Today we’re jumping right in to our Weekly News Reel, where we hear first-hand from reporters and editors about the unique stories they write and beats they cover in the area.

(00:00) First up, Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo. He highlights Grand County’s interest in lobbying the state legislature for changes to Transient Room Tax law, testing local students for COVID-19, and Green River’s mayor spending $17,000 outside of the city’s purchasing policy.

(11:00) Next, Maggie McGuire, editor of the Moab Sun News. Their latest edition features Full Circle Intertribal Center, a nonprofit providing culturally specific pandemic relief for Native elders in the Moab community. McGuire also highlights their new ‘Hidden Lives’ feature.

(17:00) Finally, Salt Lake Tribune reporter Zak Podmore is covering the latest at the Lisbon Valley Mining Company. The mine’s operators are seeking permits that would allow in-situ copper mining on a portion of their property. However, cattle ranchers, environmentalists, and the San Juan County Commission are coming together in opposition to this proposal.

Weekly News Reel! Mentions –

The Times Independent: Grand asks (again) for flexibility in spending tourism tax

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-asks-again-for-flexibility-in-spending-tourism-tax/

The Times Independent: Biweekly testing mandated for school extracurriculars

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/biweekly-testing-mandated-for-school-extracurriculars/

The Times Independent: ‘I made a boo-boo, guys’ – Green River mayor cuts checks totaling $17,000 without invoices…

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/i-made-a-boo-boo-guys/

The Moab Sun News: Holding Strong

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_12b99410-31cb-11eb-9b89-03e8edd1625b.html

The Moab Sun News: Snakes, rats, and motorcycles

https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_b071f20a-31cc-11eb-8ec7-8b98a55b59d6.html

The Salt Lake Tribune: Ranchers, landowners worry copper mine’s plan will taint groundwater in San Juan County

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/11/21/ranchers-landowners-worry/

The Salt Lake Tribune: San Juan County copper mine on track to reopen after abrupt shutdown in March

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/10/24/san-juan-county-copper/

Photo: Burro Canyon Aquifer in Lisbon Valley/Utah Division of Water Quality