KSL News Daily

HEAL Utah’s Carmen Valdez explains why environmental advocates are urging the state to slow down, asking tougher questions about safety, waste, cost, public health, security, and whether nuclear can realistically power data centers anytime soon. Then Maria visits the University of Utah’s nuclear reactor lab, where Dr. Ted Goodell explains what the campus reactor actually does, why nuclear energy is so powerful, and why the next big question may not just be whether nuclear can be safe, but whether it can be safe, affordable, transparent, and ready in time.

Plus, new research links extreme heat and pollution to increased suicide risk, Rocky Mountain Power shares tips for cutting costs during triple-digit temperatures, Salt Lake’s Buddhist community marks the 90th anniversary of the Obon Festival, and Before You Go looks skyward with Patrick Wiggins, the Utah astronomer who just discovered his tenth supernova.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos takes on one of Utah’s most complicated energy questions: should nuclear power be part of the state’s future? With data centers, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and population growth driving up electricity demand, nuclear energy is getting new attention, including proposals involving smaller reactors.

Maria talks with John Kotek of the Nuclear Energy Institute about why supporters say nuclear can provide steady, clean power, how newer reactor designs address safety and water concerns, and what still has to happen on nuclear waste. Then she hears from a downwinder and thyroid cancer survivor who says Utah’s history with radiation exposure should make the state far more cautious before embracing another nuclear future.

Plus, a Davis County commissioner is removed from his role as chair after allegations of verbal abuse, Intermountain Health marks its 100th epilepsy implant surgery, music fills Utah State University for the Fry Street Chamber Music Festival, and Before You Go heads to the Provo River Delta, where BYU students are helping track bird habitat that could reduce bird strikes near the Provo Airport.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos goes inside the preliminary hearing for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing political influencer Charlie Kirk. The courthouse has been packed with national media, tight security, and intense public interest as prosecutors work to show enough evidence for the case to move toward trial.

The episode looks at the prosecution’s effort to build a timeline through surveillance video, the defense’s objections over what evidence should be admitted, and the challenge of covering a high-profile case where access is limited and online speculation is moving fast.

Plus, Utah law enforcement leaders meet to discuss emerging gang trends, an AI prescription tool raises questions from pharmacies, South Salt Lake breaks ground on a new veterans clinic, and Before You Go visits the State Capitol, where a massive model previews a planned bronze monument honoring American history ahead of the 2034 Olympics.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos takes Utah’s data center debate to the place where the questions are no longer theoretical: Loudoun County, Virginia, also known as Data Center Alley. Investigative reporter Daniella Rivera joins the show after visiting communities where massive facilities now sit near homes, and where residents say they wish they had paid closer attention before construction moved in.
The conversation puts Utah’s proposed Stratos Project in sharper focus, from 24/7 noise and neighborhood impacts to water, power, emissions, air quality, and the need for clear answers before projects break ground. This is not a simple yes-or-no fight over the cloud. It’s a look at what communities should know before data centers become part of the landscape.

Plus, the Tyler Robinson preliminary hearing enters day two, the Utah Jazz wrap Summer League at the Huntsman Center, triple-digit heat is closing in for the weekend, and Before You Go brings wildflowers to downtown Salt Lake with a public art activation connecting Main Street to the Wasatch Wildflower Festival.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos looks at what Utah’s smoky summer air may be doing beyond the scratchy throats, burning eyes, and haze many people can already feel. Dr. Brenna Kelly explains University of Utah research on wildfire smoke, fine particulate pollution, ozone, and preterm birth risk, including why the air quality index may not fully capture the danger when more than one pollutant is elevated at the same time.

Plus, the preliminary hearing begins for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing political influencer Charlie Kirk; West Nile virus is showing up earlier than expected in mosquitoes; Eureka residents fill sandbags as fire-scarred hillsides raise flood and debris-flow concerns; and Before You Go heads to Real Salt Lake, where Eric Carrera takes listeners inside the World Cup watch-party energy turning soccer into a loud, joyful culture moment for Utah super fans.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos goes behind the fire line with Alex Cabrero, who has been covering the massive Cottonwood Fire near Beaver. Cabrero explains how the fire exploded with stunning speed, destroying cabins and homes, forcing difficult evacuations, and leaving families to confront the loss of places built over decades. He also breaks down the challenges of covering a fast-moving wildfire, from sorting fact from rumor to verifying images in the age of AI.

The fire is also hitting nearby communities in a different way: cancellations. Cabrero says many businesses in Beaver, Junction, Circleville, Marysvale, and surrounding areas are still open and need visitors, even as Beaver Mountain remains closed and smoke hangs over parts of the region.

Plus, University of Utah researchers identify a brain protein tied to Alzheimer’s progression, Utah gets ready for Independence Day flyovers and a 500-drone show at Jordan Park, and Before You Go brings a lighter look at Fourth of July memories, from sparklers and backyard barbecues to the songs that instantly feel like summer.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos digs into the password alerts, login notices, and shipping messages most of us delete without a second thought. Sloan Schrage from the Investigates team explains why those small warnings can be the first sign that hackers are testing your information, often after an email or password has been exposed in a data breach.

The takeaway is practical: do not click suspicious links, do not assume every alert is harmless, and do not reuse passwords across your most important accounts. Sloan walks through how to check whether your credentials have been exposed, why you should go directly to a website instead of following a link, and what to do if a password that worked yesterday suddenly does not work today.

Plus, Utah heads into a hotter holiday weekend, therapy dogs bring relief to firefighters grieving the deaths of three colleagues, thousands of high school students take part in a major prayer walk, and Before You Go introduces Robert Buchert, a Utah artist who spent months recreating the first printed Declaration of Independence by hand, down to the paper, type, ink, and imperfections that made the original historic.

The 14th Amendment Showdown: Birthright Citizenship, Utah Families, and What Comes Next

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos breaks down the Supreme Court decision upholding birthright citizenship and rejecting President Trump’s attempt to limit citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are undocumented or temporarily in the country. Dr. Matthew Brogdon explains the constitutional argument, why the 14th Amendment is at the center of the ruling, and what it would actually take to change birthright citizenship now.

Then Brandy Farmer of Centro Cívico Mexicano talks about the fear, relief, and lingering anxiety inside Utah’s immigrant communities, especially for children who have spent months wondering whether their families could be separated.

Plus, Utah reacts to a Supreme Court decision involving transgender women in sports, fireworks bans raise new concerns ahead of the Fourth, Alaska Airlines donates a special cart to Salt Lake City International Airport to honor fallen service members, and Before You Go looks back at the Utah women who helped lead the fight for voting rights long before the 19th Amendment.

On today's KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos tackles one of the biggest privacy questions of the smartphone age: when police use a geofence warrant, how many people’s location data gets swept up along the way?

Brandon Amacher, Director of the Emerging Tech Policy Lab at Utah Valley University, explains how investigators can ask tech companies for device data near a crime scene, and why that matters even if you had nothing to do with the crime. Then legal analyst Greg Skordas breaks down the Supreme Court ruling, what it says about Fourth Amendment protections, and why probable cause and particularity matter even more when the search target is your phone.

Plus, the Supreme Court’s final days include a major birthright citizenship decision, western governors gather in Deer Valley to push energy policy, Utah STEM educators share what’s working in classrooms, and step into 1776 at Orem’s Colonial Heritage Festival, where reenactors, colonial trades, musket demonstrations, chocolate tasting, and readings of the Declaration of Independence bring early American history to life.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos takes on one of Utah’s most loaded drought questions: if homeowners are being asked to conserve water, what about agriculture?

Maria talks with Jim Bowcutt, Director of Conservation at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, about what farmers are already doing to use less water, from irrigation upgrades and soil health research to water optimization projects and possible water leasing for the Great Salt Lake. He also explains why the debate over alfalfa, farmland, food production, and conservation is not as simple as blaming the biggest water users.

Plus, hundreds of firefighters battle the Cottonwood Fire near Beaver, new statewide fire restrictions could change July celebrations, the Tyler Robinson case moves closer to a preliminary hearing, and Before You Go heads downtown, where Salt Lake City streets come alive with free summer performances designed to make people linger a little longer.

Today KSL’s Maria Shilaos talks with KSL consumer investigative reporter Matt Gephardt about a growing AI security concern: hackers trying to manipulate the bots companies use to verify identities, reset passwords, and protect accounts.

It’s called prompt injection, and the worry is not just that AI can trick people. It’s that people can trick AI. Matt explains how bad actors may be able to talk an AI “gatekeeper” into bending the rules, why reused passwords can turn one compromised account into a bigger problem, and the simple protections that still matter: strong unique passwords, two-factor authentication, tighter privacy settings, and being more careful about what you post online.

Plus, fire crews battle a fast-moving wildfire near Beaver as smoke blankets the Wasatch Front, doctors warn about the health effects of wildfire smoke, the University of Utah announces a new health care center at Point of the Mountain, and Before You Go takes us to This Is The Place Heritage Park, where hundreds of lanterns will light up the water in a night of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection.

On today’s KSL News Daily, Maria Shilaos, a veteran news anchor for KSL NewsRadio, goes beyond the NBA Draft buzz to tell the story behind A.J. Dybantsa, the basketball phenom who made BYU one of the most talked-about programs in the country.

Maria talks with Matthew Bowman and Wayne LeCheminant, authors of Game Changers: AJ Dybantsa, BYU, and the Struggle for the Soul of Basketball, about how Dybantsa ended up in Provo, the role his family played in keeping him focused, and why his rise says so much about the new world of college basketball, where prep schools, NBA pipelines, and major money are changing the game.

Plus, fireworks go on sale in Utah as some communities push for tighter restrictions, two families celebrate a fresh start at The Other Side Village, and Before You Go heads to Little Cottonwood Canyon, where a recent Highland High graduate is training on one of the toughest bouldering climbs in the world.

Do you ever feel like what you read or see on the news is just the tip of what is there to understand? Join host and journalist Maria Shilaos each weekday to take a deeper dive into a local news story with context and the things you didn't see, hear or read elsewhere. Maria talks to reporters at KSL and to the newsmakers themselves. Join us each morning M-F for the KSL News Daily.