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Young considers crossing aisle as shutdown grinds on
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
In Congress, several Republicans are talking about voting with the Democrats to reopen most of the unfunded departments. Among Alaska’s delegation to Congress, two say they’re warm to the idea, and one isn’t saying.
Furloughed U.S. Forest Service workers feel uncertain about the future
Angela Denning, KFSK – Petersburg
As the partial government shutdown continues, it’s affecting hundreds of U.S. Forest Service workers all over Southeast Alaska.
Pebble EIS delayed, but not by federal shutdown, says Army Corps
Avery Lill, KDLG – Dillingham
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed that the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Pebble Mine is now expected in mid-February rather than January 2019, as previously estimated.
Fairbanks teen charged in fatal stabbing of older brother
Associated Press
An 18-year-old Fairbanks man has been charged with manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of his older brother.
Alaska port official charged with trying to drown daughter
Associated Press
A high-ranking official at the Anchorage Port is under arrest, accused of twice trying to drown his 8-year-year-old daughter.
Anchorage School Board member Dave Donley appointed to Dunleavy administration, remains on board
Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
A spokesman for the governor says that since January 2nd, Donley has been deputy commissioner of the Department of Administration. According to the school board, it isn’t unprecedented for someone to serve on a school board in Alaska and also work for the Governor.
New salmon-counting technique treats Alaska stream like a crime scene
Nathaniel Herz, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
Oregon State University Professor Taal Levi has spent the past several years exploring whether a new technology called environmental DNA, or eDNA, can be used to count salmon.
Grant program aims to cultivate specialty crops across Alaska
Kirsten Swann, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
A federal grant program provides grants of up to $60,000 for projects that “enhance the competitiveness of Alaska Grown specialty crops, sustain farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen local communities,” according to the Alaska Division of Agriculture
Fairbanks’ famously severe cold snaps are getting less cold and more rare
Ravenna Koenig, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Fairbanks
Over the last 80-some years, there’s been a noticeable change in Fairbanks: The more recent cold snaps haven’t been as cold, and they’re occurring less frequently than they used to.
Alaska Made: Tonkin cane, silver spoons and the ultimate fly rod
Matt Miller, KTOO – Juneau
Jon Lyman of Juneau only makes a dozen bamboo fly rods each year. That’s because of the long and meticulous work that he puts into this handcrafted art.
