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Articles by Eric Cabrera
Millcreek mayor questions air-quality data as city fights Parleys Canyon gravel mine
MILLCREEK — Millcreek is mounting another challenge against a proposed gravel mine in Parleys Canyon, this time appealing a state-issued air-quality permit that city leaders say fails to adequately protect nearby residents. The city announced Thursday that it filed an appeal challenging the Utah Division of Air Quality's permit for the proposed I-80 South Quarry.
Thousands of Utah voters receive limited ballots as officials work to verify citizenship
Salt Lake City — Thousands of Utah voters have received ballots containing only congressional races under a new citizenship verification law, but election officials say that number is shrinking as they work to confirm the citizenship of longtime registered voters. Utah Director of Elections Ryan Cowley told KSL News today that approximately 4,300 voters remained in the federal-only category as of Thursday.
How Utah students use AI in school depends on where they go
SALT LAKE CITY — Artificial intelligence is moving into Utah classrooms, but what that means for students can vary depending on where they go to school. Utah education officials announced this summer that Google Gemini would be made available to public schools for the 2026-27 school year, while leaving local districts to decide how the technology would be implemented. Now, several weeks into the school year, those approaches are beginning to look different.
Utah 4-H communities rally around children facing serious illnesses
OGDEN — Nine-year-old Brandon "Chomp" Barela spent his summer preparing for his first livestock show at the Weber County Fair. He had a goat named Santa, a best friend who shared his love of animals and plenty of excitement about finally getting into the show ring. But a week before the fair, Chomp was hospitalized with heart failure. He wouldn't get the chance to show the goat he had spent months raising. Chomp with his goat Santa.
Nearly 1 in 5 young people turn to AI for mental health advice. What Utah parents should know
SALT LAKE CITY — Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming more than a homework helper or search tool for young people. For some, it is also becoming a place to talk about their mental health. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adolescents and young adults surveyed said they had used an AI chatbot for mental health advice, according to a study published this summer in JAMA Pediatrics. Perhaps more striking: Most of those young people had not told anyone they were doing it.
Court rejects Ute Tribe bid for ownership of 1.5 million acres that remain part of Utah reservation
SALT LAKE CITY — A federal appeals court has rejected the Ute Indian Tribe's effort to gain ownership of roughly 1.5 million acres in eastern Utah, the latest ruling in a land fight rooted in the federal government's treatment of the Utes nearly 150 years ago. But the decision does not mean the land is no longer part of the Ute reservation. "It's an oversimplification," Michalyn Steele, the Marion G. Romney professor of law at Brigham Young University, told KSL.
'Trackflation' is here: Why Utah's young runners are getting so fast
PROVO — Thirteen-year-old Angelina Alder has already run a mile faster than many accomplished high school athletes ever will. Her 4-minute, 38.25-second mile at the Brooks PR Invitational in Washington this summer set an age-group world record — not only for 13-year-old girls, but also surpassing the mark for 14-year-olds. And her coach says Alder is an exceptional example of something happening across the sport.
Downtown Salt Lake report highlights booming events, more residents and billions in future investment
SALT LAKE CITY — A new economic report paints an increasingly busy picture of downtown Salt Lake City where more people are attending events, spending money and choosing to live even as the traditional office workforce remains smaller than it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Downtown Alliance’s 2026 Economic Benchmark Report found that downtown recorded 30.7 million “customer days” in 2025, counting people who spent more than an hour in the area.
Via executive order, Trump again reduces the size of Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
SALT LAKE CITY — President Trump has signed an executive order once again reducing the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The signing happened Monday with Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Celeste Maloy and Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office. The President first reduced Bears Ears by about 85% and Grand Staircase-Escalante by nearly half in 2017, before President Biden restored both monuments four years later.
Why Utah's love affair with Toyota Land Cruiser is attracting attention from Japan
MIDVALE — Toyota Land Cruisers from across the country and around the world roll through the bays of a small auto shop tucked along State Street in Midvale. Some are 30 years old. Others are pushing 40 or 50. Yet, many are worth as much as, or even more than, a brand-new SUV. For State Automotive owner Dustin Stewart, it's a trend that has transformed what started as a personal hobby into a nationally recognized specialty. A rare Land Cruiser 4500 VXR outside the shop.
Danger Advisory issued for harmful algal bloom at Mantua Reservoir
MANTUA, Box Elder County — The highest warning level used for toxic algae in Utah has been issued for Mantua Reservoir in Box Elder County. Utah health officials are warning people to stay out of the water and to ensure that pets also stay out of the water. The Danger Advisory comes as Utah heads into another stretch of triple-digit temperatures, conditions that, according to state officials, can help harmful algal blooms develop and spread.
Why Utah’s love affair with the classic Toyota Land Cruiser is driving values and attracting attention from Japan
MIDVALE — In a shop tucked along State Street in Midvale, Toyota Land Cruisers from across the country and around the world roll through the bays. Some are 30 years old. Others are pushing 40 or 50. Yet many are worth as much as, or even more than, a brand-new SUV.
Venezuelan advocates in Utah push for TPS after Supreme Court ruling, earthquakes
SALT LAKE CITY — Families are scared, frustrated and looking for answers, Venezuelan community leaders in Utah said, after a recent Supreme Court ruling involving Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, came just days before deadly earthquakes struck Venezuela.
Why some Utah wildfires stay listed as ’cause unknown’ for weeks or months
SALT LAKE CITY — When a wildfire breaks out, firefighters race to protect lives and stop the flames. But determining what sparked the fire is often a much longer process. Many of Utah’s largest wildfires remain listed as “under investigation” or “cause unknown” on the Utah Fire Info website, leaving many people wondering why investigators don’t have answers sooner.
Utah’s largest wildfires have already cost nearly $40 million to fight as officials warn prevention remains key
SALT LAKE CITY — Fighting Utah’s largest wildfires has already cost an estimated $40 million this season, and state officials said that number will continue climbing as crews remain on the fire lines. New estimates from the Great Basin Coordination Center show Utah’s seven largest active wildfires have accumulated roughly $40 million in suppression costs. The Cottonwood Fire accounts for the largest share at an estimated $21 million, followed by the Iron Fire at about $9.3 million.
Why Utah firefighters may not get a break anytime soon
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah firefighters aren’t just battling several large wildfires, they’re also responding to a steady stream of new fire starts. And forecasters are warning the hot, dry and windy conditions driving those fire starts aren’t expected to ease anytime soon. Utah firefighters are battling more than a dozen new wildfire starts that were reported over the past 24 hours. Extreme fire weather continues to fuel dangerous conditions across much of the state.
The ‘gatekeepers’ are gone: What that means for Utah musicians
SALT LAKE CITY — For decades, breaking into the music business meant convincing a handful of powerful gatekeepers that your song deserved to be heard. Record labels, radio stations and television networks largely controlled what music reached the public and what artists became stars. Few people understand that in the world better than Noah Sheer. Sheer spent nearly three decades in the music industry, eventually rising to executive vice president and head of promotion for Def Jam Recordings.
Federal investigators searching for suspect in Orem mail theft case
OREM — Federal investigators are searching for a suspect accused of stealing mail from an Orem post office. According to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, an unknown man stole mail from the back dock of the Mountain Shadows Post Office at 877 E. 1200 South in Orem, on May 29.
One year after Afa Ah Loo’s death, family and friends remember a life of service
SALT LAKE CITY — One year after Afa Ah Loo was killed during the No Kings protest in downtown Salt Lake City, those closest to him say they want people to remember far more than the tragedy that took his life. Family, friends and community members spent the weekend reflecting on Ah Loo’s legacy as a husband, father, fashion designer, advocate and community leader whose impact continues to be felt across Utah.
Utah education leaders roll out Google AI tools for schools statewide
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah education leaders are partnering with Google to expand access to artificial intelligence tools in public schools, a move they said will help students develop AI literacy while giving educators new tools to support classroom instruction. The Utah State Board of Education announced today that schools across the state will have access to Google’s Gemini for Education platform beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
After Amber Alert recovery, Utah expert explains how toddlers process stress and fear
SALT LAKE CITY — After two young Saratoga Springs boys at the center of an Amber Alert were safely found in Mexico, a Utah child development expert said situations involving fear, disruption or separation can still affect children, even when they are too young to explain what they feel. Malinda Freitag, senior clinical director at The Children’s Center Utah, said she cannot speak specifically about the boys in this case. But she said infants and toddlers can experience stress, distress and trauma.
Salt Lake police, unsheltered residents meet face-to-face to address homelessness cycle
SALT LAKE CITY — Inside a meeting room in downtown Salt Lake City, people living on the streets sat across from police leadership and city partners, sharing firsthand why they say the system meant to help them isn’t working. The conversation, organized by Nomad Alliance, brought together a small group of unsheltered individuals and Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd for a candid discussion about the cycle of homelessness and incarceration.
Family of Cedar City boy hit by SUV decides to donate his organs
SALT LAKE CITY — The family of a 7-year-old Cedar City boy who was left in a coma after being struck by an SUV has decided to donate his organs. Nathan Rees's uncle, Andrew Leavitt, said the decision came after days of hope, prayer and careful consideration. "They're doing as well as can be expected at this time," Leavitt said.
Family of Cedar City boy in coma decides to let him go, says he will help others through organ donation
SALT LAKE CITY — The family of a 7-year-old Cedar City boy who was left in a coma after being struck by an SUV has made the difficult decision to let him go, saying his life will continue to help others through organ donation. Nathan Rees’s uncle, Andrew Leavitt, said the decision came after days of hope, prayer and careful consideration. “They’re doing as well as can be expected at this time,” Leavitt said.
Utah man describes weeks in immigration custody and a decision he didn't understand
SALT LAKE CITY — Sergio Argañaraz said he was driving through his neighborhood on his way to work when flashing lights appeared behind him. At first, he said, the vehicle didn't look like a traditional police car. But within moments, multiple cars surrounded him — blocking him in from the front and back. Minutes later, he was in handcuffs.
‘Sign or stay locked up’: Utah man describes weeks in immigration custody and a decision he didn’t understand
SALT LAKE CITY — Sergio Argañaraz said he was driving through his neighborhood on his way to work when flashing lights appeared behind him. At first, he said, the vehicle didn’t look like a traditional police car. But within moments, multiple cars surrounded him — blocking him in from the front and back. Minutes later, he was in handcuffs.
Kevin Franke said Ruby Franke, Jodi Hildebrandt 'would be thrilled' after Utah child welfare bill fails
SALT LAKE CITY — Kevin Franke said Utah lawmakers missed an opportunity to better protect children after they rejected a child welfare bill he said could have helped investigators intervene sooner in abuse cases. Franke, whose ex-wife Ruby Franke is serving prison time for child abuse alongside her former business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, spoke with KSL NewsRadio about SB124, which failed on the House floor despite passing the Utah Senate.
Utah mother turns grief into mission to support veterans through Bowden’s Brigade
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A Utah mother who lost her son after his military service is turning that grief into a mission to make sure other veterans don’t face the transition home alone. Janaea Hunter founded Bowden’s Brigade, a Utah-based nonprofit that brings veterans together through gatherings and activities designed to help build support networks and prevent isolation. The organization is named after Hunter’s son, Bowden, who dreamed of serving his country from a young age.
As tensions rise overseas, Utah veteran says uncertainty weighs heavily on military families
SALT LAKE CITY — As tensions escalate overseas, a Utah Air Force veteran said the impact of global conflict is felt long before any official deployment orders — especially by the families waiting at home. Kimberly Chatto, who served more than 11 years as an Air Force officer, said headlines about rising conflict immediately bring to mind the young men and women currently serving, and the uncertainty they and their families face.
Midway snowboarder who chose amputation to keep competing qualifies for 2026 Paralympics
MIDWAY, Utah — When doctors told Joe Pleban at 21 years old that a tumor had destroyed his ankle and competitive sports were over, he faced a choice: fuse the joint and give up athletics, or take a risk that could change his life. He chose amputation. Now, years later, the Midway snowboarder officially qualified for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
Utah mother mourns son killed in West Valley City carbon monoxide case, urges more support for adults with disabilities
WEST VALLEY CITY — The mother of one of three disabled adults who died in what police said was a carbon monoxide poisoning case in West Valley City said she hopes her son’s death brings new attention to the safety and dignity of adults with profound disabilities. Colton Moser, 25, was one of three men found dead after investigators said they were left inside a running vehicle in a garage. West Valley City police have said the deaths appear to be accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
New, less invasive, fetal surgery at Primary Children’s improves outcomes for babies with spina bifida
SALT LAKE CITY — Doctors at Intermountain Health Primary Children’s Hospital said a new, less invasive, fetal surgery procedure is helping treat spina bifida while babies are still in the womb — improving long-term outcomes for children and lowering risks for mothers. Spina bifida is a congenital birth defect that occurs when a baby’s spinal column does not close completely early in pregnancy.
Thousands rally in downtown Salt Lake City for 'ICE OUT' protest, march to USCIS building
SALT LAKE CITY — Thousands of protesters gathered in downtown Salt Lake City Friday afternoon for an “ICE OUT” demonstration that organizers said was part of a nationwide blackout calling attention to immigration enforcement and its impact on families and communities. The protest began at Washington Square outside the Salt Lake City Building, where demonstrators filled the park, sidewalks and surrounding streets waving flags, holding signs and chanting.
Utah tattoo artists launch “SLC Tattooers Against ICE” fundraiser tied to Minnesota mutual-aid efforts
SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City tattoo studio is helping organize a statewide fundraiser in reaction to immigration enforcement and concerns shared by an artist with ties to Minnesota. Strawberry Moon Tattoo Collective and a growing list of collaborating artists are behind the “SLC Tattooers Against ICE: Minnesota Fundraiser,” a campaign that now includes about 30 tattooers across Utah.
Privacy advocates raise concerns over Ring–Flock partnership and law enforcement access - KSLNewsRadio
SALT LAKE CITY — A new partnership involving Ring doorbell cameras and a surveillance technology company is raising questions about privacy, surveillance and how easily law enforcement — including federal agencies — can request video footage from homeowners. Ring, which is owned by Amazon, recently announced a partnership with Flock Safety, a company best known for its automatic license plate reader systems used by police departments across the country.
Sandy grandmother remains in ICU after stabbing; loved ones rally to support recovery
SANDY — A Sandy grandmother remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit on Wednesday after police said she was stabbed multiple times by her grandson Sunday. Friends and family are now raising money to help cover her medical costs. Friends identified her as Isabel Coral, a longtime healthcare worker known for caring for children and families. Coral was attacked Sunday inside her apartment near 200 West and 9000 South, according to a police booking affidavit.
Community, city leader pushing back on bid to rename Harvey Milk Boulevard
SALT LAKE CITY — A proposal moving through the Utah Legislature to rename Salt Lake City’s Harvey Milk Boulevard is drawing strong opposition from small business owners and city leaders, including a 900 South business owner whose viral video helped fuel a growing petition urging lawmakers to keep the street’s current name.
Utah leaders push for 'bell-to-bell' limits on student phones in schools
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah leaders say they plan to pursue legislation this year that would make “bell-to-bell” device limits the default policy in public schools, expanding restrictions beyond classroom time to the entire school day. Gov. Spencer Cox and Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, along with education advocates, announced the effort at the Utah Capitol ahead of the 2026 general session, which begins Jan. 20.
Ogden’s Christmas Village ranked among nation’s best lights displays
OGDEN — Ogden’s Christmas Village has been named one of the best holiday light displays in the country, according to USA Today. The festive attraction ranked No. 2 on the newspaper’s annual list, just behind Duluth, Minnesota’s Bentleyville, Tour of Lights. The recognition marks a milestone for the decades-old tradition, which began in 1962 and now spans four city blocks in downtown Ogden.
Capitol board votes to move auditor's office amid dispute over space in Utah Capitol
Cannon said she has been denied requests to view the architectural renderings of her new space to determine whether the space is “substantially similar” and said she was not provided a copy of the space assessment. State Treasurer Marlo Oaks also said he was not shown a comprehensive assessment of the space.
Ballet West warns 'The Nutcracker' patrons about third-party ticket scams Original
SALT LAKE CITY — Ballet West is warning patrons to be cautious when buying tickets for "The Nutcracker" after multiple customers recently reported paying inflated prices for tickets or receiving tickets for seats that did not exist. The ballet company said deceptive third-party ticket sellers are sometimes the first online search result, and the resellers are using websites that closely resemble Ballet West's official site, leading buyers to believe they are purchasing legitimate tickets.
Ballet West warns 'The Nutcracker' patrons about third-party ticket scams
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Deaf Utah man files federal civil rights lawsuit after encounter with ICE agents outside SLCC
TAYLORSVILLE — A deaf Utah man has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging he was injured during an encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside Salt Lake Community College's Taylorsville campus. The complaint, filed on behalf of 38-year-old Arturo Ruvalcaba, describes what attorneys call a confusing and painful confrontation on Sept. 29, in which several individuals, later identified as ICE agents, approached him at the SLCC bus stop as he waited to go home from work.
Deaf Utah man files federal civil rights lawsuit after encounter with ICE agents outside SLCC
TAYLORSVILLE — A deaf Utah man has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging he was injured during an encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside Salt Lake Community College’s Taylorsville campus. The complaint, filed on behalf of 38-year-old Arturo Ruvalcaba, describes what attorneys call a confusing and painful confrontation on Sept.
Deaf Utah man files federal civil rights lawsuit after encounter with ICE agents outside SLCC
TAYLORSVILLE — A deaf Utah man has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging he was injured during an encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents outside Salt Lake Community College’s Taylorsville campus. The complaint, filed on behalf of 38-year-old Arturo Ruvalcaba, describes what attorneys call a confusing and painful confrontation on Sept.
KSL Kindness
Eric Cabrera A Utah chef who once relied on a homeless shelter himself is relaunching a project he started years ago to help people now living on the streets of Salt Lake City. 13 hours ago Eric Cabrera A woman is collecting food with the Utah community to help families gather food for a Thanksgiving dinner. 12 days ago A Utah nonprofit is turning unopened LEGO boxes into building blocks for brighter futures.
Salt Lake City chef relaunches ‘Burrito Project’ to feed people living on the streets
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah chef who once relied on a homeless shelter himself is relaunching a project he started years ago to help people now living on the streets of Salt Lake City. Chef and business owner Jorge Fierro has restarted the “Burrito Project,” a volunteer effort that prepares and hands out hot burritos to people experiencing homelessness. The project first began about 16 years ago, but shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New analysis shows more US consumers are falling behind on their utility bills
WASHINGTON (AP) — More people are falling behind on paying their bills to keep on the lights and heat their homes, according to a new analysis of consumer data — a warning sign for the U.S. economy and another political headache for President Donald Trump. Past due balances to utility companies jumped 9.7% annually to $789 between the April-June periods of 2024 and 2025, said The Century Foundation, a liberal think tank, and the advocacy group Protect Borrowers.
What to know as the US Mint in Philadelphia prepares to press its final penny
The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia will soon cease circulating its last penny, marking the latest step in the 1-cent coin’s demise. President Donald Trump ordered the cancelation of the penny earlier this year, noting that the cost of making them had became more than their value. Here’s what you should know about the penny’s long history in the U.S. When was the first penny minted?
Utah woman’s grassroots Thanksgiving effort aims to feed 300 families this weekend
KEARNS — What began years ago as one Utah woman posting online to help a neighbor has grown into a full Thanksgiving operation feeding hundreds of families across the Salt Lake Valley. Jen Rogers, founder of the JR Way nonprofit, said she never set out to build an organization. In the early days, she simply noticed when someone in her community needed help and rallied friends through social media to step in.
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