A new report shows that Western states vary widely in how much federal public lands within their borders have been protected from extractive uses over the last decade – with some surprising discrepancies.

Two women scientists with ties to the University of Nevada, Reno published a children’s book that tells the story of solitary bees. KUNR contributor Shelby Herbert spoke with Felicity Muth, author of Am I Even a Bee? about why she thinks it’s important to get kids engaged in scientific topics and understand bee diversity.

Pat Ragains and Monica Kales participated in One Small Step, a StoryCorps program to connect people with different political values through dialogue. In their discussion, they reflect on the people who have influenced their evolving political values and grapple with the nation’s political divides.

Agencies like the Forest Service often use contract airplanes to drop fire retardant on wildfires. If resources fall short, though, a specialized team of military personnel can help. This year is shaping up to be another extreme fire season, so having this backup may be especially helpful.

The Mountain West News Bureau, in collaboration with NPR and the Boise State Public Radio newsroom, has won a regional 2022 Edward R. Murrow Award for its investigative reporting on tribal jails.

Airborne Snow Observatories flies planes over watersheds and beams masses of laser pulses each second to the snowpack below to create elevation maps. The maps help calculate snow depth and the water supply forecast across the West.