1. May 26, 1869 marked the completion of the transcontinental railroad in Promontory Summit, Utah. The final golden spike was driven into the tracks to signify the joining of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, connecting the east and west coasts of the United States for the first time.

2. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order creating the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program, which provided employment for young men during the Great Depression by engaging in public conservation work. Many CCC camps were established in Utah, and the program had a lasting impact on the state's natural resources.

3. On May 26, 1993, the movie "Cliffhanger," starring Sylvester Stallone, was released in theaters. The action-thriller, set in the mountains of Utah, features stunning scenery from the state's national parks and wilderness areas.

4. In 2018, Utah became the first state to legalize "free-range parenting," which allows children to walk or bike to school or play outside without parental supervision. The law passed unanimously in both the Utah Senate and House of Representatives and was seen as a victory for child independence and outdoor activity.

5. May 26, 2020 marked the start of Utah's phased reopening plan following the COVID-19 pandemic. The state had been under a stay-at-home order for several weeks, and the plan allowed certain businesses to resume operations with strict health and safety guidelines in place. The reopening process has continued in phases since then, with the goal of balancing public health and economic recovery.