News

All news stories, regardless of topic (local, statewide + national news stories, as well as Talk of Alaska, Alaska News Nightly, Alaska Insight, Alaska Economic Report). Some news stories may also have other categories marked, which will also put them on a subpage. Not all news stories will fall into a subpage.

Juneau Utility Sold For $170 Million to Outside Company

Southeast Alaska’s largest electric utility has merged with a Washington-based energy company. Alaska Electric Light and Power in Juneau is now a subsidiary of Avista Corporation, headquartered in Spokane. The deal closed on Tuesday. Listen now:

After Floods, Huslia Earmarked $356,000 In Federal Funds

More than $270,000 in federal funds will help relocate five homes in Huslia following flooding and erosion on the Koyukuk River last month. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development authorized the money under its "imminent threat" funds. It supplements another $85,000 in funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cover the full $356,000 cost.

Yellow Pages seek new life

New phone books are arriving in Anchorage. You can recycle your old ones at drop offs around the city, and they'll be turned into insulation and mulch.

Enstar bill increase looks big but is temporary

Enstar gas prices are going up this summer, but the increase isn't permanent. An Enstar representative says customers' total gas bills for this year will be similar to years past.

One person dies in fatal crash at Merrill Field

A small airplane crashed during take off this morning around 8:25 am at Merrill Field in Anchorage. The pilot and sole occupant is confirmed dead. Download Audio

Alaska Arctic Policy Commission Listens to Community Input

The Alaska Arctic Policy Commission held a listening session today in Anchorage. The aim was to get more statewide input, especially from the Alaska Native community, on how the Commission should try to shape future Arctic policy. Download Audio

Soboleff Wins Sealaska Board Seat, Nelson Becomes Chairman

The regional Native corporation for Southeast Alaska has a new CEO, a new board chairman and a new board member. Leaders of Juneau-headquartered Sealaska are following a direction set by their predecessors. But they promise some changes, following a recent board election. Download Audio

Parnell: Pipeline Agreement Signed

Gov. Sean Parnell says an agreement has been signed that allows for the next stage in pursuing a major liquefied natural gas project. Download Audio

U.S. Senator Still After ANC Contracting Advantages

A U.S. Senator from Missouri is continuing her crackdown on the advantages Alaska Native Corporations enjoy in government contracting. Download Audio

Rainy Weather Continuing Into July

Rain continues to fall across the central and eastern interior as July extends a trend that made June Fairbanks rainiest on record. Download Audio

Rain Causing Problems On Interior Roads

The rain is resulting in dangerous driving conditions. State Department of Transportation Northern Region spokeswoman Meadow Bailey says she issued numerous travel advisories this morning. Download Audio

Largest Bristol Bay King Salmon Run Reaches Minimum Escapement

The largest king salmon run in Bristol Bay has reached the lower end of the escapement goal but the managers with Fish and Game are hoping for more. Download Audio
Chum salmon leaping near Cold Bay, AK. (Photo: K. Mueller, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on August 28, 2011)

Strong Chum Runs Mean Salmon Openings In Norton Sound

As severe restrictions on Chinooks continue to hit subsistence users, early signs of strong chum runs are leading the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to announce some unanticipated commercial openings. Download Audio

UAA Undergoes Prioritization Process

With budget cuts and declining state funding looming, the University of Alaska Anchorage is in the process of scrutinizing its priorities to figure out what is sustainable, and what is not. Download Audio

Rural Housing Loans Open Doors For Affordability In Juneau

Residents of the capital city now qualify for “rural” federal housing loans from the Department of Agriculture after Congress raised the population cap for communities to qualify. The loans make home ownership more accessible in a city that lists affordable housing as one of its top issues. Download Audio

Alaska News Nightly: July 2, 2014

One Person Dies in Fatal Crash at Merrill Field; Alaska Arctic Policy Commission Listens to Community Input; Soboleff Wins Sealaska Board Seat, Nelson Becomes Chairman; Parnell: Pipeline Agreement Signed; U.S. Senator Still After ANC Contracting Advantages; Rainy Weather Continuing Into July; Rain Causing Problems On Interior Roads; Largest Bristol Bay King Salmon Run Reaches Minimum Escapement; Strong Chum Runs Mean Salmon Openings In Norton Sound; UAA Undergoes Prioritization Process; Rural Housing Loans Open Doors For Affordability In Juneau Download Audio

Salmon: The Hidden Migration

Juvenile salmon spend important parts of their lives in stream habitat, but this part of their lives is often hidden from our eyes. Go into the forest with Richard Nelson to discover the amazing terrestrial lifecycle of Alaska's salmon species.

Walker Poll Suggests Parnell Vulnerable … In A Two-Way Race

Independent candidate Bill Walker has released a poll suggesting he would be competitive against Gov. Sean Parnell, if Democrat Byron Mallott were no longer running. Download Audio

Predator Run-Ins Threaten Hikers in the Chugach

A Fish and Game biologist says three wolves appear to have killed a hiker’s dog before stalking the dog’s owner on a popular trail just outside Anchorage last month. Another hiker’s account of a similar incident on a nearby trail may leave some wondering if canid predators are a growing threat on local trails. Download Audio

Treadwell Urges US to Check Putin in Arctic; Sullivan Spotlights ‘Pro-Putin Rally’

In a recent presentation in Washington, D.C., Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell spoke of the need to stay on neighborly terms with Russia. It’s caused a bit of a ruckus. Dan Sullivan, Treadwell’s rival in the GOP primary for U.S Senate, issued an email yesterday saying Treadwell attended a “pro-Putin rally,” echoing the words of an anti-Russian columnist who denounced the conference where Treadwell spoke. Download Audio