KZMU News

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the end of the timed entry system at Arches National Park and what that means for Grand County's economic assessment of the reservation system, which will cost the county $60,000. - Show Notes - • Arches National Park drops timed entry reservations for 2026 https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/arches-national-park-drops-timed-entry-reservation-for-2026/ • Residents question communication and transparency on Arches timed entry economic study https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/residents-question-communication-and-transparency-on-arches-timed-entry-economic-study/

Visitors no longer need a reservation to enter Arches National Park. The National Park Service announced last week that the timed entry program is discontinued for 2026. In a press release, federal officials said the decision is intended to “expand public access,” and similar reservation systems have ended at Glacier, Yosemite and Mount Rainier national parks as well. The change aligns with the goals of some Moab officials, who argue the reservation system caused visitor numbers to drop and harmed the local economy. Today, we speak with a former Arches park ranger about the benefits of timed entry. - Show Notes - • National Park Service timed entry press release https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/news/news02182026.htm Photo: A crowd of tourists wait in long lines at the entrance to Arches. Photo courtesy of the NPS.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear about an art exhibit in Durango, Colorado, that centers Indigenous and Latinx artists. Then, we hear from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, who spoke last month in Aspen about a new initiative aimed at advancing equality through women's sports. We also travel to southeast Utah to learn how the ancient craft of flint knapping is being preserved and passed down to a new generation. And we wrap up in Denver hearing about two museums dedicated to preserving Black American history.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a recent lawsuit filed against the Lieutenant Governor's office and developers of the Echo Canyon development over their status as a preliminary municipality. We also discuss the cleanup effort at the UMTRA site in Moab, which finally relocated all 16 million tons of uranium waste to Crescent Junction.

Having a reliable well is the only way a lot of people can live in rural Utah. But digging a well can be an expensive gamble. You could spend thousands to hire a hydrologist to point you in the right direction. Or, for a fraction of the price, you could hire a water witch. Today we speak to Jim Brandt, an excavation contractor and dowser who uses brass rods and a handsaw to "witch" for the perfect place to dig. In his 40-year career, he's only dug two dry wells.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear how national tensions around immigration enforcement are playing out in Wyoming. We visit a tiny mountain community in western Colorado that has worked to provide services for its senior residents, and we round out the show with a conversation about the recent ski patrol strike in Telluride and how it continues to impact the community.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the region's record-low snowpack this winter. We also discuss Grand County's $60,000 study into the timed entry system at Arches National Park. And we close with an update about a possible new air service contract at the airport. - Show Notes - • Utah snowpack hits worst levels on record https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/its-horrible-utah-snowpack-hits-worst-levels-on-record/ • Arches timed entry economic study delayed https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/arches-timed-entry-economic-study-delayed/ • Grand County hires consultant to explore airline options for Canyonlands Regional Airport https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-hires-consultant-to-explore-airline-options-for-canyonlands-regional-airport/

Negotiators from the seven Colorado River Basin states will likely miss a crucial deadline this weekend to submit a new plan for how to divide the dwindling water source. Without an agreement, the federal government retains the right to impose a contract on the states. The Feb. 14 deadline comes as the region faces record-low snowpack coupled with unusually warm temperatures this winter. - Show Notes - • USDA Snow Water Equivalent Map https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/imap/#version=2&elements=&networks=!&states=!&counties=!&hucs=&minElevation=&maxElevation=&elementSelectType=any&activeOnly=true&activeForecastPointsOnly=true&hucLabels=false&hucIdLabels=false&hucParameterLabels=true&stationLabels=&overlays=&hucOverlays=&basinOpacity=75&basinNoDataOpacity=25&basemapOpacity=100&maskOpacity=0&mode=data&openSections=dataElement,parameter,date,basin,options,elements,location,networks&controlsOpen=true&popup=&popupMulti=&popupBasin=&base=esriNgwm&displayType=station&basinType=6&dataElement=WTEQ&depth=-8¶meter=PCTMED&frequency=DAILY&duration=I&customDuration=&dayPart=E&monthPart=E&forecastPubDay=1&forecastExceedance=50&useMixedPast=true&seqColor=1&divColor=7&scaleType=D&scaleMin=&scaleMax=&referencePeriodType=POR&referenceBegin=1991&referenceEnd=2020&minimumYears=20&hucAssociations=true&relativeDate=-1&lat=42.300&lon=-114.300&zoom=4.5

This week on the Regional Roundup, we bring you voices from ICE protests held across the region, along with reporting on Native Americans who say they've been stopped, and in some cases detained, by immigration agents. We also look at growing concern in Indigenous communities over the possibility that Congress could overturn the current resource management plan for Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Plus, we hear from an Aspen athlete headed to the Winter Olympics in Italy to compete in ski mountaineering, and we wrap up the show with the story of a radio play performed by students in Telluride.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Doug McMurdo, editor at the Times-Independent, about the ICE protest that took place in Moab last week. We also discuss a recent state audit of a former USU president who spent nearly $300,000 dollars renovating her office. And we finish with a quick update about funding for CFI's youth program.

Today we speak to Greg Nunn, a master flintknapper from Castle Valley who crafts stone tools using an ancient technique. We discuss the ways he's preserving, documenting and passing on the tradition and what the practice means to him personally. This episode is part of a KZMU series that highlights people in our community who are keeping Southwestern traditions alive. You can find more stories in this series on KZMU.org. - Show Notes - • Greg Nunn Flintknapping https://gregnunnflintworks.com/ • Photo: Greg Nunn chips away at a knife with an antler. Photo by Emily Arntsen/KZMU.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we'll hear about the formation of a new federal agency: the U.S. Wildland Fire Service, and a report on so-called “death cards” found in abandoned vehicles following rumored ICE activity near Vail, Colorado. We'll also check in on an avalanche training program in Wyoming, and efforts underway to reintroduce wolverines to Colorado. Plus, a look at the dismantling of a beloved gathering place for some locals in Moab by the Bureau of Land Management, and we wrap up the show in Park City with a look at the Sundance Film Festival, the final year the festival will call Utah home before moving to Boulder, Colorado, next year.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Lizzie Ramirez, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a statement from Moab City officials in response to federal immigration officers shooting and killing two Americans in Minnesota recently. We also discuss a survey taking place in the area to assess homelessness. - Show Notes - • Moab mayor reaffirms support for immigrants: ‘We're not going to let anything happen to you.' https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/were-not-gonna-let-anything-happen-to-you-moab-mayor-reaffirms-support-for-immigrants/ • Statewide effort to count Utahns experiencing homelessness https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/statewide-effort-to-count-utahns-experiencing-homelessness/

LeAnder Goldtooth is one of very few people his age keeping the art of Navajo basket weaving alive. At just 23 years old, he's become a master of the craft, harvesting his own sumac, reviving ancient patterns, and sharing his knowledge with the next generation. - Show Notes - • LeAnder Goldtooth on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashkiiasaa.goldtooth/ Photo: LeAnder Goldtooth holds two baskets he's working on for an upcoming ceremony. Photo by Emily Arntsen/KZMU.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we'll pay a visit to the First People's Festival that took place in Estes Park, Colorado, earlier this month. The three-day event brought together Indigenous artists, educators, and community members for fashion, art, dance, and storytelling. We also learn about a program that teaches high school students trade skills, and puts those skills to work building affordable housing. We'll also take a closer look at the Colorado River Basin, where the U.S. Department of the Interior has released a draft environmental impact statement outlining potential paths forward for managing the river and its two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. We'll round out the show with a conversation with the filmmaker behind a new documentary examining the crisis in local journalism.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the Moab Chamber of Commerce's recent business summit, and a special guest appearance at that meeting by Kevin Lilly, acting assistant secretary for the Department of Interior Fish, Wildlife and National Parks. We finish with a quick update about Our Village Community Center, a nonprofit that recently lost funding for free food distribution in Moab. - Show Notes - • Strengths, opportunities highlight chamber's business summit https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/strengths-opportunities-highlight-chambers-business-summit/ • Lilly connects National Parks to God, children and cartels at business summit https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/lilly-connects-national-parks-to-god-children-and-cartels-at-business-summit/ • Our Village distributed nearly 34,000 pounds of food in 2025 as grant funding ends https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/our-village-distributed-nearly-34000-pounds-of-food-in-2025-as-grant-funding-ends/

For decades, Otho Bridge was a beloved gathering place for a small community of Moab locals who lived in Mill Creek Canyon. That era has come to an end—the last person left the canyon a few years ago. Then, last spring, the Bureau of Land Management dismantled the site at Otho Bridge, including the famous sandstone chessboard. In this story, we speak with a BLM archaeologist and a member of that original Mill Creek community about the line between art and vandalism, community and public land. Photo by Emily Arntsen/KZMU

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear from vigils and protests around the region after the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. We also hear from a former National Forest supervisor about the challenges currently facing public lands. Then, a conversation with a conservationist about efforts to restore American bison to Indigenous lands. We finish the show with a BLM archaeologist who tells us about efforts to preserve and conserve the region's rich archaeological history.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a possible new sales tax in Grand County that would fund new public safety facilities. We also recap the city's 2026 goals, which were discussed in a recent strategic planning retreat. And we finish with a quick update about the murder-suicide case in Island in the Sky. - Show Notes - • City discusses priorities at strategic planning retreat https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/city-discusses-priorities-at-strategic-planning-retreat/ • Commission launches review of proposed public safety sales tax https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/commission-launches-review-of-proposed-public-safety-sales-tax/ • 6-year-old child found deceased inside Canyonlands National Park https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/child-found-deceased-inside-canyonlands-national-park/

Living on the Colorado Plateau can sometimes feel like living in a science fiction novel with its nuclear waste sites and failing dams and Mars-like landscapes. Science fiction writers have long been drawn to the region, including authors John Clute and Pamela Zoline, who recently donated 14,000 first-edition sci-fi novels to a little library in Telluride. - Show Notes - Clute Science Fiction Library • https://www.tellurideinstitute.org/clute-science-fiction-library/ Photo by Emily Arntsen/KZMU

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Lizzie Ramirez, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the man found guilty of attempted murder after stabbing a woman on the Mill Creek Parkway in 2023. We also discuss a new medical cannabis pharmacy, which is expected to open in Moab this summer. Plus, we give a quick recap of the quicksand search and rescue mission in Arches that gained national attention last week. - Show Notes - • Parkway assailant found guilty of attempted murder https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/parkway-assailant-guilty-of-attempted-murder/ • Moab to receive a medical cannabis pharmacy https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-to-receive-a-medical-cannabis-pharmacy/ • Hiker rescued after becoming trapped in quicksand in Arches backcountry https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/hiker-rescued-after-becoming-trapped-in-quicksand-in-arches-backcountry/ • Ground beef donated to Moab food pantries ahead of holidays https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/pounds-of-ground-beef-donated-to-moab-food-pantries-ahead-of-the-holidays/

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the county's trail ambassador program, which will begin operating independently next year as a nonprofit called Steward Moab. We also discuss some upcoming holiday events. And we finish with a quick feature about what life is like for service workers in Moab. - Show Notes - • County trail ambassador program to relaunch as nonprofit Steward Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-trail-ambassador-program-to-relaunch-as-nonprofit-steward-moab/ • Holiday events return https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/holiday-events-return-to-moab/ • Undervalued and misunderstood: How service workers live in Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/undervalued-and-misunderstood-how-service-workers-live-in-moab/

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about about changes to Grand County's rural healthcare tax, which will go into effect in January 2026. We also discuss how much the state of Utah spent to maintain limited operations at its five national parks during the government shutdown. And we finish with a quick update about the county's new planning and zoning director. - Show Notes - • New revenue stream headed to EMS, fire protection and local care center https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/new-revenue-stream-headed-to-ems-fire-protection-and-local-care-center/ • Arches National Park faces uncertainty after the government shutdown https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/arches-national-park-faces-uncertainty-after-the-government-shutdown/ • Grand County hires PZ director after 9 month vacancy https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-hires-pz-director-after-9-month-vacancy/

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the missed deadline for a new Colorado River agreement between upper and lower basin states. We also give a quick recap of last week's Glen Canyon Dam symposium that took place at Star Hall. And we finish with a list of upcoming events happening in Grand County. - Show Notes - • Moab symposium reckons with the impacts of Glen Canyon Dam https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-symposium-reckons-with-the-impacts-of-glen-canyon-dam/ • Colorado River talks stall as Utah, other states miss key deadline https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/colorado-river-talks-stall-as-utah-other-states-miss-key-deadline/ • WabiSabi prepares to feed 840 for Thanksgiving https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/wabisabi-prepares-to-feed-840-for-thanksgiving/

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Lizzie Ramirez, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the government re-opening and what that means for Utah's food stamp recipients. We also discuss a vandalism case at Arches National Park, and the latest on asbestos clean up at the city's Walnut Lane property. Show Notes: • Spray painted vandalism found on Devils Garden trail in Arches National Park https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/spray-painted-vandalism-found-on-devils-garden-trail-in-arches-national-park/ • What's going on with Walnut Lane? https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/whats-going-on-with-walnut-lane/

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the results from Moab's municipal election. We also discuss special groundwater approvals for a copper mine in Lisbon Valley. And we finish with a story about a recent water rights application for a housing development in Cisco. - Show Notes - • Langianese, Loftin, Taylor prevail in Moab City Council election https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/langianese-taylor-and-loftin-prevail-in-moab-city-council-election/ • EPA clears major milestone for Lisbon Valley copper mine expansion https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/epa-clears-major-milestone-for-lisbon-valley-copper-mine-expansion/ • State weighs water right change as developer eyes rebirth of Cisco ghost town https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/state-weighs-water-right-change-as-developer-eyes-rebirth-of-cisco-ghost-town/

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, reporter at the Moab Times-Independent, about whether state funding for Utah's national parks will continue past the end of the month. We also discuss food stamp benefits, which are expected to expire on November 1 as well, and we explain where locals can get food and other support if and when funding runs out. And we finish with a story about the BLM's decision to revisit the travel management plan for Labyrinth Canyon and Gemini Bridges. - Show Notes - • Visitors still eager to visit the Mighty 5 amid government shutdown https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/visitors-still-eager-to-visit-the-mighty-5-amid-government-shutdown/ • Grand County residents band together to support SNAP recipients amid government shutdown https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-residents-band-together-to-support-snap-recipients-amid-government-shutdown/ • Grand County backs BLM review of Labyrinth Rims travel plan https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-backs-blm-review-of-labyrinth-rims-travel-plan/

This week's Regional Roundup features reports from around the region on the No Kings rallies held Oct. 18 in thousands of communities across the country, including Denver, rural Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. The program also includes a story on the growing efforts to ban books in libraries, a report on the rise in immigration arrests in Western Colorado, and coverage of the Mountain Towns 2030 Climate Summit.

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, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the fate of the Affordable Care Act subsidies that make health insurance accessible to thousands of Utah residents. We also give an update about a discrimination complaint filed on behalf of 13 women against Grand County. And we finish with a shoutout to the Grand County High School's mountain bike team for winning another state championship. Show Notes - • Thousands of Utahns could face a hard choice if Affordable Care Act subsidies expire https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/thousands-of-utahns-could-face-a-hard-choice-if-enhanced-affordable-care-act-subsidies-expire/ • Expanded legal claim now includes 13 women alleging systemic harassment in Grand County https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/expanded-legal-claim-now-includes-13-women-alleging-systemic-harassment-in-grand-county/ • Red Devils mountain bikers take state again https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/red-devil-mountain-bikers-take-state-again/

Today we hear an interview with director Ash Hanson of PlaceBase Productions and the Moab Theater Project. Her musical, Leaving A Trace, debuted in Moab in September. The original, site-specific production took place in the Sand Flats Recreation Area and involved more than 75 local cast and crew members. In the interview, Hanson discusses her inspiration for the musical and the power of theater to build community. - Show Notes - • The Moab Theater Project https://www.instagram.com/moabtheaterproject/ • Leaving A Trace - The Radiodrama & Full Cast List https://www.kzmu.org/leaving-a-trace-the-radiodrama/ Photo: Ash Hanson poses with the Tardigrade, played by Sam Van Wetter, on the set of Leaving A Trace. Photo by David Newkirk.

This radio play is a special adaptation of Leaving A Trace, a musical written and directed by Ash Hanson of PlaceBase Productions and the Moab Theater Project. The original, site-specific show debuted in the Sand Flats Recreation Area in Moab in September. Music for Leaving A Trace was written by Brian Laidlaw, Jen Thomas, Ash Hanson, and Rachel Toups, with musical performances by Brian Laidlaw, Jen Thomas, Ash Hanson, Rachel Toups, Josie Kovash, Jack Hanley, Grizel Williams, Anna Weimholt, Jon Kovash, and Ed Oak. The audio for this radio play was recorded and edited by Rob Walker. Special thanks to stage manager Joanne Savoie, assistant director Malcolm Campbell-Taylor, set, puppet, and prop designers Sam Van Wetter, Molly Gurney, and Alex Barreto Hathaway, and costume designer, Emily Arntsen. And of course, thanks to all 75 cast and crew members who helped bring this show to life. This production was made possible with support from the Moab Arts and Recreation Center, the Bureau of Land Management, the Sand Flats Recreation Area, KiKiBouba Press, the Grand County High School, Moab Music Festival, Moab Community Theater, Eagle River Designs, PlaceBase Productions, and the Center for Performance and Civic Practice. - Show Notes - • Interview with Ash Hanson & Full Cast List https://www.kzmu.org/leaving-a-trace-the-radiodrama/ • Moab Theater Project https://www.instagram.com/moabtheaterproject/ Photo: A rock witch dances during the final scene of Leaving A Trace. Photo by Scott Rogers.

On this week's Regional Roundup, a report on a crew of dogs helping to sniff out invasive weeds in Wyoming and a special quilting project honoring veterans in Western Colorado. PBS NewsHour science correspondent Miles O'Brien discusses the importance of science, and best-selling author Kevin Barry talks about the history of Irish miners migrating to the Rocky Mountain West in the late 1800s, the setting for his latest novel, The Heart in Winter.

This week on the News Reel, we hear from Times-Independent reporter Lizzie Ramirez about the effects of the government shutdown on Arches National Park, the latest update in a discrimination complaint filed against two county commissioners and the county attorney, and the new workforce housing complex under construction on Highway 191. • County categorically denies alleged mistreatment of female employees, contractors https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-categorically-denies-alleged-mistreatment-of-female-employees-contractors/ • What Arches National Park visitors are experiencing during a government shutdown https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/what-arches-national-park-visitors-are-experiencing-during-a-government-shutdown/

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Lizzie Ramirez, reporter at the Times-Independent, about two women who have added accusations to a recent discrimination complaint filed against Grand County commissioners and the county attorney. We also discuss the county's decision to spend $129,000 on this year's tree lighting ceremony. And we finish with a quick story about the effects of tariffs on local guiding businesses. - Show Notes - • Grand County commission approves 129k for new tree lighting initiative https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-commission-approves-129k-for-new-tree-lighting-initiative/ • Grand County receives more complaints in ongoing harassment, discrimination claim https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-receives-more-complaints-in-ongoing-harassment-discrimination-claim/ • Moab businesses continue to face economic challenges https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-businesses-continue-to-face-economic-challenges/

This week on Regional Roundup from Rocky Mountain Community Radio, we'll hear a conversation with student reporters from the University of Utah about the state's new law allowing open carry on campuses. We also hear a discussion on efforts to roll back the Public Lands Rule. Plus, a report from the Buffalo Field Campaign tells about a decades-long project to protect wild buffalo in Yellowstone National Park. And we finish with a conversation about a new documentary, This is Not a Drill, about the oil industry.

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a recent discrimination complaint filed by 10 women against Grand County. We also discuss the official resignation of the Grand County School District superintendent, Mike McFalls. And we finish with an update on a years-long missing person case involving Jamey Holyoak, whose remains were found recently in San Juan County. - Show Notes - • Ten women file harassment, discrimination claim against Grand County https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/ten-women-file-harassment-discrimination-claim-against-grand-county/ • Grand County superintendent says resignation after one year was forced https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-superintendent-says-resignation-after-one-year-was-forced/ • Remains found in San Juan County identified as Jamey Holyoak https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/remains-found-in-san-juan-county-identified-as-jamey-holyoak/

Last night, the five candidates running in the Moab municipal elections participated in a debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of Southeast Utah. Two mayoral candidates — Joette Langianese and Curtis Wells — and three candidates for Moab City Council — Miles Loftin, Howard Trenholme, and Jason Taylor — answered questions about housing, healthcare, property taxes, and more. Everett Hildenbrandt, chair of the League of Women Voters of Southeast Utah, moderated the debate, which was broadcast live on KZMU. - Show Notes - • 2025 Election Information https://moabcity.gov/236/Election-Information • What is Proposition 13? https://www.grandcountyutah.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22804/Notice-of-Special-Election-82225

This week on Regional Roundup from Rocky Mountain Community Radio, we hear a report on efforts to roll back the federal Roadless Rule, which currently prohibits road construction and timber harvesting in undeveloped land within the U.S. National Forest System. We also hear stories about a quinceañera in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a new app designed to keep residents better informed about wildfires, and a notorious case of wolf cruelty that may be shifting public attitudes toward the animals. And we finish up with an audio postcard from Boulder, Colorado, where birders are hoping to catch a glimpse of a rare tropical anhinga.

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a new investigation into workplace harassment among Grand County employees and how that ties in to the recent removal of the interim planning and zoning administrator. We also give a quick update about measles cases in Moab and across the state. - Show Notes - • McGann says toxic work environment permeates Grand County government https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/mcgann-toxic-work-culture-permeates-county-government/ • Grand County replaces interim zoning official https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-replaces-interim-zoning-official/ • Moab's first measles case confirmed https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moabs-first-measles-case-confirmed/

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about some of the residents who lost their homes in Old La Sal during the Deer Creek Fire. We also discuss a free service to develop and support local businesses. - Show Notes - • Old La Sal residents recount losses, find resilience in the ashes of the Deer Creek Fire https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/old-la-sal-residents-recount-losses-find-resilience-in-the-ashes-of-the-deer-creek-fire/ • Moab SBDC supports more than 40 businesses under new director https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-sbdc-supports-more-than-40-businesses-under-new-director/

This week's Regional Roundup from Rocky Mountain Community Radio includes a story about the National Park Service celebrating its 109th anniversary as budget cuts destabilize the agency. We also hear from Boulder, Colorado, where residents are working to establish a new sister city relationship with a community in Ukraine. Plus, a story about efforts to reduce wildlife–vehicle collisions across the West, and a conversation about the latest Bureau of Reclamation report on the Colorado River.

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about Utah's role in an upcoming Colorado River agreement between upper and lower basin states. We also discuss the Grand County School District Superintendent Mike McFalls, who was put on administrative leave recently. Plus, a story about the county's vote to decline a resolution to protect public lands, and a quick update about the county's planning and zoning director position. - Show Notes - • Utah officials optimistic Colorado River deal can be reached https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/utah-officials-optimistic-colorado-river-deal-can-be-reached/ • GCSD Superintendent McFalls on leave as school board prepares to act https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/gcsd-superintendent-mcfalls-on-leave-as-school-board-prepares-to-act/ • Grand County declines resolution backing public lands https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-declines-resolution-backing-public-lands/ • Interim planning official objects to surprise replacement process, commission pulls item https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/interim-planning-official-objects-to-surprise-replacement-process-commission-pulls-item/

This week's Regional Roundup from Rocky Mountain Community Radio includes a story about a Colorado teacher who spent her summer running a farmers market stand and brought her students along for the experience. We also hear conversations about wildfire smoke and its effects on public health, the impacts of budget cuts on the country's national parks, and the repercussions of recent immigration raids on local communities.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about the toll that new tariffs are putting on local restaurants. We also discuss Grand County's new tourism advertising strategy. And we finish up with a story about discrepancies in income from two kinds of taxes that target tourists in the city and the county. - Show Notes - • Utah consumer sentiment is down nearly 5% https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/utah-consumer-sentiment-is-down-nearly-5-2/ • Rebranding Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/rebranding-moab/ • TRT is down but resort community taxes are up – why is that? https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/trt-is-down-but-resort-community-taxes-are-up-why-is-that/

A burn area emergency response team recently finished their assessment of the Deer Creek Fire, which reached full containment on August 11 after burning more than 17,000 acres in the La Sal Mountains. The team evaluated the burn scar's flood risk, which they say is less severe than the aftermath of the Pack Creek Fire, which contributed to two major floods in Moab in 2022. - Show Notes - • U.S. Forest Service Fire Closure Area Deer Creek https://inciweb-prod-media-bucket.s3.us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/2025-08/Deer-Creek-FOURTH-Forest-Closure-SIGNED-04-10-25-04-04.pdf?VersionId=.SBLbsGQuiPd56.c1Vb2oPcWaaveT5m9 Photo: Close to 600 firefighters were called in to work on the Deer Creek Fire in the La Sal Mountains this summer. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear a story about a herd of goats that are managing fire fuels in Colorado by grazing weeds. We also hear about the history of Lincoln Hills, a once-thriving resort for African Americans just outside of Denver. Plus, we share an excerpt from our recent regional call-in show on public lands, and we hear a conversation about how climate change is impacting tick populations in the Mountain West.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about possible sales tax increases in Grand County to cover the costs of local health services and a new public safety building. We also discuss the effects of funding cuts for a Moab program that helps immigrants become citizens. And we finish up with a story about a downtrend in tourism this year and the impact it's having on local restaurants. - Show Notes - • Grand County weighs sales tax to fund public safety building https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-weighs-sales-tax-to-fund-public-safety-building/ • Grand County to ask voters for sales tax hike on healthcare https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-weighs-sales-tax-to-fund-public-safety-building/ • Feds pull funding that helps legal immigrants gain citizenship https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/feds-pull-funding-that-helps-legal-immigrants-gain-citizenship/ • Moab restaurants see decline in international visitation and spending https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-restaurants-see-decline-in-international-visitation-and-spending/

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear about a commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the massacre of Chinese workers in Rock Springs, Wyoming. We also hear about a rural Colorado gymkhana event, where riders of all ages show off their horseback riding skills. Plus, stories about woodland birdsongs near Boulder, a bustling farmer's market in Paonia, Colorado, and an interview with the author of Food Fight: Misguided Policies, Supply Challenges, and the Impending Struggle to Feed a Hungry World.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times Independent, about federal cuts to Medicaid and how these could affect services at Moab Regional Hospital. Plus, we talk about the recent filming of “Godzilla x Kong: Supernova,” which brought in an estimated $3.9 million for the local economy in 10 days of filming. - Show Notes - • SE Utah hospitals brace for long term impact of Medicaid cuts https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/se-utah-hospitals-brace-for-long-term-impact-of-medicaid-cuts/ • Blockbuster ‘Godzilla x Kong: Supernova' wraps up filming in Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/blockbuster-godzilla-x-kong-supernova-wraps-up-filming-in-moab/

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear about efforts to map extreme heat in Moab, Utah. We also have a story about the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and the work the organization is doing to protect bird species across the region. Plus, we visit the Montrose County Fair to meet 4H students as they showcase their animals. And we finish off with an interview with investigative journalist Will Potter discussing his latest book, Little Red Barns: Hiding the Truth from Farm to Fable.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Moab Times-Independent, about the city's decision to hire a lobbyist to help secure federal funding for flood mitigation and other infrastructure projects, as well as the city's plan to replace solar panels on city hall before the end of the year. We start off the conversation with a story about Glen Richeson, a longtime Moab resident who passed away earlier this summer. - Show Notes - • Moab hires federal lobbyist https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-hires-washington-d-c-lobbyist/ • Remembering Glen Richeson's lifetime of service in Moab https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/remembering-glen-richesons-lifetime-of-service-in-moab/ • Moab City Council approves $500k to reinstall, replace solar panels on City Hall https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-city-council-approves-500k-to-reinstall-replace-solar-panels-on-city-hall/