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Alaska Searching For Methane Hydrate Research Partners
Anne Hillman, APRN – Anchorage
The state of Alaska is looking for partners to research a new source of natural gas called methane hydrates. It could bring in new revenue for the state far down the road, but some environmentalists worry the risk of releasing that much methane is too great.
Survey Says Alaska Has Poor Business Climate
Liz Ruskin, APRN – Washington DC
A survey of oil company managers and executives has given Alaska poor marks for its business climate. The annual report by the Fraser Institute, a conservative Canadian think tank, stacks Alaska up against other states and countries in an effort to develop a “policy perception index.” The respondents weren’t kind to the 49th state.
Officials Documenting Wreckage of St. Marys’ Crash
The Associated Press
Federal responders say it’s too early to know what caused a commuter plane to crash in remote southwest Alaska, killing four people and injuring another six on board.
Premera Won’t Increase Rates On Plan Extensions
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Premera Alaska won’t increase premium rates for Alaskans who decide to extend their plans for another year. The company previously had to cancel plans that didn’t meet the requirements of the Affordable Care Act for 5400 members in the state. Last month, President Obama allowed insurance companies to continue offering those plans through 2014.
Juneau Observes World AIDS Day
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
December first was World AIDS Day. The annual observance started in 1988 to increase awareness and prevention of the disease.
The United Nations estimates that more than 35 million people worldwide were living with HIV in 2012. About 70 percent were in Sub-Saharan Africa, compared to 4 percent in North America.
Family Hopes to Save Homestead of 30-Years
Jay Barrett, KMXT – Kodiak
A misjudgement of just a few dozen yards in the placement of a small house on a remote part of Kodiak Island over 30 years ago will likely result in a family’s hopes, dreams and history literally going up in smoke. The family doesn’t live on their homestead on Dry Spruce Bay full time anymore, but they’re heartbroken at the prospect of losing it.
Kodiak Alum Receives Holiday Surprise from Teammates
Brianna Gibbs, KMXT – Kodiak
It’s expensive to travel in and out of Alaska. And for Puni Timu, that price tag has kept her from seeing her parents for more than a year and a half. Puni went to Kodiak High School where she was a star player on the girls’ basketball team. When she graduated, she signed with the University of Jamestown’s basketball team in North Dakota. It’s been a long time since Puni last saw her parents and her teammates recently decided to something extraordinary for her.
