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)
Lt. Colonel Bob Brocklehurst and Tara Bourdukofsky reflect on the Battle of Attu
Today, we hear from Tara Bourdukofsky and retired Lieutenant Colonel Bob Brocklehurst. Her grandmother survived the internment, and he served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Listen now
Kashega elder Eva Tcheripanoff dies at age 90
Eva Tcheripanoff — the last person born in the traditional village of Kashega — has died. Listen now
Coast Guard suspends search for man missing from oil tanker south of Sand Point
About 24 hours after he went missing from an oil tanker, the U.S. Coast Guard is deciding whether to continue its search for a man who reportedly fell overboard in Aleutian waters.
Recall election fails to oust Unalaska’s mayor
Unalaska’s mayor has survived a recall effort that accused him of misconduct and poor leadership. Listen now
Kuskokwim 300 no stranger to severe weather
In nearly four decades of competing, K300 mushers have endured everything from brutal cold and bare tundra to hard ice and heavy overflow. But this year, Bethel is experiencing its warmest winter ever - so warm that officials have had to contract and repeat the route to avoid open water.
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Russian Unangax reconnect with Alaska neighbors during St. Paul trip
Look to the farthest end of the Aleutian chain, so far west that it’s actually east, and you’ll find the Komandorski Islands of Russia. In 1867, the Alaska Purchase separated them from the rest of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. But today, people across the archipelago are still connected by a common history. A recent cultural exchange helped to renew those ties, bringing Russians and Alaskans together on St. Paul Island. Listen now
Kloosterboer fined $10,000 for late reporting of ammonia leak
After a dangerous ammonia leak last winter, Kloosterboer Dutch Harbor is renovating its refrigeration system, investing in its hazmat team, and paying a $10,008 fine. Listen now
Dutch Harbor ranks as nation’s top port for 20th consecutive year
For the 20th year in a row, Dutch Harbor has been recognized as the largest fishing port in America. Listen now
As recall effort gets underway, Unalaska’s mayor denies illegal dock negotiations
Following months of intense public criticism. Frank Kelty has denied allegations that he interfered with the former city manager or forced his resignation. Listen now
Unalaska police chief confirms investigation of city councilors
Members of the Unalaska City Council are under investigation. Police Chief Mike Holman confirmed Tuesday to KUCB that the Unalaska Department of Public Safety is investigating current and potentially former city councilors. Listen now
St. Paul ramps up reindeer program to improve food security
Even though reindeer have lived on St. Paul for about 100 years, the tribe hasn’t done much more than distribute hunting permits. That’s slowly beginning to change -- because the community needs another consistent source of meat. Download audio
St. Paul Ramps Up Reindeer Program to Improve Food Security
For the last century, reindeer have roamed St. Paul Island without much oversight. But now, the tribal government is stepping up its management style to boost subsistence options and the local economy.
Responders have mitigated pollution threat of F/V Akutan, Coast Guard says
Six days after forming an emergency response team, officials have suspended their efforts aboard a disabled fishing vessel in Unalaska. Listen now
PenAir requests subsidy to sustain market in Pribilof Islands
The only air carrier for the Pribilof Islands is asking for financial support to keep its remote market afloat. Listen now
Diving for answers: Will blue king crab come back in the Pribilofs?
In the Pribilof Islands, no one’s gotten an accurate count of blue king crab since the population crashed hard in the 1980s. This summer, a marine biologist is trying to change that, with the species’ first in-depth study in more than 30 years. His ultimate goal: determine if blue crab can make a comeback — or if it’s gone for good. Listen now
St. George Island receives apology from USFWS… 75 years after WWII internment
75 years after supervising the Unangan internment during World War II, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has finally apologized to the people of St. George Island. Listen now
Witness hearings start Monday in F/V Destination investigation
Starting Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard is holding two weeks of public hearings as part of its investigation into the sinking of the F/V Destination. Listen now
PenAir files for bankruptcy protection as CEO promises to refocus on Alaska routes
The largest air carrier in southwest Alaska has filed for bankruptcy protection. Listen now
Elders reflect on Aleut evacuation during WWII
This month marks the 75th anniversary of the Aleut evacuation. More than 800 Unangan people were removed from the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands and relocated to Southeast Alaska during World War II. Two elders share their memories.
Survivors look back on the Japanese bombing of Unalaska 75 years ago
75 years ago, Japan bombed Unalaska, killing more than 40 Americans and triggering the evacuation of hundreds. In the aftermath, many Aleutian residents survived. But the number is dwindling as decades pass. Listen now