KZMU News

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/

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 medical cannabis dispensary. Plus, a quick announcement about the upcoming car show.

Show Notes -

• UDOT will improve pavement markings on Main Street

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/udot-will-improve-pavement-markings-on-main-street/

• Moab looks to extend water and sewer to Arches

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-looks-to-extend-water-and-sewer-services-to-arches/

• Bill introduced to transfer UMTRA site to Grand County

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/bill-introduced-to-transfer-umtra-site-to-grand-county/

• ‘All eyes are on Moab’ for Utah’s next rural medical cannabis pharmacy

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/all-eyes-are-on-moab-for-utahs-next-rural-medical-cannabis-pharmacy/

• Moab Rotary Car Show returns for 33rd year at Swanny Park

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-rotary-car-show-returns-for-33rd-year-at-swanny-park/

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 show with a story about a recent powwow in Durango.

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 nine months after a Texas man went missing in Moab during a flash flood last summer.

- Show Notes -

• County Commission requests resignation of planning commissioner over impartiality concerns

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/county-commission-requests-resignation-of-planning-commissioner-over-impartiality-concerns/

• New Social Security rules: What Grand County residents need to know

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/new-social-security-rules-what-grand-county-residents-need-to-know/

• Remains of missing Texas man found nine months after Moab flood

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/remains-of-missing-texas-man-found-nine-months-after-moab-flood/

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, we examine the carbon footprint of the food we eat and explore a new collection of essays that delves into the tension between growth and sustainability in the American West.

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 decade of humanitarian work in Nepal

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/commission-chair-reflects-on-decade-of-humanitarian-work-in-nepal/

• City sidewalks could be improved this summer

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/city-sidewalks-will-be-improved-this-summer/

• Moab's RAP tax provides $83k to city-based nonprofits

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moabs-rap-tax-provides-83k-to-city-based-nonprofits/