1. Utah became the 45th state in the United States on January 4, 1896, but it was not until May 17 of that year that Utah's statehood was officially recognized by the federal government.

2. On May 17, 1947, the University of Utah dedicated its new football stadium, known today as Rice-Eccles Stadium. In its early years, the stadium was also used for track and field events and served as the home field for the Utah Blaze indoor football team.

3. May 17, 1972, marked the grand opening of Trolley Square in Salt Lake City. The historic shopping center, which was converted from an old trolley car barn, quickly became a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Today, Trolley Square is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

4. In 1983, May 17 was designated as "Utah Bike to Work Day," encouraging residents to get out of their cars and use bicycles as a form of transportation. The event, which is still celebrated annually, promotes environmental sustainability and healthy living.

5. On May 17, 2013, Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams announced a new campaign to combat homelessness in the county. The initiative, known as "Operation Rio Grande," aimed to reduce crime and homelessness in the area by providing housing, job training, and addiction treatment to those in need.