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Alaska’s Senators React to Obama’s Speech
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, D.C.
Alaska’s Senators say President Obama gave a forceful speech on health care to Congress last night, although neither is sold on the legislation. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski has come out against health care bills Democrats have pushed, and Democratic Senator Mark Begich says he’s waiting to see how legislation develops.
Historic District in Fairbanks is Ready to be Demolished
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
A long sought road and bridge project will nearly wipe clean an historic but run down swath of Fairbanks. As KUAC’s Dan Bross reports, the Illinois Street road and bridge project will change the look of the city.
Fairbanks Residents Overwhelm Clinic with Swine Flu Worries
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Tanana Valley Clinic in Fairbanks is being overwhelmed with sick people wanting to be tested and treated for H1N1 or Swine flu. Chief medical officer Dr. Hunter Judkins says T.V.C.’s first care clinic saw a record 123 patients Tuesday.
Three Fort Richardson Soldiers Killed in Iraq
The Associated Press
Military officials say three soldiers based at Fort Richardson, including two from Ohio and one from Nevada, were killed in Iraq when their vehicle was hit by an explosive device.
Congress Looks at High Rate of Native Suicide
Libby Casey, APRN – Washington, D.C.
American Indian and Alaska Native youth have the highest suicide rate of any adolescents in the nation. They’re three and a half times more likely to kill themselves, according to the Indian Health Service. So Senators on the Indian Affairs Committee have introduced legislation to combat the problem.
Petersburg Protests Children’s Services Move
Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK – Petersburg
The Petersburg city council will be urging the state to keep at least one full-time children’s social worker in town. The issue was on this week’s council agenda, following news that the state may be moving its Office of Children’s Services jobs to Juneau.
Halcro Announces Candidacy for U.S. House
Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Anchorage businessman and columnist Andrew Halcro announced today that he will run against Congressman Don Young in next year’s Republican Primary election.
Vets Work to Preserve Anti Missile Site
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
Veterans who worked at the U.S. military’s network of anti aircraft missile complexes are gathering in Anchorage this weekend. They’re hoping to help restore one of the best preserved sites in the country, out of hundreds that were built during the Cold War to guard against Soviet attack.
Fairbanks Considers Plastic Bag Tax
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
An ordinance before the Fairbanks assembly would require large retailers to charge customers for plastic shopping bags. The 5 cent per bag charge is aimed at reducing waste. Bag fee revenue would be used to fund recycling in the borough. Sponsor and assembly presiding officer Nadine Winters says she’s modified an earlier version of the bag ordinance to clarify 2 key points.
