Red state gov bans July Fourth fireworks statewide over wildfire concerns ahead of America’s 250th anniversary
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Thursday issued a temporary, statewide restriction on fireworks for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, citing “historic” and “extraordinary” wildfire conditions across the state. Cox, a Republican, signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency, temporarily suspending state law to allow the state forester to ban the discharge of fireworks within municipal boundaries between July 2 and July 5. As America’s 250th anniversary approaches, 94% of Utah is facing severe or extreme drought. RESIDENTS WAKE UP SCREAMING AS COPS RACE TO RESCUE THEM FROM LATE-NIGHT APARTMENT BLAZE: VIDEO The state has already seen 354 wildfires scorch nearly 142,000 acres this season, with more than 75% of the wildfires having been caused by humans. While the mandate snuffs out some of the holiday excitement, it offers a potential compromise for residents wanting to celebrate. Local municipal leaders, working alongside their fire chiefs, are granted the authority to designate specific “safe areas” where fireworks will still be permitted. FIRE DEPARTMENTS TURN TO AI TO DETECT WILDFIRES FASTER If local leaders do not designate these areas, the state forester’s closure remains in full effect. “Nothing about this decision was easy,” Cox wrote in a statement, acknowledging that Utahns typically enjoy celebrating with pyrotechnics. “But this year is different. We are seeing fire behavior that even our most experienced firefighters say they’ve never witnessed before.” In a statement posted to X, Cox added, “Our goal is to make sure our neighborhoods and communities are still standing on July 5.” COLORADO UTILIZING GRAZING CATTLE TO HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES IN AT-RISK AREAS Utah State Forester Jamie Barnes warned that prolonged drought, critically dry vegetation and extreme weather are causing blazes to spread faster and behave in ways that “defy historical expectations.” To deter preventable fires, the Utah Department of Public Safety is ramping up patrols in high-risk areas, and officials warn that sparking an illegal wildfire could lead to significant criminal and civil consequences. State officials plan to re-evaluate the wildfire danger after the Independence Day weekend to determine if similar restrictions will be necessary for the state’s Pioneer Day holiday from July 22 to July 25. Residents are urged to check local restrictions, sign up for emergency alerts and report any suspicious activity immediately. Cox’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Venezuela rescue teams race to find earthquake survivors
NewsFeed Rescue teams raced to find survivors and recover bodies after twin earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday. The death toll has climbed to 188 with thousands more reported missing and injured. Al Jazeera’s Maria Alesia Sosa reports from the scene of the devastation in Caracas. Published On 25 Jun 202625 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
Venezuela earthquakes live: At least 188 dead as rescue efforts intensify
blinking-dotLive updatesLive updates, Venezuelans battle to rescue loved ones trapped alive beneath rubble of collapsed buildings after two major earthquakes. Published On 25 Jun 202625 Jun 2026 Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share googleAdd Al Jazeera on Googleinfo Adblock test (Why?)
WNBA: Alyssa Thomas suspended one game for fist into Cailtin Clark’s throat
Both players were on the floor when Thomas pushed her fist into Clark’s throat before getting up and stepping over her. By Reuters Published On 25 Jun 202625 Jun 2026 Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas has received a flagrant foul 2 penalty and a one-game suspension for “recklessly making contact with her fist to the throat area” of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the WNBA has announced. The incident occurred with 6:52 left in the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 triumph over host Indiana on Wednesday. No foul was called. Thomas will serve the suspension on Saturday, when the Phoenix visit the Toronto Tempo. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas shoots the ball, while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse [Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images/Reuters] The WNBA office said it has the option to review games and “classify as flagrant any foul not called as such during a game”. In this instance, Clark drove into the lane and fell on her side following contact with Phoenix defender Lexi Held. In the ensuing scramble for the ball, Thomas pushed her fist into Clark’s throat before getting up and stepping over Clark. Fever coach Stephanie White was upset after the contest that Thomas was not called for a foul. “Number one, you’ve got to call it. It’s absolutely egregious and utterly disrespectful,” White said. The teams also had played a testy contest two nights earlier, in which a combined six technical fouls were called during Indiana’s 86-77 victory. Thomas, 34, is a six-time All-Star. She is in her second season with the Mercury after playing 11 campaigns with the Connecticut Sun. Thomas is averaging 14.7 points, 8.4 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in 18 games this season. Advertisement Clark exited Wednesday’s game with 5:15 left in the third quarter due to back issues. Clark, 24, is averaging a career-high 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, and 4.0 rebounds through 17 games this season. She is a two-time All-Star. The Fever host the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday. Adblock test (Why?)
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