KZMU News
1,411 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 25 ratingsKZMU News features grassroots, independent journalism broadcast from the heart of Moab, Utah. A daily newscast with reliable coverage, local voices, and reporting that empowers community.
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Episodes
Thursday September 3, 2020
September 03, 2020 18:53 - 9 minutes - 8.94 MBAn open records request by The Salt Lake Tribune revealed that eight rural Utah counties have expressed interest in hosting a satellite inland port – Grand County among them. Those close to this project say it’s still in a ‘data gathering’ phase to explore the feasibility of port development in different areas of the state. Today on the news, some background on this issue and Grand’s involvement. And later, our radio partners interview a retiring wildlife manager about giving ‘voice to wildli...
Wednesday September 2, 2020
September 02, 2020 19:53 - 9 minutes - 8.61 MBShortly after Grand County’s elected body made alterations to their name and the November ballot, some community members cried foul. In a petition to the 7th District Court, three plaintiffs assert that moving from the Grand County Council to the Grand County Commission was much more than a simple name change. They are seeking an injunction on this alteration, as well two propositions added to the ballot. Today on the news, more on the recent legal filing. Plus, our partners at UPR detail was...
Tuesday September 1, 2020
September 01, 2020 20:54 - 8 minutes - 7.38 MBApproximately 225 people – many of them local teachers and school administrators – were tested for COVID-19 yesterday. The Southeast Utah Health Department was aiming to catch any asymptomatic cases before schools reopen to in-person instruction next week. The department says they do not have the resources or infrastructure to continue screening district employees at such a large scale throughout the year. However, Grand County’s school district superintendent says she is not giving up on suc...
Monday August 31, 2020
August 31, 2020 19:07 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBWhen COVID-19 started sweeping across the Navajo Nation, one man noticed elders and others were unable to access water stations. So he purchased a water tank and started hauling water to them. Today on the news, our partners at KJZZ feature Water Warriors United. Plus, ‘bots’ often spread highly-polarizing political content across the internet that’s meant to provoke. But one Colorado man has found a way to use them for good – he’s set a network of bots loose to spread works of fine art. Sho...
Friday August 28, 2020
August 28, 2020 19:06 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBWhen you observe bees buzzing around flowers and plants, it can feel like the ecosystem is in healthy harmony. But, dip your nose in these issues a little closer, and there’s often a lot more going on. Conservation groups like the Grand Canyon Trust are raising alarm bells about the impacts of commercial honeybees on native bees and their ecosystems. Earlier this summer, they filed a legal petition with federal public lands agencies asking to stop the placement of commercial honeybees on nati...
Thursday August 27, 2020
August 27, 2020 19:25 - 10 minutes - 9.93 MBIn recent weeks, COVID-19 cases have steadily increased in Carbon County. They now have the highest total cases in Southeast Utah’s health district. Throughout the pandemic, officials worried about increases in Grand County, but say the local mask order has worked as an effective prevention tool. Plus, both Grand County and Moab City are officially ‘cooperating agencies’ with the Bureau of Land Management. That means their councils can provide early input on upcoming oil and gas lease sales a...
Wednesday August 26, 2020
August 26, 2020 18:38 - 10 minutes - 9.18 MBAs wildfires continue to burn across the West, Southeastern Utah has felt impacts, especially when it comes to air quality. But beyond the smoky air and searching through pictures, it’s difficult to get a real sense of neighboring wildfires. What do they feel like? Sound like? Have they affected that favorite hiking trail? Today on the news, our partners at KDNK answer some of these questions reporting from Grizzly Creek Fire, currently burning in Glenwood Canyon. And later, Moab resident Car...
Tuesday August 25, 2020
August 25, 2020 23:04 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBThe Grand County Council is now the 'Grand County Commission.' On Friday, the seven elected representatives – now commissioners – unanimously voted to change their title and remove nonpartisan elections, term limits, and recall elections. According to the county attorney, this move brings Grand County’s government “100 percent” into compliance with state law. So where does this leave the study committee proposal for a new form of government? And could Grand County have avoided that process by...
Monday August 24, 2020
August 24, 2020 18:36 - 10 minutes - 9.86 MBIt’s hot. You’re tired. You’ve just finished a long day at a national park. And maybe it wasn’t quite the five-star experience you hoped for. Today on the news, our partners at KSJD report on an illustrator creating park posters from snarky online reviews. Plus, retired national park leaders advocate for the CORE Act, and Utah Gov. Gary Herbert replaces an emergency declaration due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Show Notes: UPR: Gov. Gary Herbert Announces New Coronavirus Emergency Decla...
Friday August 21, 2020
August 21, 2020 19:37 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBIt’s hot, smoky, and the pandemic is still ongoing. So how can you lighten the mood in these more difficult days of summer? Well, Skate Moab has one answer – Disco Nights at the Old Spanish Trail Arena. Organizers describe event like an adult skate night at the roller rink, with coronavirus safeguards in place. Plus, the pandemic has brought many additional screens to our lives with more time spent in virtual meetings or at home with a TV or smartphone. But another type of screen is making it...
Thursday August 20, 2020
August 20, 2020 19:56 - 10 minutes - 9.6 MBWildlife like desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles, and the threatened Mexican spotted owl have healthy habitat in Mineral Bottom and Hell Roaring Canyons. In order to protect this ecosystem, the Bureau of Land Management is considering limiting activities like climbing, highlining, and base jumping in these areas. The agency says outdoor sports are threatening wildlife, who use the same cliffs and canyons for rest, escape from predators, and nesting. And later, multiple large fires are throwi...
Wednesday August 19, 2020
August 19, 2020 21:51 - 9 minutes - 8.41 MBMasks will continue to be required outerwear in Grand County until the end of the year. Last night, a council majority voted to extend the local ordinance, which mandates facial coverings in spaces where social distancing isn’t possible. Plus, preliminary survey results indicate locals would like to see minimal development in the area around Highways 313 and 191. And later, with coronavirus putting a pause on international tourism, community leaders near Bryce Canyon National Park are looking...
Tuesday August 18, 2020
August 18, 2020 21:15 - 10 minutes - 9.6 MBGrand County schools are preparing to implement their reopening plans. The challenge is mitigating the risk of coronavirus while still offering in-person instruction. Most local schools open their doors after Labor Day, but the Moab Charter School welcomes 90 students this Thursday. Today on the news, we learn about their preparations for a very different school year. And later, despite the pandemic, Colorado mountain town tourism is bouncing back. Show Notes: Moab Charter School Reopenin...
Monday August 17, 2020
August 17, 2020 18:58 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBSome big news last week for public lands around Moab – the Bureau of Land Management backed off a plan that would have auctioned over 80,000 acres for oil and gas leasing in the greater Moab area. Local governments, conservation groups, tribal communities, and members of Congress asked the BLM to remove the parcels from the sale – and they did. So what ultimately led the agency to their decision? This is the second time in 2020 that the BLM responded to public outcry in this area. Well, recre...
News Break Spotlight – Art Talks
August 14, 2020 23:12 - 16 minutes - 15 MBListener, KZMU News is still on summer break, returning mid-August with fresh, local grassroots community-powered journalism. While we’re away, we wanted to highlight some of the great public affairs shows produced locally at your community radio station. Right now we have five – This Week in Moab, Radio Book Club, Thought for Food, Great Wide Open, and Art Talks. We’ll feature all of them this week during the news. Art Talks explores the arts and cultural community of Moab and beyond. Ri...
News Break Spotlight – Great Wide Open
August 13, 2020 18:16 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBListener, KZMU News is still on summer break, returning mid-August with fresh, local grassroots community-powered journalism. While we’re away, we wanted to highlight some of the great public affairs shows produced locally at your community radio station. Right now we have five – This Week in Moab, Radio Book Club, Thought for Food, Great Wide Open, and Art Talks. We’ll feature all of them this week during the news. On Great Wide Open (2nd Mondays at 4pm) host Lisa Hathaway holds diverse ...
News Break Spotlight - Thought For Food
August 12, 2020 18:44 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MBListener, KZMU News is still on summer break, returning mid-August with fresh, local grassroots community-powered journalism. While we’re away, we wanted to highlight some of the great public affairs shows produced locally at your community radio station. Right now we have five – This Week in Moab, Radio Book Club, Thought for Food, Great Wide Open, and Art Talks. We’ll feature all of them this week during the news. On Thought For Food (1st Mondays at 4pm), chef Tim Buckingham explores th...
KZMU News Takes a Summer Break!
August 03, 2020 18:45 - 39 seconds - 614 KBHi listener, KZMU News is taking a summer break this week to pause for our classic mid-year breath and recharge. We will return in mid-August with our fresh, local, grassroots, community-powered journalism. Thank you so much for your support. Any questions? Comments? Ideas? Feel free to shoot news director Molly Marcello an email at [email protected]. See you soon!
Friday July 31, 2020
July 31, 2020 20:15 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBToday on the news, we check in Bradon Bradford of the Southeast Utah Health Department. He discusses some trends with recent local coronavirus cases, encouraging news from Summit County about face coverings, and Grand County’s school reopening plan. Plus, a feature story on more Americans looking to RVs and trailers to get away from home during the pandemic. And later (15:00), we chat with Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo about some of the stories they covered this week. McMurdo gives ...
Thursday July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020 21:35 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBConservation groups are suing the Trump administration’s re-write of federal environmental review regulations, which they say could have a ‘staggering’ effect on public lands. According to the groups, transparency and accountability from the public – as well as scientific communities – are at stake. Several point to recent re-writes around vegetation removal projects, which they say will negatively impact pinyon pine and juniper forests. Plus later in the news, Grand County School District Su...
Wednesday July 29, 2020
July 29, 2020 18:08 - 8 minutes - 8.17 MBWhat do community members want to see north of town? Is it a grocery store, housing, or RV Parks? Whether it’s all or none of the above, Grand County wants to know. The planning commission is working on a Small Area Plan for the node around Highways 313 and 191. Developers are interested in this area, and county representatives want local input to drive an updated vision plan. Plus later in the news, many states in the west are looking to get a handle on coronavirus by diving into the sewer. ...
Wednesday June 29, 2020
July 29, 2020 18:08 - 8 minutes - 8.17 MBWhat do community members want to see north of town? Is it a grocery store, housing, or RV Parks? Whether it’s all or none of the above, Grand County wants to know. The planning commission is working on a Small Area Plan for the node around Highways 313 and 191. Developers are interested in this area, and county representatives want local input to drive an updated vision plan. Plus later in the news, many states in the west are looking to get a handle on coronavirus by diving into the sewer. ...
Tuesday July 28, 2020
July 28, 2020 21:20 - 7 minutes - 6.78 MBIn the summer, Moab and surrounding communities are typically enjoying a fruit harvest. Orchards – some established for generations - do well in this region. But perhaps none have survived longer than the peach trees in northern Arizona’s Canyon De Chelly. The trees and their fruit have a long history and cultural significance to the Navajo people tending them. Our partners at KJZZ have more. Show Notes: Photo: Sylvia Watchman and Ron Garnanez break up clods of dirt as they prepare to plan...
Monday July 27, 2020
July 27, 2020 20:40 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBWhen Arches National Park reopened at the end of May, staff didn’t know what to expect in terms of visitation. At the time, tourism and travel experts were predicting ‘the road trip’ as the travelers’ method of choice during coronavirus, and America’s National Parks - their destination. The park is busy, but less so than last year, according to June visitation statistics. Arches staff say they continue to monitor visitation patterns in light of COVID-19, but they don’t have any plans to imple...
Friday July 24, 2020
July 24, 2020 18:55 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBThe sounds of summertime in Moab are familiar yet different this season. Some kids sell homemade lemonade – while wearing face masks and using hand sanitizer. Two best friends have a casual baseball practice, and say summer has been alright because they’re still allowed to hang out. And produce and artisan vendors sell their wares at the Market on Center – while carefully minding social distance. Plus (13:00), our roundup with The Times-Independent. Staff writer Carter Pape discusses bleak ...
Thursday July 23, 2020
July 23, 2020 20:21 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBThe ability to have secure housing is directly related to the wellbeing and health of individuals and communities, according to local experts. So when the economic fallout from the pandemic became real in Moab, a committee sprang into action to create a fund that would help people experiencing economic hardship make their rent payments. The final disbursement from the Moab COVID-19 Housing Relief Fund was made last week, but its committee members anticipate re-starting efforts if there is a f...
Wednesday July 22, 2020
July 23, 2020 00:51 - 8 minutes - 8.2 MBA county-approved committee is exploring a new use for lands near the airport – a solar farm. The group, led by airport board members, is tasked with investigating solar farming as a means to meet sustainability and zero emissions goals, as well as create a diversified local revenue source. And later, the president’s nomination for head of the Bureau of Land Management is facing renewed pushback and a lawsuit. Plus, a partnership with the National Park Service is helping wounded warriors heal...
Tuesday July 21, 2020
July 21, 2020 20:54 - 7 minutes - 7.2 MBMoab Community Gardens, active in the valley for three growing seasons, provides space and kinship for locals who want to grow their own food. As they experience more interest from the community, the group says there is a need for public, in-town garden space. But their recent garden proposal for a city-owned patch of land has been caught in the crosshairs of ongoing difficulties at city hall. Council members experienced public backlash on a bike skills park, and they say they are nervous and...
Monday July 20, 2020
July 20, 2020 20:31 - 9 minutes - 8.85 MBAs the Bureau of Land Management reviews public comments related to their September oil and gas lease sale, agency reps say changes to their Environmental Assessment are still possible. The upcoming sale may affect over 80,000 acres in southeastern Utah, and has garnered attention for its size, conflicts with recreation interests, and likelihood to draw ‘rock bottom’ prices. Both Grand County and Moab City have petitioned the BLM to cancel it entirely. And later in the news – in the age-old b...
Friday July 17, 2020
July 17, 2020 21:30 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MBToday on the news, we hear from a Utah-based infectious disease specialist on face masks, and why they are so important in curbing the spread of COVID-19. Plus, our radio partners report on Colorado’s recent statewide mask mandate. It’s still not clear if Utah will also mandate face coverings statewide, but the Governor has implemented a mask requirement for staff and students returning to school. And (19:00), our media roundup featuring Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo. We discuss som...
Thursday July 16, 2020
July 16, 2020 20:14 - 8 minutes - 8.14 MBWhen local students return to school this fall, they will need to learn social distancing rules, practice regular hand washing, and wear masks. Grand County’s school board approved a re-opening plan on Wednesday that outlines protocol from classrooms, sports teams, to potential coronavirus outbreaks. District administrators say they remain open to input from community members, and note the plan may still be shaped by future COVID-19 developments. Plus, our radio partners have a report on data...
Wednesday July 15, 2020
July 16, 2020 00:05 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBThe local discussion around police reform often focuses on Moab’s Police Department or the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. But there’s another agency playing a big role in the local law enforcement landscape – Utah Highway Patrol. The state police are present in Grand County through patrols, investigations, and officer training. Today on the news, we talk with a UHP representative about the agency’s updated use of force policy and more. Show Notes: Utah Highway Patrol Info https://highwaypat...
Tuesday July 14, 2020
July 14, 2020 20:55 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBOne Grand County individual with COVID-19 is currently hospitalized, according to the Southeast Utah Health Department. Along with this new development, Grand County recently reported another two positive cases, bringing the local total to 28. And later on the news, a look at “COVID long haulers,” people who contracted coronavirus and have experienced autoimmune complications for months. Plus, Green River Medical Center sends care packages to community members. Show Notes: Southeast Utah H...
Monday July 13, 2020
July 13, 2020 18:41 - 9 minutes - 8.82 MBTwo-thirds of Utah’s long-term care facilities have been impacted by positive COVID-19 cases, including Four Corners Regional Care Center in Blanding. The facility’s recent coronavirus outbreak is currently linked to three deaths and 50 positive cases. Today on the news, we check in with Canyonlands Care Center administrator Colette Lyman, to learn about safety precautions her staff and residents are taking to avoid a similar situation in Moab. Plus, our radio partners report on the Bureau of...
Friday July 10, 2020
July 10, 2020 21:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBToday on the news – our semi-regular update with Jen Sadoff, CEO of Moab Regional Hospital. Her medical team completely supports the latest local health order mandating face coverings where social distancing is difficult. We talk masks, rising COVID-19 case numbers, and more. Plus, an update on private investment in western water rights from the three-part series broadcast earlier this week. And (10:00), our media roundup featuring Times-Independent staff writer Carter Pape. We discuss some...
Thursday July 9, 2020
July 09, 2020 22:54 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBFace coverings are now required clothing in Grand County. Masks must be worn in any indoor or outdoor public space, where social distancing is not possible. Today on the news, we speak with Bradon Bradford at the Southeast Utah Health Department for more details on this health order. He and other local officials say the mandate aims to limit the spread of coronavirus while allowing the economy to remain open. Show Notes: 7/7 Public Health Order Mandating Face Coverings https://4e6bd201-e3f...
Wednesday July 8, 2020
July 08, 2020 19:55 - 5 minutes - 4.92 MB*KZMU News Takeover* During the news this week, we’re hearing a three-part series from our radio partners, called ‘Cash Flows – How Investors Are Banking on the West’s Water Scarcity.’ It’s all about private investment in western water rights. The final installment takes us to the Humboldt River in northern Nevada, where water is relied upon by many users. The overused watershed is drawing the attention of private investors. Show Notes: Photo: The Humboldt River between Lovelock and Winn...
Tuesday July 7, 2020
July 07, 2020 18:55 - 5 minutes - 5.23 MB*KZMU News Takeover* During the news this week, we’re hearing a three-part series from our radio partners, called ‘Cash Flows – How Investors Are Banking on the West’s Water Scarcity.’ It’s all about private investment in western water rights. In the second installment, we have a story on a water rights fight in Arizona. Many cities around the West are on the hunt for water to fuel new growth. And it’s created a business opportunity for private investors, who buy up rural land with water ri...
Monday July 6, 2020
July 06, 2020 16:46 - 5 minutes - 5.17 MB*KZMU News Takeover* During the news this week, we’re hearing a three-part series from our radio partners, called ‘Cash Flows – How Investors Are Banking on the West’s Water Scarcity.’ It’s all about private investment in western water rights. In the first installment, we journey to the Grand Valley in Colorado, where private investors – seeing increasing water scarcity as a money-making opportunity – are showing up with their checkbooks. But it’s not without some pushback. Photo: The Col...
Monday May 25, 2020
July 06, 2020 16:17 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBIn comparison to the last two months, downtown Moab is downright bustling this Memorial Day weekend. As the economy reopens, local businesses have implemented their own health and safety policies, from hand sanitizing stations to mask requirements. And later in the news, Grand County’s current health order will expire this week. Local health department and county representatives are busy negotiating with state officials on the next phase for the Moab community. We speak with Southeast Utah's ...
Friday July 3, 2020
July 03, 2020 18:42 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBToday on the news, we speak with Grand County Council Chair Mary McGann about a local face covering order, which she and her colleagues will consider for a vote on Tuesday. She hopes mandating face coverings will help protect Moab’s employees who regularly interact with the public. Health experts have noted the importance of wearing a mask when social distancing is difficult, especially because presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals could spread COVID-19 to others. And later, local demon...
Thursday July 2, 2020
July 02, 2020 19:45 - 9 minutes - 8.64 MBCommunity spread of COVID-19 is now evident in Grand County, according to the Southeast Utah Health Department. Two of the latest positives involve separate incidents of community spread, while four additional cases are from a source of common exposure. And later in the news, locals may soon be providing feedback on a proposed membership program at the Community Recycle Center. Plus, climate scientists say Lake Powell’s capacity is quickly declining. We hear from our radio partners on what th...
Wednesday July 1, 2020
July 01, 2020 18:57 - 9 minutes - 8.9 MBGrand County’s council wants to mandate face coverings to help limit the spread of coronavirus in the community. They are sending a request to the Governor, who recently approved face covering requirements in Salt Lake and Summit Counties. Health experts have noted the importance of wearing a mask when social distancing is difficult, especially because presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals could spread COVID-19 to others. And later, tourism towns in Utah dependent on seasonal foreign wo...
Tuesday June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020 20:57 - 8 minutes - 7.52 MBThere’s a new sign on the Mill Creek Parkway announcing a future bike skills park near a shady grove of trees, where several pathways intersect. This small sign tells community members where they can get more information on this project, one that – in recent weeks - has drawn a lot of attention and some heated conversation. For some, a beginner bike skills park is a friendly, welcome addition to the parkway. For others, the project represents yet another development, a loss of quiet spaces in...
Monday June 29, 2020
June 29, 2020 20:45 - 8 minutes - 7.94 MBAs Utah experiences a large upswing in confirmed COVID-19 cases, Grand County reports two new positives since Friday, bringing the local total to 14. The Grand County Council will be considering mandatory face coverings, which the Governor recently allowed for Salt Lake and Summit Counties. And later, a lightening-caused fire in the Manti-La Sal National Forest is still burning today. Public land managers say that COVID-19 is influencing their approach to fire this season. And finally, our ra...
Friday June 26, 2020
June 26, 2020 20:46 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBWith coronavirus upending traditional ad campaigns, experts are re-assessing what marketing Utah’s outdoor recreation economy could look like. So what about increased diversity? In racial justice conversations, Moab community members are asking how advertising could bring more people of color to our community. We speak with Elaine Gizler, executive director of the Moab Area Travel Council. Plus, Diné Pride celebrates this week while working for significant change on the Navajo Nation. And l...
Thursday June 25, 2020
June 25, 2020 21:17 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBUtah’s COVID-19 cases have been on the rise for several weeks. Although Grand County’s case numbers are holding steady at 12 – all currently categorized as recovered – local health officials are closely watching statewide trends. We speak with Moab Regional Hospital CEO Jen Sadoff on how Utah’s increasing case numbers affect Grand County. Plus, Moab City’s police chief plans to invite community organizations to review the department’s current use of force policies. Show Notes: Southeast Ut...
Wednesday June 24, 2020
June 24, 2020 21:44 - 7 minutes - 7.29 MBThe Moab City Council is unanimously opposed to a September oil and gas lease sale affecting hundreds of thousands of acres in Grand and San Juan Counties. They voted Tuesday to send in comments to Utah’s Bureau of Land Management. During the meeting, council members talked about cumulative impacts of oil and gas leasing to the Moab area, like noise and air pollution. And later, our radio partners feature the loss of Glen Canyon to Lake Powell, and what the canyon means to many environmentali...
Tuesday June 23, 2020
June 23, 2020 21:58 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBThe movement to uproot racial injustice in our law enforcement system is forcing communities across the nation to ask: what could we be doing better? Earlier this month, the Moab City Police Department pledged to review their use of force policy and engage community members within that process. We check in with Chief Bret Edge about accountability, and what he thinks could create a more equitable and unbiased local police force. Show Notes: Moab City Police Department 6/23 Presentation: Ma...
Monday June 22, 2020
June 22, 2020 18:51 - 9 minutes - 8.37 MBState epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn says Utah is experiencing “a real and dramatic” rise in the spread of COVID-19. Utah recently reported new record case highs with 586 on Friday and 643 on Saturday. Governor Gary Herbert called for more personal responsibility among Utahans, and said he continues to be “very concerned” about case counts threatening hospital capacities. Plus, Western senators react to the Great American Outdoors Act. And later, as contractors continue to install new barrier...