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.

Parnell Offers “Choice”-Friendly School Reform Package

During the State of the State address on Wednesday night, Parnell laid out an agenda that was friendly to the school choice movement, and he made a commitment to increase school funding if it passes.

Palmer Hearing Pinpoints Divisive Legislation

Alaska Natives are spearheading a move to block a divisive piece of legislation. On Tuesday, the Chickaloon Tribe invited the public and state officials out to Palmer to discuss their differences. Download Audio

YKHC President Retires Amid Controversy With The Board

The Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation employs more than 1,600 people. It’s the largest employer in Bethel and has been led by Gene Peltola Sr. for 24 years. However, the CEO spent this past weekend clearing out his office amid controversy with the board of directors. Download Audio

GovTrack Completes 2013 Report Card On Congress

GovTrack, a nonpartisan website that collects data on proposed federal legislation, has completed its 2013 report card on members of Congress. It found Alaska’s Mark Begich co-sponsored more bills than any other senator, while Congressman Don Young introduced more bills than any other House Republican. But the report card was especially interesting for what it said about U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski. Download Audio

Admiral Ostebo Outlines USCG’s Plans For Western Alaska

Coast Guard Admiral Thomas Ostebo visited Nome last week to outline summer plans for Western Alaska. The plans are part of the Coast Guard’s Alaska operation for the year, officially titled Arctic Shield 2014. Download Audio

Court Says Inadequate Studies Conducted Before 2008 Lease Sale

A federal appeals court has ruled that federal regulators conducted inadequate environmental studies before selling $2.7 billion in petroleum leases off Alaska’s northwest coast. Download Audio

What Is The Center For Ocean Solutions?

Representative Beth Kerttula’s new position will be the first for an elected official at the Stanford University Center for Ocean Solutions. The center is a collaboration of marine research organizations connected with Stanford. Download Audio

‘Excluder’ Could Limit Salmon Bycatch

The Pollock trawl fleet now has a device that could help them avoid catching too many salmon. It’s what’s called an “excluder,” and has been in development for more than ten years. The design was presented at the Marine Science Symposium meeting in Anchorage. Download Audio

Proposed Setnet Initiative Heading To Court

The Alaska Fisheries Conservation Alliance did not agree with the Lt. Governor’s decision this month to not allow its proposed ban on commercial set netting on the 2014 ballot. They’re taking their case to court. Download Audio

Young And Old Turn Out To ‘Bonfire for Bristol Bay’ Rally In Dillingham

The atmosphere was festive Tuesday night at the Dillingham boat harbor as dozens came to celebrate some recent successes in the fight against the Pebble Mine. Download Audio

Alaska News Nightly: January 22, 2014

YKHC President Retires Amid Controversy With The Board; GovTrack Completes 2013 Report Card On Congress; Admiral Ostebo Outlines USCG’s Plans For Western Alaska; Court Says Inadequate Studies Conducted Before 2008 Lease Sale; Gov. Parnell Addresses Budget, 'Choose Respect' and Education; What Is The Center For Ocean Solutions?; ‘Excluder’ Could Limit Salmon Bycatch; Proposed Setnet Initiative Heading To Court; Young And Old Turn Out To ‘Bonfire for Bristol Bay’ Rally In Dillingham Download Audio

Gov. Parnell Addresses Budget, ‘Choose Respect’ and Education

Governor Parnell says he has three main priorities for the legislative session that started yesterday in Juneau: education, the gas line and the unfunded Pers/Ters pension fund liability. Parnell told APRN's Lori Townsend, the budget will be tight this year, but Alaskans have been through this before. Download Audio

Natural Gas Service To Expand In Sterling

Several hundred Sterling residents could finally get hooked up to natural gas later this year.

ADF&G Anticipating Another Low King Salmon Return

The Department of Fish and Game is predicting another below-average year for king salmon returns on the Kenai River.

Kodiak Police Seize $120,000 Worth of Drugs

Two men have been arraigned in Kodiak District Court following a drug seizure over the weekend. Kodiak Police Chief Ronda Wallace said the drugs were seized during a search of two hotel rooms on Sunday and have an estimated street value of at least $120,000.

Alaskan, Australian Natives May Be Vulnerable To Bird Flu

Indigenous populations in Alaska and Australia may be vulnerable to influenza, particularly a recent form of bird flu.

Calista Develops Regional Committee

The Calista board of directors is putting the pieces together of the new regional committee. The committee had a start in the 1980s, but it is getting new life this spring.

Alaska News Nightly: January 21, 2014

Minority Leader Beth Kerttula To Leave Legislature; Tuck, French Address Kerttula's Departure, Legislative Priorities; Chenault, Huggins Discuss Education, Gas Line, And Fish Politics; Anchorage School District Set to Lay Off More Than 200; Is Alaska’s Economy Grounded? Download Audio

Chenault, Huggins Discuss Education, Gas Line, And Fish Politics

As lawmakers begin the 90 day session, House Speaker Mike Chenault and Senate President Charlie Huggins say there is just one must pass bill this session- the budget. But the majority party has other items on their agenda, along with a commitment to fiscal restraint. APRN's Lori Townsend asked Speaker Chenault to outline his priorities. Download Audio

Anchorage School District Set to Lay Off More Than 200

Tuesday, the superintendent of the Anchorage School District announced how he will trim $23 million from the district's budget. Download Audio