1. In 1896, Utah became the 45th state in the United States of America. The admission of Utah followed years of controversy relating to the practice of polygamy and the political influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the state.

2. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the National Park Service Organic Act, which created the National Park Service. Utah is home to five national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Parks.

3. In 2012, the Payson Canyon Fire began on May 31 and burned over 5,500 acres of land in the Wasatch Mountain range. The fire was caused by lightning strikes and took almost two weeks to fully contain.

4. On May 31, 1965, the Salt Lake Tribune became the first newspaper in the United States to use a computer system for its commercial printing operation. The newspaper was able to significantly increase its production efficiency and output through the use of this new technology.

5. The Great Salt Lake Monster, a legendary creature said to inhabit the waters of the Great Salt Lake, was reportedly spotted on May 31, 1988. The creature is said to be a large serpent-like creature and has been a source of fascination and speculation for many years. Despite numerous reported sightings, there is no evidence to support the existence of the Great Salt Lake Monster.