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 they explore the Valley Floor near Telluride. And finally, we hear from the author of "Her Place on the Map: 18 Women and the Colorado Wonders Named for Them."

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 weekend.

- Show Notes -

• Trump administration to fast-track permits for Utah uranium mine

https://www.sltrib.com/news/nation-world/2025/05/13/utah-uranium-trump-administration/

• Utahraptor State Park to host grand opening on May 23

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/utahraptor-state-park-to-host-grand-opening-may-23/

• Moab Arts Festival to return this weekend

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-arts-festival-returns-this-weekend/

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 water for the first time.

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 contractors. And we finish with the latest water report, which shows record low snowpack in southern Utah this year.

- Show Notes -

• Controversial developer’s bid for incorporation rejected by state

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/controversial-developers-bid-for-incorporation-rejected-by-state/

• Grand County weighs third-party option for building inspections

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-weighs-third-party-option-for-building-inspections/

• Southern Utah snowpack ‘record dry’

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/southern-utah-snowpack-record-dry/

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 offices across the country.

- Show Notes -

• DOGE targets AmeriCorps

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/doge-targets-americorps/

• Built for efficiency, used for decades: Moab’s NPS headquarters faces uncertain future

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/built-for-efficiency-used-for-decades-moabs-nps-headquarters-faces-uncertain-future/

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 Community Rebuilds AmeriCorps member Josie Messner about the cuts.

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 region.

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 zoning department, which is still struggling to fill the director position amidst a major overhaul of the land use code.

- Show Notes -

• A small Navajo community celebrates running water milestone after 25 years

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/a-precious-life-source-a-small-navajo-community-celebrates-running-water-milestone-after-25-years/

• Grand County hires recruiter to fill key vacancies

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-hires-recruiter-to-fill-key-vacancies/

• Moab Museum shifts to co-leadership after director's removal

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-museum-shifts-to-co-leadership-after-directors-removal/

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 from the governor. Finally, we hear about partnerships with landowners in Wyoming who are trying to mitigate chronic wasting disease in elk.

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 Utah delegation to evaluate pending federal office closures in Moab

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-urges-utah-delegation-to-evaluate-pending-federal-office-closures-in-moab/

• CDBG funds pave way for phase 2 at Arroyo Crossing

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/cdbg-funds-pave-way-for-phase-2-at-arroyo-crossing/