Despite progress, Alaska lacks resources to handle rape kit backlog
An audit and change in collection practices identified 2,568 kits from police departments all around the state that had not been submitted previously and remain untested for DNA matches.
Sitka electric utility installs GCI cell towers
The deal could help shave Sitkans’ electric bills by around $2 million over the next 20 years.
AK: Can opera help give closure to the Princess Sophia tragedy?
A collaboration of producers and artists from across the country present a new opera about a local tragedy: “The Princess Sophia.” Can art help us process the worst maritime disaster in Alaska history? Listen now
Donlin Gold still waiting for big state permits
So far in the permitting process, Donlin Gold's biggest milestone has been the Army Corps of Engineers’ joint record of decision, issued in August. Listen now
A warming Arctic means a change of plans for offshore drilling project
As the Arctic warms, Hilcorp is already having to tweak its proposal to accommodate climate change. And future companies looking to drill offshore in the Arctic may have additional changes to plan for. Listen now
With rain in the forecast, Ketchikan switches back to hydroelectric power
The second half of October brought enough rain for Ketchikan’s electric utility to switch off its diesel generators.
After months of negotiations, SEARHC takes over Wrangell Medical Center
Wrangell Medical Center is being transferred to the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium this week. As of today, the hospital will be run by SEARHC.
Bristol Bay tribes call for significant changes in Dillingham hospital leadership
A survey conducted in September found that practices at the Kanakanak Hospital’s pharmacy put patients at risk for adverse health effects. Listen now
Feds propose Tongass old growth timber sale
This latest proposed Tongass timber sale on Prince of Wales Island would dwarf anything seen in decades. The public has until mid-December to lodge objections with the U.S. Forest Service. Listen now
Anchorage rabbi: Political polarization threatens to ‘rip us to shreds’
Rabbi Michael Oblath of Congregation Beth Sholom said he asked police to send a patrol car to sit outside Saturday services for his congregation, which is the largest and oldest Jewish congregation in the state. In a phone interview with Alaska Public Media's Casey Grove on Monday, Oblath recounted how he heard the news, and what the congregation was talking about in its wake. Listen now
Anchorage community gathers to celebrate Bettye Davis’s political legacy
Former lawmaker Bettye Davis retired from the Anchorage School Board at the end of September after more than 35 years in public service. In her tenure on the board and in the state legislature, Davis fought for education reform and helped break barriers for Black Alaskans and women in government. Listen now
Ask a Climatologist: The colder, snowier Halloweens of yesteryear
Many snow-starved parts of Alaska recently saw the ground finally turn to white. But as for this notion of a “White Halloween,” some places may not reach that benchmark, technically speaking.
Amid growing global demand for aircraft mechanics, local training program opens in Y-K Delta
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta has a severe shortage of aircraft mechanics. A new Bethel training program wants to fill the gap with local workers.
Gustavus households offered safe drinking water after latest PFAS scare
It’s a growing national issue: A foam used to suppress oil fires can leach into the environment and contaminate groundwater. Listen now
Open enrollment for individual health insurance begins Nov. 1
For the second year in a row, Alaska residents will see cheaper monthly rates. But, insurance rates remain high, compared to most other states in the country. Listen now
In Goodnews Bay, the Pledge of Allegiance is a way to speak Yup’ik in school
There's no Yup’ik teacher in Goodnews Bay, so for now, the students practice by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in Yup’ik instead. Listen now
Sen. Murkowski talks aviation, climate change in Bethel visit
Climate change and rural aviation are major issues in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski addressed both during her visit to the region last week.
Alaskans rally in support of youth climate lawsuit, currently in limbo
“This is no longer a scientific issue, it’s not a scientific question. It’s a moral and spiritual issue,” said Tom Baring of Fairbanks, the father of one of the plaintiffs. Listen now
Kanakanak Hospital pharmacy puts patients in ‘immediate jeopardy,’ survey finds
A September survey from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services found that the Kanakanak Hospital pharmacy's practices put patients at risk of adverse health effects and death.
UAS sees increase in first-year students, career and technical education enrollment
Enrollment is down across the University of Alaska system. But at the Southeast campus, enrollment is actually up for first-year students and students enrolled in career and technical programs. Listen now