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With special session halfway over, Alaska legislators at a stalemate over budget
Sean Doogan, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
With a special legislative session halfway over, little progress has been made by Alaska legislators toward passing a state budget and addressing a multibillion-dollar state deficit.
Season’s first major wildfire burns near Tok
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The season’s first major wildfire response is underway near Tok. The North Robertson Fire, about 30 miles northwest of Tok is being fought from the air and on the ground.
Alaska VA faces issues, but is making steady progress
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Alaska isn’t immune from national issues affecting the country’s VA system, however the state’s branch of the department has made progress. in the last few years.
State proposes fine for safety violations at Ahtna-owned gas exploration well
Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
The state is proposing a $380,000 fine for Alaska Native corporation Ahtna, Inc., for safety violations at a gas well near Glennallen.
Survivors look back on the Japanese bombing of Unalaska 75 years ago
Laura Kraegel, KUCB – Unalaska
75 years ago, Japan bombed Unalaska, killing more than 40 Americans and triggering the evacuation of hundreds. In the aftermath, many Aleutian residents survived. But the number is dwindling as decades pass.
Alaska officials show no strong response to U.S. leaving the Paris accords
Rachel Waldholz, Alaska’s Energy Desk
President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord drew muted reactions from Alaska officials on Thursday.
Demolition of Polaris building in Fairbanks on hold
Robert Hannon, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Fairbanks City Council is back to square one on a plan to demolish the deteriorating Polaris Hotel. The long vacant downtown high rise is plagued by mold, asbestos and other issues, but a city plan to acquire the building and take it down has suffered a setback.
Igiugig staves off opening new landfill by recycling
Avery Lill, KDLG – Dillingham
Rural Alaskan villages are not typically known for their recycling prowess. For communities off the road system, it can be a hassle not only to ship products in, but also to deal with junk when it has served its purpose. For the village of Igiugig, however, recycling is a priority.
Warmer Kodiak seasons mean more fruit
Kayla Desroches, KMXT – Kodiak
Summer is fast approaching, which means Kodiak gardeners are looking forward to crops of kale and other hardy greens – and also fruit. The last few years of warm weather means that more apples and even pears have popped up around town.
AK: McPherson Music leaves behind a legacy of Ketchikan performers
Leila Kheiry, KRBD – Ketchikan
McPherson Music has been the cornerstone of Ketchikan’s music scene since the 1980s. Now, though, McPherson Music is for sale.
49 Voices: Frage Schaefer of Palmer
Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
This week we’re hearing from, Frage Schaefer from Palmer. Schaefer is an electrician who grew up in Point Hope.
