Several winter bear sightings reported in Anchorage
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game says more bears have been coming out of hibernation earlier than usual this year, with multiple bear sightings already reported in Anchorage.
Mallott rejects Democrats’ proposed primary change
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott has rejected a proposal by Alaska Democrats to allow candidates not affiliated with a political party to run in the Democratic primary.
Coast Guard rules make licensing, exam harder for area fishing guides
An upcoming course at the Southwest Alaska Vocational and Education Center will help prospective fishing guides get ready for a Coast Guard exam required to get a "six-pack" operator’s license. But area lodge owners say recent rule changes by the U.S. Coast Guard have made it the process of getting that license more difficult.
Former Juneau lawmaker fined $18K for allegedly helping oil companies while seeking oil jobs
Former Juneau Rep. Bruce Weyhrauch has been fined $18,104 for asking for an oil company job while sitting as a state lawmaker who helped draft oil tax legislation. But his attorney said the opinion released by a legislative ethics committee may not be the final word on the matter.
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Governor puts funding for Dillingham DA office back in his budget
Governor Bill Walker announced his intentions Tuesday to keep the Dillingham District Attorney’s office open. Walker’s amended operating budget restores the $340,000 of funding the Department of Law had originally proposed cutting in the December version of the budget.
Winter storm brings strong winds, blowing snow to Nome, Bering Strait region
A low-pressure system southwest of Saint Lawrence Island is producing snow and strong winds around the region.
Pribilof Islands will receive federal disaster aid for December storm
The White House and Federal Emergency Management on Wednesday announced the Pribilof Islands will be receiving federal disaster aid. The funding is intended to help repair widespread damage on St. Paul and St. George Islands from a severe winter storm that blasted across the state in mid-December.
Budding cannabis entrepreneur not who you’d expect
For one family-run operation, the last few months of tracking regulations, securing a location, and figuring out how to start a new business that banks won't lend to hasn't been easy. Download Audio
APD investigating fatal shooting, reported home invasion
Anchorage police are investigating a fatal shooting and reported home invasion in a neighborhood on the city's west side.
12 Assembly candidates to appear on Anchorage ballot
With five contested seats spread across the municipality, race has the potential to reshape the Assembly's political character.
Slow or steady? Lisbet Norris and the great Siberian debate
A family in Willow runs a renowned kennel for the breed, and one of the youngest members is keeping the Siberian tradition alive as she prepares for her third Iditarod run. Download Audio
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016
Oil companies, Walker explore pipeline options; BLM launches well initiative; Murkowski addresses Legislature; Walker adds role to Fish and Game; Homer police bust pot grower; Siberian Huskies have rich Alaska history; Quest mushers battle on Download Audio
Legacy wells due for cleanup
Dozens of abandoned oil wells are scattered on federal land on the North Slope. BLM has launched an ambitious program to clean them up. Download Audio
Quest mushers battle even after there is a winner
Yukon Quest mushers continue to come across the finish line, and competition in is not confined to winning when it comes to the thousand mile sled dog race. There was a battle between two Quest mushers who finished nearly a day behind the winner. Download Audio
Murkowski strikes a certain note
For her annual address to the Alaska Legislature, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski tucked her Senate accomplishments into a speech that was decidedly homey and reassuring. The theme: "Certainty." Download Audio
Governor orders reorganization of commercial fisheries commission
Gov. Bill Walker issued an administrative order Tuesday that transfers many functions of the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission into the Department of Fish and Game. The reorganization will save the state more than $1.3 million a year, according to the governor’s office. The CFEC, an autonomous state agency, is responsible for deciding what commercial fisheries to limit, who gets to participate in them and adjudicating appeal cases. It also issues permits and licenses, which bring in the majority of the agency’s revenue. Download Audio
Olson jumps to GOP caucus for budgetary reasons
The Senate Majority got a little bit bigger last week when Democrat Donny Olson announced his move from the minority. Born in Nome, Senator Olson represents all of northwest Alaska. He says concerns about budget cuts convinced him to switch over.
Scandinavian duo plays cheeky game of cat and mouse along Yukon Quest trail
Yukon Quest mushers continue to come across the finish line, and competition in is not confined to winning when it comes to the thousand-mile sled dog race. Download Audio
Southeast Alaska crabbing seasons start Wednesday
Two crab fisheries in Southeast Alaska started up Wednesday, February 17. Fishing for Tanner crab and golden king crab opened at noon.
Bering Sea winter fisheries underway
Alaska's winter fisheries are underway, with trawlers getting in the water January 20.