The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached a record number of full-time missionaries serving around the world. According to church leaders, there are now about 88,500 missionaries in the field, which surpasses the previous high set in 2014. Officials attribute this increase in part to several factors.
In other Utah news, President Trump has signed an order that significantly reduces the size of two national monuments in the state. The Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments will be reduced to approximately one-tenth of their current size. While Governor Spencer Cox and Utah's Republican congressional delegation praised the decision, environmental groups have expressed opposition.
Meanwhile, statewide average gas prices have seen a slight decrease. Triple-A reports that the average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is now $3.95, marking a two-cent drop. The highest average price is currently in Daggett County at $4.40.
In Beaver County, officials are warning of potential flooding hazards due to burn scars from the Cottonwood Fire as the chance of rain increases. Local and state officials told KUTV that monsoonal moisture could cause significant flooding in Beaver Canyon, prompting the state to advise residents to prepare with sandbags.
The Cottonwood Fire has grown to over 96,000 acres and is 58 percent contained, with more than 1,200 firefighters working to control the flames.
