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.
Transportation Commish Ousted Following Defense Of Project
Joaqlin Estus, KNBA – Anchorage
The head of the state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Commissioner Pat Kemp, stepped down today.
Young, Credited With Effectiveness, Says Personality is Part of his M.O.
Liz Ruskin, APRN – Washington DC
Alaska Congressman Don Young was sworn in today for his 22nd term, having missed the main swearing-in last week due to the death of his brother. Recent research by two political scientists say Young is one of the 20 most effective lawmakers in the U.S. House. Nationally, though, he is more known for his big, sometimes brash personality.
Lonnie Dupre Becomes First Ever January Denali Soloist
Phillip Manning, KTNA – Talkeetna
History has been made on North America’s highest peak. On Sunday, Lonnie Dupre became the first solo climber to summit Denali in the month of January.
Juneau Assembly Considers Moratorium On Legal Pot Shops
Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau
The Juneau Assembly will vote Monday on two measures restricting the manufacture, sale and use of legal marijuana in the city.
Anchorage Legislators Consider Ways To Cut Capital Costs
Anne Hillman, KSKA – Anchorage
Before heading to Juneau, Anchorage Legislators are listening to community input on ways to cut state spending. They hosted a listening session on Saturday at the Loussac Library. Some community members urged the legislature to cut local capital projects, like the U-Med District Northern Access Road.
Adak Fish Plant Seeks Additional Operators
Lauren Rosenthal, KUCB – Unalaska
The community of Adak depends on its fish processing plant for jobs and tax revenue. But they’ve struggled to keep the lights on over the years. Now, the plant’s latest operator is looking for new partners to help shoulder the financial burden.
News-Miner to Begin Requiring Electronic Subscriptions for Frequent Online Visitors
Tim Ellis, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner will soon begin charging a fee to frequent visitors to its website. The so-called “paywalls” are a growing trend in the U.S. newspaper industry, used by some as way to recoup revenue lost to online news sites. But many in the newspaper industry disagree over whether paywalls hurt or help online readership. And that disagreement is being played out between the Alaska’s two top news sites.
Ice Sculptures Take Shape In Downtown Anchorage
Zachariah Hughes, KSKA – Anchorage
Artists wielding chainsaws and drills spent three days this weekend carving blocks of ice into salmon and sea-dragons in downtown Anchorage.