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 temporarily halts Fiery Furnace permits and tours due to employee shortages

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/arches-temporarily-halts-fiery-furnace-permits-and-tours-due-to-employee-shortages/

• Grand County approves $350k to temporarily stabilize EMS amid financial struggles

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-approves-350k-to-temporarily-stabilize-ems-amid-financial-struggles/

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 Yoga event schedule

www.desertpoweryoga.com/events

• Annette Kearl's research on overtone tables

https://www.proquest.com/docview/1914676835?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true

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 the state. We finish up with a story about a new law that could roll back a program to relieve property taxes for low income and elderly homeowners, and how that might affect Grand County residents.

- Show Notes -

• Pilot error caused airplane crash that killed 4

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/ntsb-pilot-error-caused-airplane-crash-that-killed-4/

• National program aims to address Moab’s domestic violence problem

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/national-program-aims-to-address-moabs-domestic-violence-problem/

• Low-income seniors, disabled Utahns could see property tax relief changes

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/low-income-seniors-disabled-utahns-could-see-property-tax-relief-changes/

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 survivors of domestic abuse.

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 from the Green River Fire Department that highlights quick response times from this past year. Plus, we talk about a story from High Country News about a new coal mine in Emery County that’s struggling to find employees.

- Show Notes -

• How the Legislature will change Utahns’ lives this year

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/its-ugly-but-it-works-how-the-legislature-will-change-utahns-lives-this-year/

• WabiSabi finds a new home

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/wabisabi-finds-a-new-home/

• The Green River Observer

https://thegreenriverobserver.substack.com/

• High Country News: Utah’s coal mines can’t find enough workers

https://www.hcn.org/issues/57-3/utahs-coal-mines-cant-find-enough-workers/

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, executive director of Aspen Public Radio and board president of the Rocky Mountain Radio Coalition, a network of regional stations that includes KZMU. We’ll talk about what these cuts could mean for stations throughout the coalition, and why local radio matters.

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 the Moab Area Transit schedule and a save-the-date for a volunteer day to clean up some local trails.

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 many Moab residents disagreed with the findings, arguing that the results were based on unrealistic assumptions about the local economy. While the hearing gave residents an opportunity to ask questions and air grievances, a representative from the Lt. Governor’s Office who moderated the meeting, Jordan Schwanke, said the results of the study are final, and the project will move ahead regardless.

Photo: Audience members display a banner that says: Repeal SB258. The bill established the preliminary municipality process, which enables landowners to incorporate their property even without any residents. A new bill to essentially repeal SB258 — House Bill 540 — is currently making its way through the Utah Legislature. Lawmakers will decide by March 7. Photo by Emily Arntsen / KZMU.