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.

Jewell Rejects Road Through Izembek

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell won't allow a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Residents of King Cove have been asking the Interior Department for permission to build a one lane gravel road through the refuge for decades. They want easier access to Cold Bay, which has an all weather airport. Download Audio

Rio Tinto Considers Pulling Out Of Pebble Mine

Another investor in the proposed Pebble Mine says it may back out. Rio Tinto announced today that it will perform a strategic review of its investment in the controversial gold and copper mine in the Bristol Bay region and that the review will consider divestment. Download Audio

1 Dead In Talkeetna Spur Road Crash

Just after 8:00 am on Monday, Alaska State Troopers and Talkeetna Emergency Services received a call of a vehicle collision near Mile 11 of the Talkeetna Spur Road. Download Audio

Reindeer Herders Ask For Help As Herds Dwindle

Here’s a story about reindeer that has nothing to do with Santa. The reindeer herders of the Seward Peninsula have endured years of declining stocks. Once they had more than 100,000 animals. Now, it’s down to about 20,000 and the industry teeters on the edge of viability. Kawerek Reindeer Herders Association sent a delegation to Washington, D.C. earlier this month to see if the federal government can help. Download Audio

Experts Caution Against Breed-Specific Dog Laws

Juneau Animal Control only labels dogs as “dangerous” or “potentially dangerous” as a last resort. Two recent attacks have put the agency in the spotlight. Last week, an Animal Control official urged the Juneau Assembly not to adopt breed specific legislation in response to the attacks. An animal behavior expert says that’s the right idea. Download Audio

An Alternative Take On The Christmas Tree

Cutting down a Christmas tree is a venerated tradition in many parts of the country, and decorating the tree is many people’s favorite holiday activity. But in Alaska, there are places where there simply aren’t trees to cut down. Download Audio

At Unalaska’s Methodist Church, Telling A Special Christmas Story

Kids at Unalaska’s United Methodist Church got to tell the story of Christmas during their annual living nativity last week. Fifteen elementary school kids from the congregation dressed up as wise men, shepherds and angels. Pastor Dan Wilcox helped lead the show. Download Audio

WWAMI Program Prepares To Undergo Changes

The WWAMI program is the only option for Alaskans who want to stay in the state for part of medical school. And it's about to undergo changes that will reshape when and where students can attend classes. Download Audio

Person Found Dead After Wasilla House Fire

Alaska State Troopers say a person has been found dead after a fire destroyed house in Wasilla.

Proposed Rule Would Allow VPSOs To Carry Guns

Village public safety officers in Alaska’s interior say they should be able to carry guns while on the job.

Former Haines Rep. Thomas Files To Run For State Office In 2014

Former Haines Representative Bill Thomas has filed a letter of intent to run for state office in 2014. Thomas filed late Friday. He did not indicate which office he will seek, but he is eligible to run for either House or Senate in districts representing Juneau. House District 33 includes downtown Juneau and Douglas Island, as well as Gustavus, Haines, and Skagway. It is part of Senate District Q.

I Run The Talkeetna Roadhouse

One night a year, Talkeetna Roadhouse owner Trisha Costello pulls an all-nighter to feed the entire town. http://youtu.be/Uv4gyBaNx64

Our Mashup: A Visit from St. Nick

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

With Months To Go, Oil Industry Spends $1 Million Against Referendum

Two years ago, oil companies spent over a million dollars to defeat an initiative that would have revived Alaska's coastal management program. They're on track to spend even more this election cycle to protect the new tax system they lobbied for. Download Audio

GCI Buys 3 Southeast TV Stations, With Big Ambitions

Earlier this year, the telecom giant GCI moved into a new line of business, buying three television stations in Sitka, Juneau and Anchorage. It turns out those purchases were just the beginning. This month, GCI announced plans to buy three more TV stations in Southeast Alaska. If approved, the deal could mark a new era in Alaska media. Download Audio

Bridge Could Be Viable Replacement For Flood-Prone Chester Creek Culvert

Residents who live along Chester Creek near Valley of the Moon Park in Anchorage have been requesting a fix for a flooding culvert for years. Download Audio

Savoonga Get Extra Bowhead Strike To Supplement Food Stores

The St. Lawrence Island community of Savoonga has received an additional bowhead strike from the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. The allotment permits the community to go after one more whale this season. The community harvested two bowheads already this month. But with its current economic disaster and lack of walrus meat, Savoonga hopes another whale will bolster food stores this winter. Download Audio

St. Lawrence Island Receives Big Food Donation

A number of businesses in Anchorage donated food to St. Lawrence island in time for the Christmas holiday. Download Audio

Alaska News Nightly: December 20, 2013

Big Money Expected In Oil Tax Battle; GCI Buys 3 Southeast TV Stations, With Big Ambitions; Bridge Could Be Viable Replacement For Flood-Prone Chester Creek Culvert; Savoonga Get Extra Bowhead Strike To Supplement Food Stores; St. Lawrence Island Receives Big Food Donation; AK: Robotics; 300 Villages: Chevak Download Audio

300 Villages: Chevak

This week, we're heading to the community of Chevak in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. James Tall lives in Chevak. Download Audio