Becky Bruce
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News Director at KSL NewsRadio, Kentucky and Mizzou grad. Go Cats! (Sorry, Tigers!) Dog and boy mom. Wonder Woman? You decide. Host of @hopedarknesspod. She/Her
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Articles by Becky Bruce
Search continues for hiker struck by lightning
ALTA, Utah — Salt Lake County officials said search and rescue crews were searching Saturday for a man who was struck by lightning while hiking in the Twin Peaks area of Little Cottonwood Canyon. It’s believed the hiker was struck by lightning, then fell, but how far they may have fallen is not known. The Twin Peaks wilderness area sits near the top of the canyon, on the backside of the Snowbird and Alta ski resorts. This story will be updated. We want to hear from you. Have a story idea or tip?
Wayne County flash flood kills at least three people
BICKNELL, Utah — Three people have been found dead after flash flooding swept through a campground near Bicknell, Utah on Friday. The search continues for at least two more people. According to a release from the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were first called in around 5 p.m. on Friday night because of a body that had been found in a dry wash near Bicknell’s Sunglow Campground. The body was described as a young male.
Murray police fear there could be more victims in child sex abuse case
MURRAY — Murray Police have issued a warning that there could be more victims in a child sexual abuse investigation involving two 18-year-old men. In a news release, police spokeswoman Kristin Reardon noted that the use of social media to befriend the two 13-year-old victims raises concerns about other young victims. "Detectives strongly believe the suspects targeted and located victims using various social media applications and by tracking locations through digital platforms," Reardon wrote.
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after a brief illness
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies in Congress who traveled the globe to advocate for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, has died after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said. He was 71.
Murray police fear there could be more victims in child sex abuse case
MURRAY — Murray Police have issued a warning that there could be more victims in a child sexual abuse investigation involving two 18-year-old men. In a news release, police spokeswoman Kristin Reardon noted that the use of social media to befriend the two 13-year-old victims raises concerns about other young victims. “Detectives strongly believe the suspects targeted and located victims using various social media applications and by tracking locations through digital platforms,” Reardon wrote.
State audit finds ‘wasteful’ purchases with Utah Fits All scholarship money
This story was adapted from a radio broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL’s editorial standards are upheld.
Residents briefly evacuated after fire starts in Kaysville
KAYSVILLE — Kaysville residents who briefly evacuated because of a new fire start were being allowed to go back to their homes Friday night. Just 20 minutes after first sharing the evacuation notice to Facebook, the Kaysville Fire Department updated its post to say a fire burning at East Mountain Wilderness Park, near 1625 E. 650 North in Kaysville, was under control. As of 9:45 p.m., crews remained on scene monitoring hot spots.
San Juan County’s Babylon Fire burns four structures, 48,000 acres
BLANDING, Utah — At least four structures and 48,000 acres have burned as the Babylon Fire continues to scorch parts of Utah’s San Juan County. The U.S. Forest Service confirms three of the structures were cabins owned by the service. The fourth belonged to the Nature Conservancy. The Babylon Fire, burning near Blanding in San Juan County, has burned four structures and 48,000 acres so far. (Map/U.S. Forest Service) The growth to 48,000 represents about 10,000 acres in 24 hours.
Earlier monsoon season likely won’t be enough to tame Utah wildfires completely
This story was adapted from a radio broadcast script using artificial intelligence. Every story, including those adapted with AI, is reviewed by a human editor before publication to ensure that KSL’s editorial standards are upheld. SALT LAKE CITY — Utah is on track to reach monsoon season a little earlier than normal, but it could still take weeks to put a dent in the wildfires burning statewide, according to KSL meteorologist Kevin Eubank.
Evacuation ordered for Eureka, Mammoth, Silver City
EUREKA, Utah — Fast-moving wildfires prompted another evacuation order for Eureka on Friday night, less than one week after the town evacuated due to a different fire. In addition to Eureka, evacuation orders were issued for the nearby communities of Mammoth and Silver City. The Juab County Sheriff’s Office directed residents to head eastbound on U.S. 6 to evacuate. A shelter was being established in Elberta. This story will be updated. We want to hear from you. Have a story idea or tip?
More Utah cities ban fireworks ahead of Independence Day
RIVERTON, Utah — On Friday more Utah cities declared either a full ban on fireworks or announced there was no safe place to set fireworks off, a day after Gov. Spencer Cox used an executive order to temporarily restrict fireworks statewide. Ordinarily, Utah state code says only the legislature can enact a full fireworks ban in incorporated areas, such as a city. But the governor’s order on Thursday, under the state’s Emergency Management Act, temporarily suspended those rules.
Risk of surgery complications increases with poor air quality, Utah study finds
SALT LAKE CITY — Risks of surgery complications could increase with poor air quality in the days leading up to a procedure, according to new research involving Utah surgery patients. Dr. John Pearson, lead study author, University of Utah research associate and Stanford University clinical associate professor, said northern Utah provided a unique backdrop for the study.
Redwood Road ramps to multiple thoroughfares closed for bridge work
It’s phase one of a project to revamp some 11 bridges on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. These Redwood Road ramps are first, then UDOT crews will shift their focus to the ramps to other bridges. “Each phase, when we close these ramps, [they] could be closed for approximately 30 days to a month,” said Kyler Sharp, the spokesperson for UDOT’s Region two. Redwood Road ramps are just the start Thousands of drivers pass through the I-215 construction zone daily.
Bridging Political Divides: How faith can help find common ground
Listen to this special here on KSL NewsRadio LIVE at 1 p.m. or revisit this article for the podcast after air. SALT LAKE CITY — About 80% of American adults believe our political divides run so deep that we cannot even agree on basic facts, according to the Pew Research Center. But some Utah leaders say faith is helping them to find the common ground needed to bridge those political divides and find a new path forward.
Salt Lake County Jail expansion discussions continue, 1.5 years after voters said no to bond
SALT LAKE CITY — No formal plans are in the works, but the discussions around how to fund a possible Salt Lake County Jail expansion are in the early stages, as Salt Lake County Council members expect to hear an update on the inmate population from Sheriff Rosie Rivera on Tuesday. The county council agenda includes slides from Rivera’s presentation, as well as a link to frequently asked questions about why a jail expansion is needed.
More delays likely in case of convicted murderer Doug Lovell
FARMINGTON — The family of a woman murdered 41 years ago will have to wait a little longer for resolution, possibly as long as a decade, after a judge allowed the lead counsel representing her convicted murderer, Doug Lovell, to withdraw from the case. Justice for Joyce Yost Doug Lovell has been twice sentenced to death for the 1985 murder of Joyce Yost, a 39-year-old South Ogden resident. Twice, those sentences were overturned even as the conviction stands.
Lobbyists plan for long night on last day of Utah legislative session
SALT LAKE CITY — Lawmakers have until midnight Friday night to pass all of the legislation proposed during the 2026 Utah legislative session. Some lobbyists said they will stay on Utah’s Capitol Hill until the clock strikes 12 to track the bills they care the most about. Steve Burton was there, representing criminal defense attorneys, tracking a couple of dozen criminal justice bills that still needed a final vote as of Friday afternoon.
Utah lawmaker wants to criminalize encouraging suicide in sextortion schemes
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah lawmaker wants to make it a crime to encourage or help someone take their own life as part of a sextortion scheme. Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, is the sponsor of H.B. 221, which would increase penalties for sextortion in cases involving suicide. The bill has already passed in the Utah House of Representatives and is now before a Senate committee.
Rose Park flood mitigation work underway
SALT LAKE CITY — Neighbors alarmed by loud noises and ground-shaking equipment in the Rose Park neighborhood can rest assured there is a method behind the madness: flood mitigation, in the wake of a 100-year storm that flooded streets and homes earlier in October. The storm on Oct. 4 dumped 2.5 inches of rain over Rose Park in about 14 hours, more than Salt Lake City had seen in a single day in well over 100 years, according to the National Weather Service.
American flag with swastika sent to office of Utah congressman
SALT LAKE CITY — Just days after someone discovered an American flag, altered to include a swastika on it, in the office of an Ohio representative, KSL has learned two nearly identical flags were sent to the Washington office of a Utah congressman earlier this year. According to Politico, the modified flag was spotted at the D.C. office of Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, on Tuesday.
American flag with swastika sent to office of Utah congressman
SALT LAKE CITY — Just days after someone discovered an American flag, altered to include a swastika on it, in the office of an Ohio representative, KSL has learned two nearly identical flags were sent to the Washington office of a Utah congressman earlier this year. According to Politico, the modified flag was spotted at the D.C. office of Rep. Dave Taylor, R-Ohio, on Tuesday.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to announce new First Presidency Tuesday
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints set to announce new First Presidency
SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Tuesday that it will announce the new First Presidency that afternoon in a live broadcast announcement. The worldwide announcement is scheduled for 1 p.m., according to the church. “Jesus Christ leads His Church through a prophet, who serves as the President of the Church, and two Apostles who are called to be the prophet’s counselors, forming the First Presidency,” the church said Tuesday morning.
Flash flood warning for Tooele County
SALT LAKE CITY — A flash flood warning is in effect for eastern Tooele County until 10 a.m. Saturday morning below the Jacob City burn scar. Police in the area say there’s already some flooding taking place after thunderstorms dumped heavy rain on top of the burn scar. Those flows are expected to impact areas including Stockton, Loafer Canyon and Soldier Canyon. The National Weather Service is asking people not to drive through flooded roads. Video showing a storm passing through Tooele County.
Flash flood warning issued for Tooele County
SALT LAKE CITY — A flash flood warning is in effect for eastern Tooele County until 10 a.m. Saturday below the Jacob City burn scar. National Weather Service meteorologist Linda Cheng said police in the area witnessed some flooding after thunderstorms dumped heavy rain on top of the burn scar. "As a result of that, we've issued a flash flood warning for areas that would be affected from debris flow from that burn scar," Cheng explained.
Erda trash fire extinguished in fire station lot
ERDA, Utah — North Tooele Fire District firefighters experienced the opposite of their usual routine Thursday, when a garbage truck driver realized his trash load was on fire and brought it straight to their Erda fire station. Fire district spokesman Jon Smith told KSL the cause was under investigation, but he believed a lithium ion battery in the load of trash ignited, starting the fire. Crews made quick work of the fire in their parking lot, and continued to monitor hot spots and put them out.
Schools for the Deaf and the Blind over budget this year
SALT LAKE CITY — A new audit from the Utah State Board of Education recommends sweeping reforms to the finances and data management of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, after auditors discovered the schools were already over budget for the state fiscal year. Read more: Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind 2025 audit Starting with page one, auditors note a “lack of competence” in multiple areas at USDB, including financial management and data record-keeping.
Utah seeing less triple-digit days this summer
SALT LAKE CITY — It may be hot and dry, but we’re on track for a below-average year when it comes to the total number of triple-digit days in Salt Lake City. KSL meteorologist Kevin Eubank says the state averages eight 100-degree days a year, spread out over June, July and August. However, in the last few years, Utah has been well over that average. So far in 2025, we’ve only had five. The bulk of the heat hits in July, and that month is in the rearview mirror.
University of Utah will cut 81 programs to align with state rules
EDUCATION & SCHOOLS Aug 5, 2025, 4:40 PM SALT LAKE CITY — Eighty-one programs will be cut at the University of Utah to help the school align with new rules from the state aimed at prioritizing high-demand and better-paying careers. All 81 either graduated no students or just one student in the last eight years, according to a release on the school’s website.
U of U cutting programs with few graduates
SALT LAKE CITY — Eighty-one programs will be cut at the University of Utah to help the school align with new rules from the state aimed at prioritizing high-demand and better-paying careers. All 81 either graduated no students or just one student in the last eight years, according to a release on the school’s website. Program cuts come after review School leaders have been reviewing academic programs at the University of Utah as part of a new state law, HB 265. The U.
Judge sentences Bryan Kohberger to life in prison for murdering four University of Idaho students
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Friends and relatives of four University of Idaho students murdered in their rental home by Bryan Kohberger delivered powerful statements of love, anguish and condemnation before he was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. “This world was a better place with her in it,” Scott Laramie, the stepfather of Madison Mogen, told the court.
Rancid meat, strong smell prompts Ogden police and fire response
OGDEN — A strong smell emanating from the building that housed a meat company prompted Ogden fire and police officials to respond in force Tuesday. Ogden Fire Chief Mike Slater told KSL all of the meat inside was rancid after the building was abandoned. Google Maps shows the property housed Mountain West Meats, a local butcher shop and meat processor. Ogden smell linked to abandoned meat shop Slater could not say why the building was abandoned.
West Jordan home becomes memorial for arson victims
WEST JORDAN, Utah — Flowers, teddy bears, stuffed bunnies and dogs and a Hello Kitty doll line the park strip outside a West Jordan home where an arson fire killed 4 peoplean arson fire killed 4 people last week. Police said they continue to wait for details from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to conclusively determine the identities of the victims, a man and a woman and a boy and and girl.
Utah economy strong as unemployment holds steady
Jared Mendenhall, a spokesman for the department, said the job count grew by 39,700 jobs. This amounts to a growth rate of 2.3%. He noted that the leisure and hospitality sector, which had experienced some sluggishness earlier in the year, is now “recovered and is expanding nicely.” “Earlier this year, there were some concerns because hiring was slow in that leisure and hospitality sector,” Mendenhall said. “There were some concerns going into the summer months, where there’s a lot of tourism.
Menzies' execution is cruelty disguised as punishment
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SALT LAKE CITY — Attorneys for Ralph Leroy Menzies, who is scheduled to be executed by firing squad on Sept. 5, argued in a request to the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole Wednesday that he should be granted clemency. His attorneys cited Menzies’s mental health, specifically dementia that they claim is getting worse, along with comments from the judge who sentenced Menzies, saying he made a mistake when issuing the death sentence.
By Emily Janeen Ashcraft Verified, Adam Small Verified, Becky Bruce Verified, Shelby Lofton Verified
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KSL Outdoors Show
After emotional public comment, Fairview nixes motocross
SALT LAKE CITY — After months of contention, the Fairview City Council voted to halt the future of an inside-city-limits motocross track built next to homes that were there first. Most of the homes have been standing for 10 to 40 years. Tuesday night, the Fairview City Council voted four to one on a motion that will cease operation of the track by the end of 2025. This vote will allow public practice and one major event before the year ends.
Enbridge Gas sued over fatal South Jordan house explosion
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Enbridge Gas sued over fatal South Jordan house explosion
SOUTH JORDAN — The family of a teen killed in a home explosion is now suing the gas company that served their South Jordan neighborhood. The lawsuit was filed today on behalf of the 15-year-old, who was a student at Bingham High School. It claims the leaking pipe that was blamed for the explosion had been leaking at least a couple of days before the blast and should have been better maintained and inspected.
State audit shows English language learners struggling
SALT LAKE CITY — Members of the Utah Legislature’s Education Interim Committee heard today that English language learners are more likely than their peers to perform poorly on statewide tests. Nicole Luscher, performance auditor with the Office of the Legislative Auditor General, presented the audit to lawmakers Wednesday morning, and announced a new online dashboard where the public can examine performance gaps in K-12 schools for themselves.
Inside Sources: Utah congressman says DOGE can still do good
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah congressman raised eyebrows in the last few days by saying Elon Musk exaggerated the savings he could find with the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. Still, the congressman clarified those remarks Tuesday on KSL NewsRadio’s Inside Sources. Rep. Blake Moore told reporters outside the U.S. Capitol on Friday that “most everyone knows” Musk had exaggerated “what he could do,” as reported by the Deseret News. Related: Rep.
Utah rent more affordable than 2024, but only slightly
SALT LAKE CITY — New numbers suggest that full-time minimum-wage workers would have to work nearly four times as many hours every week to be able to afford the average Utah rent. According to Redfin’s most recent calculation using Utah’s median rent, those who make minimum wage would have to work 156 hours a week to pay their rent. Related: Mayor introduces new programs to help Salt Lake City renters Redfin considers state-level data on newly listed apartments in buildings with five or more units.
Utah death row inmate gets new trial
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2025 has already had more Utah police shootings to date than any year in the past 10
SALT LAKE CITY — Data from local police agencies and KSL’s own reporting shows Utah police have been involved in at least 11 shootings year-to-date in 2025. At least eight of those shootings resulted in someone’s death. By May 13 of 2024, there had been roughly half that number of Utah police shootings, with at least six identified in our count.
Utah educators say they'll provide guidance as Trump signs order to eliminate Education Department
SALT LAKE CITY — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday, beginning the process of eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. Afterward, the Utah State Board of Education said that any change to the federal education department has to be made in concert with congress. “Any major restructuring or elimination of federal education funds will require congressional action, and will likely be subject to legal review,” said Sharon Turner, with the Utah State Board of Education.
The Salt Lake Temple is stronger on the five-year anniversary of Magna quake Original
SALT LAKE CITY — On March 18, 2020, a 5.7 magnitude earthquake knocked the trumpet out of the Angel Moroni’s hand atop the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Five years later, the church has nearly finished all of the seismic upgrades that were just getting started in 2020. “The seismic work at the Salt Lake Temple is world class,” said Andy Kirby, the director of historic temple renovations.
Delta teacher charged with alleged rape of teenager
SALT LAKE CITY — A teacher from Delta Middle School is facing rape charges after police say she was accused of having sex with a 15-year-old. Millard County deputies found out about the alleged abuse earlier this month, but said the accusations stem from a nude video sent on Snapchat and seen by the victim and the victim’s friends. Investigators said the victim told them he had sex with the teacher near the end of the 2024 school year.
Delta teacher arrested for alleged rape of 15-year-old
SALT LAKE CITY — A teacher from Delta Middle School is facing rape charges after police say she was accused of having sex with a 15-year-old. Millard County deputies found out about the alleged abuse earlier this month, but said the accusations stem from a nude video sent on Snapchat and seen by the victim and the victim’s friends. Investigators said the victim told them he had sex with the teacher near the end of the 2024 school year.
Proposed constitutional amendment on Utah ballot initiatives draws fire
SALT LAKE CITY — A joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would require Utah ballot initiatives that impose, expand or increase taxes to attain a supermajority, or at least 60% of the vote, to become law advanced out of committee on Wednesday. However, it was not before House Government Operations Committee members heard strong opinions from people watching the hearing. Utah ballot initiatives Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, is the sponsor of SJR2.
Utah Safe Haven law could be expanded to newborns up to 90 days old
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah law that allows people to surrender a newborn up to 30 days old to any open hospital could soon be extended to the baby’s first 90 days of life. An amended version of SB57, sponsored by Sen. David Hinkins, R-Ferron, was approved on the Senate floor Wednesday and will be taken up by the Utah House next. It would expand the Safe Haven law in Utah.
Gov. Cox signs union bill into law, despite protests
SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox signed about a dozen pieces of legislation into law, including HB267, also known as the union bill, which would ban collective bargaining agreements for government employees. Protesters had asked Cox to veto the bill. In a statement, he said Utah has long been known as a state that can work together to solve difficult issues and that he’s disappointed that process didn’t deliver a compromise this time. This is a developing story. It may be updated.
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