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Trump Administration approves money for earthquake recovery
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The move will potentially unlock funds to reimburse for repairs to damaged public infrastructure, schools, as well as individual homeowners.
Search continues near Kake for missing plane
Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The Coast Guard says it continues to search for an air ambulance that vanished near Kake. A piece of metal suspected to be part of the Beechcraft plane has been recovered.
Nonprofit raises questions over recent Donlin state permits
Krysti Shallenberger, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Bethel
Donlin Gold began the new year with two major state permits in hand for its proposed mine. One approves its reclamation plans, and the other is a waste management permit. But a Montana-based nonprofit group who participates in mine permitting across the U.S. thinks that the company has room to improve.
Murkowski reintroduces bill to prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls
Zoe Grueskin, KTOO – Juneau
Sen. Lisa Murkowski has reintroduced Savanna’s Act, which would improve data collection on missing and murdered Native women and require federal agencies to consult with tribes.
After scathing audit, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority says fixes are underway
Jeremy Hsieh, KTOO – Juneau
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority CEO Mike Abbott described being audited as a lot like an invasive medical screening. He updated lawmakers on how the trust is fixing problems identified in a scathing audit report.
High ocean acidification found where salmon eat
Johanna Eurich, KYUK – Anchorage
One of the species of plankton that fish depend on is already being threatened by ocean acidification. That’s from data presented at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium in Anchorage this week.
Crafting a story of romance and resiliency with Tongass bowls
Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
Zach LaPerriere has heard some surprising comments about the wooden bowls he sells at markets. People reach out to touch them, admiring the detail of an exposed scar and the smooth curves.
WWII-era mortar found at Haines museum
Henry Leasia, KHNS – Haines
A museum in Haines is closed until further notice due to concerns about an antique explosive in its inventory.
Yukon Quest mushers expect rough trail ahead due to thin snow cover
Lex Treinen, KUAC – Fairbanks
Snow cover is thin in the Yukon Territory, making for rough running conditions, as the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race prepares for Saturday’s start in Whitehorse.
With cultural advisers and Indigenous writers, Molly of Denali creators work to make the show authentic
Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
This summer, PBS and WGBH are launching the brand new program, Molly of Denali, which they’re calling the first nationally distributed kids show to feature an Alaska Native main character. The show’s producers are working to make sure that the show is as authentic to the Alaska Native experience as possible.
