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Contractor’s blunder causes outage to University of Alaska statewide network
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The University of Alaska’s information technology infrastructure and many of its network systems suffered a prolonged, widespread outage Wednesday on at least two campuses — Fairbanks and Anchorage.
Wave of addiction costs is hitting Alaska’s healthcare system
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Like much of the country, Alaska is seeing a surge in opioid and heroin addiction. And state officials are scrambling to deal with the consequences. One side effect is a a big increase in diseases connected to injecting drugs, particularly Hepatitis C.This is raising concerns about a potential tidal wave of healthcare costs.
Assembly approves granting immunity to sex workers who aid police
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
On Tuesday night, the Anchorage Assembly approved a measure that gives immunity to sex workers who tell police when more serious crimes have occurred.
University of Alaska receives grant to address Native suicides in villages
Robert Hannon, KUAC – Fairbanks
University of Alaska researchers are planning new strategies to address suicide in Alaskan Native Communities. An over $4 million federal grant is funding creation of a clearing house of successful strategies drawn from villages and regions across the state.
Produce coming soon from Pilgrim Hot Springs farming project
Davis Hovey, KNOM – Nome
Nome residents could soon be able to buy locally grown vegetables from Pilgrim Hot Springs at a market stand in town.
Shareholders re-elect Sealaska board incumbents
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The management slate won this year’s Sealaska board election. Three incumbents and a newcomer who ran with them beat out eight independent candidates.
Business as usual for marine mammal deterrence
Nora Saks – KFSK – Petersburg
In Southeast Alaska, populations of some marine mammals, like humpback whales and Stellar sea lions, are on the rise. Some subgroups of these species have recently been removed from the Endangered Species list, leaving many commercial fisherman wondering what this means for them.
Governor Walker signs law recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day in Alaska
Christine Trudeau, KYUK – Bethel
In Utqiaġvik over the weekend, Governor Bill Walker signed legislation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day in Alaska. The law establishes Alaska as the second state in the nation to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October, replacing Columbus Day.
