News reporter for KSL in Salt Lake City. Baseball player for the Utah Rockies. Prankster for everyone. I’m always looking for positive stories. alex
@ksl
.com
Taking the monorail system in Tokyo to work for the first time. With our quarantine over and continued negative covid tests, we’re allowed on public transit. This is way faster to get around!
@KSL5TV
@kslsports
@RLaubservations
Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover is one of the Marines killed in Afghanistan yesterday. He’s from Utah. His father told me he was one of the best people you could ever know and is proud of him for doing an incredibly tough job with honor.
This may be my best interview ever. I asked this guy who was snowboarding at
@BrightonResort
today how the powder snow was at the top. The full story runs tonight on
@KSL5TV
at 6.
#ksltv
#kapowblosh
It’s not every day you see the
@BYUfootball
equipment truck pull into a neighborhood. But when you hear the story of why it was in Clinton today, it just might make fans of other schools cheer for
@BYU
. We’ll have the story tonight on
@KSL5TV
at 5 and 9.
#ksltv
When doctors told Brandon Stewart he only had a few days left, his family started talking to him about his final wishes. Since he’s a big
@BYUfootball
fan, he had one in mind. On Saturday that wish came true. Here’s our story for
@KSL5TV
.
#ksltv
#byu
The
@UTHighwayPatrol
is thanking two truck drivers who stopped to help one of their troopers. The trooper was wrestling with a man in the HOV lane of I-15 in Layton. We’ll have this story on our
@KSL5TV
5pm and 10pm newscasts.
#ksltv
#utah
#layton
Just talked to Patrick Wiggins, NASA's Solar System Ambassador to Utah. He says its not rare to see a meteor but it is rare to HEAR one. He says that means it was close and there are most likely fragments somewhere in Utah. That metal is valuable. Video: Ruby Anaya
@KSL5TV
at 5.
American flags have been placed outside the Hoover family home, as well as several in the neighborhood. Staff Sgt. Hoover’s father agreed to do an interview with me. He said he wants people to know who his son is and how much he loved serving our country 🇺🇸
At the Utah Capitol Building today, lawmakers are honoring
@nathanwchen
. He’s originally from Utah and won the Gold Medal in men’s figure skating in Beijing during the 2022 Olympics. We’re doing a story on this for
@KSLJerod
I have received hundreds of messages from people asking how they can help Derlin. You’re all awesome. Understandably, I am hesitant to share any contact information about him on social media. However, I reached out to Carlos Valdez. He’s the man who organized the help for Derlin
My co-workers surprised me. 15 years at
@KSL5TV
. I remember thinking I would spend 2-3 years here and move on. And then I fell for Utah and realized I was very happy here. So, that’s that.
HE DID IT!!!!
@nathanwchen
WON GOLD!!!!!! We will interview him in a little bit and have his reaction on
@KSL5TV
/
@kslsports
. Oh my goodness!!! I know we’re not supposed to cheer too much as journalists but I can’t help it. So happy!!!
in the story. Carlos would rather me not share his cell on social, but on TikTok, he is @ vendingheads. You can reach him there. On venmo he is Carlos-Valdez-50 and is still taking donations for Derlin if you choose to give.
Today is
@nathanwchen
Day in
#Utah
. Salt Lake's Gold Medalist figure skater was honored by some legislators this morning. He's in town for tonight's Stars on Ice event, but is also on the committee to bring the Olympics back to Utah. We're doing a story on him for
@KSL5TV
at 6:30
We interview athletes in a "mixed zone" at Olympic venues. Broadcast and print journalists mixed together in assigned spots. Athletes must go through but don't have to stop for interviews.
@nathanwchen
has always been gracious with me for a minute or two. Full
@KSL5TV
interview:
Amazing picture of one of those firefighting airplanes dropping retardant near homes on the
#FlattFire
in Enterprise. One resident is telling me it definitely saved homes. We’re doing a story on this fire for
@KSL5TV
at 5. 📷 Jenny Pickering
Thank you, Utah viewers. Halfway through the Olympics, Salt Lake City is
#1
in the country in TV ratings.
#KSLOlympics
@KSL5TV
1. Salt Lake City
2. Denver
3. Milwaukee
4. Seattle
5. (tied) Kansas City
5. (tied) San Diego
7. Minneapolis
8. Portland
9. Sacramento
10. Austin
Just finished interviewing
@nathanwchen
. He sounds as happy and as relieved as I have ever heard him. Chen says he is still processing he’s a Gold Medalist. I am so happy for him. Utah is definitely proud and he thanks everyone back home for their support.
@KSL5TV
/
@kslsports
Check out this contraption
@KSL5TV
photographer Winston Armani made! This is how we’ve been doing our interviews the past few days to social distance. Painters pole with a mic holder attachment drilled into it.
#ksltv
Water levels at Lake Powell are increasing right now by about a foot a day. Overall, the Bureau of Reclamation is expecting Lake Powell to rise 70 feet this year. We're doing several stories at Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam for
@KSL5TV
that will air later this week
#ksltv
Staff Sgt. Taylor Hoover’s father told me the family has decided to bury him at
@ArlingtonNatl
. He said “as a hero should be.” Tonight at 8:30 at the Utah Capitol Building, on the south steps, there will be a memorial vigil for him.
Wow.
@KeithMcCord
is retiring. He’s been at
@KSL5TV
for four decades. A true legend. I remember taking a tour of KSL when I was a young reporter at
@KPVI
and Keith was our tour guide. He was so friendly. I never forgot that.
#ksltv
That’s me holding
@nathanwchen
Gold Medal. No big deal 🤩 He is planning on going back to Yale for school this August and hasn’t made any decision about the 2026 Olympics, but he did say he wants to help
#SaltLakeCity
get the 2030 or 2034 Olympics.
@KSL5TV
/
@kslsports
To help students work from home, a Salt Lake City cabinet shop has been making desks for kids and giving them away for free. There are good people in this world! We're doing a story on them for
@KSL5TV
at 5. We'll feature another company doing something similar at 6:30.
#ksltv
Chatted with
@nathanwchen
for a few minutes after his practice session this morning in Beijing. He says he feels great and is enjoying his time at these Olympics. He also appears a lot more relaxed this time around. We’ll have coverage of him on
@KSL5TV
/
@kslsports
Ella, a 7-year-old lab, suffered cuts on her head, neck, legs, her tongue, and has 30+ bites on her body after protecting her family from a mountain lion in Cedar Hills. We'll have this story tonight on
@KSL5TV
at 6:30.
#ksltv
There’s a treasure chest with $10,000 somewhere in the Wasatch Mountains. Two guys hid it saying we all need a little more adventure in our lives. Timber and I went looking for it.
@KSL5TV
at 10.
Someone broke into the Ogden Salvation Army building and stole a bunch of food. Workers were worried about having enough to do their daily drive-thru pantry. Then, they just happened to get a phone call from
@FeedingUtah
who had extra food. It made the difference.
@KSL5TV
at 6.
All tragedies can be heartbreaking. The story of that small plane crash in the mountains near Bountiful on Sunday is especially difficult. Two of the victims are husband/wife; she was surprising him with a flight for their 1-yr anniversary. We’re doing a story for
@KSL5TV
at 10.
If any Utah filmmakers need some tumbleweed scenes, there are plenty in the Daybreak area of South Jordan right now. The wind is strong out here!
@KSL5TV
@kslweather
#ksltv
#utwx
When Army veteran Troy Blevins broke down in Fillmore recently, he wasn’t sure how he was going to get home to Minnesota. Now, thanks to a Utah Facebook group he’s a part of, he’s not sure how he can ever say thank you enough. Here’s our story for
@KSL5TV
#ksltv
#broadcastgood
Marine Staff Sgt Taylor Hoover, from Sandy, was killed in that suicide bomber explosion outside the Kabul Airport. Hoover grew up wanting to serve the US in the military. He did 3 tours in Afghanistan. My thanks to his father for his trust in talking to me for this
@KSL5TV
story.
Frank Hatch couldn’t just watch anymore. So, he decided to help. In a few days, his Utah County plumbing company will head to Texas to help residents with frozen/broken pipes and lines. For free.
@KSL5TV
at 5.
#ksltv
Super proud of my
@KSL5TV
teammates today. And for the past week. We’ll never forget this moment in our careers. Also a shoutout to my TV colleagues at
@KUTV2News
,
@abc4utah
, and
@fox13
. We’re all in this together. Be safe out there.
#utah
It seems like the more residents try to clear tumbleweeds, the more show up. The wind has not let up in hours.
@southjordancity
street workers are here with a backhoe doing their best as well. It's also starting to rain.
@KSL5TV
@kslweather
#ksltv
#utwx
This morning,
@piute_so
Sheriff Marty Gleave saved a man who was on the roof of his car by using his lasso. For real! I just spoke with him on the phone and he’s kind of shy about it, but he definitely deserves credit. Way to go, Sheriff!
No matter if your candidate wins or loses, do you wish we could come together and find common ground? Everyone we interviewed said yes. The tough part is how? We have a new
@KSL5TV
series we're calling "Undivided." We'll start at 5pm with Governor-elect
@SpencerJCox
#KSLTV
Talk about above and beyond!
@SoJoPoliceFire
firefighters were called to a house where a woman was badly injured falling off a ladder while putting up Christmas lights. After she taken to the hospital, firefighters finished putting those lights up for her.
@KSL5TV
at 6:00
#ksltv
Just finished interviewing
@mykaylaskinner
. She is so thankful for all the support back home in Utah. And she is so proud to bring her Silver Medal there when she moves to SLC later this year. Her interview will run on our
@KSL5TV
newscasts later today.
@kslsports
Just chatted with
@nathanwchen
. He wasn’t planning on setting a record… he just wanted to do well. And he did very, very well. He finished the short program in 1st. We’ll have his reaction on
@KSL5TV
in a few minutes.
@kslsports
#ksltv
With Baylor beating Gonzaga in the
#NCAAChampionship
tonight, Lehi dentist Chris Jacobsen finished in 1st place in the
@espn
bracket challenge. Out of 14.7 million. Here’s our story before the Final Four.
After 25+ years doing reporting as a career, it’s still amazing to me we can be live on TV with this as a set up. A cell phone, a light, and a tripod. Even just 10 years ago, a live shot in Green River for
@KSL5TV
would require a satellite truck.
A Logan restaurant owner is worried many dads won't have a meal out with their families this Father's Day. Lots of people are still out of work due to coronavirus. So, he's offering dads meals for their families for free. He says we need more good in the world.
@KSL5TV
at 10.
After 31 years,
@UTHighwayPatrol
Lt. Lee Perry is retiring. Today was his last day. On
@KSL5TV
at 10, we’ll get into what led him into law enforcement as well as what the hardest part of the job was.
#ksltv
#utah
Here we go! Honored to cover our Utah athletes in the Beijing Olympics for
@KSL5TV
. Photographer Jay Hancock and I will spend two days in LA going through COVID testing and gear manifest processing with NBC, then fly to China on Saturday.
Tonight is
@DaveMcCannTV
last newscast with
@KSL5TV
. I’ve enjoyed him talking in my ear for years and will miss him. We bonded during the Sochi Olympics and have remained friends ever since. He’s the kind of news anchor us reporters love working with. His last newscast is at 10.
I am officially old. I'm covering the opening Sundance Film Festival press conference and noticed everyone is taking notes on their laptops. I'm using my paper notebook and pen 👴🏻
@KSL5TV
Utah firefighters are getting briefed this morning before heading out to help California fight some of the devastating wildfires burning throughout the state. We’ll have a story on their mission tonight in
@KSL5TV
at 5 and 10.
#ksltv
#firefighters
#utah
#CaliforniaWildfires
In the middle of everything else going on, please don’t forget Sgt. Ben Jenkins. He’s with Nevada Highway Patrol and was shot and killed this morning. He stopped to help a motorist on the side of the road near Ely. That motorist shot and killed him.
Amazing day exploring Hole in the Rock in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Hiked down to Lake Powell. I have absolutely no idea how the pioneers brought wagons and cattle down that slope. Total respect for what they did.
A Tooele woman has made 3000 homemade masks for those who want them. For free. And now an army of people are helping her make even more. We’ll have her story on
@KSL5TV
at 6.
#togetherutah
#ksltv
If there’s one person who knows what it’s like to be the face of a US Olympic Team, it’s Nathan Chen. He knows what the mental pressure to perform feels like. He did a zoom interview with me. We’ll have that story on
@KSL5TV
in five minutes.
@kslsports
These neighbors are on opposite sides of the political spectrum. So, instead of getting angry with each other, they decided to have a little fun. In the process, they say they learned something.
@KSL5TV
at 10.
#ksltv
.
The
@UtahHonorFlight
is getting ready to leave
@slcairport
for Washington DC. This is the group that brings veterans to the sights and memorials in our nation’s Capital. We’re tagging along with them for stories on
@KSL5TV
.
Today is
@KeithMcCord
last day at
@KSL5TV
. After 39 years, he is retiring. We can’t give him a proper party tonight because of coronavirus but we still have some surprises. The 10pm newscast will be his last. Love ya, Keith!
The
@FeedingUtah
program was in St. George tonight. 1292 families now don't have to worry where their next meals are coming from. We're doing a story on this program for
@KSL5TV
at 10.
#ksltv
#farmersfeedingutah
After battling cancer for several years, a Utah County teenager recently found out he was cancer-free. So, with a little help from
@UTHighwayPatrol
, he had an idea of what to do with his leftover chemo medicine. This story tonight on
@KSL5TV
at 6.
#ksltv
I caught
@UTHighwayPatrol
trooper Aaron Terry going above and beyond! He was helping two women who ran out of gas in Indian Canyon, brought them to a Duchesne gas station to fill a can, and took them back. Lots of drivers going thru Duchesne bc hwy 6 closed bc wildfire.
#goodnews
Check out these masks
@UintahFootball
players were wearing tonight. It’s to raise awareness of murdered and missing indigenous women. We’re doing a story on this for
@KSL5TV
at 10. 📷 Uintah Football
@GeoffLiesik
American flags have been placed outside the Hoover family home, as well as several in the neighborhood. Staff Sgt. Hoover’s father agreed to do an interview with me. He said he wants people to know who his son is and how much he loved serving our country 🇺🇸
Main Street in
@SpanishForkCity
was closed for a little bit early this morning. Hundreds of people volunteered to move books from the old library across the street to the new library. We're doing this fun community story for
@KSL5TV
tonight at 5:00 📚
#ksltv
Just interviewed
@ErinJackson480
after she won Gold in the 500m speedskating race! She says she can’t believe it and appreciates all the support, especially from her teammates who trusted in her talent. We’ll have her interview on
@KSL5TV
after the SuperBowl.
@USSpeedskating
Ready for a new food subscription box? The
@UtahFarmBureau
started one. It's called Touch of Utah and only Utah products are in it. It's designed to help local farmers find new customers and help fund the
@FeedingUtah
program. We're doing a story on this for
@KSL5TV
at 6.
#ksltv
Medical workers with
@Intermountain
will be headed to New York City to help hospitals with coronavirus cases. In return, when we hit our peak in Utah, those New York hospitals will send medical workers to Utah to help us. We’re putting together a story on this for
@KSL5TV
.