KZMU News

On this edition of the Weekly Newsreel, we talk to Doug McMurdo from the Times Independent about the Arches Timed Entry Study, agency findings in Grand County discrimination complaints, offer information about a Moab resident detained by ICE, and finish by celebrating a Grand County High School student who won a state golfing competition.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we look at concerns over a proposed move by the U.S. Forest Service from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, and what that could mean for public lands management in the West. We’ll also visit a conserved organic orchard in Western Colorado, and we hear about new composting efforts in Aspen aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions from food waste. Plus, a longtime avalanche rescue dog in Telluride retires after years of service, and a conversation with Denis Moynihan of Democracy Now! about the new documentary Steal This Story Please! and the importance of independent journalism.

A report on concerns about the proposed U.S. Forest Service move from Washington D.C. to Salt Lake City. (RMCR/KRCL)

A feature on an organic orchard in Western Colorado that is now permanently conserved. (KVNF)

A feature on composting efforts in Aspen that seek to reduce greenhouse emissions from wasted food. (Aspen Public Radio)

A feature on a retiring avalanche rescue dog in Telluride. (KOTO)

A two way with Denis Moynihan of Democracy Now! about the new documentary Steal This Story Please! (RMCR)

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear songs of resistance from around the region that were part of the March 28 No Kings rallies. We look at new efforts to support local news outlets in Colorado, at a time when many are struggling to survive. And in Telluride, a first-of-its-kind skijoring event brought horses, skiers, and spectators together. Plus, a conversation about the growing threats facing salt lakes around the world, including Utah’s Great Salt Lake.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the record low water levels in Lake Powell that are threatening deadpool this year after scare snowfall this winter. We also recap the No Kings rally in Moab, and give an update about upcoming free medical screenings that will take place in town later this month.

- Show Notes -

• Lake Powell is heading for a record low

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/the-situation-is-dire-lake-powell-is-heading-for-a-record-low-as-colorado-river-states-remain-deadlocked/

• No Kings protest draws 350 protesters in Moab

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/no-kings-protest-draws-350-protesters-in-moab/

• Moab Free Health Clinic to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/moab-free-health-clinic-to-offer-free-breast-cervical-cancer-screenings/

National park staff in Utah are reviewing dozens of signs after new federal orders call for the removal of any displays deemed critical of the government or American history. Leaked documents show the confusion this is causing among park staff nationwide who are questioning signs about climate change, mining, and Indigenous history.

/Photo: A sign about writer and former park ranger Ed Abbey has been flagged in Arches National Park for possible removal. Photo courtesy of Tom Ryan.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear about community concerns over an ICE detention facility in Glenwood Springs, the impact of the abortion ban in Wyoming, and a possible reason for high mule deer death rates in southeastern Utah. We finish the show with a conversation with a tribal water attorney on the relationship between Indigenous communities and the Colorado River.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Andrew Christiansen, reporter at the Times-Independent, about the county’s recommendation for a new airline service contract at the airport. We also discuss the new director for the county’s tourism office. And we finish with a story about recent vandalism at a petroglyph panel near Tusher Tunnel.

Measles cases continue to rise across Utah, with more than 440 infections reported statewide since the outbreak began in June. In Moab, only three confirmed cases have been identified, but the virus has repeatedly appeared in local wastewater, suggesting infected people are still moving through the community. Health officials say tourism could increase the risk of transmission, even though vaccination rates in Grand County are slightly above the state average. Medical workers are urging people with symptoms to call ahead before seeking care so hospitals can isolate potential cases safely.

- Show Notes -

• Utah Department of Health

https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/

• Utah Wastewater Testing

https://avrpublic.dhhs.utah.gov/uwss/

Photo: A young boy shows symptoms of measles. Via Wikimedia Creative Commons.

This week on the Regional Roundup, we hear why moose populations are declining in the region and why Wyoming’s annual moose count is such an important event. We also dive into the mountain West’s unique sport of skijoring, which combines skiing and horseback riding. Later, we hear how a mountain community is building resilience in the face of climate change. And we round out the show with best-selling author Terry Tempest Williams, who talks about protecting public lands and her new memoir, The Glorians.

Today on the News Reel, we speak to Lizzie Ramirez, reporter at the Times-Independent, about a new cafe and shop that opened in town this week. We also discuss the county’s yearly trail maintenance volunteer weekend, which is scheduled for April 10 - 13. And we hear about an uptick in tourism trends in Moab this winter.

- Show Notes -

• The Press, Moab’s newest business opens March 19

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/the-press-moabs-newest-business-opens-march-19/

• Spring Spruce Up seeks volunteers

https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/spring-spruce-up-seeks-volunteers/

• Register for Spring Spruce Up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3wwTzZh7OVcDxi0wbhrBXNKM-gy1omxcez1FC5MBu9s2gBA/viewform

• Winter tourism was good for Moab as city budget season arrives https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/winter-tourism-was-good-for-moab-as-city-budget-season-arrives/