KSL+

After decades of darkness and empty promises, the lights are finally on in the Navajo (Dine) community of Westwater—one of the last places in the country to receive electricity. What took so long? This week, we visit the small community just west of Blanding, to answer that question and to talk to the people who are impacted and the leaders who helped make it happen.

On August 25th President Joe Biden announced a plan to cancel up to $20,000 for borrowers of federal student loans. Three weeks later Governor Spencer Cox joined nearly half of the governors across the country in demanding President Biden withdraw that plan. This week we explore the student debt crisis, the president’s plan to forgive loans and the impact on borrowers and others.

The decision is here. After years of research and public comment, UDOT is recommending a gondola to solve the canyon’s transportation problems. The project will cost an estimated $550 million and it has plenty of opposition. This week, we dive into the debate over the gondola and how to get people up the canyon, while decreasing traffic and minimizing the impact to the environment. We also look at what comes next.

On August 13, a meteor shot across the sky over Utah, scattering rocks around the Tooele Valley and bringing in so-called meteorite hunters. This week, we take a ride on Chopper 5 with a man who has been hunting space rocks for 25 years.

There is cautious optimism heading into a new school year after two and a half years full of interruptions and uncertainty. This week, a conversation with a high school principal, looking back on the challenges and lessons of the pandemic at the start of a new school year.

82% of the nation’s kindergarten children participate in full-day kindergarten. In Utah in 2021, that number was just 30%. At the start of this new school year, Utah has hundreds more full-day kindergarten classes available thanks to new funding. This week, why some parents and educators say it's still not enough.

Inflation is higher than it has been in 40 years. The Federal Reserve is trying to curb that growth by increasing interest rates. And for the second straight quarter the country’s GDP shrunk, sparking more fears of a recession. This week, a financial expert and the chief economist at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute explain how we got here, what the impacts are, and where we could be headed.

This week, the story of one man’s mission to prevent suicide with reminders that people matter. The former teacher turned sculptor and motivational speaker is carving up heart rocks to help students in Utah and bring comfort to people as far as Uvalde, Texas. And if you're struggling with mental health challenges, there is help available, including a new national suicide hotline: 9-8-8. 

The Great Salt Lake is lower than it’s even been. And the more it shrinks, the more it affects our air, our snow, our economy and our wildlife. This week, a conversation with executive producer Keira Farrimond about the far-reaching impacts that have brought media outlets together to tell the critical story of the Great Salt Lake.

On Friday June 24, the Supreme Court of the United States determined there is no constitutional right to abortion, overturning decades of precedent in Roe v. Wade. The move sparked relief and outrage in Utah. This week, we take a closer look at KSL-TV's coverage of what’s happened in the state since that day, including the evolution of abortion law and its impact on women, families and physicians.

At a critical time in the healthcare industry, nurses are hanging up their scrubs and some patients are feeling it. This week, a conversation with Debbie Worthen about her coverage of the nursing crisis, its impact at Utah Hospitals and where the profession goes from here.

Teen drivers make up 9% of licensed drivers in Utah but 21% of crashes, according to UDOT. This week, we explore the impact of a crash on one family and the lessons every parent and teen can learn to protect themselves on the road. It’s part of KSL-TV’s coverage on the road to zero fatalities.

In the wake of two horrific mass shootings, democrats and republicans in the U.S. Senate have reached a deal on gun safety. This week, conversations with a gun control advocate and a state legislator about what impact the proposal and other measures would have on gun violence in Utah and where the conversation goes from here.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas jumped above $5 in Utah this week. But what's behind the almost daily increases we've seen? The war in Ukraine? President Joe Biden? In this episode we explore the cause of soaring gas prices, what can be done to slow the increase and who those prices are impacting the most.

This week marks the beginning of what’s known as Utah’s 100 deadliest days--the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when we typically see the most death on our roads. 116 people have already lost their lives this year. That's the highest number Utah has seen this time of year in more than two decades. This week we explore some of the data, the warnings from authorities and the stories from those who have lost loved ones in traffic crashes.

Empty shelves. Empty bottles. Empty bellies. Over the last several weeks reporters at KSLtv have been covering the baby formula shortage. This week, a conversation about what this unprecedented situation currently looks like in Utah and when parents and babies can expect some relief.

Over the weekend, a gunman opened fire at a grocery store in Buffalo, New York, killing 10 people. This week, we dive into what we know about the motive behind the attack and what laws and resources are in place in Utah to prevent these kinds of tragedies.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February, so many people jumped into action to help the people any way they could. This week, we follow the journey of a former refugee and marine veteran who—within a couple of weeks of the invasion—traveled to Ukraine for a two-month mission to offer relief and expertise to refugees and the military. Based on KSLtv's Jed Boal's interviews with Quan Nguyen.

A leaked draft of a Supreme Court ruling that would overturn Roe v Wade is making waves across the country. But what would that ruling mean for abortion? And how would it impact the laws surrounding abortion in Utah? This week we dive into those questions with law professors and state politicians.

Kalyna the Musical tells the little-known story of Ukraine’s suffering through the Holodomor and its yearslong struggle for independence. The show’s creators started writing it years ago, with no way of knowing it would be ready to take the stage to help Ukrainians during another dark moment in their history.

At the close of another snow season, the state’s drought drags on and some Utahns are already paying the price. This week we talk to KSL-TV’s chief meteorologist Kevin Eubank to break down the state’s drought and water situation--the concerns, the impact and what we can expect moving through spring and summer.

Over the last couple of years the troubled teen industry has been thrust into the spotlight, beginning with Paris Hilton's allegations about her experience at a center in Utah. This week we explore a recent lawsuit, the growing opposition to teen treatment centers and what the state has done about it.

On March 22, Governor Cox vetoed a bill that bans transgender girls from competing on designated girls sports teams. Three days later, legislators voted to override that veto. This week, we explore HB11 and the debate surrounding trans athletes and women's sports.

Families and providers that serve people with physical and intellectual disabilities say a state-funded program that supports them has reached a crisis. Staffing is down. Thousands with disabilities are on a waiting list. The state responded. But is it enough?

No fans, incredible athletes and a zero COVID policy. This week we dive into the unique experience of the 2022 Winter Olympics with colleagues Alex Cabrero and Jay Hancock, who covered the Games from Beijing for KSL-TV.

Over the last two weeks, KSL-TV‘s journalists have captured the impact of the devastating conflict in Ukraine 6,000 miles away. Hear their stories and how so many Utahns are stepping up to help.

This week on KSL+, a divisive debate happening across the country and in the Supreme Court. We look at the history and what is happening right now surrounding abortion laws in the United States. What will start in court decisions mean for Utah, and how did we get to where we are today.

After the police pursuit of a drunk driver left a local mother and entrepreneur dead and her friend badly injured, her husband is now fighting to change policies in Utah surrounding police chases. We look at the efficacy of police pursuits—does the good outweigh the harm?

We’ve been hearing lots about the supply chain and how it’s broken. But what does that really mean? We dive into the ins and outs of the complicated network that stocks our shelves.

After a two-year investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice found serious and widespread racial harassment in Davis schools. It’s opened up a lot of discussion about racism in schools, and where it comes from. We sat down with the anti-racism educator behind the podcast First Name Basis to better understand how we can teach our children…and ourselves… about becoming anti-racist.

A battle over boundaries. The opportunity only comes once every decade...using new census data to reconfigure district maps for members of congress...state legislators and school boards. We're focusing on the congressional map and the controversy surrounding it.

Full video version and full transcript, click HERE.

One in four American women will experience intimate partner or domestic violence at some point in their life. Nearly half of all homicides in Utah are related to domestic violence. This week, we look at the signs of violence in your relationship or the relationships around you.

A reversal in a years-long land dispute in southern Utah. President Joe Biden expanding Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, drawing praise from tribal leaders and conservationists, and criticism from some residents and state leaders and delegates. But why the back and forth over the years and what does this latest decision mean for the land and people moving forward?

Video and transcript at ksltv.com/kslplus

We know that many industries are struggling with staffing right now. But where did all the workers go? We know for sure, they aren’t living off unemployment. This week, News Specialist Deanie Wimmer looked at where the workers went and she joins us to look at what businesses will need to do to get people back.

As Utah hospitals fill up with COVID patients, most of them unvaccinated, others looking for treatment are having their procedures and treatments postponed. We talk with one Utah family that is worried they miss the one chance at a kidney transplant as hospitals delay surgeries.

The Gabby Petito case grabbed people's attention from the time she was reported missing, speculating on Reddit, Tiktok, even diving into all of Gabby's social media accounts, including her Spotify. And while much is said about how detrimental this kind of speculation can be, the tips that poured in, including a Youtube video showing Gabby's van---helped authorities know where to look to find her. Where is the line between hurting and helping?

All this week, KSL has been examining the lasting impacts of 9/11 as we approach the 20th anniversary. On KSL+ we dive deeper into the missed opportunities that may have kept us from the great divide we experiencing today.

To watch the full video version or read the full transcript, click HERE.

Families and the feds both pushing back on Utah's law, banning state-wide mask mandates in schools. Many worry now, that the law discriminates against kids with disabilities. 

For watch the video version or read a full transcript, go HERE.

ORIGINALLY AIRED FEBRUARY 25, 2021.

CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide

It's been more than a year, and hospitals are again filling up with COVID-19 patients. While people outside try to get back to normal, people treating COVID patients, and those supporting that treatment, have had a nearly never-ending barrage of hard work and heartbreak. And it's taking a toll. We look at the mental health impacts of the pandemic and some of the barriers to treatment for those in the medical field.

To watch a video version and for a full transcript, go HERE.

As the world watches in horror at the fall of the Afghan government, just days after the US troop withdrawal, there are Utahns with a special connection to the country. Some served there in the military, some fled two decades ago. We talk with them.

To watch the full video version and read the full transcript, go HERE.

We sit down with Dr. Angela Dunn in her new role with the Salt Lake County Health Department. She explains her worries heading into the new school year, and her hopes for public health in the future.

Watch full video version or read a full transcript HERE.

Heal the people, protect the sacred. During this disruptive and devastating pandemic a group of Native Americans from Utah are bringing a different kind of healing to the people and the land across the United States. The Jingle Dress Project was inspired by a dream, a dream today and 100 years ago.

Watch the full video version and read the full transcript HERE.

The Tokyo Olympics look different than in years past. We chat with KSL Olympic veteran Alex Cabrero about what the games looks like this year for the media and athletes. 

To watch the video version and read a full transcript, go HERE.

It's been several months since extra unemployment benefits ended in Utah, which was meant to give many struggling industries a boost. For restaurants at least, that hasn't been the case--many still struggling to fill open positions. We speak with a restaurant owner, as well as a server who left the industry during the pandemic.

Watch full video version and read a full transcript HERE. 

"It's no longer a fire season. It's a fire year."

As fire seasons get longer and more intense, Utah is struggling to keep up, especially when it comes to staff. It's a lot of long hours, low wages, and dangerous work. We look at what will be needed to get firefighters to apply, and then stick around for wildland jobs as the need becomes greater across the country.

Watch the video version and read a full transcript HERE.

Republicans, led by Utah Representative John Curtis, are starting to address climate change. We talk with Rep. Curtis about what he hopes to get out of the new Conservative Climate Caucus. Plus, we talk with an environmental educator about the best ways to talk about climate change with people who may still be on the fence.

To watch the video version or read a transcript of this episode, go HERE

Across Utah and the country, several industries are struggling to get the qualified workers they need to build buildings and homes and to help put food on the table. Garna Mejia joins us to break down the solutions company owners want to see enacted. 

To watch the video version and read the full transcript, go HERE.

Who has power to do what, where? That’s the loaded question right now surrounding fireworks this year, in the middle of an unprecedented drought. KSL + looks at what can and can’t be done legally for fireworks.

To watch the video version and read a transcript, go HERE.

We dive into the debate on whether college athletes should profit off their name, image and likeness. KSL Sports Anchor/Reporter Sam Farnsworth helps break down the push to allow them to get paid and how we got here. And two former Utah college players explain why they think the country is headed on the wrong direction on this issue.

To watch the video version and for full transcript, click HERE.

The Western United States are facing a big problem--drought. Currently more than 50% of the western states are in a drought--100% of Utah is classified as in a drought right now. Reservoirs are at levels we usually see at the end of the summer, and it's only the second week in June.

Last week, Utah Governor Spencer Cox asked Utahns to pray for water. We need water, there's no denying that.

But the Utah Rivers Council says there are changes we could be making--and should have been making for years--to help us better prepare for years like this, where Mother Nature isn't cooperating.

As more and more Americans get vaccinated, there are worries we won't ever get to that magical "herd immunity" threshold. But we learn from one expert that it's not quite that simple. Plus, the mathematical formula that's predicting what COVID will look like in a decade.

Watch the full video version and for a full transcript, go HERE. 

If you know anyone trying to buy a house right now, you know that they’re probably having a rough time.

Utah real estate prices have shot up and everyone’s pointing fingers. From Californians moving to Utah, to the cost of lumber, to the pandemic, they’re all pretty common scapegoats for frustrated buyers. The fact is, no matter the cause, the number of homes for sale right now is significantly lower than normal.

So why exactly is this happening? What is next? How is this different from the housing crisis of 2008? What do you need to do set yourself apart in such a competitive market? Unaffordable Utah reporter Ladd Egan joins us to help break it down.

To watch the full video version and for a full transcript, go HERE.

The country is abuzz discussing the merits or dangers of a academic lens called Critical Race Theory. We look at what it is, what it isn't and what Utah students are learning now.

Watch the full video version and see the full transcript HERE.

(Originally aired 5/12/21) May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We see the Asian influence all around us—from music to food to Oscar nominated movies. At the same time — anti-Asian rhetoric has peaked. For many of us, higher than we’ve seen our lifetimes and jumping to the forefront of our national conversations.

For people who are not Asian, this may feel like a sudden rise in Anti-Asian rhetoric brought on by COVID-19. But there’s a history here. And to better understand what’s happening now — we’re taking a look at the past.

Watch the full video version or see the full transcript HERE.

(Originally aired 5/6/21) 

President Joe Biden’s has touted the proposed American Families Plan as an investment in our children, our families, and our economic future. Like the American Rescue Plan, which passed in March, and the American Jobs Proposal, currently on the table, the Families Plan has a huge price tag.

As you might expect, this is getting a lot of mixed reaction from lawmakers. But we wanted to get Behind the Headlines and take a deeper look at where Utah families are struggling, and what impact the President’s proposal might have.

To watch the full video version and see the full transcript, go HERE.

(Originally aired 4/29/21) Earlier this month, a group of moms went viral in a video asking the Jordan School District to reverse its decision to move the Life Skills and Peer Mentoring program from every high school in the district to just a few. An online petition garnered more than 54,000 signatures and the district ultimately reversed the decision.

Our colleague Debbie Worthen reported on this story and we wanted to dive a little deeper, looking at some of the history and context around special education in this country. What does equal access to education look like? What is required by the law? And what should we be doing simply because it’s the right thing.

(Originally aired 4/22/21) 

Former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of all three charges against him in the death of George Floyd. The prosecution told the jury to believe their eyes — referring to the video seen around the world showing Chauvin kneeling on top of Floyd. And the jury believed it. Making their decision after roughly 10 hours of deliberation. And the reaction from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis was immediate.

What does the verdict in this one compelling case mean for the ongoing movement to change policing?

Watch the full video version and to see the full transcript, go HERE.

(Originally aired 4/1/21) This week on KSL+, we look at how the pandemic has impacted education, continuing our series looking at what the world will look like post-COVID. We look at the five changes that educators think will stick moving forward.

Watch the full video version and see the full transcript HERE.

(Originally aired 3/25/21) A year out from the beginning of the pandemic, this week marked nearly a year since Utah Gov. Gary Herbert launched the Stay Safe, Stay Home initiative, encouraging people to stay home where they could, especially encouraging people to work from home when they could.

That marked a huge change for many people. Now we recognize that not all industries were able to move to working from home. Healthcare, restaurants, construction, hospitality, all still required most workers to show up on site every day. But in many industries, working from home was possible and required a quick pivot–and has created some big changes in many different industries. For many, the pandemic has highlighted many problems within our businesses that have been around for decades–and is pushing us to find solutions.

To watch the full video version and to see the full transcript, go HERE.

(Originally aired 3/18/21) After every natural disaster, pandemic, or other traumatic event, there are ripples felt for generations. Families of 2.6 million people around the world are dealing with loss due to COVID-19 and countless more who have been impacted financially, mentally or physically.

What changes will we see 5, 10, 20 years down the road that we’ll trace back to the year 2020 and COVID? One year in, we’re looking at changes to healthcare that will likely stick around as we head into what many call our new normal.

Watch the full video version and see the transcript HERE.