KZMU News

Today on the show, we have the weekly News Reel, where we talk to other local journalists about what they covered this week. We talk to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Moab Times-Independent, about the Moab Museum, whose director, Forrest Rodgers, was fired last week just days before a new exhibit on the history of uranium mining opens on Feb. 15. We also talk about the county’s planning and zoning director, Amy Weiser, who recently resigned after just six months in the position. And we finish up with an update about new members of the county’s Economic Opportunity Advisory Board.

- Show Notes -

• Moab museum board fires Rodgers; donor voids bequest

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-museum-board-fires-rodgers-donor-voids-bequest/

• Moab Museum’s U92 exhibit explores uranium boom, bust and its legacy

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-museums-u92-exhibit-explores-uranium-boom-bust-and-its-legacy/

• Grand County Planning and Zoning director resigns after six months

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-planning-and-zoning-director-resigns-after-6-months/

• Commission rejects EOAB’s recommendation in split vote

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/commission-rejects-eoabs-recommendation-in-split-vote/

On Friday, the Utah Board of Education banned another book from all public schools in the state. "Like a Love Story" by Abdi Nazemian is the 16th book Utah has banned since a new law went into effect last summer that allows individual school districts to remove books from public school libraries statewide so long as at least two other school districts agree the book contains sensitive material. Critics say the ban is targeting books with queer and transgender characters. News of ongoing book bans comes as the most recent Nation's Report Card found that most American eighth graders are a full year behind in reading. And Utah's students are no exception, with many seventh and eighth grade students in Grand County reading below a sixth grade level. Today, we speak with Margaret L. Hopkin Middle School librarian Tracy Renn, Grand County Public Library director Carrie Valdes, and Grand County School District superintendent Mike McFalls about the issue.

- Show Notes -

• Nation's Report Card

https://www.nationsreportcard.gov/

• Utah bans a 16th book from public schools

https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2025/02/07/16th-book-lands-utahs-list-those/

• Books Unbanned Project

https://www.bklynlibrary.org/books-unbanned

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear about the potential for geothermal energy in the Rocky Mountain West. A sociologist who studies gangs dispels the myths around immigration and gang violence. And we hear from some young mushers at a recent dog sled tournament.

Today on the weekly News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Moab Times-Independent, about Grand County’s plan to acquire a federal pipeline that currently brings water from the Green River to the UMTRA tailings disposal site in Crescent Junction. The repurposed pipeline could eventually bring water to Grand County residents in Thompson Springs. We also discuss the results of the city’s flood mitigation study, which was required for the city to receive federal funding to pay for repairs. And we finish up with a profile of a Green River resident who takes care of the town’s booming feral cat population.

- Show Notes -

• Utah lawmakers back federal pipeline transfer to Grand County water district

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/utah-lawmakers-back-federal-pipeline-transfer-to-grand-county-water-district/

• Moab flood study yields a host of potential solutions

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-flood-study-yields-a-host-of-potential-solutions/

• One woman’s mission to help Green River’s feral cats

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/one-womans-mission-to-help-green-rivers-feral-cats/

On Tuesday, Feb. 11, high school and middle school students will participate in the annual Youth Voices Speak Out event to educate kids and parents about mental health resources in the community. Students can submit songs, videos, essays, or posters that focus on mental health challenges. Cash prizes will be awarded to the best entries. Submissions are due Feb. 7. The event will take place at 6:00 p.m. in the Grand County High School auditorium.

- Show Notes -

• Youth Voices Speak Out

https://www.grandschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1653110&type=d&pREC_ID=2548789

This week on Regional Roundup, we cover gun legislation in Colorado and Wyoming, discuss wildfire preparedness in the arid West, visit a snow plane rally in Idaho, and explore an artists' residency in southeastern Utah.

Today on the weekly news reel, we speak with Doug McMurdo, editor of the Times-Independent, about possible repercussions for a motorized hang glider who spooked a group of horses during a horseback riding tour near Fisher Towers this fall. We also discuss a group that provides free vision testing and glasses to Moab residents. Plus, a story about new volunteer board members on the Travel Council Advisory Board and the Grand County Planning Commission.

- Show Notes -

Several riders thrown from horses near Fisher Towers

• https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/it-was-the-most-terrifying-experience-of-my-life/

Hope Alliance provides free vision care to over 140 Moabites from underserved communities

• https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/hope-alliance-provides-free-vision-care-to-over-140-moabites-from-underserved-communities/

Grand County Commission appoints volunteer board members amid debate

• https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-commission-appoints-volunteer-board-members-amid-debate/

This week on Regional Roundup, we hear voices from People's Marches across the region in protest of President Donald Trumps stance on social justice issues such as reproductive rights and immigration. We also hear about a coalition of labor unions calling for a renewed focus on clean energy jobs. Plus, we have a story about the Indy Pass, a cheaper ski pass that offers access to independent and smaller ski resorts around the Rocky Mountain West.

Today on the weekly News Reel, we speak with Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times Independent, about a loss of funding for the BEACON Afterschool Program. We also talk about the latest statewide report on drug overdose deaths, which found the rate of overdose deaths in Grand County were twice the state’s average. And we finish with an update from the airport about restored air service to Denver.

- Show Notes -

• BEACON Afterschool Program faces financial growing pains

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/beacon-afterschool-program-faces-financial-growing-pains/

• Grand County drug overdose deaths roughly double in five years

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/grand-county-drug-overdose-deaths-roughly-double-in-five-years/

• Canyonlands airport to have daily Denver flights starting April 1

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/canyonlands-airport-to-have-daily-denver-flights-starting-april-1/

Today, we hear from KUER about Moab's disappearing farmland. As Utah's population expands, so does demand for housing and water. In Grand County, where property prices are nearly seven times what they were 20 years ago, much of the agricultural land - and its water rights - is changing hands to developers. Where does that water go now? Plus, we hear from KJZZ about the new nominee for Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, who will oversee the nation's natural resources and federal land managers.