🚫 Statewide fireworks ban

Multiple wildfires continue to burn across the state, and officials are warning that hot, dry conditions could fuel even more. Here’s what you should know.

• Statewide fireworks ban: At a press conference yesterday, Gov. Spencer Cox issued an executive order allowing fireworks to be restricted statewide through July 5, though local governments can still designate safe areas for fireworks with guidance from fire officials. More than 75% of state wildfires this year were caused by people. [State of Utah]

Wildfire updates:

• The Cottonwood Fire near Beaver remains 0% contained as of Thursday afternoon and has grown to more than 70,000 acres. That’s roughly the size of Salt Lake City. Dixie and Fishlake National Forests enacted Stage 2 Fire Restrictions today which ban campfires and other activities that could spark a wildfire. [Salt Lake Tribune, ABC4]
• Meanwhile, the Iron Fire in Juab County has burned more than 37,000 acres and is 23% contained. Eureka residents were allowed to return home after evacuation, though officials say they should remain ready to evacuate again if conditions change. [FOX 13]
• Closer to home, the Bonneville Fire above the University of Utah is 95% contained and burning 566 acres. Investigators have confirmed the fire was human-caused. [ABC4]

Will the Utah 'Bachelorette' Finally Air?

Entertainment site TMZ claimed this week the season of "The Bachelorette" starring Momtok leader Taylor Frankie Paul will be released in July. ABC pulled the episodes before the scheduled premiere in March, after a video of Paul in a domestic dispute with her ex-boyfriend surfaced. [Deseret News]

Data Center's Influence on the Election

Stratos data center developer Kevin O' Leary still wants to move forward with the proposal, even after elected officials with ties to the project appear to have lost reelection. Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and two Box Elder County commissioners all seem to have suffered at the polls because of their approvals of the sprawling project. [FOX 13]

Explaining a Viral Lego Scandal

A wild story involving a Utah-based Lego company has gone international. Instagram account @salt_lego_city interpreted it the only way they knew how — with Lego animations, of course. [Instagram]

Tickets Launch for New Local Book Festival

Bookworms, listen up: The inaugural Salt Lake Book Festival happens this fall, and New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult is headlining. The event will feature book signings, chats with authors, a market, and more. [Salt Lake Book Festival]

Apricot Season on a Bagel

It's going to be a tough harvest for Utah farmers, after a late freeze killed off more than 90% of fruit crops. Make the most of seasonal produce by smearing Baby's Bagels' new cream cheese on a bagel this weekend. [Instagram]

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