News

Like many hospitals in Southeast Alaska, Wrangell Medical Center is starting to look its age. A brand new hospital is still the long-term plan, but for now, the building is getting a much-needed makeover. Download Audio

With all its public lands and scenic values, it’s no surprise that Alaska has an advocacy organization for trails – for walking, skiing, bicycling, off-road vehicle riding and trekking. Called “Alaska Trails,” the group has statewide conferences every couple of years, and the next one starts April 24th at Alaska Pacific University. Download Audio

House Speaker Adds Agrium to Refinery Assistance Bill; House Finance Committee Considers UAF Power Plant Project; USDA Files Complaint Against UAF; Bill Arming VPSOs Goes To Governor’s Desk; State House Approves Alaska Native Language Bill; Leary Vies For Miss Indian World Crown; Origami Peace Peacock Finds Home In The State Capitol; Wrangell Hospital Renovations Don’t Preclude New Facility; Alaska Trails Conference Kicks Off Next Week Download Audio

Senate President Charlie Huggins says lawmakers are aiming to complete their work by Saturday night. Sunday is the scheduled end of the 90-day session, but that's Easter. Legislative leaders have said they'd like to complete their work before then, if possible.

A Saint Marys man has died in a one-vehicle crash involving an all-terrain vehicle. Alaska State Troopers say in a web posting that 27-year-old Joe Bryan Joe died at the scene of the accident, near the confluence of the Andreafsky and Yukon rivers.

Legislature Passes Bill On AGDC Appointment; Legislature Considers $150m to Help Refineries; Nikiski LNG Plant May Reopen Soon; Yukon Fishermen Prepare For Summer Of Conservation; Some Southeast Chinook Runs Expected To Be Strong; MEA Official Accuses Anchorage Assembly Of Misusing City Funds; Haines Residents Pursue Railroad Link; Group Uses National Water Dance To Raise Compassion Download Audio

Earlier this month, lawmakers announced they were killing House Bill 77, saying that emotions had become so inflamed over the permitting bill that it was best left alone. But now, some of its less controversial provisions might be coming back in a different form.

The Alaska Legislature has passed a measure allowing out-of-state residents to serve on the board of a corporation that could play a key role in a major liquefied natural gas pipeline project. Download Audio

The Parnell Administration warns Petro Star’s refinery in North Pole might fold without state assistance. A bill pending in the state House would prop up Alaska’s three remaining oil refineries with $150 million in state funds. But even some legislators who are helping advance the bill say they’re uncomfortable with it. Download Audio

The ConocoPhillips LNG plant in Nikiski may be re-opening soon, thanks to a boost from the federal government. The Department of Energy announced Monday that it has approved a request from the company to resume LNG exports to Japan. Download Audio

Fishers on the Kuskokwim River are expecting unprecedented restrictions to bring more king salmon to spawning grounds. On the Yukon River, fisherman can expect a similar set of restrictions. Download Audio

King Salmon are expected to be plentiful in parts of Southeast Alaska this summer. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game this month announced a king salmon harvest quota allowed under the Pacific Salmon Treaty and based on the forecasts of Chinook returning to rivers and streams on the Pacific coast of the U.S. and Canada. Download Audio

A Matanuska Electric Association official charges that the Anchorage Municipal Assembly is spending city funds on private interests. Joe Griffith, MEA’s executive director, has contacted Anchorage officials with concerns that city money is being spent on one Assemblyman’s legal fight against a power station upgrade. Download Audio

Some residents in Haines are pursing the dream of a railroad that may one day link the community to Interior Alaska, Yukon mines and to a future port facility. The state and other stakeholders aren’t dismissing the idea outright. Download Audio

A 24-year-old inmate at a women’s prison has been found dead in her cell. Download Audio

Former Fairbanks resident John Luther Adams has won a Pulitzer Prize for his composition “Become Ocean.” Download Audio