The view from Point Hope, early winter 2015. (Photo by Ellen Chenoweth/University of Alaska Fairbanks)

Oil and subsistence in the warming Arctic: A conversation with Tom Kizzia

In the most recent issue of The New Yorker, Alaska writer and longtime former ADN reporter Tom Kizzia looks back at the debate over offshore drilling in North Slope communities. Kizzia visited Point Hope to report on how climate change is affecting the region’s twin pillars: oil development and subsistence hunting.

Stranded seal gets first-class rescue in Unalaska

Most of the time, a seal in Unalaska doesn’t attract too much attention, but a ringed seal is a different story. The marine mammals live near ice and typically are found further north. When a sick ringed seal appeared and then vanished last week, the community united to find it. Listen now

Railbelt utility overhaul could mean more renewables, cheaper power

Utilities from Homer to Fairbanks are in discussions to overhaul the way electricity is generated and transported across the region. The goal is cheaper electricity -- and more renewable power. Download Audio

Are big energy projects the solution for Alaska’s budget crisis?

What's the prognosis for big energy projects in Alaska? Shell's abandoned the Arctic and state lawmakers are about to duke it out over an expensive new natural gas line. We'll dig into fossil fuel projects. Is the proposed gas line a real solution for the state's budget crisis or CPR on a flailing economy? APRN: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 at 10:00am Download Audio

On Alaska day, lawmakers and staff met on oil and gas taxes

The meeting was public -- sort of. It wasn't easily accessible. There was no way to call in. The legislative information office, or LIO, was closed for the state holiday. So the meeting wasn't streamed like others are during the legislative session.

U.N. committee moves toward banning heavy fuel oil in the Arctic

"It is a big deal that the IMO has been looking at a ban," Kevin Harun of Pacific Environment, a conservation organization, said. "It’s a very cautious body and it normally does not act without strong support from countries." Listen now

Alaska law says lobbyists can’t fundraise for candidates. But the invitations keep coming

Some of Alaska’s most prominent lobbyists are boosting the fundraising efforts of political candidates, prompting questions about whether they’re breaking a state law that’s designed to limit lobbyists’ influence over the legislative process. Listen now

What is Alaska LNG? Part 2: Meet the liquifaction plant

If it goes forward, the Alaska LNG project is expected to cost a whopping $45-$65 billion -- and roughly half of that cost would be a giant liquefaction plant. APRN's Rachel Waldholz visited an LNG plant, to find out what all the fuss is about.

Video: Can we harness the power of Cook Inlet?

Cook Inlet has some of the most dramatic tidal shifts on the planet. From scientists to startups, many have speculated how this fast-flowing water could be harnessed to produce electricity. Professor Tom Ravens (University of Alaska Anchorage) and Chris Rose (Renewable Energy Project Alaska) discuss the potential and challenges of tapping hydro-kinetic energy.

Alaskan appointed to help manage national fisheries

An Alaskan has been appointed to help manage fisheries nationwide. Listen now

Why is it so cold here when everywhere else is so warm?

It was -50 degrees today in Fairbanks. Anchorage hit -15 degrees. Much of the state is enduring the coldest temperatures in nearly five years. Listen now

Carnival Cruise Line cancels all Alaska 2020 sailings

The news brings the estimated loss of 2020 passengers to about 70% of what was expected.
A map showing where the national petroleum reserve in Alaska is.

Trump administration offers more NPR-A land for oil leasing than ever before

The Bureau of Land Management announced all 900 tracts set aside for leasing will be up for bid. That compares to just 145 tracts offered last year. It's the largest lease sale ever in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Listen now

Planning for 2019 NPR-A oil lease sale begins as feds pursue opening more Arctic land to drilling

The Interior department is re-evaluating the management plan for the reserve, aiming to open up land that's currently off-limits to oil leasing.

August storms prompt North Slope Borough to file disaster declaration

Emergency Manager Heather Seeman says she’s concerned about the storm season ahead. Listen now

Offshore drilling public meeting draws supporters, critics and criticism

The Wednesday night meeting was the only opportunity for Alaskans to comment on the draft proposal in person. But it wasn’t what some participants had hoped for. Listen now

Tillerson gets earful on climate change from Arctic governments

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson got an earful from governments around the Arctic today — on the topic of climate change. Listen now

Less mercury found in Beaufort Sea polar bears; that’s not necessarily a good thing

Melissa McKinney expected to see some fluctuation in the polar bears' mercury levels. But the sudden drop off surprised her. Listen now

At DNR, new leader tackles ‘maze’ of oil and gas development on federal land

From Soldotna to the North Slope to Anchorage, the state’s newest natural resources commissioner has spent his career weighing in on energy issues all over the state. Now, Andy Mack has been tapped by Gov. Bill Walker to help guide the state through the maze of federal regulations required to develop oil and gas resources. Listen now

Juneau schools leave room for debate in climate change curriculum

New science standards being considered don’t shy away from attributing it to an increase of human activity. But how that’s taught in the classroom could be up to interpretation. Listen now