Laura Kraegel, KUCB - Unalaska
Laura Kraegel covers Unalaska and the Aleutian Islands for KUCB . Originally from Chicago, she first came to Alaska to work at KNOM, reporting on Nome and the Bering Strait Region. (laura@kucb.org / 907.581.6700)
Wanted: Unalaska birders and beachcombers to help track seabird mortalities
Thousands of dead seabirds washed up on Alaska's shores this summer, marking the state's fifth straight year of mass die-offs. Now the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey team is training volunteers to monitor the trend.
After fears of closure, Atka’s school is back to 10 students and staying open
In the Aleutian Island community of Atka, low enrollment threatened to close the local school. The addition of five new students helps keep it open for another year.
St. Paul’s rogue rat is dead after 10 months of evading traps and causing ecosystem concerns
St. Paul Island's rogue rat has met its demise after 10 months of evading capture and living large at the local fish plant. The rat was found dead last weekend by a visiting birder. The discovery has sent tempered relief throughout the community, which has worked for decades to remain rodent-free.
Runner reports first eagle attack of Unalaska’s nesting season
Local runner Joni Scott earned the painful distinction last week while training for a half-marathon.
Partnering with FBI, Unalaska police aim to finish Ballyhoo crash investigation
Two local high school students were killed when a truck plunged off the cliffside and fell about 900 feet to the shoreline below. Authorities said they hope to have an explanation by the end of June.
49 Voices: Shane Baldwin of St. Paul
This week we're hearing from Shane Baldwin in St. Paul. Baldwin makes his living as a halibut fisherman.
USCG report blames Destination sinking on overloading, outdated stability book
The U.S. Coast Guard is considering civil penalties against the owners of the F/V Destination — the crab boat that capsized two years ago in the Bering Sea, killing all six crew members.
5 people rescued from life raft after vessel sinks southwest of Unalaska
Five people were rescued safely from a life raft in the Bering Sea Friday, after their fishing vessel sank about 40 miles southwest of Unalaska.
Death of Coast Guard member sparks investigation in Unalaska
In Unalaska, the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the death of a crew member of the Cutter Douglas Munro.
Unalaska City Council rejects proposal to employ inmates at fish plant — for now
A proposal from the state’s Department of Corrections would allow four inmates to work at an Unalaska fish processing plant. The resolution could still pass if the Unalaska City Council revisits the issue.
Charging details remain confidential for Unalaska teens that allegedly threatened teen with handgun
The state has filed charges against two Unalaska teenagers who allegedly threatened another teen with a handgun this July. That's likely all the information Unalaskans will get about the case — unless it moves to the adult court system. Listen now
International group gathers in Unalaska to talk Arctic biodiversity
This week, Unalaska is hosting an international gathering of scientists, wildlife managers and indigenous leaders — all focused on biodiversity in the circumpolar north. Listen now
PenAir trustee promises no flight interruptions during sale of airline
One of Southwest Alaska's largest airlines will soon be up for sale. Listen now
PenAir ordered to sell assets over ‘quickly deteriorating cash position’
After filing for bankruptcy protection last summer, PenAir has been ordered to sell off its assets to avoid a shutdown. Listen now
Unalaska approves plastic bag ban, to take effect Jan. 1
Starting next year, Unalaska retailers won't be allowed to distribute single-use plastic bags to their customers. If they do, they'll be hit with $100 fines each time. Listen now
FCC Commissioner to visit Unalaska during state broadband tour
Commissioner Brendan Carr will arrive Monday night and spend about 24 hours on the island to learn about the broadband challenges facing rural Alaska. Listen now
NTSB: The F/V Destination sank after accumulating ice in heavy freezing spray
A crab boat that sank in the Bering Sea last winter likely capsized after the vessel became coated in hundreds of thousands of pounds of ice. Listen now
Ukrainian seafood buyers want to connect with Unalaska’s fisheries
International seafood buyers are scheduled to visit Unalaska this month, but they don't hail from a massive importer like China or Japan. Listen now
Shayla Shaisnikoff and Karen Abel discuss internment and the military during Aleutian campaign
Today, we hear from Shayla Shaisnikoff and Karen Abel. One is the granddaughter of internment survivors, and the other is the granddaughter of a fighter pilot. Listen now
Paul Schaughency And Martin Aure reflect on evacuating Attu
Today, we hear from Martin Aure and U.S. Army veteran Paul Schaughency. Aure was sent to Seattle after the bombing of Dutch Harbor, and Schaughency spent parts of WWII on Adak. Listen now