Utah Breaking News, Sports and Weather

Utah dam reconstruction wins national award

Amy Joi O'Donoghue, Deseret News  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 10:34 p.m.  |  Save Story

The reconstruction of a 1906 dam that serves Yuba Reservoir won a national award from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials earlier this year, deemed the project of the year across the country.

Mass shooting at a South African bar leaves 12 dead, including 3 children

Gerald Imray, Associated Press  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 9:46 p.m.  |  Save Story

A mass shooting at a bar near Pretoria, South Africa, has left at least 12 people dead, including three children, with another 13 being treated in the hospital. Authorities are searching for three suspects.

Runnin' Utes pull away from Cal Baptist in win, but rebounding remains an issue

Josh Furlong, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 8:37 p.m.  |  Save Story

Rebounding continues to be a thorn in Utah men's basketball's side this season.

Missing report in child sexual abuse case prompts audit at Weber County Sheriff's Office

Daniella Rivera, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 8:30 p.m.  |  Save Story

Weber County officials answered questions Friday about how the sheriff's office is moving forward after a KSL investigation highlighting a missing report in a child sexual abuse case.

Hegseth says he would have ordered 2nd strike on Caribbean vessel

Patricia Zengerle, Reuters  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 8:29 p.m.  |  Save Story

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that he backs a Sept. 2 decision to launch a second strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean.

'Roll for Kindness': Idaho soda shop owners turn dice into kind deeds

Brittni Johnson, EastIdahoNews.com  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 7:04 p.m.  |  Save Story

A couple in Idaho Falls is using social media to help give back to the community that they love.

Touching down in Lima: Delta pulls off its inaugural direct flight from SLC to South America

Jason Swensen, Deseret News  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 6:27 p.m.  |  Save Story

Aviation has celebrated several historic firsts over the past 122 years. Now Peruvians in Utah — and many more from across the western United States — have their own to celebrate.

Review: 'Five Nights at Freddy's 2' is a sequel that forgets what made the first movie work

John Clyde for KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 5:43 p.m.  |  Save Story

Here's what worked and the much longer list of what didn't work in "Five Nights at Freddy's 2."

Carbon County teen empowers others with inclusive pageant

Curtis Booker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 5:01 p.m.  |  Save Story

A Price teen organizes an all-abilities pageant for people with special needs.

Playoff-bound BYU? Big 12 made case, but 11th-ranked Cougars' pitch falls flat with loss

Sean Walker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 4:58 p.m.  |  Save Story

If the "eye test" is what keeps BYU out of the Playoff with an 11-2 record, the Cougars didn't look like much of a CFP team in either of its losses to Texas Tech, then.

Avalanche danger rises after Utah welcomes fresh powder

Jodi Reynosa, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 4:17 p.m.  |  Save Story

Here's everything you should know about avalanche safety as Utah enters skiing season.

A peek inside Salt Lake City's first new regional park in over 60 years

Carter Williams, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 3:38 p.m.  |  Save Story

After enduring delays, Salt Lake City opened the first phase of a new regional park that replaces the old Raging Waters site. It's also getting ready to work on expansions.

St. George man arrested, accused of manslaughter in shooting death of friend

Cassidy Wixom, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 2:51 p.m.  |  Save Story

A man was arrested Friday and accused of manslaughter after his friend was killed in an alleged accidental shooting in St. George.

Repeat defeat: No. 4 Texas Tech rolls by No. 11 BYU for 1st Big 12 title

Sean Walker, KSL  |  Updated Dec. 6 - 2:48 p.m.  |  Save Story

The sequel was awfully similar to the original in the Big 12 championship game in Arlington, Texas.

Cedar Hills man gets life sentences for child sex abuse

Cassidy Wixom, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 12:49 p.m.  |  Save Story

A Cedar Hills man who has been convicted in both federal and state court of filming himself sexually abusing a minor has been sentenced to at least 45 years and up to life in prison.

Will America tap the potential of its booming outdoor recreation industry?

Kevin Lind, Deseret News  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 12:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

According to ORR's latest published research based on federal data, the outdoor recreation industry was worth $1.2 trillion in 2023, the most recent available data. That's 2.3% of the U.S. gross domestic product.

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Major bill to regulate how NCAA pays student-athletes hits roadblocks in Congress

Cami Mondeaux, Deseret News  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 11:31 a.m.  |  Save Story

The House was set to vote on the SCORE Act earlier this week, but the bill was scrapped from the lineup just hours before it was scheduled for a vote.

Released 911 calls reveal desperate pleas and tragic outcomes during Texas Hill Country flood

Jim Vertuno, Associated Press  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 11:23 a.m.  |  Save Story

Newly released recordings of 911 calls show Texas residents and staffers at Camp Mystic caught up in the catastrophic flooding in July pleaded for help as rushing waters rose around them.

Brandon Sanderson announced a surprise new Cosmere novel. Here's what we know

Valerie Jones, Deseret News  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 10:48 a.m.  |  Save Story

Brandon Sanderson fans can rest easy: A new Cosmere novel is coming in 2026. Sanderson and his wife, Emily, made the surprise announcement during Dragonsteel Nexus on Thursday.

US lawmakers press Google, Apple to remove apps tracking immigration agents

Kritika Lamba, Reuters  |  Updated Dec. 6 - 10:04 a.m.  |  Save Story

The House Committee on Homeland Security has asked Google and Apple to detail what steps they are taking to remove mobile applications that allow users to track federal immigration officers.

Officials: leaking barrels near Great Salt Lake aren't suspicious, public health risk low

Shelby Lofton, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 9:29 a.m.  |  Save Story

State environmental and local health officials are investigating nearly two dozen leaking barrels discovered near the Great Salt Lake after a report on Thanksgiving Day.

Father of abused baby girl charged 2 months after stepmother

Pat Reavy, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 8:21 a.m.  |  Save Story

The father of a 4-month-old girl, who police say was abused by her stepmother, is now facing the same charges as his wife.

University of Utah team discovers rare computer relic

Shelby Lofton, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 7:44 a.m.  |  Save Story

A research team at the University of Utah uncovered a rare piece of computing history.

Provo woman who competed internationally as a 'mermaid' to host similar competition in Utah

Curtis Booker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 6 - 7:05 a.m.  |  Save Story

Mia Sim, who has competed internationally as a mermaid, is helping to bring a similar competition to Utah next year.

Stenlund has goal and assist as Mammoth beat Canucks 4-1

Associated Press  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 10:46 p.m.  |  Save Story

Kevin Stenlund had a goal and an assist in the third period, and the Utah Mammoth beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 for their second straight win.

Weekly poll: What's your favorite Christmas movie?

Kathleen Clove, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 10:31 p.m.  |  Save Story

Whether you're into holiday romance, redemption, comedy, action, or even horror, there's a show out there for you this Christmas. Which ones are your favorites? Tell us in the KSL Weekly Poll.

Beaver Mountain prepares largest expansion ever while watching snowfall to set opening date

Mike Anderson, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 10:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Beaver Mountain Ski Resort is racing to finish its largest expansion while waiting on fresh snow to set an opening date. The family-owned resort typically opens around the end of the year.

Mike Lee stalls action on government spending package over policy disagreements

Cami Mondeaux, Deseret News  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 9:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, is delaying a vote on a government spending package over objections to certain policy provisions that he says were included without his approval despite being under his jurisdiction.

No. 11 BYU will cap chaotic week with Big 12 championship. But first, charity with Texas Tech fans

Sean Walker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 9:23 p.m.  |  Save Story

After a wild week, the Cougars and Red Raiders will play for the Big 12 championship Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (10 a.m. MST, ABC).

University of Utah wins $8M to launch first-of-its-kind prison education research center

Logan Stefanich, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 9:04 p.m.  |  Save Story

Continuing an effort that was set into motion years ago, a team of researchers at the University of Utah was awarded $8 million to launch the nation's first center dedicated solely to prison education research and leadership.

Waymo to issue recall over self-driving vehicles driving past stopped school buses

David Shepardson, Reuters  |  Updated Dec. 5 - 8:50 p.m.  |  Save Story

Alphabet unit Waymo said Friday it would issue a recall for its self-driving vehicles after Texas officials said they illegally passed school buses at least 19 times since the start of the school year.

Historic 1st quarter performance helps Knicks blitz Jazz 146-112

Jaxon Wynder, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 8:44 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Knicks rode a 23-0 run to open Friday's game as they blow out the Jazz 146-112 with six New York players finishing with double-digit points.

'It's overwhelming': Cedar Hills family grateful for community support after house fire

Emma Benson, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 8:35 p.m.  |  Save Story

A Cedar Hills family is figuring out their next steps after they lost their home in a fire just days after Thanksgiving.

At the 2026 World Cup draw, the winner is ... Donald Trump?

Jeff Mason and James Oliphant, Reuters  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 8:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

President Donald Trump said he was not attending the draw for the 2026 World Cup to receive a prize, but he got one anyway — the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize.

Salt Lake City eyes grants to cover safety, Jordan River upgrades amid potential budget deficit

Carter Williams, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 7:37 p.m.  |  Save Story

Salt Lake City is looking to add approximately $4.1 million to its current budget to address mostly public safety issues, but none of the new spending is expected to affect its general budget.

Immigrant advocates warn of increased enforcement action targeting Salt Lake immigrants

Tim Vandenack, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 7:11 p.m.  |  Save Story

Immigrant advocates warn of an uptick in enforcement targeting immigrants starting next week at Salt Lake City's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.

Review: 'Hamnet' is a beautiful, brutal and bewildering tragedy you'll keep thinking about

John Clyde for KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 6:36 p.m.  |  Save Story

I keep thinking about "Hamnet," which tells me I liked it more than I think I did, but I also feel like it drained something out of me.

Frank Gehry, the most celebrated architect of his time, dies at 96

John Rogers, Associated Press  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 6:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Groundbreaking architect Frank Gehry, who was behind the acclaimed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, has died. He was 96.

Lehi city councilwoman resigns to spend more time with family

Cassidy Wixom, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 5:32 p.m.  |  Save Story

A Lehi city councilwoman who recently ran for mayor announced her resignation from her position Friday, saying it was in the best interest of her health and family.

New censorship flap at Weber State prompts author to pull out of speaking appearance

Tim Vandenack, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 5:05 p.m.  |  Save Story

An author opted out of a speaking appearance at Weber State University over a list of "words and concepts" the university instructed her to avoid, per HB261 restrictions.

Supreme Court to decide legality of Trump move to limit birthright citizenship

Andrew Chung, Reuters  |  Updated Dec. 5 - 4:36 p.m.  |  Save Story

The Supreme Court agreed on Friday to decide the legality of President Donald Trump's directive to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States, a contentious part of his efforts to curb immigration.

Layton man dies weeks after being hit by car in Idaho

Curtis Booker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 4:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

An 80-year-old man from Layton has died more than two weeks after he was struck by a car while crossing a street in southern Idaho.

Have You Seen This? Amazon delivery driver makes new furry friend

Curtis Booker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 3:36 p.m.  |  Save Story

A man delivering packages for Amazon stops to pet a colorful cat.

Judge clears Justice Department to release Epstein grand jury transcripts

Jack Queen, Reuters  |  Updated Dec. 5 - 2:41 p.m.  |  Save Story

A Florida federal judge on Friday cleared the Justice Department to release grand jury transcripts from its sex trafficking case against Jeffrey Epstein, which could shed light on the deceased financier's ties to rich and powerful people, including President Donald Trump.

Burgess Owens wants more federal collaboration to prevent child trafficking

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 2:03 p.m.  |  Save Story

Utah Rep. Burgess Owens is teaming up with a Democratic colleague on a bill to close gaps in the government's efforts to stop child trafficking identified by a 2023 report.

Pick Six Previews: As defending champ, Ohio State the favorite in Big Ten title game

Brett Ciancia, Pick Six Previews  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 1:40 p.m.  |  Save Story

Ohio State is on a 16-0 run, with a nation-best 14-1-1 record against-the-spread. They will find their championship gear here and grab the No. 1 overall seed.

Man accused of planting pipe bombs ahead of Capitol riot to appear in court

Andrew Goudsward and Sarah N. Lynch, Reuters  |  Updated Dec. 5 - 1:02 p.m.  |  Save Story

The man suspected of planting pipe bombs in Washington the night before the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack is due to make his first court appearance on Friday after the Justice Department touted a break in a case that long vexed investigators.

Lots of evidence, few interviews collected in Saratoga Springs double murder investigation

Pat Reavy, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 12:38 p.m.  |  Save Story

New search warrants in the double murder investigation of a Saratoga Springs mom and her young son reveal what evidence has been collected and hurdles detectives have faced.

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Is college worth it? 'Nope,' say a majority of Americans, poll finds

Jason Swensen, Deseret News  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 12:37 p.m.  |  Save Story

But local enrollment and graduation rates suggest Utah's bucking U.S. ambivalence regarding higher education.

BYU adds Lone Peak 4-star receivers Jaron, Kennan Pula to historic 2026 recruiting class

Sean Walker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 12:31 p.m.  |  Save Story

Lone Peak wide receivers Jaron and Kennan Pula announced their commitment to BYU in an on-campus ceremony Friday, flipping the one-time UCLA commitments from Utah.

92 arrests made, 122 citations issued in monthslong sweep of Jordan River Parkway

Carter Williams, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 12:04 p.m.  |  Save Story

Nearly 100 arrests were made and several more citations were issued during a multiagency sweep of the Jordan River Parkway Trail carried out over the last few months.

How to avoid the pitfalls of financing your holiday shopping

Matt Gephardt, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 11:33 a.m.  |  Save Story

Holiday shopping is in full swing, and Utahns are looking for deals. But some of the deals offered up at the register could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars if you're not careful.

Switchpoint in Tooele spreading holiday cheer with Christmas tree fundraiser

Curtis Booker, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 11:03 a.m.  |  Save Story

A Christmas fundraiser aims to help people in the Tooele community who are experiencing poverty and homelessness.

US vaccine advisers say not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth

Mike Stobbe, Associated Press  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 10:34 a.m.  |  Save Story

A federal vaccine advisory committee has voted to end a longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they're born.

Utahn invited man on a walk, then stabbed him multiple times, police say

Pat Reavy, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 10:13 a.m.  |  Save Story

A Carbon County man who allegedly claimed he was trying to protect his child when he stabbed a suspected sex offender multiple times has been arrested for investigation of attempted murder.

Appeals court allows National Guard deployment in DC to continue 

Jan Wolfe and Jack Queen, Reuters  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 9:31 a.m.  |  Save Story

An appeals court on Thursday handed a victory to President Donald Trump, pausing a lower court order that would have ended the deployment of the National Guard in Washington in coming days.

Pick Six Previews: In rematch, not much different for BYU against a better Texas Tech

Brett Ciancia, Pick Six Previews  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 9:07 a.m.  |  Save Story

I saw this matchup live on the sidelines in Lubbock, and it is difficult to see it going differently here in the rematch.

Charges filed against man shot by manager during Murray jewelry store robbery

Pat Reavy, KSL  |  Posted Dec. 5 - 9:02 a.m.  |  Save Story

A man who police say was shot while trying to rob a jewelry store in Murray has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and aggravated kidnapping.