KZMU News

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent. We discuss a controversial sentencing for a man convicted of possessing images of child sex abuse. We also discuss the $2.5 million contract the city recently approved for road repairs on 100 East, the first project funded by Moab’s property tax. And we finish with a story about declining visitation from Canadia...

On this week's Regional Roundup, we hear how planting trees in Grand Junction and Moab can help mitigate extreme heat. Next, we bring you an audio postcard that captures the sounds of migrating birds in the region. We’ll also hear stories about an initiative in Western Colorado to keep more water in the Colorado River without impacting irrigators, a visit from Tibetan monks who blessed the North F...

This week on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent. We discuss Grand County’s budget and new concerns about whether certain transient room tax funds can be spent on projects such as the Trail Ambassadors Program. We also discuss a new fundraiser for Community Rebuilds, which is trying to restaff its organization after recent AmeriCorps cuts eliminated se...

In this week's Regional Roundup, we speak to Durango's new mayor, who has made history as the first Indigenous person to hold the position. We also hear about Aspen's queer prom that offers a safe and celebratory space for LGBTQ youth. Next is a story about a choir that uses choral music to spark important community conversations. Then, we tag along on a field trip with some elementary students as...

On the News Reel this week, we speak to Doug McMurdo from the Moab Times-Independent about a uranium mine in San Juan County that could be one of the first mines approved under the Trump administration’s directive to expedite permitting and the environmental review process. We also give a quick update about the grand opening of Utahraptor State Park and a preview of the Moab Arts Festival this wee...

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear about a recent study that scrutinizes early stage plans from Congress to use public lands for housing developments. We also hear about a water conservation program in Western Colorado, and a story about a horse rescue group working to save mustangs from kill buyers. To finish, we hear about a Navajo community in San Juan County that now has access to running...

On the News Reel this week, we talk to Andrew Christiansen from the Moab Times-Independent about the Kane Creek development, now called Echo Canyon, which was recently rejected in the process of becoming a preliminary municipality, though developers are expected to re-apply soon. We also mention possible changes in the county’s Building Department, which could be replaced by third-party contractor...

On the News Reel this week, we speak to Andrew Christiansen from the Moab Times-Independent about recent cuts to AmeriCorps programs nationwide and how these cuts are affecting organizations in Moab. We also talk about the local National Park Service headquarters building that’s at risk of closing in April if the federal government follows through on its plan to not renew leases for many federal o...

Over 30,000 AmeriCorps members lost their jobs last week after an executive order canceled $400 million in grants nationwide. In Moab, at least five organizations lost AmeriCorps members, including the affordable housing non-profit Community Rebuilds, which lost 10 members. Today, we speak with Community Rebuilds Executive Director Rikki Epperson, Program Director Nancy Morlock, and former Communi...

This week on the Regional Roundup, as the Trump administration considers shrinking the size of several national monuments, including Bears Ears in Utah, we hear why the area is sacred to many tribes. We also learn about a program helping workers in one resort community who can't afford housing. Plus, a story about the ways in which federal immigration laws are affecting communities across the regi...

Today on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Moab Times Independent, about a section of the Navajo Nation in San Juan County that recently got running water for the first time. We also discuss the Moab Museum’s new co-directorship system, which was set up after the previous director was fired earlier this year. Plus, a quick update about the county’s planning and zoni...

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear voices from the Hands Off! protests in Denver and Salt Lake City that took place on April 19. We’ll learn about hazard mitigation planning in communities across the Rocky Mountain West, and how a now-canceled federal program has helped with those efforts. Then, a story about a bill that would regulate social media in Colorado that's facing a potential veto fr...

This week on the News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Moab Times-Independent, about the federal government’s plan to close the National Park Service’s Southeast Utah headquarters building and two USGS offices in Moab. We also discuss the Arroyo Crossing housing development, which just received funding for the next phase of construction. Show Notes - • Grand County urges Ut...

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 whether Moab will be chosen for the state’s next m...

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 cornerstone of environmental law, and close the s...

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, a story about the human remains that were found...

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 Commission on what the move means for the state. Also,...

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 connects us, literally, from transmitter to receiver...

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. - Show Notes - • Commission chair reflects on a...

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 revenue in recent years. - Show Notes - • Arches tempor...

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, Colorado.

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 Sunday at 6:30 p.m. - Show Notes - • Desert Power...

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 nonprofit on Colorado’s Western Slope is supporting s...

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 rates of domestic violence cases per capita in th...