrats only need to net three seats in the 2026 midterm elections to wrest control of the House. The party also has historical precedence on its side as trends show that the party of the sitting president typically loses control of the House during midterm elections.

A novel pill that blocks the hormone aldosterone shows promise for lowering blood pressure and potentially delaying the progression of kidney disease in people with both conditions.

The preliminary findings were presented Saturday at an American Heart Association meeting in Baltimore and simultaneously published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

The Phase 2 clinical trial, known as FigHTN, found that the new medication, baxdrostat, yielded a roughly 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure when given to patients with chronic kidney disease who were unable to control their high blood pressure with existing medications.

Systolic blood pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It measures pressure against your artery walls as the heart beats, according to the AHA.

“These findings are encouraging for people living with chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, two conditions that often go hand-in-hand and create a dangerous cycle,” said study leader Dr. Jamie Dwyer, a professor of medicine at University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City.

Unmanaged blood pressure can worsen kidney function, and declining kidney function can, in turn, further elevate blood pressure, creating a challenging loop for patients, he explained.

Reported previously in HealthDay News, the new drug also showed benefit in other patients with treatment-resistant high blood pressure when taken once a day for three months.

In an additional analysis, researchers investigated the drug’s potential impact on kidney function directly.

Participants taking baxdrostat had a 55% reduction in the amount of albumin lost in their urine compared to those on a placebo.

High levels of albumin in urine are considered a predictor of heart and kidney disease.

This discovery gives researchers hope for a longer-term benefit, according to Dwyer.

“The reduction in urine albumin gives us hope that baxdrostat may also help delay kidney damage,” he said. He added that this potential is now being further evaluated in two large-scale Phase 3 trials.

The FigHTN study included 195 participants with an average age of 66 who were already on existing blood pressure medication but still had a high average systolic blood pressure of 151 mm Hg.

The participants also had a level of chronic kidney disease, but were not in kidney failure. For 26 weeks, they were given either a low-dose or high-dose of baxdrostat or a placebo in addition to their standard care.

The most common side effect was elevated potassium levels in the blood, which occurred in 41% of those on the drug compared to just 5% in the placebo group, although most cases were mild to moderate, researchers noted.

Dr. Jordana Cohen is deputy director and associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at UPenn’s Perelman School of Medicine and immediate past chair of the AHA’s Hypertension and Kidney Cardiovascular Science Committee.

After reviewing the findings, she noted their importance for patients with kidney disease.

“It is particularly reassuring to know that patients with chronic kidney disease, who have very high rates of hypertension and elevated renin-angiotensin aldosterone activity, were represented in their own study, tolerated the medication well, and had both blood pressure and albuminuric benefits,” she said in an AHA news release.

“This medication class could be a game changer in the management of hypertension in this patient group,” Cohen said.

The study was funded by AstraZeneca, developer of baxdrostat.

More information

The Mayo Clinic has more about chronic kidney disease.

Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Taylor Sheridan’s 2017 neo-western “Wind River” has landed in Netflix’s Top 10 this month. The film stars Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert, a wildlife service officer, and Elizabeth Olsen as Jane Banner, an FBI agent, trying to solve a murder. While the hit was released theatrically on Aug. 4, 2017, it has earned acclaim for its gripping mystery, powerful performances and unsettling atmosphere. “Wind River” has been praised not only for its impressive script and acting but also for the striking landscapes that are featured.

These landscapes provide an unforgiving backdrop that becomes central to the film’s storytelling, so the production team’s choice of filming locations was no accident. The vast, snow-covered scenery mirrors the isolation and hardships at the heart of the narrative, making geography a silent but powerful element in the storytelling. For fans wondering where to visit to get a feel for this landscape, here’s what we know about the “Wind River” film location.

‘Wind River’ Isn’t Set In Utah, But Utilizes The State’s Natural Beauty

Key Scenes: As The Cinemaholic reports, Utah’s Summit County and the Wasatch Range were both significant parts of filming. Despite the movie’s setting in Wyoming, many of the movie’s scenes entailed snowy conditions and high elevations, which were captured in Utah. Specifically, Hidden Peak at Snowbird stood in for Wyoming’s Gannett Peak.

Best Time to Visit: Filming for “Wind River” took place in March and April 2016, per The Cinemaholic. However, because this time period was near spring, the crew had to seek higher elevations to really capture the snowy ambiance. If travelers want to experience a borderline cinematic winter aesthetic, visiting between December and March is best.

Transportation Options: Travelers have many options while exploring the area. For local and regional public transit, there is High Valley Transit, but within Park City, there is Park City Transit. Otherwise, opt for car rentals or ride-share services.

The majority of “Wind River” was filmed in Utah. More specifically, Summit County, areas around Park City and the Wasatch Back region were utilized. Production used both Park City Studios and Utah Film Studios, but a lot of on-site filming was still done. For example, the Summit County Courthouse in Coalville was a stand-in for the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. This gave many of the investigative scenes an authentic Western feel. But filming relied heavily on the surrounding natural environment to create the film’s snowbound frontier. The Wasatch Range played a crucial role in portraying the rugged landscapes. Dramatic elevations added to the intensity while maintaining the mountainous wilderness’s realism.

Things to Do: Near Summit County, there are many things to do, but for a nature-filled adventure, travelers can check out the most popular attractions. The Utah Olympic Park and Park City Mountain are two places where visitors can take in the sights and enjoy the great outdoors.

Where to Eat: Some great Park City eateries include Billy Blanco’s and Five5eeds, which serve American cuisine. These places are both relatively affordable and are only around a 15-minute drive away from each other.

Where to Stay: There are many different types of accommodation options around Park City, Utah. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Park City – The Yarrow and Sweetwater Lift Lodge Resort both offer great views and cozy stays.

The Real Wind River: Journey To The Iconic Wyoming Reservation

Key Scenes: The film’s namesake, Wind River, is an actual Native American Reservation that spans many counties, per The Cinemaholic. Some scenes depicting the reservation, including road signs, were filmed at the Wyoming reservation.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Wind River Range is during a short window. Between mid-July and mid-August is ideal for hiking and climbing conditions. However, it is important to note that weather conditions there can be unpredictable, so travelers should be prepared for a variety of outcomes.

Transportation Options: The Wind River region of Wyoming is not a big tourist area, so there are few transportation options. Because of that, many visitors get around via shuttle and taxi companies. But to get to and from particular towns or trailheads, it is likely best to rent a car.

Although much of the filming took place in Utah, the story does maintain an authentic link to its setting, Wyoming. The Cinemaholic notes that some establishing shots were filmed in Fremont County. These shots included the “Lander city limits” sign and Wind River Indian Reservation entrance sign, which briefly appear on screen. They helped firmly ground the narrative in its intended location by lending cultural and geographical authenticity.

Lander is known for its Western charm, ranches and access to Indigenous cultural heritage. However, the broader Wind River Country includes the scenic Wind River Canyon and some nearby mountain ranges. This makes it a rewarding destination for those drawn to rugged landscapes and rich cultural experiences.

Things to Do: Since Wind River is a pretty rural place, travelers can gear up for some tranquil and nature-focused activities. For animal lovers, the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary or Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing are great options for a fun time.

Where to Eat: The area has few restaurant options, but the Wind River Brewing Company is a local place to grab an affordable bite.

Where to Stay: To enjoy an affordable and rustic stay, travelers can check out the Wind River Hotel. But there are many ranches and RV parks around for visitors wanting to try something new and exciting.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the movie “Wind River” based on a true story?

No, “Wind River” is a fictional story written and directed by Taylor Sheridan. But despite this fictitious premise, it was created to draw attention to the very real and urgent issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Is there a “Wind River 2”?

As Hollywood North Buzz reports, yes there will be a second movie. This sequel, “Wind River: The Next Chapter,” is in development and filming began in Calgary in March 2023. Despite this, the release status remains unclear. Plus, Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen do not seem to be attached to the project.

The post Adventure Through ‘Wind River’ Film Locations In Utah And Wyoming appeared first on Travel Noire.

Utah may be the next state to redraw its congressional lines amid a growing redistricting battle across the country.

A judge ruled last month that Utah legislators went around safeguards against partisan gerrymandering with their latest lines — which shored up Republican control of Utah’s four House seats — and must redistrict before the midterms.

The ruling may face additional legal challenges, but both sides of the case reportedly agreed this past week on a timeline that could lead to changes as soon as this fall.

Unlike redistricting efforts in Texas and California, where plans were put forward to boost party margins in the House, Utah would be forced to redraw by the court order. But experts say that new maps could offer a rare opening for Democrats to gain a seat in the ruby-red state.

Here’s what to know.

Why is Utah being forced to redraw?

District Judge Dianna Gibson ruled last month that Utah’s Republican-controlled state Legislature went around voter-approved anti-gerrymandering protections with the latest congressional lines and must redraw ahead of next year’s midterms.

Voters in Utah approved an independent redistricting commission via ballot initiative back in 2018, but that setup was effectively repealed and rendered advisory by a state law passed in 2020.

The next year, legislators disregarded a proposal from the commission, drawing maps that have earned an F-grade from the Gerrymandering Project’s “Report Card.”

Gibson’s new ruling came after a Utah Supreme Court decision last year said the state Legislature doesn’t have the power to revise voter-approved reform initiatives, as it did with the measure related to redistricting.

In the new ruling, Gibson said the current maps are unlawful because lawmakers had essentially ignored the voter-passed proposition. Barring any further legal complications, state lawmakers will have to toss the existing lines and come up with new ones before the midterms — and they’ll have roughly a month to produce a new set.

What does it mean for Utah Democrats?

All four of Utah’s congressional districts are held by Republicans, and the state went to President Trump by nearly 22 points last November. The last Democrat to control a House seat in the state was former Rep. Ben McAdams, who was unseated in 2020, just two years after flipping the seat.

The maps cut up Salt Lake County, a blue dot in the otherwise conservative state; the redrawing could make space for a blue — or at least more competitive — district.

“When they redistricted after 2020, all those districts became more Republican,” said Matthew Burbank, a University of Utah political science professor.

“I think what Democrats are hoping here is they get some version of [a] district that’s situated in Salt Lake County, and that would at least make Democrats competitive in that district.”

Experts predict a scramble among Democrats if such a seat were created. Utah Political Watch recently reported that McAdams could be among those eyeing a future bid.

“I think under any redrawn map, you’re going to get an elevated interest from Democrats, even if just out of curiosity to see if the new district gives them a better chance than the party has had in Utah,” said Damon Cann, head of Utah State University’s political science department.

Utah Democrats have called the district court ruling a “mandate for change” in the state and said they’re “ready to hit the ground running next year.”

How are Republicans responding?

Shortly after the ruling came down, Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) claimed Utah’s electoral system is “under attack by Democrats and their leftist allies in the Utah courts.”

President Trump, who has encouraged the GOP-led redistricting in Texas, called the judge’s ruling “absolutely Unconstitutional.”

“How did such a wonderful Republican State like Utah, which I won in every Election, end up with so many Radical Left Judges? … This incredible State sent four great Republicans to Congress, and we want to keep it that way,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) said he disagreed with the ruling during an event in D.C. last week, according to the Utah News Dispatch, but he acknowledged that voters “did run an initiative and they felt like they’re being ignored.”

Republicans, who already tried unsuccessfully to stall the latest ruling, can appeal to the state Supreme Court, but experts said they’re unlikely to succeed so recently after state court’s decision.

“My guess is the state Supreme Court, having just made this ruling, is not likely to revisit it at this point. I think they’re largely likely to say, ‘Yep, looks like what the district court judge did was follow the ruling that we laid out,’” Burbank said.

Are any incumbents affected?

Depending on how lines are drawn, particularly around Salt Lake County, any of Utah’s Republican members of Congress could be put at risk.

Draft maps have yet to emerge, but analysis from the Cook Political Report suggests that Rep. Burgess Owens (R) would be “the most obvious target,” as he represents the largest number of Salt Lake County voters. But fellow Republican Reps. Blake Moore, Celeste Maloy, and Mike Kennedy could also see shifts to their districts.

The independent commission proposed several maps in 2021, all of which kept Salt Lake City intact and would have created a district that went to former Vice President Kamala Harris by double digits in 2024, according to Cook.

“If the Legislature ultimately decides that they need to create what becomes a blue district, and say ‘Alright, we’ll lose one. Let’s make it this one’ – you’ve got four incumbents and you’ve got three safe districts, and you have to start making decisions,” Cann said.

Utah doesn’t require lawmakers to live in the districts they campaign to represent, meaning any incumbent whose district is impacted by new lines could choose to run in another, Cann noted, potentially teeing up incumbent-on-incumbent match-ups.

How will the process play out?

Barring any snags along the way, Utah could see new maps take hold quickly.

Top Republicans in the state Legislature last month called the court ruling “misguided” and the 30-day deadline to produce maps “arbitrary,” but said they would move forward with redrawing the state’s congressional map.

“While we will continue to pursue every legal option available—including requesting a stay from the Utah Supreme Court if necessary—we will attempt to redistrict under these unprecedented constraints, consistent with our oath to represent the best interests of Utah,” state Senate President J. Stuart Adams and state House Speaker Mike Schultz said in an Aug. 28 joint statement.

A timeline submitted to Gibson, as shared by multiple local outlets sets a Sept. 25 deadline for the Legislature to make new maps public. A public comment period, a Legislature vote and a hearing on the maps would likely follow over roughly a month.

Experts say the maps would need to be finalized quickly to take effect before the midterms, as required by the ruling.

“If you’re going to try to do things with districts for the 2026 election – and we’re really, really close to the cut off for being able to manage that, given what county clerks have to be able to do to set things up and be ready for filing periods … this is the moment,” Cann said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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School has started. Childhood vaccination rates are down; exemptions are up. Measles concerns are up. The governor is highlighting vaccination benefits. What’s going on?

In the past, Utah has been among the states with the highest rates in the nation for children entering kindergarten. Vaccination levels consistently exceeded the 95% threshold recommended by infectious disease experts to prevent community spread. However, by the 2023-24 school year, Utah’s immunization rate had declined to 88.8% — among the country’s lowest.

According to Utah’s Department of Health and Human Services, 73.5% of schools with kindergartens have vaccination rates below the recommended 95% threshold. Almost 47% of those schools have vaccination rates below 90%, when the likelihood of an outbreak increases to 51%. As vaccination levels decline, the outbreak potential increases sharply. Fortunately, Utah has had only 13 measles cases reported in 2025, despite outbreaks nationwide. However, as children return to school, just one infected child can ignite a measles outbreak in schools with low vaccination rates.

Why it matters

Childhood infectious diseases were a significant public health problem in the early to mid-1900s, impacting nearly every American household. In the pre-vaccine era (before 1963), 95% of the U.S. population contracted measles, reaching a peak of 763,094 cases and 552 deaths in 1958. Other infectious diseases, such as whooping cough, diphtheria, rubella, and polio, were also widespread. Following the introduction of vaccines, these diseases were virtually eliminated, representing one of the most significant achievements in the history of medicine and public health.

The effect of vaccine interventions

A study by the Centers for Disease Control concluded that for children born in the U.S. from 1994 to 2023, routine childhood vaccinations prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations and 1,129,000 deaths. A highly vaccinated population was among the primary factors contributing to the increase in life expectancy at birth from 47 years in 1900 to 77.5 years in 2022.

Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential for community-wide protection against childhood infectious diseases. The lower the rates, the greater the outbreak risk. Nearly all recent measles cases in this country involved unvaccinated individuals. Measles is highly contagious, and those infected can become very ill with secondary conditions. A measles outbreak in Utah would present a serious challenge to our healthcare system.

It’s also important to recognize that declining community protection significantly increases the risk for individuals who cannot be vaccinated because they are infants, elderly, pregnant or have weakened immune systems from conditions like cancer.

Why have vaccination rates in Utah declined so significantly?

The decline in school-age vaccinations reflects parental concerns about safety and increased parental requests for vaccine exemptions for their children. Currently, Utah has the country’s second-highest exemption request rate. This rise is linked to misleading rhetoric about vaccines. The politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in misinformation about vaccines, which has influenced public perceptions of vaccine safety.

Are the required vaccines for children entering school safe?

Some have argued that the vaccine approval process is flawed, that current vaccines cause autism and other chronic diseases, and that clinical trials were not properly conducted. Such claims are not supported by credible research. Childhood vaccinations undergo extensive clinical trials before being made available to the public. The benefits of immunization greatly exceed the potential risks. The chance of adverse reactions from vaccines is similar to or lower than that of other commonly used medicines. Mandated school vaccinations are among the safest and most effective; they do not cause autism or other long-term conditions. One of the most convincing facts is that vaccines for childhood infectious diseases have been used for generations and have been safely given to millions of children.

Vaccines today provide a level of protection that past generations could only imagine. As a society, we have forgotten this. The decline in vaccination rates among children entering Utah schools is a significant public health concern that necessitates action. The safe and ethical method to achieve both individual and community immunity is through widespread vaccinations, a practice that Utah and the U.S. have endorsed since the early 1950s.

More information and supporting documentation are available in The Community Vaccine Forum’s report “The Impact of Declining Vaccination Rates for Children Entering School in Utah.”

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — Marcel Reed threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score before leaving late in the third quarter with an injury to lead No. 19 Texas A&M to a 44-22 victory over Utah State on Saturday.

Reed threw for 220 yards with TD passes of 34, 12 and eight yards before leaving with about four minutes left in the third quarter after taking an awkward fall and getting hit by a defender. He walked off the field after being checked out and spent time in the medical tent before jogging to the locker room.

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Coach Mike Elko declined to say what Reed injured but indicated he’d play next week when the Aggies visit No. 9 Notre Dame. “I fully anticipate Marcel being fine,” he said.

Texas A&M (2-0) led by 1 late in the first quarter before scoring 23 straight points to take a 30-6 lead into halftime.

Reed had a 1-yard scoring run and a 12-yard TD pass in that span to help Texas A&M pull away.

Texas A&M’s defense dominated in that stretch, led by defensive end Cashius Howell, who sacked Bryson Barnes on three consecutive plays to single-handedly force a punt in the second quarter. It’s the first time a player has had sacks on three straight plays since Jack Cichy did it for Wisconsin against Southern California in the 2015 Holiday Bowl, according to research by the Texas A&M communications staff.

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“I thought we handled that game the way we needed to handle it through three quarters,” Elko said. “I thought through three quarters we played the way we wanted to play. It was good to see us play a little bit more consistently on defense for the most part in that game.”

Barnes had 169 yards passing with two touchdowns for Utah State (1-1) but was sacked six times and hit six more.

“I claim responsibility first,” coach Bronco Mendenhall said. “They beat us in all three phases. Great environment, but we didn’t play as clean or as sharp in any of the phases today.”

Backup Miles O’Neill threw for 99 yards, highlighted by a 72-yard touchdown pass after Reed went out.

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Elko was happy with the throws his quarterbacks made downfield.

“Our ability to push the vertical passing game was something we had to do to become more dynamic,” he said. “It was good to see Marcel hit the one to Terry (Bussey) and KC (Concepcion), and also Miles O’Neill launch one.”

Immediate impact

KC Concepcion had another big game for Texas A&M on Saturday after scoring a touchdown on a punt return and grabbing a TD catch in his debut last week after transferring from North Carolina State. He had six receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns.

His second TD came on an 8-yard catch and extended the lead to 37-14 with about six minutes left in the third quarter.

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“My connection with Marcel is growing stronger every day. … I can’t wait to see where it goes,” Concepcion said.

Mario Craver, another transfer in his first year at A&M, had 114 yards receiving and a touchdown after grabbing two touchdown receptions last week.

The takeaway

Utah State: Barnes was under near-constant pressure Saturday and his line will have to protect him much better for the team to get back on track next week.

Texas A&M: The run defense was much better than in the opener, when A&M allowed UTSA to rush for 203 yards. On Saturday, the team allowed just 78 yards rushing.

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“After last week, we gave up more rushing yards than we should have,” Howell said. “The emphasis this week was to stop the run and reestablish the line of scrimmage. I feel like we took the next step.”

Up next

Utah State hosts Air Force next Saturday night.

Texas A&M visits the Fighting Irish next Saturday night.

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