Assembly Weighs Election Date Change
An Anchorage Assembly member wants to move the Municipal Election from spring to fall. He says he believes it will boost turnout, which has averaged around 29 percent since 1993. But other Assembly members says it's a bad idea and want the public to weigh in before any change is made.
Permitting, the Public Process, and House Bill 77
The Legislature is going to go back into session next week, and one of the big issues they're expecting to grapple with is permitting. A controversial bill that would put restrictions on water rights and limit who can appeal state decisions has been criticized by Native groups and fishing interests, but the Department of Natural Resources says it's needed to streamline the agency's work.
APRN: Tuesday, 1/14 at 10:00am
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Alaska Health Officials Concerned About Measles Due To Philippine Outbreak
Alaska public health officials are keeping an eye out for cases of measles, especially in residents who travel to and from the Philippines. That country’s health department this week declared an outbreak of the disease in parts of Manila, the capital.
Police Find Deceased Akiachak Man In Bethel
Police on Wednesday afternoon found a deceased man who was partially frozen to the ground. He was identified as 37-year-old Marvin Paine of Akiachak. Andre Achee is the Bethel Police Lieutenant. He says police took a call about a body at the 150 block of Akakeek street in a cul-de-sac.
State Considers Closing Kusko Salmon Fishing For Most Of June
Subsistence salmon fishing on the Kuskokwim will likely be very different this coming summer. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is proposing closing subsistence salmon fishing for most of June to protect the King salmon run. State biologists are presenting their plan in a two-day meeting of the Kuskokwim River Salmon Management Working Group in Bethel.
Susitna Dam Appropriation; And Set Net Initiative Rejected
Gov. Parnell seeks a smaller appropriation for the proposed Susitna dam. A Tatitlik village administrator goes to jail for misusing funds. Supporters of the marijuana initiative have enough signatures to make the primary election ballot. The flu is everywhere. What is in store for the oil and gas industry in 2014? Lt. Gov. Parnell rejects the set net initiative. The Municipality of Anchorage hires CH2M Hill to manage the port re-design. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark begich both support extend unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed.
KSKA: Friday, 1/10 at 2PM & Saturday, 1/11 at 6PM.
KAKM: Friday 1/10 at 7:30PM & Saturday. 1/11 at 4:30PM
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State Goes On Charm Offensive Against Wal-Mart Over Salmon Dispute
For months, Wal-Mart and state officials have gone back and forth on whether Alaska salmon should be sold in their stores. The dispute is over a tiny blue sustainability label from the Marine Stewardship Council, which Wal-Mart requires for their seafood. A trip by Wal-Mart executives to Juneau has left state officials optimistic for a resolution.
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Army Corp Of Engineers Finalizes Deep-Water Port Recommendations
As the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers finalizes details of its deep-water port recommendations the agency is anticipating continued heavy development in Northern and Western Alaska. The plan expects not only increased vessel traffic in the Bering Straits region, but offshore drilling in the Chukchi Sea and graphite production at a fledgling mining claim on the Seward Peninsula.
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Senate Debates Emergency Unemployment Policy Extension
The U.S. Senate has been debating all week whether to extend emergency unemployment compensation for the long-term unemployed. Some 6,500 Alaskans were receiving the extended benefits before Congress let the program expire Dec. 28.
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Parnell Names Folger Public Safety Commissioner
Gov. Sean Parnell has appointed a new Public Safety commissioner. Gary Folger, who retired from the department as a colonel last May, has been chosen to replace Joe Masters. Masters resigned in October after five years in the post.
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Meeting On Wood Stove, Boiler Pollution Draws Big Crowd
There continues to be concern in Fairbanks about proposed state regulations aimed at reducing fine particulate pollution from wood stoves and boilers. The latest in a series of public meetings on the proposals, a hearing and open house this week, drew big turn outs.
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Alaska Supreme Court Weighs Labor Law Referendum
The Supreme Court is now weighing whether to allow a voter referendum that would repeal Anchorage's controversial labor law. Attorneys on both sides of the issue made their cases before the justices on Wednesday.
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Copper Basin 300 Field Shapes Up
The Copper Basin 300 appears to have another loaded race field with big name veterans and a lot of rookies starting Saturday. This year, forty-five mushers from Alaska and five different countries will compete in the qualifier for the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod.
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Joining Antarctica’s Exclusive 300 Club
It's no secret that Alaskan winters are cold. This year, the "polar vortex" has brought frigid temperatures into the Lower 48 as well. There's one group of people who can freely scoff at everyone who bundles up for a mere 30-below, however. One of them lives in Talkeetna.
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Alaska News Nightly: January 9, 2014
Wal-Mart, State Officials Discuss Alaska Salmon; Army Corp Of Engineers Finalizes Deep-Water Port Recommendations; Senate Debates Emergency Unemployment Policy Extension; Parnell Names Folger Public Safety Commissioner; Meeting On Wood Stove, Boiler Pollution Draws Big Crowd; Alaska Supreme Court Weighs Labor Law Referendum; Copper Basin 300 Field Shapes Up; Joining Antarctica's Exclusive 300 Club
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High PSP Levels Close Southeast Alaska Geoduck Clam Fishery
Southeast Alaska's geoduck clam dive fishery did not open this week because high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning were found.
Dena’Ina Way of Living, at the Anchorage Museum
Hurry, you can still make it to Dena’Ina Way of Living with its preserved artifacts and dioramic recreations. But not to worry, the exhibition catalog will be available after the show closes.
Dena’inaq’ Huch’ulyeshi, the Dena’Ina Way of Living illustrates how a population lived thousands of years ago without electricity, running water and modern medicine; be humbled by those who came before.
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My Top 10 Tracks of 2013
I tallied up my 10 favorite albums of 2013 and put a song from each in the mix. From R&B and rap to nu-disco, dance and funk, it’s got a little bit of anything.
See the list.
Mat Su Fish Commission, Mayor Don’t See Eye To Eye
What should have been a routine meeting of the Matanuska - Susitna Borough Assembly and the Borough's Fish and Wildlife Commission took a political turn on Tuesday evening. It seems the Borough mayor and the Commission members have a distinct difference of opinion when it comes to devisive state legislation.
Army Cuts Will Be Small For Alaska Military
Alaska will lose less than 400 soldiers from U.S. Army Alaska operations and the announcement is being portrayed as good news from military officials in the state.
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