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A sign for the "Extraterrestrial Highway" outside Rachel, Nevada. — Paul Boger / KUNR Public Radio

Area 51: What’s Happening In The Desert?

Area 51, the infamously mysterious military installation in the Nevada desert, has fascinated people for decades. This week, that fascination may come to a head as thousands of people are expected to descend upon the site to take part in a viral event called “Storm Area 51.” KUNR’s News Director Michelle Billman sat down with Senior Reporter Paul Boger to breakdown the event and what it could mean for rural Nevada.

Climate Change May Bring Valley Fever To More Of The Mountain West

California Governor Signs Law Protecting Gig Economy Workers

Idaho Leads Nation In Ag Revenue Per Capita

By Madelyn Beck • 14 hours ago

California is king of U.S. agriculture. But on a per capita basis, no state brings in more farm revenue than Idaho.

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Trump Says California's Ability To Set Its Own Emissions Standards Will Be Revoked

By Scott Neuman • Sep 18, 2019

Updated at 11:45 a.m. ET

President Trump said Wednesday his administration is revoking a waiver that allowed California to set its own standards for automobile emissions — a move that could derail a years-long push to produce more fuel efficient cars.

In a series of tweets Wednesday, Trump said the action will result in vehicles that are safer and cheaper, and that "there will be very little difference in emissions between the California standard and the new U.S. standard."

Combating Automation In The Mountain West

By Noah Glick • Sep 17, 2019

From ATMs to self-checkout lines, automation technology is everywhere. And there’s a growing fear that as technology advances it could eliminate millions of American jobs.

According to at least one report, our region is especially vulnerable, having three of the top five states most at risk. But some here are already taking steps to help soften the blow.

What’s Being Done To Address Flooding At Swan Lake

By Lucia Starbuck • Sep 17, 2019

A body of water with a pipe in the forefront and street signs with water surrounding them. — Bob Conrad / ThisisReno

Different solutions have been proposed to reduce water levels from the flooded Swan Lake in Lemmon Valley, a battle that has been affecting nearby residents since 2017. KUNR’s Lucia Starbuck spoke with ThisisReno’s Bob Conrad about what’s been done, what can be expected, and how some residents are feeling.

Cokie Roberts, Pioneering Journalist Who Helped Shape NPR, Dies At 75

By Bobby Allyn & Scott Neuman • Sep 17, 2019

Veteran journalist Cokie Roberts, who joined an upstart NPR in 1978 and left an indelible imprint on the growing network with her coverage of Washington politics before later going to ABC News, has died. She was 75.

Roberts died Tuesday because of complications from breast cancer, according to a family statement.

Colorado Is First State Prepared To Fight Fires From The Air At Night

By Ali Budner • Sep 16, 2019

Our region is leading the way on training helicopter pilots to fight fires at night. There are costs and hazards involved but the move could also help firefighters get the most threatening blazes under control more quickly.

BLM Jobs May Be Coming West. But Which Ones?

By Noah Glick • Sep 16, 2019

Along with its new headquarters in Grand Junction, Colorado, the Bureau of Land Management is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to our region. But, there is some confusion on the specifics.

UNR Officials Address Recent Expressions Of Hate

By Andrew Mendez • Sep 16, 2019

Screenshot taken by Andrew Mendez. Rights to the application are owned by the University of Nevada, Reno.

Update: Wednesday, Sep. 18 11:28 a.m. Since this story first aired, Marc Johnson, president of the University of Nevada, Reno sent an email to the campus community Tuesday addressing concerns related to white supremacist activity on campus. "Faculty, staff and students must stand guard against the hateful rhetoric and propaganda that would lead us to believe that our community is fractured. Our power is in standing together," Johnson said in the email.

Sanders Defends "Medicare For All" In Carson City

By Paul Boger • Sep 16, 2019

Senator Bernie Sanders speaks to supporters at the University of Nevada, Reno. — Paul Boger / KUNR Public Radio

In his latest campaign swing through Northern Nevada, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders defended his plans to expand Medicare and forgive college loan debt.

Nevada GOP Goes All In For Trump At Basque Fry

By Paul Boger • Sep 16, 2019

A team of horseriders carries the U.S. and Nevada flags ahead of the 5th annual Basque Fry. — Paul Boger / KUNR Public Radio

Republican leaders in Nevada say they are all in on re-electing President Donald Trump to a second term. Party officials threw their full support behind Trump during the annual Basque Fry Republican fundraiser in Gardnerville over the weekend. The conservatives argued that re-electing the president is the only way to divert the rise of socialism in the United States.