Celebrating America's 250th Birthday Safely

As we prepare to celebrate America's 250th birthday with family gatherings, neighborhood parades and backyard barbecues, let's remember the importance of keeping our communities safe. Summer's hot temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires across Utah, making it especially important to use caution when enjoying holiday festivities.

On June 26, Governor Cox issued an executive order authorizing the state forester to prohibit fireworks within municipal boundaries, on state lands or on unincorporated land during the normal Independence Day season. The state forester will carefully study local conditions before prohibiting fireworks within any of these areas.

Municipalities can choose to allow fireworks in specially designated areas within their communities if the municipality’s mayor and local fire chief jointly agree on a designated firework area and notify the state forester.

The recent wildfires across Utah are a sobering reminder of how quickly a single spark can become a devastating fire, threatening lives, homes, watersheds and wildlife. I am saddened by the destruction these fires have caused and grateful to the firefighters, first responders and volunteers who are working tirelessly to protect lives and property during these challenging times.

Even in municipally designated areas where fireworks are permitted, it is crucial to practice firework safety to avoid causing wildfires. Check with your local guidelines and use fireworks only in approved areas. Keep a water source nearby, avoid dry grass and vegetation and follow all safety guidelines. Taking a few extra precautions can help prevent fires and protect our neighborhoods, first responders and Utah's beautiful outdoor spaces.

Firework restrictions can change as weather and fire conditions evolve, so be sure to check your community's current guidelines before celebrating. 

By taking a few simple precautions, we can celebrate America's 250th birthday safely, protect our neighbors and first responders, and preserve Utah's beautiful landscapes for generations to come

Utah’s Newest Supreme Court Justices

One of the Senate’s constitutional responsibilities is to provide advice and consent on various gubernatorial appointments. During the June Interim, we met to confirm Jay Jorgensen and Stephen Dent as the newest justices on the Utah Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s decisions have lasting impacts on our laws and everyday lives, which makes this a very significant appointment. 

Justice Jorgensen brings extensive experience in legal, corporate and compliance roles, including serving as senior counsel for The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saints and previously holding leadership positions at Coupang and Walmart. Earlier in his career, he clerked for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist and Judge Samuel A. Alito, Jr.

Justice Dent served as deputy criminal chief and Southern Utah branch chief in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah and previously practiced at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. He graduated first in his class from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law and served as editor-in-chief of the Utah Law Review. 

I am grateful to both Justice Jorgensen and Dent for their willingness to serve the people of Utah. You can watch the confirmation proceedings here. 

A Historic Partnership for the San Rafael Swell 

After more than 25 years of collaboration between local communities, conservation groups, counties and federal partners, the State of Utah and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have finalized a landmark 10-year agreement to help manage and protect the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area. 

This agreement creates a unique partnership that gives Utah and local communities a stronger voice in managing the Swell’s nearly 217,000 acres. As part of the management, Utah will provide 480 hours of trail and infrastructure maintenance and 480 hours of law enforcement services every year to help improve recreational opportunities, protect cultural and historical resources and support search-and-rescue efforts. 

The San Rafael Swell is one of Utah’s most iconic landscapes and this agreement serves as a model for how states and federal agencies can work together to manage public lands responsibly. By investing state resources and ensuring local voices remain at the table, Utah is helping preserve the Swell while keeping it safe and enjoyable for future generations. 

The Point Groundbreaking 

One of Utah's most exciting development projects is finally becoming a reality. On June 29, the future of The Point takes a major step forward, and what's coming is unlike anything we've seen before.

Picture a vibrant main street where you can shop, dine, and catch up with neighbors, all while taking in Utah's breathtaking scenery. That's the vision behind The Point, a true live, work and play community in the making.

And that's just the beginning. Innovation Alley will bring together universities, businesses and entrepreneurs to build the next generation of Utah's economy right in our backyard. Meanwhile, the River to Range trail will connect the Jordan River Parkway all the way to the foothills of Draper's Corner Canyon, perfect for walkers, cyclists and anyone who loves the great outdoors. 

This is an opportunity to shape what Utah looks like for decades to come. We can't wait to see it come to life. Learn more here.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery and became a federal holiday in 2022. The holiday is a celebration of unity and community, a time to look back in triumph on the end of a dark chapter in our nation’s history as well as an opportunity to look forward to a bright future. This year, Utahns celebrated Juneteenth with festivals, music and barbecues. Juneteenth brings people together to celebrate the shared values of liberty and justice for all.

Flag Day 

On June 14th, we celebrated Flag Day, looking back on the day the United States adopted the stars and stripes as a symbol of unity. As we honor the Stars and Stripes, we celebrate not just the colors that wave above us, but the enduring spirit and shared values that have guided generations of Americans.

This year's Flag Day carries special significance as our nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of America's founding. As we approach Independence Day and this historic milestone, we honor the sacrifices of those who have defended our nation and recommit ourselves to preserving the principles that have made the United States a beacon of freedom.

It is a moment to pause and reflect on the immense gratitude we owe to those who have defended our flag and the freedoms it symbolizes, inspiring us to continue striving for a more perfect union.

Commemorating D-Day

Earlier this month, we marked the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, brave troops from the American and Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy to face German forces, emerging victorious and ultimately turning the tide of the war. Over nine thousand American servicemen were laid to rest after their heroism on the battlefield that day. As we look back on the nation’s Revolutionary-era heritage this summer for America’s 250th anniversary, it is also fitting to honor later generations of veterans and the fallen, who have defended life and liberty both at home and abroad. May we never forget their sacrifice as we endeavor to carry on their legacy of patriotism and freedom.

Sorensen Medical Innovation Center 

Lawmakers toured the new Sorensen Medical Innovation Center at the University of Utah, a state-of-the-art research facility that will train medical students. The center houses start-ups from around the world and aims to bring companies to Utah. In addition to helping local college students receive training, the center will bring industry partners to the state to hire graduates, thereby retaining students who have studied in Utah as they embark on their careers and strengthening Utah's workforce.

The facility includes a surgical lab with top-of-the-line equipment, sanitary changing rooms, a collaboration space where doctors can eat with patients, a home health communication studio and a lecturing room for discussing procedures and technology.

The surgical training center is equipped with video technology screens throughout the lab so students don’t need to crowd around a single table. This innovative technology setup allows an instructor to train twenty doctors at once. Students work with HIPAA-compliant donor cadavers as well as a groundbreaking new training tool: 3D-printed specimens. An on-site lab with a 3D printer to produce specimens with diverse medical conditions, allowing students to train on medically accurate models when specimens with specific conditions and features are not available. 

This bench-to-bedside program hires students from Utah colleges, such as the UofU and BYU, allowing them to train with equipment more advanced than that used by many leading industry professionals. When these students move on to treat patients, they’re empowered by the training they’ve received in this cutting-edge facility. By bringing industry partners to Utah to work with these students, the Sorensen Medical Innovation Center generates revenue and will continue to fund education for future students for years to come.  The center's investment in education, healthcare innovation and workforce development will help strengthen our state’s economy and improve patient care across the state for generations to come.

Energy Facility Announced for Emery County A major milestone in advanced nuclear energy was recently achieved in Emery County when Valar Atomics' Ward 250 reactor successfully completed a key reactor demonstration at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab. The achievement marks an important step forward for Utah's growing role in energy innovation.

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Emery County to host a nuclear energy research and development facility, the first of its kind outside a national laboratory. Utah is now helping companies and researchers move microreactors and small modular reactors from concept to real-world applications.

As these technologies advance, Utah is positioned to remain at the forefront of American energy innovation while creating new opportunities for economic growth and high-paying jobs.

The Utah San Rafael Energy Lab in Emery County will be converted to support these new research efforts. Originally established in 2022 to house decommissioned coal research equipment from the University of Utah, the site was formally designated as a state energy research lab through legislation in 2024. By building on existing infrastructure, Utah accelerated the development of a world-class energy research facility while reducing costs and saving time.

Facilities such as the San Rafael Energy Lab bring jobs, investment and new opportunities to rural Utah as companies continue to develop and test advanced nuclear technologies. With Emery County emerging as a hub for nuclear research and development, Utah is helping shape the future of American energy production.

Utah History Museum Opens 

On June 27th, the new Utah History Museum, housed in the North Capitol Building, opens. This free museum tells the stories of the people who have called Utah home over the centuries. Exhibits are designed to educate and entertain both curious locals and visitors from around the world. School groups can enjoy interactive video displays, touchable exhibits and games crafted to share Utah’s history. The museum houses hundreds of artifacts, from small coins to a full-sized race car.

Some of these fascinating exhibits include:

• Sports memorabilia from Utah’s colleges, NBA and Olympic teams

• Hollywood props from films shot in Utah, including The Sandlot, John Carter and classic westerns

• Tools and equipment from the industries that shaped Utah, including mining and the railroad

• One of the few surviving pioneer handcarts

Whether you're interested in sports, military history, pioneer heritage or Utah's diverse cultural traditions, there's something for everyone to discover.

Military uniforms and artifacts from Topaz, Utah’s World War II internment camp, tell the stories of Utahns whose lives were shaped by war. Traditional clothing and artwork created by people from Peru, Tonga and Slovenia demonstrate the variety of people who have come from far away to settle in Utah. Native American artifacts donated by members of Utah’s communities honor both the tribes’ past and present and were prepared in coordination between museum staff and tribal representatives.

By preserving the stories of Utah’s people and communities, the museum offers visitors a deeper understanding of the events, cultures and experiences that have shaped our state.

Bring your family and friends to explore Utah’s newest museum!

Utah #1 for Safeguarding Children’s Mental Wellbeing

Utah is ranked #1 in the nation for protecting Children’s Mental Wellbeing, according to the Childhood Index. The Childhood Index tracks state laws concerning age-based technology use and childhood independence. 

The Senate introduced a bill to expand current cell phone restrictions to cover the entire school day with a bell-to-bell policy.  This means students are not allowed to use cell phones throughout the school day, including during lunch and class breaks. Notably, school districts are allowed to craft exceptions to create rules that best meet their individual needs. This law aims to decrease distractions before, during, and after class time, allowing kids to focus on studies and socializing rather than gaming and doomscrolling. 

According to the index, Utah kids spend less time in front of a screen than their peers in other states and more time playing outdoors and socializing face-to-face. This helps children build emotional resiliency and the numerous negative outcomes associated with heavy social media use.

This year’s first-place ranking reflects Utah’s continued focus on safeguarding the wellbeing of children in recent years. In 2018, Utah became the first state to pass what the index calls a “Reasonable Childhood Independence” law. Amendments to the state’s child neglect law prevent parents from being charged with neglect when they allow their children to play outside, ride their bikes around the neighborhood, or travel to and from school alone. In short, this encourages parents to let kids be kids, prioritizing summer afternoons under the sun over time spent in front of a screen. 

The index notes other Utah laws passed in recent years that aim to loosen technology’s chokehold on young Utahns. H.B. 464, a law concerning the potential harms of social media to minors, helps families who wish to sue companies if they feel a platform uses features designed to be addictive and harmful. 

Utah prides itself on being a family-friendly state. Young people, their parents and state leadership are heavily invested in letting kids be kids. By prioritizing children’s wellbeing in a digital age, Utah supports kids’ ability to focus during school and devote their time to carefree play. 

Utah Helps Power America's Return to the Moon

June 2, 2026, marked a special day in America's 250th year. Union Pacific unveiled its America 250 locomotive, Engine 4547, which will transport the twin solid rocket boosters for the Artemis III mission to Florida. Manufactured here in Utah by Northrop Grumman, these boosters will travel by rail from Corinne to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where they will provide 75% of the thrust needed to launch Artemis III toward the Moon.

Utah has always played an important role in our nation's transportation history. In 1869, just 93 years after our nation's founding, Utah became the site of the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit. Now, in America's 250th year, railroads are once again carrying history forward by transporting the critical components that will help return American astronauts to the Moon.

Union Pacific and Northrop Grumman have partnered on rocket motor shipments for years and continue supporting America's space exploration efforts through their longstanding collaboration.

The new Engine 4547 is a 400,000-pound locomotive with an American flag proudly displayed on each side. The flag on the left features thirteen stars, honoring our nation's beginnings, while the flag on the right displays fifty stars, representing America today. The locomotive was christened with a bottle of champagne before its maiden voyage and will lead Engine 1616, honoring Abraham Lincoln, and other locomotives as they haul the Artemis III rocket boosters across the country.

These boosters are the most powerful ever built for human spaceflight, producing a combined 7.2 million pounds of thrust. They represent another remarkable example of American ingenuity as our nation prepares to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.

More than 150 years after Utah helped unite the nation through the Transcontinental Railroad, our state is once again helping carry America toward its next great frontier. From the rails of Promontory to the launchpads of the Artemis program, Utah continues to play a vital role in advancing American innovation, exploration and leadership in space.

Party Like it’s 1776

As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it’s time to do what the Founding Fathers expected of us: party! In 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife, Abigail, saying the country’s anniversary “ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

Throughout this special anniversary year, communities across Utah are celebrating America's 250th birthday with events that honor our shared history, recognize our citizens' achievements, and inspire the next generation to carry forward the principles of freedom, service  and opportunity.  Here are a few of the patriotic events taking place across Utah. View the full calendar of America250 events here. 

Utah Symphony at State Capitol

When: July 3, 8:30 PM

Where: State Capitol

What: Listen to patriotic music, folk tones, and Broadway songs for free

Broadway Fireworks Concert in the Park

When: July 3, 7:30 PM

Where: Brigham Young Historic Park, Salt Lake City, UT

What: Enjoy live musical performances and fireworks

Colonial Fest

When: July 2, 9:00 AM to July 4, 6:00 PM

Where: SCERA Park, 600 South State Street, Orem, UT

What: Utah hosts the country’s biggest living history demonstration west of the original 13 colonies. Mingle with history re-enactors dressed in Revolutionary-era costumes and check out colonial crafts and games.

1776 – Patriotic Broadway Musical

Multiple venues throughout Utah are performing this classic Broadway musical about the Founding Fathers.

Watch in Cache County:

When: June 26, 27 and 30; July 2-4

Where: Eccles Theatre at 43 South Main Street, Logan, UT

Watch in Iron County:

When: June 26-27; July 1-3 

Where: 170 E Fiddlers Canyon Rd, Cedar City, UT

Watch in Wasatch County:

When: June 24-27 and July 1-4

Where: Timpanogos Valley Theatre at 90 North 100 West, Heber City, UT

America 250 Iron County 13 Day Celebration – Stars and Stripes Forever

When: June 26-July 7th

Where: View venues in and around Cedar City here.

What: Enjoy music, patriotic programs, Declaration of Independence readings and other activities  

Stars, Stripes and Showtunes

When: Runs from June 25th to  August 1. View a full schedule here.

Where: 212 N Main St., Saint George, UT

What: Southern Utah residents can enjoy this fun performance of showtune favorites celebrating the American spirit. 

America’s Potluck

When: July 5, 2026

Where: Various community locations throughout Utah. Find a potluck near you here.

What: Share your favorite cherry pie, potato salad, or other fun dish with friends and neighbors.

Serving a Common Cause

Independence Day is not only a time to look back, but also to give back. Find a service activity through your local America 250 committee or organize a project in your community here.

Best,

Senator Ron Winterton