News

Alaska's legislative session is underway. Alaska Edition host, Ellen Lockyer, checks in on some of the big news actions. Listen Now:

In other presidential news, former candidate Marco Rubio, senator from Florida, has asked to keep the five delegates awarded to him during Alaska's Presidential Preference Poll earlier this month. Download Audio

Alaska Airlines is canceling dozens of flights as Pavlof volcano, on the Alaska Peninsula - spews ash more than 30 thousand feet in the air. Download Audio

Bill increasing contributions to pensions proposed in AK Senate; bill requiring background checks for marijuana sellers in limbo; flights cancelled as Pavlov continues to spew ash; Alaska Supreme Court: State must enforce Central Council’s child support orders; Juneau to Barrow, data shows Sanders landslide consistent across state; ‘Roadless Rule’ gets small victory due to Supreme Court inaction; US-Russian exchange discusses spring breakup flooding solutions; Arctic submarine maneuvers test capability below the ice Download Audio

Diminishing Arctic Ocean ice due to climate warming has been blamed for everything from changing weather patterns to the decline of animals that rely on frozen habitat. But submarines? Seriously, the US Navy has studied the Arctic ice for over half a century, using submarines to explore changes beneath the frozen surface. This invaluable data has a dual purpose. Download Audio

While Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton marshaled support in Washington this weekend, a lesser known candidate - Rocky De La Fuente came to Alaska. De La Fuente was the only presidential hopeful in the state for the democratic caucus. And he brought his campaign - with its dark horse ambitions - to Sitka.

The State of Alaska must recognize and enforce the Tlingit-Haida Central Council’s child support orders, according to a state Supreme Court decision issued Friday. That’s something the Walker administration chose to do when it signed an agreement with the Central Council earlier this month. The state Supreme Court decision makes that agreement legally binding regardless of any administration change. Download Audio

Marijuana businesses are scheduled to open in June, after the state issues licenses. But there’s a hitch – the state won’t issue licenses until the Legislature passes a bill that allows for national criminal background checks, among other provisions. And that bill is currently in limbo.

Bills calling for increased local contributions to two state pension programs and an overhaul of a community assistance program have been proposed in the Alaska Senate as lawmakers look to further cut costs amid a bulging budget deficit. Download Audio

A delegation from Russia recently visited Galena, as part of a state department-funded cultural exchange. The program allowed civic leaders from two riverside villages to share ideas about how to prepare for, respond to, and maybe even prevent, spring breakup flooding.

The Alaska Public Offices Commission will conduct an investigation into alleged financial disclosure violations by Skagway Assemblyman Dan Henry. The investigation was launched following a citizen complaint from Skagway resident Roger Griffin.

University of Alaska Board of Regents is trying to improve campus culture when it comes to sexual assault. Regent John Davies will be leading a listening session at UAF’s Wood Center Wednesday to solicit comments and concerns on campus safety. It is the first of a three campus tour of the University system to gather testimony.

A volcano in southwest Alaska erupted Sunday, sending an ash cloud up to 30,000 feet into the atmosphere. Pavlof Volcano, located at the southern end of the Alaska Peninsula, suddenly began issuing black ash and fountains of lava around 4 p.m.

Liveblog of the 2016 Alaska Democratic Caucus from Alaska Public Media.

A new brewery is coming to Homer. Grace Ridge Brewing is scheduled to open just before the annual Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival.

By 9:30 a.m. the parking-lot at Anchorage's West High school was overflowing onto side-streets, with cheerful lines of Democratic caucus-goers formed outside of multiple entrances. Inside, dense crowds formed at district tables.

Robocalls and rallies as Dems enter caucus mode in Alaska; climate uncertainty prompts questions on dam studies; UA Board formally opposes campus conceal-carry bill; mayor's office reporting $14 million surplus from first quarter; state troopers not setting up command post for Arctic Man; and more Download Audio

The Alaska Folk Festival runs April 4th through 10th in Juneau. It’s a sure sign of spring for the hundreds of musicians from all over the state who come to play, jam and listen. CoastAlaska’s Ed Schoenfeld caught up with a Juneau singer-songwriter. He’s one of many performers who are serious about their music, but don’t leave their day jobs. Download Audio

The Mayor's Office in Anchorage is reporting a $14 million surplus after revising its first-quarter budget. Download Audio