News

All news stories, regardless of topic (local, statewide + national news stories, as well as Talk of Alaska, Alaska News Nightly, Alaska Insight, Alaska Economic Report). Some news stories may also have other categories marked, which will also put them on a subpage. Not all news stories will fall into a subpage.

Ferry fares up 5 percent for most routes

Ferry fares went up 5 percent for most routes Jan. 1. The hike comes on the heels of a 4.5 percent increase that began in May. The increase is for new reservations. Those made before January will not change.

5 passengers released following Anaktuvuk Pass plane crash

Five of the eight people injured in a small plane crash in Interior Alaska over the weekend have been released from the hospital.

Former Bethel police officer makes first court appearance

Former Bethel police officer Aaron Fedolfi went before a Bethel Judge Tuesday morning for a court appearance.

25 mushers registered for 2016 Yukon Quest

In one month, mushers will set off from Fairbanks for the start of the 2016 Yukon Quest. At the final deadline on Monday, 25 mushers had registered for the 1,000-mile international race to Whitehorse.

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016

Family suspects Guard scandal at play in pregnant soldier's death; Downtown crash rattles culture of trust in Civil Air Patrol; Walker announces state hiring, travel freeze; S&P downgrades Alaska's credit rating, citing oil prices; Sen. Dunleavey won't challenge Murkowski after all; ESA listing denied for Southeast wolves; Young fishermen's summit courts the next generation; Late scientist's work compiled in new butterfly guide; Big Lake musher running for Kuskokwim 300 win Download Audio

Family suspects Guard scandal at play in pregnant soldier’s death

For many Alaskans, the scandal at the Alaska National Guard is long over. But nothing is resolved for the family mourning Michelle LaRose Clark, a guardsman who died in 2011, of unknown causes. Clark's family, and a retired officer, can't let go of the idea that her death is related to what she knew about crime within the Guard. Download Audio

Downtown crash rattles culture of trust in Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol occupies an unusual place between the worlds of civilian and military aviation, one that relies primarily on self-monitoring. Download Audio

Walker announces state hiring, travel freeze

New restrictions on state of Alaska hiring and employee travel were announced Tuesday. Gov. Bill Walker said the restrictions formalize what many state agencies and departments are already doing to cut costs. Download Audio

S&P warns further downgrades may be on horizon

Standard & Poor's downgraded Alaska's credit rating Tuesday after months of warnings to shore up the state budget. With plunging oil prices wreaking havoc on the state's budget, the agency knocked the state down a notch from the top AAA rating it has held for the last four years. Download Audio

Sen. Dunleavy won’t challenge Murkowski after all

It's an election year for U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, and so far no one has raised significant money to run against her. One Republican who suggested last spring he might challenge her now says he's no longer considering it. Download Audio
An Alexander Archipelago wolf. Photo courtesy of ADF&G

ESA listing denied for Southeast wolves

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Tuesday announced that wolves in Southeast Alaska do not warrant an endangered species listing. The decision comes four years after a petition was filed by conservation groups asking for greater protection for the wolves. Download Audio

Young fishermen’s summit courts the next generation

The Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program recognizes that fishing is a complicated business to understand, and a challenging one to enter. This year the program is hosting its 6th Annual Young Fishermen’s Summit at the end of the month in Juneau to introduce newbies to the industry. Download Audio

Late scientist’s work culminates in new butterfly guide

A new butterfly guide is out. It identifies thousands of species across Alaska, eastern Russia and western Canada. The guide also reflects the collaborative work of hundreds of scientists and amateur collectors. Download Audio

Big Lake musher gunning for Kuskokwim 300 win

This year’s field for the Kuskokwim 300 Sled dog race is the biggest in recent history with over 30 competitors already signed up. One of the racers is 25-year-old Rohn Buser from Big Lake. Download Audio

S&P downgrades Alaska’s credit rating, citing oil prices

Alaska’s credit rating dropped a notch Tuesday from AAA to AA+. During a press conference, Gov. Bill Walker says that isn’t likely have a short-term impact on the state using bonds to fund capital projects or other state spending in the future.
The village of Akiachak. (Photo via Calista Corporation)

After argument over cigarette, nephew sets uncle’s house aflame

A 19-year-old Akiachak man allegedly set his uncle’s house on fire on New Year’s Day while his uncle was sleeping. He’s been charged with two counts of arson and one count of criminal mischief.

Investigation re-opened in 2014 Bethel alcohol treatment center fire

Officials have re-opened the investigation into the alcohol treatment center in fire in late 2014. The fire destroyed the new PATC alcohol treatment center, which was under construction.

State-owned aerospace corporation seeks to privatize

The president and CEO of the Alaska Aerospace Corp. says the board of the state-owned corporation has recommended it pursue becoming a private company.

Belle Mickleson awarded for traditional music program

The founder of an Alaska youth music program has received a major award. Belle Mickleson has been recognized for traditional music camps that help connect elders and youth in interior villages and beyond. Download Audio

Alaska News Nightly: Monday, Jan. 4, 2016

Pilot in Alaska crash took plane without permission; 8 survive Anaktuvuk plane crash, all with serious injuries; Alaska Fred Meyers could start carrying overdose medication; Wildlife rescuers overwhelmed with starving sea birds; Alaska Chamber of Commerce gears up for annual legislative fly-in; Kenai school board weighs building lease for overcrowded school; Belle Mickleson awarded for traditional music program; APU skate skier takes 1st at nationals; Unalaska man makes good on 2015 New Year's resolution; StoryCorps: Recovery from addiction led Haines carver to healing art Download Audio