This week on the News Reel, we speak with Doug McMurdo, editor of the Moab Times-Independent, about upcoming parking closures on Main Street. We also discuss the possibility for Moab City to provide water services to Arches National Park, the potential for Grand County to incorporate the federal land currently in remediation at the UMTRA site, and …

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear reports from across the region on the "Hands Off" protests, which drew thousands to the streets as part of a nationwide day of action against recent Trump administration policies. We also visit a unique library in Westcliffe, Colorado, where people can check out musical instruments. Plus, we break down NEPA, a…

This week on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen of the Moab Times-Independent about the Grand County Commission asking planning commissioner Laura Long to resign because of a conflict of interest with the Kane Creek development. We also discuss changes to Social Security, and how that could affect residents in rural Grand County. Plus…

This week on Regional Roundup, we take a closer look at the Sundance Film Festival’s recent announcement that it will move from Park City, Utah—its home for 40 years—to Boulder, Colorado, starting in 2027. We hear from a Colorado lawmaker sponsoring legislation to provide the festival with tax credits, as well as the director of the Utah Film Commi…

Today, we bring you a special episode that aired during our Spring 2025 Radiothon fundraiser to celebrate the miracle of radio broadcasting. KZMU Engineer Bob Owen breaks down the science of sound waves and explains the journey our voices take to get from the station on Rocky Road to the ears of our listeners. We talk about how terrestrial radio co…

Today on the News Reel, we speak with Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times Independent, about Grand County Commission Chair Bill Winfield’s philanthropy in Nepal. We also talk about the city’s plan to improve sidewalks downtown and give an overview of the city’s new strategic plan. Plus, a quick story about the recipients of this year’s RAP tax grants…

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear from civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, who spoke about immigrant rights recently at a rally in Denver, as well as from representatives from nonprofits that aid immigrants in the region. Plus, we hear from the producer of a new podcast that looks at recreation economies in the region, including in Moab.…

Today on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about Fiery Furnace, a popular hiking spot in Arches National Park, which is closed indefinitely because of staff shortages related to federal budget cuts. We also discuss the funding structure for Grand County's EMS program, which has seen declining reven…

This week on the Regional Roundup, we learn about a recent rally in support of fired federal workers and hear from a federal employee on the significance of public lands. We also explore what Ramadan means to one Utah resident, delve into the history of a small-town newspaper in rural Colorado, and highlight a key moment in LGBTQ history in Boulder…

Annette Kearl is a music therapist in Moab whose doctoral research found that certain sounds can enhance the immune system. She's dedicated her career to studying the effects of music on the body and helping people improve their health with sound vibrations. She hosts sound baths at Desert Power Yoga in Moab throughout the year, including one this …

This week on the Regional Roundup, we’ll get reports on the latest wolf activity in Wyoming and Colorado. We’ll also hear how students, researchers, medical professionals, and community members across the region took part in Stand Up for Science events on March 7. Plus, a report on the significance of Ramadan, and to finish up, a story on how a non…

Today on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the results from the official investigation into a plane crash that killed North Dakota state senator Doug Larsen and his family in Moab in 2023. We also discuss a new program to address domestic violence in Grand County, which has one of the highest…

Today on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about some of the noteworthy bills that were passed during this year’s general session, which ended last week. We also tell listeners about WabiSabi’s new location. Plus, we hear from Kenny Fallon, editor of the Green River Observer. We discuss a report fr…

The Trump administration has promised to cut funding for many federal programs, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. CPB funds public media like PBS, NPR, and other radio stations. KZMU is not funded through CPB, but our listeners benefit from the hard work of many partner stations that are. Today, we speak with Breeze Richardson, exe…

This week on Regional Roundup, we’ll hear how researchers are studying the impact of recreation on public lands and the natural environment. We also hear from an immigration attorney provides an overview of how new laws and executive orders are affecting immigrants. Plus a story about Moab's high schoolers as they prepare for prom.…

Today on the News Reel, we speak with Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about a protest that took place at Arches National Park recently. We also discuss upcoming federal office space closures in Moab for the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, and the United States Geological Survey. Plus, we give updates about th…

Over 200 people attended a public hearing on March 5 to challenge a feasibility study that approves Kane Creek developers to establish a preliminary municipality in Grand County. The study found that if incorporated, the luxury housing and commercial development would be financially viable, a requirement for moving forward with the project. But man…

This week on Regional Roundup, we'll hear about a commemorative climb that honored the 10th Mountain Division and their role in blocking Hitler’s defensive Gothic Line in Italy during World War II. We also drop in on the trials for the U.S. Olympic Mixed Curling Team, which took place recently in Colorado. To finish up, we examine the high cost of …

Today we speak with a former U.S. Forest Service employee who was abruptly fired in February along with the rest of the district's trail crew. What could happen to Moab's trail system without the team? And what should residents and tourists expect as further workforce cuts are predicted with a federal budget deadline looming on March 14? Photo cour…

At Grand County High School, prom is a big deal, and some kids have had their dates picked since elementary school. That’s because in Moab, your date isn’t just someone you take photos with. You have to perform a choreographed dance with them in front of hundreds of people. It’s part of a longstanding Moab tradition — the promenade. It’s an opening…

Today on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen of the Moab Times-Independent about the nationwide cuts to the federal workforce and how it’s affecting public land managers in Moab. We also mention a recent announcement by the Moab Police Department reassuring undocumented immigrants that they can call local law enforcement in emergencies…

Utah’s Division of Water Resources says that cloud seeding — a procedure that increases snowfall by injecting silver iodide into the atmosphere — adds about 200,000 acre feet of water to the state’s river system each year. But there’s a catch. Cloud seeding only works when it’s already snowing. And this winter, it’s been so dry in southeastern Utah…

This week on Regional Roundup, we'll hear from communities across the Mountain West that are protesting new executive orders from the Trump administration regarding immigration. We also hear about Wyoming and Utah's ongoing public lands debates over state versus federal control. Plus, a story about a citizen science project to gauge bird population…

On the show today, we have the weekly News Reel where we talk to other local journalists about what they reported this week. Today, we speak with Andrew Christiansen of the Moab Times-Independent about where the Kane Creek developers are in the process of becoming a preliminary municipality within Grand County. We also touch on the life and legacy …

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear why diversity is needed in climate research following the Trump administration's cuts to DEI programs at federal agencies. We also hear about two new films that premiered at the recent Sundance Film Festival in Utah, and we tag along with some birders in Boulder County, Colorado, on the trail of hundreds of wi…

Today on the show, we have the weekly News Reel, where we talk to other local journalists about what they covered this week. We talk to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Moab Times-Independent, about the Moab Museum, whose director, Forrest Rodgers, was fired last week just days before a new exhibit on the history of uranium mining opens on Feb.…

On Friday, the Utah Board of Education banned another book from all public schools in the state. "Like a Love Story" by Abdi Nazemian is the 16th book Utah has banned since a new law went into effect last summer that allows individual school districts to remove books from public school libraries statewide so long as at least two other school distri…

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear about the potential for geothermal energy in the Rocky Mountain West. A sociologist who studies gangs dispels the myths around immigration and gang violence. And we hear from some young mushers at a recent dog sled tournament.By KZMU News

Today on the weekly News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Moab Times-Independent, about Grand County’s plan to acquire a federal pipeline that currently brings water from the Green River to the UMTRA tailings disposal site in Crescent Junction. The repurposed pipeline could eventually bring water to Grand County residents in…

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, high school and middle school students will participate in the annual Youth Voices Speak Out event to educate kids and parents about mental health resources in the community. Students can submit songs, videos, essays, or posters that focus on mental health challenges. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best entries. Submissions…

This week on Regional Roundup, we cover gun legislation in Colorado and Wyoming, discuss wildfire preparedness in the arid West, visit a snow plane rally in Idaho, and explore an artists' residency in southeastern Utah.By KZMU News

Today on the weekly news reel, we speak with Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about possible repercussions for a motorized hang glider who spooked a group of horses during a horseback riding tour near Fisher Towers this fall. We also discuss a group that provides free vision testing and glasses to Moab residents. Plus, a story about n…

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear voices from People's Marches across the region in protest of President Donald Trumps stance on social justice issues such as reproductive rights and immigration. We also hear about a coalition of labor unions calling for a renewed focus on clean energy jobs. Plus, we have a story about the Indy Pass, a cheaper…

Today on the weekly News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times Independent, about a loss of funding for the BEACON Afterschool Program. We also talk about the latest statewide report on drug overdose deaths, which found the rate of overdose deaths in Grand County were twice the state’s average. And we finish with an update …

Today, we hear from KUER about Moab's disappearing farmland. As Utah's population expands, so does demand for housing and water. In Grand County, where property prices are nearly seven times what they were 20 years ago, much of the agricultural land - and its water rights - is changing hands to developers. Where does that water go now? Plus, we hea…

This week on Regional Roundup, we explore efforts to rename sections of a Colorado highway in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We also hear from one Utah academic who draws parallels between the state's elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and historical resistance to racial integration at public swimming pools. Finally, we e…

On Saturday, the Moab Abortion and Reproductive Rights Network hosted a local People's March in solidarity with the national movement. Participants gathered to protest the Trump administration's stance on reproductive rights as Utah's near-total ban on abortion still hangs in limbo in state court. - Show Notes - • Photo: About 75 people joined Moab…

On the news reel today, we talk to Doug McMurdo of the Times Independent about the city’s plans to change parking, traffic lights and more on Main Street. Plus we cover the city’s discussions about what to do with the Walnut Lane Property where they promised to build affordable housing. We finish up with a story about the county’s new stance on the…

State lawmakers will discuss possible changes to Utah's vote by mail system during the 2025 legislative session, which begins on Jan. 21. Criticism of the mail-in ballot process has followed the release of a recent audit that found five potential cases of voter fraud in Utah in 2023. Supporters say the changes could increase election security, whil…

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court tossed out Utah's public lands lawsuit that would have challenged the federal government's control of over 18 million acres across the state. The lawsuit was just one effort Utah officials have made in recent months as part of a larger campaign to wrest control of public lands from the Bureau of Land Management. Pu…

Cases in the U.S. District Court of Utah can now be heard in Moab and Monticello. The change is intended to cut down travel times for law enforcement involved in hearings and citizens selected for federal jury duty. Plus, a new management plan for Bears Ears National Monument allows rock climbing, prohibits base jumping, and continues on with the s…

On the News Reel today, we talk to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the Grand County Commission’s newly elected chair and vice chair. We also talk about the Moab Music Festival’s new director and give an update about the missing parrots in Moab. Plus, we highlight a quick story about a 26,000-year-old fox that was disco…

This week on Regional Roundup, as Colorado prepares to reintroduce another pack of wolves, we hear from biologist Diane Boyd, who recounts four decades of wolf research in her new memoir "A Woman Among Wolves." We also hear a story on how immigrant rights groups are battling misinformation and bracing for a second Trump administration. And finally,…

In December, 28-year-old Moab resident Kara Bard bought the site of a former artist residency in Cisco, Utah, called Home of the Brave. The program was started by the previous owner Eileen Muza, who spent nearly a decade rebuilding old structures on the ghost town property. Today on the show, we talk to Muza about the history of Home of the Brave a…

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear from Utah author Elizabeth Smart, who has been a tireless advocate for abuse survivors since her kidnapping at age 14. We also explore how a smaller-sized piano at CU Boulder is helping musicians avoid injury, hear a fire spotter’s story, and learn one film critic’s top five movies of 2024.…

On the News Reel today, we talk to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about a sergeant with the Grand County Sheriff's Office who won Investigator of the Year for his work against internet crimes. We also discuss a new state law that requires the county to review subdivision applications within 160 days, among other changes. We finish u…

Today we hear from partners at KUER about the state's initiative to save water by helping farmers install efficient sprinklers. We also hear from the Mountain West News Bureau about rural movie theaters that are keeping the popcorn flowing.By KZMU News

Today we hear from our partners at Rocky Mountain Community Radio about a lawsuit against the state of Utah regarding public lands. We also hear from the Utah News Connection about the state's shortage of foster homes. Plus, we hear from the Mountain West News Bureau about the role beavers play in fire mitigation.…

Today we hear from partners at KSUT about a public lands celebration in Mancos, Colorado, following a recent land grab attempt. We also hear from the Mountain West News Bureau about women who work in construction and their attempts to usher in a new generation of female construction workers.By KZMU News

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear from a new podcast about the ripple effects of gun violence in communities across the West. We also share water stories from an Indigenous perspective, produced by Tribal Water Media Fellows at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Finally, we examine how immigrant communities across the region are bracing …