Understanding culture through Alaska literature
Literature helps us understand our world, ourselves and each other and Alaska is full of great authors. Tlingit author Ernestine Hayes will discuss her book Blonde Indian and the deeper understanding that can come from reading about lives that are different from our own.
APRN: Tuesday, 2/9 at 10:00am
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49 Voices: EJ David of Anchorage
This week we’re hearing from EJ David, a Psychology professor from UAA and keynote speaker at the First Alaskans Institute 2016 Racial Equity Summit.
Ohio rookie to go out first for Yukon Quest race
The order is set for tomorrow’s start of the Yukon Quest. The 23 mushers, slated to begin the race in downtown Fairbanks, drew numbers Thursday night to determine the running order. The first person to leave for Whitehorse on Saturday will be a 19-year-old rookie from Ohio.
Breakfast offered in Sitka School District for all students
It’s often called the most important meal of the day but sometimes kids don’t get the chance to eat breakfast before heading to class. Sitka School District wanted to change that this year and started offering breakfast for all students. This is the first year the high school has offered breakfast and that Sitka School District has offered it to students at all five of its schools.
The next steps for DOC
Governor Walker recently announced Dean Williams as the new commissioner of the Department of Corrections. This week on Alaska Edition we will talk about the future of the Department of Corrections and the steps the new commissioner plans to take to better the system.
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Feds announce tracking requirements for seafood imports
The National Marine Fisheries Service today announced that it is implementing a new tracking program for seafood imports, meant to help combat illegal fishing and seafood fraud. Importers will have to track where fish was caught, the type of gear that was used and where it was landed.
Troopers seize illegal drugs, stolen guns at home in Tok
An estimated $35,000 in illegal drugs and at least 15 stolen guns have been seized by Alaska State Troopers serving a search warrant in Tok.
Report: Police acted properly in incident with autistic man
An independent investigation into a physical encounter between Kodiak police officers and an autistic man has determined that the three officers responded professionally.
Low energy prices a double-edged sword for industry
Low energy prices may help Alaska LNG compete against other prospective natural gas export projects around the world.
Final cannabis laws hammered out in Anchorage
During public testimony, residents gave feedback on the finer points of the zoning and licence requirements nearing their final form.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016
Obama proposes new oil tax; Medicaid decision hangs on a word; Hanley steps down; Hanley's departure comes at critical time for Edgecumbe; Wal-Mart sticking with policy; Kenai wants new school; Smithsonian to explore crashes. Download Audio
Obama proposes big new tax on oil
President Obama wants to impose a $10-per-barrel tax on crude oil. An industry adovcate calls it an attempt to punish oil companies. Sen. Lisa Murkowski gave it "absolutely no chance" of passing Congress.
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Education commissioner Mike Hanley stepping down
Mike Hanley is stepping down as Alaska’s education commissioner. Governor Bill Walker announced the leadership change in a press release Thursday morning. Download Audio
New TV series goes inside the yellow tape with Alaska’s plane crash investigators
A new documentary-style series by the Smithsonian Channel goes behind the scenes with investigators trying to figure out why planes crashed near Juneau, Knik Arm and other Alaska locations. A producer of “Alaska Aircrash Investigations” says it’s not another reality show. The TV crew had unprecedented access to information that’s not yet public. Download Audio
Fate of Medicaid expansion hangs on interpretation of one word
The Legislative Council's case against Medicaid expansion hangs on the interpretation of the word 'required' in Alaska statute. That's a point all parties agreed on during oral arguments Thursday morning in an Anchorage courtroom. Download Audio
Wal-Mart wouldn’t allow job fair information in store
About a minute’s walk from Wal-Mart, a small room at Gruening Park has been transformed intoa mini job fair. Up to 168 Juneau Wal-Mart employees could lose their jobs this week, so the state organized the Jan. 29 job fair to help. “We’ve got TSA, Fred Meyer, Verizon, AT&T, Home Depot, and IGA,” said Ray Brogdon, an employee at the state’s unemployment office. He says the hope is that Wal-Mart associates can find new jobs before they have to step into his office. Download Audio
Hanley’s departure comes at critical time for Mt. Edgecumbe
Education Commissioner Mike Hanley’s departure comes at a critical time for Mt. Edgecumbe, the state run boarding school in Sitka. The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program is interested in piloting an accelerated, STEM-focused high school on the campus. As details of that proposed takeover unfold, Mt. Edgecumbe administration was looking to Hanley as one of their defenders. Download Audio
Kachemak Selo highlights need for new school
A new school for the town of Kachemak Selo is at the top of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s list of funding requests to the legislature. But with the state in financial crisis due to declining oil revenue, their request may go unmet. The tiny Russian Old Believer village is at the head of Kachemak Bay. Download Audio
K300 raises 2017 purse to $150,000
The Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race Committee has once again raised its purse, maintaining the race’s money pot as the second highest in the state for sled dog racing behind the Iditarod. Download Audio
U.S. prosecutors recommend 20 years in prison for Salard
Federal prosecutors are recommending a 20-year prison term followed by a lifetime of supervised release for former Wrangell doctor Greg Salard ahead of his sentencing hearing next week.