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.

Sullivan Calls On Begich To Sign Pledge Discouraging Outside Influence

U.S. Senate candidate Dan Sullivan is calling on incumbent Mark Begich to sign a pledge to discourage outside groups from running political ads in the race. The pledge would impose a financial penalty on a campaign that benefits from Outside spending. Begich campaign isn’t buying it. Download Audio

HAARP Demolition Reportedly ‘Put On Hold’

The Gakona High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program may have been saved in the nick of time. Download Audio

Gubernatorial Challengers Criticize Parnell For Missing Debates

Since April, gubernatorial challengers Byron Mallott and Bill Walker have gone after incumbent Sean Parnell for skipping debates. They hit that point again on Monday, at a candidate forum hosted by the National Congress of American Indians. Download Audio

BP uses drones for first time on land for commercial purposes

For the first time in Alaska, and the United States, a company is flying drones over land for commercial purposes. BP is using Unmanned Aerial Systems to inspect roads, gravel pads, and pipelines on the North Slope. It's the first time the Federal Aviation Administration has approved drones for this type of use, and it could open doors for other companies. Download Audio

Land Trust For Alaska Tribes Is A Popular Concept

At a wide ranging press conference during day three of the NCAI gathering in Anchorage today, BIA Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn said the concept of taking land into trust for Alaska tribes is a popular one. Download Audio

National Archives departure impacts broad community

The National Archives in Anchorage is closing its doors to researchers in less than two weeks, despite impassioned pleas by historians and researchers. But they aren't the only ones who use the stacks of historical records. Playwrights, federal and state agencies, and native organizations do as well. And the archives leaving could impact them all, to a degree. Download Audio

AIDEA Briefs Federal Commission On Ambler Road

The state says it will cost as much as $400 million to build a controversial proposed mining road to Ambler. But some opponents of the road think that figure is too low. Download Audio

Utah Official Advocates For Land Transfer In Alaska

Alaska is not alone in its conflicts with the federal government over land management. Leaders in some Lower 48 western states want Alaska to join an effort to gain control of federal lands within their borders. Download Audio

Wells Fargo Donates Land To Eklutna

Wells Fargo is donating sacred land to the village of Eklutna. Download Audio

Sitka wood carver Tommy Joseph comes to the Anchorage Museum

Tlingit wood carver Tommy Joseph was in Anchorage last week to repair a totem pole which will become part of the Anchorage Museum's collection. Download Audio

As Oil Tax Referendum Nears, Dems Try Making Bet With Governor

A pair of Anchorage Democrats are calling on Gov. Sean Parnell to pass legislation serving as a guarantee that the new oil tax system will lead to more production on the North Slope.

Alaska News Nightly: June 10, 2014

Sullivan Calls On Begich To Sign Pledge Discouraging Outside Influence; Mallott, Walker Criticize Gov. Parnell For Skipping Debates; HAARP Demolition Reportedly ‘Put On Hold’; FAA Approves BP’s North Slope Drone Use; Land Trust For Alaska Tribes Is A Popular Concept; National Archives Departure Impacts Broad Community; AIDEA Briefs Federal Commission On Ambler Road; Utah Official Advocates For Land Transfer In Alaska; Wells Fargo Donates Land To Eklutna; Sitka Wood Carver Tommy Joseph Comes To The Anchorage Museum Download Audio

Almost All Alaska Vets Seen Within 30 Days At Anchorage VA

Ninty-nine percent of veterans seeking medical appointments from the Anchorage VA are seen within 30 days. That's according to a Veterans Affairs audit released Monday.

State To Fight Challenge To Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Alaska Attorney General Michael Geraghty plans to fight a lawsuit challenging the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Download Audio

As Festival Season Kicks Off, So Does Campaign Season

For the next few months, politicians are going to be swarming fairs and festivals in an effort to win voters. The Colony Days parade held in Palmer this weekend was the first stop on the circuit. Download Audio

New Effort To Repeal SB21 Kicks Off Around State

A grassroots effort to repeal Senate Bill 21 kicked off last week. Meetings of the “Vote Yes! Repeal the Giveaway” campaign took place from Anchorage to Unalaska, where organizers are struggling to convince residents that oil taxes matters in their community. Download Audio

Justice Department To Work With Tribes To Enhance Voting Access

The National Congress of American Indians is holding their mid-year conference in Anchorage this week. Titled-Claiming our Rights and Strengthening our Governance, the conference started yesterday and runs through Wednesday. Download Audio

State Challenged On Native Translations Of Election Materials

Before the District Court’s ruling on Wednesday directing the state to translate all election materials into Native languages for voters with limited English skills, another effort to reach the same goal was in the works. Download Audio

First Sport Fishing Restriction For Any Targeted King Salmon Fishing in The Kuskokwim

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has issued an emergency order prohibiting sport fishers from targeting king salmon on the Qanirtuuq River. It’s the first time sport fishers have been restricted from catching kings there, but many locals are doubtful that guide companies will comply. Download Audio

Alaska News Nightly: June 9, 2014

State To Fight Challenge To Same-Sex Marriage Ban; As Festival Season Kicks Off, So Does Campaign Season; New Effort To Repeal SB21 Kicks Off Around State; Justice Department To Work With Tribes To Enhance Voting Access; State Challenged On Native Translations Of Election Materials; First Sport Fishing Restriction For Any Targeted King Salmon Fishing in The Kuskokwim; Graduation Marks 10th Anniversary Of Dental Health Aide Therapist Program; Anchorage Museum Becomes Smithsonian Affiliate Download Audio