Teachers Union Negotiations Begin at ASD
The Anchorage School District and the Anchorage Education Association began bargaining today on a new contract for district teachers at the Anchorage Education Center. Jeannie Mackie is President of the Anchorage School Board. She says she can't discuss details of the negotiations. But she says the district is lobbying for more funding from the legislature.
Obama Nominates REI Chief Exec To Lead The Department of the Interior
President Barack Obama nominated REI chief executive Sally Jewell to lead the Department of the Interior today. It’s a Cabinet position with incredible influence over Alaska. And by virtually every account, the pick surprised everyone.
Plane Crash Near Kalskag Injures Three
A Cessna 172 owned by the Kuspuk School District crashed on the Kuskokwim River on Tuesday. The pilot and both passengers were injured in the crash.
EPA’s Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment Goes Back To The Drawing Board
The EPA has taken their Bristol Bay watershed assessment back to the drawing board for revisions. When finished, the assessment could become a basis for the EPA to veto the proposed Pebble mine, but a final version of the controversial study now won’t likely be completed until the end of the year.
Skull Found Along Beach Near Umkumiute
Alaska State Troopers say a human skull was discovered on a beach near Toksook Bay this past September. The skull has been examined by archaeologist, Steven Street, with the Association of Village Council Presidents.
Anchorage Residents Push for Water Protections in Title 21
A group of home owners in the Rabbit Creek neighborhood are concerned that non-residential development could drain their water supply. They say it could happen in many neighborhoods on the Hillside and are suggesting an amendment to Title 21, Anchorage land-use law as a preventative measure. Members of the Anchorage Assembly are in the final stages of a 10-year review of Title 21, which has been in the news for addressing issues like sidewalks, landscaping and stream setbacks. But the Rabbit Creek residents say, if it goes through without addressing water issues, the municipality could face problems down the road.
Paul Johnson Memorial Norton Sound 450 Sled Dog Race Begins
The second running of the Paul Johnson Memorial Norton Sound 450 Sled Dog Race began Wednesday at noon. The race follows the historic portage trail from Unalakleet to Kaltag and back and continues on to the finish line in Nome.
Yukon Quest Officials Extend Mandatory Dawson Layover By 4 Hours
Yukon Quest race officials have extended the mandatory 36 hour layover in Dawson City by four hours. It’s the second major change to this year’s race.
State Cracking Down On Cruise Industry’s Third-Party Contractors
The summer cruise ship season is like Christmas for a lot of coastal retailers, and they depend on the tourist income to stay open. But because the stakes are high, business has the potential to get dirty. For the first time, the State of Alaska is cracking down on third-party contractors that are allegedly treating local stores unfairly.
Palmer Man Charged In January JBER Incident
A Palmer man faces multiple charges for a wild incident last month on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. Kyle Hansen, 25, is charged with illegally entering a military base, destroying government property and assault.
King Cove Residents Still Hopeful For Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Road
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service came out against a controversial proposed road through the Izembek National Wildlife refuge today. Residents of the Aleutian community of King Cove are disappointed, but as KUCB’s Stephanie Joyce reports, they’re not giving up on the project.
EPA Plans Final Bristol Bay Assessment This Year
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to issue a final report this year on the impacts of large-scale mining in the Bristol Bay region. That’s according to regional director Dennis McLerran.
Report Predicts Windfall For Alaska If Federal Lands, Water Opened To Drilling
A new report from an oil and gas trade association is predicting a windfall for Alaska if the government opened federally owned lands and water to drilling.
Knik Arm Bridge Costs Uncertain
Two identical bills in the state house and Senate seek the creation of a state fund to supplement toll revenue shortfalls related to the Knik Arm Bridge in the initial years after the bridge is constructed. That is, if the bridge linking Wasilla and Anchorage ever becomes reality. There are still serious concerns about the cost of the bridge.
Neff Reaches Yukon Quest Halfway Point First
The first two teams have arrived at the half-way point along the Yukon Quest trail. Hugh Neff came in first. He’ll win 4 ounces of gold if he makes it all the way to Fairbanks. Allen Moore’s team came trotting into the checkpoint chute two hours later. Neff maintains that’s Moore’s is the team to beat.
Series Of Southeast Quakes Garner Scientific Interest
Several earthquakes have shaken up Southeast Alaska since last fall. KSTK’s Shady Grove Oliver spoke with an earthquake physicist about why these latest quakes are of particular interest to scientists.
School Board Passes Preliminary Budget 6-1
The Anchorage School Board passed their preliminary 2013-2014 budget Monday (2/4) night after hearing testimony from the public.
Begich Introduces Bill Granting State A Share Of Offshore Drilling Revenue
Senator Mark Begich is introducing a bill that would grant the state a share of revenues from off-shore drilling. The concept is nothing new. The Alaska delegation has long sought the chance to reap royalty payments from oil producers drilling off Alaska’s shore.
Air Force Seeking Feedback On F-16 Relocation Proposal
The Air Force is beginning a series of public meetings on its proposal to move an F-16 squadron from Eielson Air Force base in North Pole to Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson in Anchorage. Meetings are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in Anchorage and Palmer, and in Fairbanks and North Pole Wednesday and Thursday. Fairbanks is rallying to protect the local Air Force installation from downsizing.
Explosion Rocks Fairbanks Neighborhood
An explosion rocked a Fairbanks neighborhood over the weekend. Alaska State Troopers say the blast occurred on a makeshift shooting range on private property in the Chena Ridge area Saturday afternoon. Trooper spokeswoman Megan Peters says no injuries were reported, but there was damage to area homes.