On Thursday, the Golden Spike Foundation (GSF) unveiled the innovative landscape designs and details for key elements of the Golden Spike State Monument in Brigham City to donors and dignitaries. Large renderings illustrated each feature and were paired with flags placed throughout the park to mark their location within the 8-acre property.

“With the generous support from our donors and amazing help of our friends, we are previewing a park worthy of the transcontinental railroad story itself,” said Robyn Kremer, president of the Golden Spike Foundation. “The 150-year-plus story of hard work, innovation, and transformation of our nation will capture the attention of the next generation and live in this space for the next 150 years. We can’t wait to open the park to the visitors next summer.”

The park, Golden Spike State Monument, will be the newest addition to the Utah State Parks system. The Golden Spike State Monument is within 40 miles of Golden Spike National Historical Park and is intended to be a jumping-off point for visitors and residents to learn more about the multifaceted story of the railroad workers who made it and the railroad’s transformational impact on our country.

Golden Spike Foundation, with generous support from public and private donors, has undertaken the construction of the Golden Spike State Monument. The parcel for the state monument was purchased by Brigham City. In 2024, the Utah State Legislature allocated $2 million for site construction. LOCI, a Utah-based landscape design firm, designed the park, and Cirque Studio is responsible for the design of the welcome center. Golden Spike State Monument is expected to open in the late summer of 2026.

— Golden Spike Foundation

Gov. Cox declares June 29 a statewide Day of Prayer and Fasting for Rain

Gov. Cox declared Sunday, June 29, 2025 a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Rain as drought conditions intensify across Utah and wildfire risks escalate.

Extreme drought conditions have expanded by 82.9 percent since early June. So far this year, 380 wildfires — 275 human-caused — have burned more than 43,000 acres statewide, stressing farms, ranches, rangelands and wildlife habitat.

“Utah is facing a tough season, and we need both divine help and practical action,” said Gov. Cox. “I invite every Utahn, whatever your faith or belief system, to join me this Sunday in a unified fast and prayer for rain. And while we look heavenward, let’s do our part here at home — fix leaks, water lawns less and use every drop wisely. Small actions, taken together, can make a big difference for our state.”

State agencies are coordinating with local governments, farmers and water districts to monitor drought indicators and provide resources. For water-saving tips, visit drought.utah.gov.

— State of Utah Office of the Governor

Red Cross and Salt Lake City Fire join forces to promote Fourth of July fireworks safety

The Red Cross of Utah partnered with Salt Lake City Fire on Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m., to demonstrate the dangers that can accompany fireworks and provide fire safety advice to help prevent holiday disasters this Fourth of July. The event featured live fireworks and a mannequin to vividly demonstrate the potential injuries caused by mishandling fireworks, emphasizing the importance of proper safety precautions.

“Every year, despite repeated warnings, fireworks cause serious injuries and devastating fires in our community and across the country,” said Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb. “Our goal is to educate the public about the risks, especially the severe accidents that can result from using illegal fireworks, and to encourage safer alternatives.”

Fireworks are responsible for nearly 20,000 fires annually nationwide, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In July alone, more than 10,000 people suffer fireworks-related injuries severe enough to require emergency room treatment.

Even legal fireworks can pose significant risks. “For children under 5 years old, sparklers account for more than half of all reported injuries nationwide,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Sparklers can burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt some metals.”

— American Red Cross

Temps heat up as Utah gas prices remain cool

U.S. airstrikes over the weekend caused petroleum futures to spike Sunday evening, with oil creeping up to $78/bbl. That quickly dissipated by Monday, and as of this morning, oil prices are back to what they were pre-conflict, and the national average for a gallon of gas only rose two cents to $3.22.

Meanwhile, Utah gas prices rose six cents to an average of $3.37. That’s down 13 cents since last year when Utahans were paying $3.50 per gallon.

With Independence Day around the corner, and 61.6 million holiday travelers preparing to hit the road next week, gas prices may increase slightly.

“The vast majority of people traveling for Independence Day will be hitting the road,” said John Treanor, spokesperson, AAA Mountain West Group. “Gas prices across the country remain cheaper than last year, and that’s good news for drivers despite the tumultuous week for the oil market.”

— AAA Mountain West Group