Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska's Energy Desk - Juneau

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‘Assimilation’ playwright flips the script on Native history

In a dystopian future, Western civilization has crumbled and indigenous people are in control. That’s the premise of Jack Dalton’s play “Assimilation,” now touring Alaska. It flips the history of boarding schools with whites violently assimilated into Native culture. Download Audio

What Medicaid expansion means for this Juneau family

Medicaid expansion has been available to Alaskans for over a month, and 93 people in the capital city have enrolled. Two-hundred and sixty-three in all of Southeast. It’s providing coverage for the uninsured. But it’s also offering increased care for those who qualify with Indian Health Service. Download Audio

‘Assimilation’ playwright flips the script on Native history

In a dystopian future, Western civilization has crumbled and indigenous people are in control. That’s the premise of Jack Dalton’s play “Assimilation,” now touring Alaska. It flips the history of boarding schools with whites violently assimilated into Native culture. Download Audio

Theology school calls off Native art sale amid investigation

A Massachusetts college that planned to liquidate its Native art collection has called it off. The pieces are from 52 tribes, including Tlingit and Haida items that might be sacred. Now the country’s oldest theology school could get dinged with penalties as feds investigate. Download Audio

Alaska’s fiscal crisis: Apocalyptic or overblown?

Juneau residents packed a ballroom on Wednesday to hear a panel of experts talk about Alaska's fiscal future. Fewer barrels and a growing budget deficit could turn the state into an economic wasteland. Download Audio

Protesters flood Capitol steps in support of Planned Parenthood

A crowd gathered in the drizzle on the capitol steps Tuesday to show their support for Planned Parenthood. In recent weeks, Republican lawmakers have tried to strip the organization of its federal funding. Download Audio

Juneau roller derby team starts junior league

The Juneau RollerGirls are training a coed junior league this fall. Roller derby is characterized by fast-paced bouts, slick moves and cheeky alter egos. Helmets are essential. But the raucous sport can be adapted for kids. Download Audio

Like Sitka, parts of Juneau are susceptible to landslides

This past weekend, a Juneau Preparedness Expo gave the public a variety of information on how to cope in an emergency. One lecture more relevant than ever was on mudslides and landslides–just weeks after Sitka’s deadly disaster. Download Audio

Tugboat sinks in Gastineau Channel

A tugboat, known as Challenger, sank near Aurora Harbor around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Coast Guard Petty Officer Geno Kludt said the 96-foot wooden vessel was engulfed by water in about fifteen minutes.

Donation illuminates Alaska Native civil rights history

A recently donated collection of letters, essays, photographs and newspapers is shedding new light on the history of Alaska Native civil rights. One particularly controversial figure in the documents spent half a century advancing Alaska Native causes. Download Audio

Dust settles on state’s new Douglas offices, but employee concerns haven’t gone quiet

After a class action grievance, a regime change, a year of renovations and buying hundreds of $8,000 workstations, state employees are finally moving into their new offices in Douglas. Although the dust has settled, concerns over the new layout have not gone quiet. Download Audio

Hoonah hydro project cuts energy bills for local businesses

Alaska’s newest hydro power project has been generating electricity since the beginning of August, but it only recently had its ribbon cutting ceremony. The city of Hoonah is cutting diesel consumption by about a third which could help the local economy. Download Audio

Glacier Bay’s missing stories find a new home in Tlingit tribal house

A $3 million Tlingit tribal house is being constructed on the shore of Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay – likely the first time the National Park Service has funded a tribal house. Download Audio

Can We Call It Hoo-Brew? New Brewery Opens in Hoonah

On Saturday, a Hoonah microbrewery is opening its doors to serve the village a variety of craft beers. Kegs used to become scarce around the same time tourists did. Now fresh pints are guaranteed through winter. Download Audio

Staffing the Grill & State: Walker’s First Governor’s Picnic

Bill Walker hosted his first Governor’s Picnic in Juneau on Friday at the University of Alaska Southeast. Download Audio

Can We Call It Hoo-Brew? New Brewery Opens in Hoonah

On Saturday, a Hoonah microbrewery is opening its doors to serve the village a variety of craft beers. Kegs used to become scarce around the same time tourists did. Now fresh pints are guaranteed through winter. Download Audio

After More Than 30 Years, The Mendenhall Valley Library Moves Out Of the Mall

Friday was the last children’s storytime at a Juneau library branch that’s been in the Mendenhall Mall for over 30 years. The days of checking out books and grabbing a slice of pizza are over because the branch is moving to a new location at the end of the month. Download Audio

As the final dock pilings are drilled, a Hoonah controversy is put to rest

The final pilings for a new cruise ship dock are being driven at a Hoonah tourist attraction, marking an end to the nearly decade-long saga that divided the community. The publicly financed dock is being built where it serves a local Native corporation’s interests, only indirectly benefiting residents — although many are also shareholders. Download Audio

As the final dock pilings are drilled, a Hoonah controversy is put to rest

The final pilings for a new cruise ship dock are being driven at a Hoonah tourist attraction, marking an end to the nearly decade-long saga that divided the community. The publicly financed dock is being built where it serves a local Native corporation’s interests, only indirectly benefiting residents — although many are also shareholders. Download Audio

Hoonah cruise ship dock to be completed in the fall

Hoonah will soon be getting more cruise ship passengers as it nears completion of a new dock at Icy Strait Point. The town currently receives as many as 4,000 tourists a day on cruise lines like Celebrity. But arriving ships have to anchor offshore and tender passengers over with smaller boats.