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Ben McAdams wins Utah's new 1st Congressional District

His political comeback follows Utah's yearslong redistricting battle.

News

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ben McAdams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/ben-mcadams-wins-utah-democratic-primary-2026" data-vars-content-id="e449e61e-14cf-4f1d-871d-aa78863b2d78" data-vars-headline="Ben McAdams wins Utah&#x27;s new 1st Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/24/ben-mcadams-wins-utah-democratic-primary-2026" target="_self">Ben McAdams</a> handily won <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Utah&#x27;s 1st Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/04/democrats-primary-utah-1st-congressional-district-race" data-vars-content-id="e449e61e-14cf-4f1d-871d-aa78863b2d78" data-vars-headline="Ben McAdams wins Utah&#x27;s new 1st Congressional District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/06/04/democrats-primary-utah-1st-congressional-district-race" target="_self">Utah&#x27;s 1st Congressional District</a> race Tuesday, securing his return to Washington, per the AP.Why it matters: McAdams will be the first Democrat to represent Utah in Congress since 2021, breaking the GOP&#x27;s hold on the state&#x27;s congressional delegation.

Curtis blames GOP losses on policies he voted for

He decried the Iran war, Trump's tariffs and debt spending — policies his voting record has supported..

Politics

Utah Republican Sen. John Curtis blamed his party&#x27;s support for the Iran war, debt spending and tariffs for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive GOP losses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" data-vars-content-id="edaebb19-67c1-4b11-9ebc-96d5bdc56197" data-vars-headline="Curtis blames GOP losses on policies he voted for" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/midterm-takeaways-blue-wave-trump-democrats" target="_self">massive GOP losses</a> in Tuesday&#x27;s midterms.Why it matters: Some of those policies were carried out with the support of Curtis&#x27; own votes.

How to vote in Utah's 2026 midterm elections

What to know about races and ballot measures we're watching and how to cast your vote.

Election

Election Day is here. Here&#x27;s what to know about the races and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot measures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/10/29/utah-constitutional-amendments-difficult-read-a-b" data-vars-content-id="0026e391-a180-4a88-96a3-e56523feee90" data-vars-headline="How to vote in Utah&#x27;s 2026 midterm elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/10/29/utah-constitutional-amendments-difficult-read-a-b" target="_self">ballot measures</a> we&#x27;re watching and how to cast your vote.The big picture: All four of Utah&#x27;s U.S. House seats are on the ballot after congressional boundaries were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redrawn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/26/judge-utah-gerrymander-redistricting-congressional-maps" data-vars-content-id="0026e391-a180-4a88-96a3-e56523feee90" data-vars-headline="How to vote in Utah&#x27;s 2026 midterm elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/26/judge-utah-gerrymander-redistricting-congressional-maps" target="_self">redrawn</a> last year.

"Love Island USA" is looking to cast Salt Lake City singles

Salt Lake City is having a reality TV moment — and Peacock wants in on the drama.

The reality series <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Love Island USA&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/love-island-usa-roku-data-chart" data-vars-content-id="1daa9a5f-5b44-4bd4-a0b1-a63a4e228e7d" data-vars-headline="&quot;Love Island USA&quot; is looking to cast Salt Lake City singles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/09/love-island-usa-roku-data-chart" target="_self">&quot;Love Island USA&quot;</a> is on the hunt for Salt Lake City singles to compete in Season 9.The big picture: Salt Lake City is having a reality TV moment with multiple <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="franchises" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/09/05/hulu-reality-series-secret-lives-mormon-wives-taylor-frankie-paul" data-vars-content-id="1daa9a5f-5b44-4bd4-a0b1-a63a4e228e7d" data-vars-headline="&quot;Love Island USA&quot; is looking to cast Salt Lake City singles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/09/05/hulu-reality-series-secret-lives-mormon-wives-taylor-frankie-paul" target="_self">franchises</a> — and Peacock wants in on the drama.

Report: A Utah mink farm is rife with bird flu

Flu experts told ProPublica that mink are especially prone to mutations that could spread among people.

Infectious disease experts say Utah agriculture and health officials haven&#x27;t responded adequately to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bird flu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/27/bird-flu-preparedness-fears" data-vars-content-id="4dbd4c00-6633-45b9-89fc-b3bd0e0d73ba" data-vars-headline="Report: A Utah mink farm is rife with bird flu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/27/bird-flu-preparedness-fears" target="_self">bird flu</a> outbreak on a mink farm near Payson, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ProPublica investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.propublica.org/article/bird-flu-mink-farm-utah-human-risk" data-vars-content-id="4dbd4c00-6633-45b9-89fc-b3bd0e0d73ba" data-vars-headline="Report: A Utah mink farm is rife with bird flu" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.propublica.org/article/bird-flu-mink-farm-utah-human-risk" target="_blank">ProPublica investigation</a>. Why it matters: Flu experts say the ongoing outbreak poses unique risks of a virus mutation that can spread between humans.

Flu hits Salt Lake early this year

Salt Lake County health officials are warning residents not to put off their flu shots as the winter illness season gets off to an unusually early start this year.Why it matters: It takes patients &quot;up to two weeks to build the immunity triggered by the vaccine,&quot; county health department director Dorothy Adams said in a statement.

Mormon church voices support for abortion ban

The move is a departure from its historic neutrality on public policy regulating the procedure.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints took an unprecedented leap into abortion politics when leaders issued a letter to be read from the pulpit Sunday, supporting one of the strictest bans in the nation.Why it matters: While the Utah-based church has long opposed abortion, the move is a departure from its historic neutrality on related public policy.

Utah's vaccine exemptions spiked amid measles outbreak

Immunization counts also fell below herd immunity for whooping cough — and, in some aras, polio.

Utah&#x27;s kindergartners had the nation&#x27;s second highest rate of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine exemptions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/04/utah-vaccine-exemption-rate-second-highest" data-vars-content-id="0aae2516-3a07-4011-ab93-c34eb0f48f30" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s vaccine exemptions spiked amid measles outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/08/04/utah-vaccine-exemption-rate-second-highest" target="_self">vaccine exemptions</a> last year.Why it matters: Utah&#x27;s waiver rate grew faster than in any other state — despite an active measles outbreak as kids returned to school in fall 2025, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" data-vars-content-id="0aae2516-3a07-4011-ab93-c34eb0f48f30" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s vaccine exemptions spiked amid measles outbreak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" target="_self">CDC data</a> released this week.

Where to donate blood in Utah during the national shortage

Some states have just a couple days' worth of donated blood.

A national <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blood crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46873329.74512/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMjgvdXMtYmxvb2Qtc3VwcGx5LWhlYWx0aC1yZWQtY3Jvc3MtZG9uYXRlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfZGMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/647f4069741ec9aad903c383Be6fa3c12" data-vars-content-id="7f3caccf-8212-4ab2-b3e0-c2078ecb2dd1" data-vars-headline="Where to donate blood in Utah during the national shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46873329.74512/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjYvMDcvMjgvdXMtYmxvb2Qtc3VwcGx5LWhlYWx0aC1yZWQtY3Jvc3MtZG9uYXRlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1uZXdzbGV0dGVyX2F4aW9zbG9jYWxfZGMmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/647f4069741ec9aad903c383Be6fa3c12" target="_self">blood crisis</a> is making headlines, and Utahns can help make a difference.Why it matters: Blood donations fell to a four-year low this summer, creating a national shortage for only the second time in history, the Red Cross <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/46873329.74512/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkY3Jvc3Mub3JnL2Fib3V0LXVzL25ld3MtYW5kLWV2ZW50cy9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlLzIwMjYvcmVkLWNyb3NzLWRlY2xhcmVzLW5hdGlvbmFsLWJsb29kLXN1cHBseS1jcmlzaXMtdXJnZXMtaW1tZWRpYXRlLS5odG1sP3Nyc2x0aWQ9QWZtQk9vb20xeVNhNVF4X0JmcXc0RnJPNi1xSk82d2F3cmgweTM0OE9ENkM2MWdDeV9JMFNEbk8mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9kYyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/647f4069741ec9aad903c383Baf385fe7" data-vars-content-id="7f3caccf-8212-4ab2-b3e0-c2078ecb2dd1" data-vars-headline="Where to donate blood in Utah during the national shortage" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/46873329.74512/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkY3Jvc3Mub3JnL2Fib3V0LXVzL25ld3MtYW5kLWV2ZW50cy9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlLzIwMjYvcmVkLWNyb3NzLWRlY2xhcmVzLW5hdGlvbmFsLWJsb29kLXN1cHBseS1jcmlzaXMtdXJnZXMtaW1tZWRpYXRlLS5odG1sP3Nyc2x0aWQ9QWZtQk9vb20xeVNhNVF4X0JmcXc0RnJPNi1xSk82d2F3cmgweTM0OE9ENkM2MWdDeV9JMFNEbk8mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXJfYXhpb3Nsb2NhbF9kYyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/647f4069741ec9aad903c383Baf385fe7" target="_self">said</a>.

Utah's West Nile mosquito activity is ramping up

Nearly 300 mosquito samples in Utah have tested positive for the virus in 2026.

Salt Lake County is urging residents to take precautions against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mosquitoes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/26/warm-weather-early-mosquito-season-salt-lake-city" data-vars-content-id="77230b2b-378a-4408-adfc-ddb8b3a40fe2" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s West Nile mosquito activity is ramping up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/26/warm-weather-early-mosquito-season-salt-lake-city" target="_self">mosquitoes</a> after reporting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first human case of West Nile virus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/health/news/first-human-west-nile-virus-case-of-the-year/" data-vars-content-id="77230b2b-378a-4408-adfc-ddb8b3a40fe2" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s West Nile mosquito activity is ramping up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/health/news/first-human-west-nile-virus-case-of-the-year/" target="_blank">first human case of West Nile virus</a> in 2026 last week.The big picture: Utah&#x27;s unusually warm winter forced an early start to mosquito season by about a month.

Utah's suicide risks spike with hot, smoggy days, study finds

When heat waves combine with bad air, suicide risk went up nearly 50%.

Recurring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="triple-digit temps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/29/salt-lake-city-heatwave-weather-temperature-weekend" data-vars-content-id="c860effd-deff-4bc9-95ae-c20e3f71e2d5" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s suicide risks spike with hot, smoggy days, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/07/29/salt-lake-city-heatwave-weather-temperature-weekend" target="_self">triple-digit temps</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worsening air quality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aqi.in/us/dashboard/united-states/utah/salt-lake-city/historical-analysis" data-vars-content-id="c860effd-deff-4bc9-95ae-c20e3f71e2d5" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s suicide risks spike with hot, smoggy days, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aqi.in/us/dashboard/united-states/utah/salt-lake-city/historical-analysis" target="_blank">worsening air quality</a> could be jeopardizing Utahns&#x27; mental health, per a recent study.The big picture: The findings could help health experts adjust suicide-prevention efforts in ways that will likely become increasingly important as climate change makes <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="temperatures rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/05/28/salt-lake-city-summers-hotter-climate-central-temperature" data-vars-content-id="c860effd-deff-4bc9-95ae-c20e3f71e2d5" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s suicide risks spike with hot, smoggy days, study finds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2025/05/28/salt-lake-city-summers-hotter-climate-central-temperature" target="_self">temperatures rise</a>.

Utah's already-high melanoma rate spikes again

We have a lot of white people under a bright sun.

Utah has the nation&#x27;s highest rate of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="melanoma cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/01/utah-melanoma-rate-skin-cancer-sun-screen" data-vars-content-id="4a54192b-cc65-4b02-ac0f-b337d22e5550" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s already-high melanoma rate spikes again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2024/07/01/utah-melanoma-rate-skin-cancer-sun-screen" target="_self">melanoma cases</a>, per the CDC — and rates are rising way faster than in the rest of the country.Why it matters: Melanoma, while rare, accounts for the overwhelming majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Utah's measles complications ranged from pneumonia and dehydration to sepsis and shock

New reports show the consequences for those who got the sickest.

Utah&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles outbreak" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/12/utah-measles-outbreaks-churches-movies-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="13bfcb5d-be1f-4ee9-a7b3-79b95fdb7151" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s measles complications ranged from pneumonia and dehydration to sepsis and shock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/12/utah-measles-outbreaks-churches-movies-restaurants" target="_self">measles outbreak</a> has led to pneumonia and other respiratory problems, liver inflammation and blood irregularities — often in children, according to new data from Utah health officials.Why it matters: The report sheds light on the consequences of what critics have described as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half-hearted statewide response" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/17/utah-measles-response-criticism" data-vars-content-id="13bfcb5d-be1f-4ee9-a7b3-79b95fdb7151" data-vars-headline="Utah&#x27;s measles complications ranged from pneumonia and dehydration to sepsis and shock" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/03/17/utah-measles-response-criticism" target="_self">half-hearted statewide response</a>.

Here's what to do if you see a bat around your home

Utah summers mean BBQs, pool parties — and baby bats taking flight.

Utah summers mean BBQs, pool parties — and baby bats taking flight.Driving the news: State wildlife officials are warning Utahns about encountering baby bats, called pups, as they learn to fly and leave their roosts during the summer months.

A five-line chart titled "Positive flu tests rising earlier this fall" shows the percentage of positive of respiratory tests for the influenza virus from the fall of 2022 to 2026. The line for 2026 rises the most by the 38th week of the year to 3.4%.

Positive flu tests rising earlier this fall

A line chart that shows kindergartner vaccine exemption rates and the U.S. average from 2011-12 to 2025-26. The local rate rose from 0.6% to 3%, with faster gains after 2020. It remained below the national average each year, which increased from 1.6% to 4.2%.

Health 🩺

Report: A Utah mink farm is rife with bird flu

Flu hits Salt Lake early this year

Mormon church voices support for abortion ban

Utah's vaccine exemptions spiked amid measles outbreak

Where to donate blood in Utah during the national shortage