Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.
Administration Says OCS Revenue Sharing Costs Too Much
Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC
The Obama Administration opposes Senator Lisa Murkowski’s latest revenue sharing bill. The administration says it costs too much money.
Attorney General Pulls Back On Plea Agreements
Dave Bendinger, KDLG – Dillingham
Attorney General Michael Geraghty is pulling back on state prosecutors’ ability to enter into plea agreements in some of the most serious criminal cases.
Court Upholds Western Aleutian Fishing Restrictions
Stephanie Joyce, KUCB – Unalaska
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld restrictions on fishing in the western Aleutians to protect an endangered stock of Steller Sea lions. The basic question the court addressed in their opinion was whether the National Marine Fisheries Service violated any statutes when it restricted fishing in the western Aleutians in 2011.
Mat-Su Assembly Approves Money For M/V Susitna Upkeep
Phillip Manning, KTNA – Talkeetna
The Mat-Su Borough Assembly has voted to approve more than $65,000 for the upkeep costs of the M/V Susitna. The prototype ferry was constructed by the U.S. Navy, and was acquired by the Borough in order to provide a means of crossing the Knik Arm. The plan to construct suitable docking facilities never came to be, and the ferry remains moored in Ketchikan.
Stuart Creek Fire Remains At 57 Percent Containment
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Fire managers report progress on the Stuart Creek wildfire east of Fairbanks. Nearly 450 firefighters remain on the blaze, which burned an 85,000-acre area south of Chena Hot Springs Road, until suppression work and rain slowed the flames.
Valdez Boat Harbor Explosion Injures Two
Tony Gorman, KCHU – Valdez
The Valdez Fire Department is investigating the cause of an explosion that happened at the Valdez Small Boat Harbor late Monday morning. The fire from the explosion left a Fairbanks father and daughter with severe burns.
GVEA Forwards New Gas Trucking Proposal
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Golden Valley Electric Association has forwarded a new gas trucking proposal. The Interior electric coop submitted the proposal to the state at the request of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority Friday. AIDEA and the Alaska Energy Authority are shepherding the North Slope to Fairbanks project, and asked GVEA and three other parties interested in partnering with the state for updated proposals last month.
Anchorage Non-Profit Offering Green Cleaning Solutions
Sara Bernard, APRN – Anchorage
It might not seem like baking soda could do the work of bleach. But Alaska Community Action on Toxics suggests that there are effective alternatives to potentially harmful household cleaners. The Anchorage-based nonprofit’s Green Cleaning Service disinfects a growing number of the city’s homes and businesses with everyday items like vinegar solution and vegetable oil soap — and they say they’re getting good results.
Nushugak King Run Finding Success
Mike Mason, KDLG – Dillingham
It’s been another year of low king salmon numbers to many of the major river systems in Alaska. However, one of the biggest king runs in the state is doing quite well.
Little Diomede Renews Vital Helicopter Service Contract
Margaret DeMaioribus, KNOM – Nome
Little Diomede is a remote island off the coast of Western Alaska – a community of about 150 people that sits perched on cliffs. There is no runway for airplanes during the summer, and weather conditions can often limit transportation year-round. But thanks to a renewed helicopter service contract, island community members can have access to food and mail and even travel to receive healthcare.
