Individual news stories are posted in the Alaska News category and you can subscribe to APRN’s news feeds via email, podcast and RSS.Download Audio (MP3)State Says No To Education Funds Libby Casey, APRN-Washington DCThe state has again decided NOT to compete foreducation dollars available under a competitive federal program. The Raceto the Top competition was designed to get states to develop innovateeducation plans. It’s in its second round, and Alaska was one of 10 statesthat did not apply in Round 1. Anchorage Teachers Ratify Contract Len Anderson, KSKA-AnchorageAnchorage teachers have ratified the tentative agreementwith the school district for a new three year contract. Yesterday the over37-hundred members of the Anchorage Education Association voted. Thismorning AEA announced the results.U.S. Arctic Research Chair Resigns Libby Casey, APRN-Washington DCThe chair of the U-S Arctic Research Commission is stepping down, and plans to file a letter of intent today (Fri) to run for Lieutenant Governor on the G-O-P ticket.A New Model for Village Housing Shane Iverson, KYUK-BethelPlans are underway to build a new, energy-efficient,house in the Coastal Village of Quinhagak (KWIN-AH-hawk), and the NorthSlope community of Point Lay. The Engineers and the communities hope that the protype will do more than just cut down on fuel expenses.A Big Electricity Rate Hike for the Capitol City Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO-JuneauElectricity rates in the capital city are going up.Juneau’sutility company is proposing an 18 and a half percent rate increase to takeeffect next month. It’s an interim step to a permanent 22 percent ratehike.Coal Mine Access Road on Hold Ellen Lockyer, KSKA-AnchorageMatanuska-Susitna Borough officials have put on hold abid to construct road access to a Sutton coal mining site. This week, theBorough Assembly agreed to postpone a vote on a lease for the road to theWishbone Hill Coal Mine. Public testimony regarding the road was mostlynegative at a hearing held on Tuesday.Talkeetna Copes With No Public Shower Sue Deyoe, KTNA-TalkeetnaTalkeetna may become the grubby capitol of Alaska in Mayand June, when smelly climbers trudge off Denali after three or more weekswithout bathing. But the last public shower in town shut down last winterand there's only one public laundromat open for business.NPR Reporter Reflects on His Alaska BeginningsLori Townsend, APRN-Anchorage Many National Public Radio personalities got their start inAlaska. NPR's one and only sports reporter, Tom Goldman, is one of them. He moved to Anchorage from Oregon fresh out of journalism school and worked as a engineer, reporter and producer of this program, Alaska News Nightly. That was 27 years ago.
Lori Townsend is the news director and senior host for Alaska Public Media. You can send her news tips and program ideas for Talk of Alaska and Alaska Insight at ltownsend@alaskapublic.org or call 907-550-8452.