KSL News Daily

As rising costs continue to strain household budgets, more Utahns are turning to side hustles to earn extra income. KSL Investigator Matt Gephardt joins Maria Shilaos to explain why online reselling has become such a popular way to make money and what people should know before jumping in.

Plus, governors push for immigration reform and migrant work visas, a vigil honors a man killed in Liberty Park, the Salt Lake Bees welcome a new general manager and Tracy Aviary celebrates International Owl Awareness Day.

More than 40 years after the murder of Eva Oleson, the case against Douglas Carter is back in court. After the Utah Supreme Court overturned Carter's conviction last year, Utah County prosecutors are now seeking a new trial. This month, a judge will hear arguments over newly discovered DNA evidence, whether Carter's confession should be suppressed, whether he should be granted bail, and whether investigators can collect a fresh DNA sample for comparison.

On this episode of KSL News Daily, host Maria Shilaos takes an in-depth look at the twists and turns in one of Utah's longest-running criminal cases with Senior KSL Podcast Producer Amy Donaldson. We'll examine the new evidence, the allegations of police misconduct, and what comes next as the case heads back to court.

Plus, we're celebrating a true American icon. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile turns 90, and we'll talk with a pair of "Hotdoggers" about what it's like to pilot the famous vehicle across the country.

First, the Three Things You Need to Know: wildfire smoke settling over the Wasatch Front, Utah's record-setting fire season, and a vintage car show rolling into Millcreek for National Night Out.

A century-long battle over Colorado River water rights is reaching a critical turning point. As drought conditions tighten water supplies across the West, upper basin states say they've already absorbed significant cuts, and the ongoing failure of basin states to reach a new agreement is prompting federal intervention. On today's KSL News Daily, Carter Williams joins Maria Shilaos to break down what's at stake, who could be affected and what happens next.

Plus, the three things you need to know to start your day: a major solar energy event in Tooele County, a new mountain bike park coming to St. George, and a transitional home for people experiencing homelessness making history in the Salt Lake Parade of Homes.

And before you go, we spotlight a massive 22-foot-tall bronze elephant created in Utah that's headed to Cal State Fullerton as the university's iconic mascot, Tuffy the Titan.

As Medicaid marks 61 years of serving Americans in need, community advocates warn that recent federal cuts and new work requirements could ultimately cost taxpayers more. Hear from Utahns affected by the changes. KSL.com reporter Bridger Beal-Cvetco also joins Maria Shilaos to outline their concerns.

 

Plus, more than 100 women motorcyclists prepare to hit the road for Saturday’s Ladies Ride. Ladies Ride Utah Founder MJ Jensen explains why it's one of her passions. 

Triple-digit heat, a racecar driver’s campaign to end bullying and Cedar City’s monthly art walk also among out top stories.

Utah is one of five states competing to host a first-of-its-kind Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus—and state leaders believe it could put Utah at the forefront of the next generation of nuclear energy. Host Maria Shilaos sits down with Utah Office of Energy Development Director Emy Lesofski to explain what the proposed Tooele County facility would do, why the U.S. Department of Energy is interested, and what it could mean for the state's economy, energy future and workforce.

For more from Maria’s ongoing reporting on nuclear energy in Utah, listen to The Nuclear Debate Utah Can’t Avoid and Utah Wants More Power. Nuclear Comes With a Past.

Plus, time is running out for Utahns affected by Cold War-era nuclear testing to apply for federal compensation, two Utah charter schools receive approval for up to $165 million in bonds, weekend I-15 ramp closures could impact your travel plans and we take you to a local shooting range where collectors keep some of America's rarest legally owned firearms alive—not just on display, but in action.

As students prepare to head back to the classroom, school resource officers, educators, and public safety leaders are gathering for a statewide summit focused on keeping Utah schools safe. Host Maria Shilaos speaks with Pleasant Grove Police Detective and Utah Association of School Resource Officers President Chris Ruiz about the training underway and how officers are preparing for the new school year.

Plus, hundreds of elite athletes are making waves in Box Elder County for the Western Region Water Ski Championships. Tournament Director Scott Ostermiller joins the show to discuss the competition and what it means for the sport and for Utah.

Also in today's three things you need to know: a Wayne County family lost in floodwaters will be laid to rest, insulin shortages continue to impact diabetics, and grass fires near railroad tracks are causing FrontRunner delays.

Thirty-six years after the Americans with Disabilities Act became law, is it living up to its promise for Utahns? KSL News Daily speaks with Utah State University Institute for Disability Research and Policy Executive Director Mathew Wappett about the progress that's been made, the barriers that remain, and what still needs to change. Plus, Utah braces for even hotter temperatures, ash from the Cottonwood Fire causes a trout die-off at Minersville Reservoir, the Ogden Pride Festival moves to cooler weather, and the Utah Talons celebrate a second straight professional softball championship.

 

A small research plane is crisscrossing the Wasatch Front this summer, collecting crucial data on the pollutants that fuel Utah's stubborn ozone problem. Scientists are using the flying laboratory to sample the atmosphere at different altitudes and locations, helping them pinpoint the sources and conditions that lead to poor air quality. Maria Shilaos speaks with University of Utah atmospheric scientist Gannet Hallar and lead researcher Emily Fischer about the groundbreaking study and what it could mean for cleaner air along the Wasatch Front.

Plus, Utah renters may be getting a financial break as Salt Lake County rents continue to trend downward. We also cover planned blasting at the Lehi Quarry, efforts to preserve the iconic Coachman's Restaurant sign and a visit to the Natural History Museum of Utah, where the traveling Bug World exhibit showcases larger-than-life insects and the remarkable superpowers of the tiny creatures that share our world.

Utah farmers are battling a tough growing season, with late frosts, extreme heat and ongoing water challenges taking a toll on crops and livelihoods. But amid the struggles, many are finding new ways to thrive.

 

On this episode of KSL News Daily, Director of Marketing and Economic Development for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food joins Maria Shilaos to explore the growing business of agritourism and how farmers across the state are turning their land into destinations for family fun, education, and extra income. From farm experiences to seasonal attractions, we'll share some unique ways Utah families can connect with agriculture.

 

Plus, a new threat is emerging for growers across the state. A virus known as Curly Top is taking a serious toll on tomato crops. JayDee Gunnell and Michael Caron from the USU Extension Service explain what's happening, how widespread the problem is and what gardeners and farmers should know.

 

Also: Triple-digit temperatures return for Pioneer Day, Salt Lake County home prices hit another record high and Salt Lake City celebrates Pioneer Day with a drone show instead of fireworks.