AK: Celebrating Turkish culture in Anchorage
The Republic of Turkey is about as far as you can go from Alaska on the other side of the globe. The country of nearly 80 million people straddles the edges of Europe and Asia, with a Mediterranean climate, and a rich history as the seat of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Again, not a lot of parallels with Alaska. But both places have food and dance at the center of their cultural traditions. Listen now
Bill would halve Gov. Walker’s pension bond authority
Alaska is projected to owe public workers more than $6 billion more in pensions than it has in assets. So state officials are looking for ways to save money. Listen now
Searching for signs of Seward in DC
Exactly 150 years ago, on March 30, 1867, the United States signed a treaty to buy Alaska from Russia. The treaty changed the course of Alaska history, but did it leave any mark on the city where it was signed? Listen now
Naknek Electric sues former manager for $1 million over embezzlement allegations
The Naknek Electric Association has filed a lawsuit against its former longtime manager Donna Vukich, seeking $1 million in damages. NEA alleges Vukich used the company credit card for personal expenses going back more than a decade, and says she is no longer cooperating to pay back the embezzled funds. Listen now
Beyond believers and deniers: for Americans, climate change is complicated
On Tuesday (March 28), President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at rolling back many of the Obama administration’s efforts to curb climate change. The order comes as surveys show Americans remain divided over global warming’s causes and consequences. Listen now
Alcohol, drugs cost Alaska economy $3 billion a year
The total costs from alcohol and drug abuse and dependence in Alaska are more than $3 billion per year, according to a new Alaska Mental Health Trust report completed by the McDowell Group. Listen now
State suspends former Fairbanks Memorial Hospital chief of staff
The State Medical Board has suspended the license of the former chief of staff at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. The suspension of Dr. Christopher Jensen earlier this month is the result of accusations filed by the state, including drug use. Listen now
Lawmakers eye lower health care cost as way of lowering budget
The amount Alaska’s state government spends on health care is one of the biggest drivers of state spending. That’s why the legislature is looking at ways to reduce health care costs. Listen now
Dillingham and schools around Alaska roll out new PEAKS test
The Dillingham City School District started its annual statewide assessment in English language arts, math and science today. The testing window for schools around the state opened Monday and runs through April 28. This year schools are using PEAKS (Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools). Listen now
Anchorage businesses grapple with sudden electricity bill increase
Many businesses in Anchorage aren't happy with the sudden increase in electric bills. Some are taking their case to state regulators, while others are trying more creative solutions to cut back on electricity costs. Listen now
UPS, Delta oppose proposal to triple state jet fuel tax
UPS and Delta Air Lines oppose a proposal to triple the state’s jet fuel tax. But the Alaska Trucking Association supports a similar increase on fuel for cars and trucks. Listen now
Young gives Trump a hand at bill signing
U.S. Rep. Don Young was at the White House to see President Trump sign a bill that repeals an Obama administration rule known as “BLM Planning 2.0.” Young's an old hand at White House visits but this was his first time with Trump in office. Listen now
Alaska lawmakers, industry, grapple with oil subsidies
Lawmakers took public comment Saturday (March 25) on a bill that would make major changes to the way the state pays credits to oil companies on the North Slope. Listen now
Hilcorp shuts down oil platforms to address Cook Inlet gas leak
Hilcorp announced Saturday (March 25) that after discussions with Alaska Governor Bill Walker, it’s shutting down two oil platforms in Cook Inlet in response to an ongoing leak from a gas line. The pipeline carries natural gas from shore to power four oil platforms in Cook Inlet. Two of the platforms have already been shut down. Listen now
Iditapod: Wrapping up the 2017 Iditarod
In this episode, we talk about the 2017 Iditarod, what happens after the mushers reach Nome, and the person behind the @IditaTrump Twitter account.
ACA repeal bill is dead; Rep. Young likes it that way
President Donald Trump and House Speaker Paul Ryan pulled the plug on their bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Ryan declared it a disappointing day for Republicans. But Alaska’s Republican congressman says he’s celebrating the bill’s defeat. Listen now
AK: Fishing for herring from the sky
The Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery is in full swing. In less than a week, the fleet has caught over half of its quota. And while most crew members work on the water, spotter pilots fish for herring from the sky. Listen now
Video: Generating power from pollock
Hoisted up from the Bering Sea, Alaska pollock finds its way into products that are distributed around the world. Sometimes, part of the fish doesn’t make it that far. Mark Hoffman, supervisor at the UniSea power plant, explains how the company uses some of its leftover fish oil.
Blood Bank cleared of wrongdoing, but critics still wary
The Blood Bank of Alaska said it has been cleared of any alleged wrong-doing and financial impropriety by an audit that wrapped up earlier this month. But a critic disputes that conclusion. Listen now
From left and right, Young finds fault with ACA replacement bill
To repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, U.S. House leaders are straining to overcome dissension in the Republican ranks. As many as two dozen conservatives oppose the bill on grounds that it doesn’t repeal enough of the ACA. A smaller number of Republican moderates say it doesn’t replace enough. Alaska Congressman Don Young is a little in both camps. Listen now