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.

Anchorage Muni Election Recount Heads Into Home Stretch

The hand recount of votes cast in 15 of the precincts that voted in the April 3 Anchorage Municipal Election is heading into the home stretch. The initial recount is done, but workers are recounting seven races and one full precinct again.

Group To Evaluate How To Advance Tax Debate

Supporters of changes to Alaska's oil tax structure plan to meet to discuss how best to advance the debate after another legislative defeat. The co-chairs of the Make Alaska Competitive Coalition, in an email Tuesday, said they are not giving up on pressing for what they call meaningful tax reform, saying the state's economic future is at stake.

Special Session Cost At Least $403,790

Last month's 13-day special legislative session cost at least $403,790. Jessica Geary, finance manager for Legislative Affairs, says she expects the figure to rise. Costs are still being tabulated.

Anchorage Edges Closer to Glass Recycling Solution

Compared to just a few years ago it's easier recycle in Anchorage. Since 2008, curbside recycling of paper, cardboard and plastics has spread throughout the municipality. And there are drop-off locations for other things from construction materials to electronics. But there's one thing that people can't recycle that they used to be able to: glass. KSKA's Daysha Eaton looks into what's holding up glass recycling in Anchorage.

Garrett To Take Command Of US Army Alaska

A new commander for U.S. Alaska has been selected. Army officials say in a release that Maj. Gen. Michael X. Garrett will take command during a ceremony Thursday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

$107 Million To Be Spent On Pebble Permitting

The Pebble Mine is being prepared for permitting later this year. Mining company Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. announced Tuesday that $107 million has been approved to prepare the mine in southwest Alaska for permitting, with the process beginning in the fall.

North Dakota Becomes Nation’s Second-Leading Oil Producer

North Dakota has passed Alaska to become the second-leading oil-producing state in the nation, trailing only Texas.

American Experience: Clinton – Part 2

From draft dodging to the Dayton Accords, from Monica Lewinsky to a balanced budget, the presidency of William Jefferson Clinton veered between sordid scandal and grand achievement. In CLINTON, the latest installment in the critically acclaimed and successful series of presidential biographies, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE explores the fascinating story of an American president who rose from a broken childhood in Arkansas to become one of the most successful politicians in modern American history and one of the most complex and conflicted characters to ever stride across the public stage. KAKM: Tuesday, 5/15 at 7:00pm

Groups Push For Ratification Of Law Of The Sea Treaty

Leaders in Washington D.C. are renewing the push to ratify a 30-year old treaty known as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The treaty’s passage could pave the way for expanded drilling in the Arctic Ocean. There’s an odd assortment of groups pushing for it in the nation’s capital.

Some Federal Unemployment Insurance Payments To End

Some unemployed workers in Alaska are about to lose their unemployment insurance benefits thanks to federal legislation that ties the payments to a state’s unemployment rate.

Marine Toxins Finding New Habitats As Oceans Warm

Climate change is transforming the North. As ocean waters warm fish and marine toxins normally seen down south find new habitat. And that’s having a major impact on the people who gather wild food from the ocean, including Alaska Natives, who eat more wild protein than any other ethnic group in Alaska. So we’re beginning our week long look at how Natives are responding to warmer lands and waters, by heading to a Cook Inlet beach at low tide.

Redistricting Board Votes To Revise Two Southeast Districts

The state’s Redistricting Board made short work of its agenda Monday in Anchorage, voting unanimously to revise two Southeast Senate districts as ordered by the Alaska Supreme Court.

New Management Style Allows Health Organization To Improve Care

A Native health care organization in Anchorage is transforming the way it does business with the Toyota management system. Chugachmiut delivers health care and social services to seven Alaska Native villages around Prince William Sound. Executive director Patrick Anderson says the Toyota Lean management style has helped the organization free up resources to spend on improving care.

Alaska Cultural Connections: Communities Walk For Suicide Prevention

Despite years of effort and millions of dollars in state campaigns, Alaska’s suicide rate remains at nearly double the nation’s average. On Saturday communities across the state participated in suicide prevention walks and gatherings.

Governor Signs Budgets and Bonds

The state’s spending instructions for next year have been set as Governor Parnell today vetoed very little from more than $12-Billion in operating and capital projects budgets the legislature approved last month.

Chefs Compete In The Great Alaska Seafood Cook-Off

Monday at the tourist rail terminal at the Anchorage airport, six professional chefs compete in The Great Alaska Seafood Cook-Off. The event is not open to the public.

Higgins To Run For Alaska House Seat

The Alaska Democratic party has a new leader, after chairwoman Patti Higgins resigned to run for the Legislature. Don Gray will act as interim chair until Mike Wenstrup, who was elected to succeed Higgins, takes over the chairmanship in January. Both Gray and Wenstrup are from Fairbanks.

King Salmon School District Receives Envelopes Containing White Powder

The King Salmon school district office reported an envelope containing white powder Friday. The National Guard and a postal inspector responded and the powder was taken for analysis. The offices were evacuated and are being tested.

Bear Knocks Down, Claws Eagle River Man

Anchorage police say a 57-year-old Eagle River man was taken to a hospital and treated for wounds from a grizzly bear. KTUU-TV reports Howard Meyer was hiking Saturday near his home about three-quarters of a mile off Eagle River Road when he saw the bear, estimated at 800 pounds, about 50 feet away.

American Masters: Johnny Carson

Explore the life and career of "The Tonight Show" host — seen by more people than anyone else in U.S. history — through unprecedented access to Carson’s personal and professional archives, including all existing episodes of "The Tonight Show" from 1962-1992. Interviews with family, colleagues and performers who appeared, began or were influenced by "The Tonight Show" illuminate his story: David Letterman, Jay Leno, Ellen DeGeneres, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Joan Rivers, Mel Brooks, Angie Dickinson, David Steinberg, Don Rickles, Carl Reiner, Doc Severinsen and others. Kevin Spacey narrates. KAKM: Monday, 5/14 at 8:00pm