Tourists spent more in Southeast this season
About a million cruise-ship passengers from around the world sailed through Southeast’s Inside Passage this season. Some ships continued on to Whittier, Kodiak and even Unalaska. The overall numbers are around the same as the previous two years. But destinations and businesses saw visitors willing to spend more, due to the improving national economy.
Download Audio
Shell pulls out of the Arctic, citing lack of resource
After sinking eight years and more than $8 billion into the effort, Shell Oil is pulling out of the Arctic Ocean. The company dropped the surprising news in a Sunday-night press release.
Download Audio
Buldir Island a ‘life changer’ for seabird researchers
Imagine spending three months on a windy island at the tip of the Aleutian Chain. There's no internet, no cell phones, and not much company -- besides the millions of seabirds who flock to Buldir Island to build their nests. For some wildlife biologists, that setup is paradise -- and they'll do just about anything for the chance to find out what life looks like from Buldir.
Download Audio
Anchorage mayor tackles labor, sex trafficking in Alaska
A new working group in is bringing city, state, and federal resources to combat human trafficking across the state.
Murkowski: Shell decision shows how feds ‘chase business away’
Sen. Lisa Murkowski says news that Shell is pulling out of the Alaskan Arctic hit her hard.
“Heartsick. Kick in the gut. Just really devastated," she said.
Murkowski says dry holes are a fact of oil exploration, but she blames the federal government for curtailing Shell.
Shell to abandon Arctic offshore drilling ‘for the foreseeable future’
Shell Oil announced late Sunday night that it is abandoning offshore drilling in Alaska “for the foreseeable future.”
Meet the 3 candidates vying for Mat Su mayor’s seat
Three candidates are vying for the Matanuska Susitna Borough's mayor's seat. Incumbent Larry DeVilbiss seeks re-election, and he's is being challenged by Assemblyman Vern Halter and dark horse candidate Rosemary Vavrin. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6.
AK: High school students enter the world of nano-agriculture
High school students in Kodiak are doing college-level science. Maybe even Ph.D.-level science. World Bridge is a NASA-sponsored group that assigns Alaskan students to scientific research projects. At a recent competition in Italy, the group showed that their earthquake research could have a global impact, but that’s only one project they’re working on. They’ve also entered the world of nano-agriculture.
Download Audio
State launches task force on human trafficking in Alaska
The Department of Labor approached Mayor Ethan Berkowitz's administration about finding new enforcement strategies for combating state-wide problems with labor and sex trafficking.
In wave of felony marijuana charges, both sides point at publicity
16 felony charges were filed by the state against three high-profile marijuana businesses operating ahead of finished commercial regulations.
Murkowski missed – didn’t duck – abortion vote, staffer says
Sen. Lisa Murkowski was absent today for a procedural vote on banning abortion after the 20th week. As her spokeswoman explains it, Murkowski did not intentionally duck the abortion vote, but missed it due to "prior travel commitments."
2015 Permanent Fund Dividend is $2,072
A record-breaking Permanent Fund Dividend of $2,072 was announced Monday morning, not from the Governor, but instead from 12-year-old student, because, according to Governor Bill Walker, the fund is really about the next generation.
25 walrus found dead, some decapitated off Cape Lisburne
Twenty-five walrus—including up to a dozen calves—have been found dead on a beach about 40 miles north of Point Hope. Now federal wildlife officials are investigating a possible criminal slaughter of the protected marine mammals.
Download Audio
More than ink: Traditional tattoos roar back in Alaska
Though the custom weas nearly lost, a new generation is using tattoos to reclaim and rebuild a strong native identity in the 21st century.
Download Audio
Public testimony closes on city discrimination ordinance
Under discussion is an ordinance that extends legal protections to residents on the basis of sexual orientation and gender expression.
Download Audio
Reducing food waste to feed hungry Alaskans
In an effort to reduce food waste and disposal costs, local stores are donating perishable items to food banks. It's filling a need for healthy foods that budgets can't always accommodate.
Download Audio
Public testimony extended on city discrimination ordinance
Under discussion is an ordinance that extends legal protections to residents on the basis of sexual orientation and gender expression.
Download Audio
Activists say ‘keep it in ground’; Jewell calls it simplistic
Hundreds of environmental groups are uniting under a new banner to curtail greenhouse gas emissions. It’s called: “Keep it in the ground.” They’re asking President Obama to stop new petroleum leases on public lands. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell rejected the idea in a meeting with reporters today.
Download Audio
Warm-water fish increasingly spotted in Alaska waters
Scientists and fishermen have reported more unusual species in Alaska waters, likely because of warming sea surface temperatures. Meanwhile, an Alaska research organization has created an online clearinghouse of all the news and research related to the anomaly called The Blob.
Download Audio
After 18 years of bagels, Juneau’s Silverbow Bakery to close Oct. 4
The Silverbow Bakery in downtown Juneau is closing. For 18 years, the eatery has been a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors. It’s known for its cookies, soups and sandwiches and, of course, its bagels.
Download Audio