Flu Cases Spike In Alaska
The Center for Disease Control is reporting widespread flu in 47 states, including Alaska. The influenza virus has been active in the state since early November.
Snowmachiner Found Dead Between Togiak, Manokotak
Early Wednesday morning a man from Togiak was found dead near the trail between Togiak and Manokotak. State Troopers had been alerted the night before that Douglas Gamechuk, 43, was overdue. His snowmachine was found out of gas about 35 miles west of Manokotak and searchers located his body 4 to 5 miles away from it.
The Reagan Presidency: Part 2
Few decades in American history rival the tumultuous 1980s. As Ronald Reagan entered office, unemployment was high. Interest rates were skyrocketing and the nation was plunging into recession. The Cold War was escalating as both Soviet and American leaders fired heated rhetoric from behind their podiums of power.
TV: Thursday, 1/17 at 9:00pm
State Legislators Introduce ‘Alaska Firearms Freedom Act’
President Barack Obama today signed off on nearly two dozen executive orders meant to curb gun violence. These orders launch a gun ownership safety campaign, require the Centers for Disease Control to examine the causes of gun violence, and call for law enforcement officials to receive better training for active shooter scenarios.
Healthcare Opportunity in Alaska Erased in Fiscal Cliff Deal
A group of health reform advocates went through heroic efforts to meet the deadline for applying for an innovative program under the Affordable Care Act. They were hoping to start what's called a health cooperative in Alaska- an organization that would offer an alternative to buying insurance from the major carriers. But a day after the application was submitted, the fiscal cliff deal in Washington erased all new funding for the program.
American Gas Association Predicts Moderate Increase In Natural Gas Price
The head of the American Gas Association predicts a modest uptick in the price of natural gas this year. It’s unlikely to have an effect on a proposed Alaska pipeline. There has been a spate of recent reports about the incredible growth in the U.S. oil and gas sector.
State Reviews Plans To Bring North Slope LNG To Fairbanks
The state is reviewing proposals for liquefying North Slope gas, trucking it to Fairbanks, and distributing it to consumers. The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority last month solicited letters of interest in the project, and agency spokesman Karsten Rodvik says they received 16 replies by a Jan. 8 deadline.
Board To Consider 70 Arctic Yukon-Kuskokwim Fisheries Proposals
This week in Anchorage, the Alaska Board of Fisheries will consider 70 Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim fishery proposals. One proposal of special interest to the Kuskokwim looks to update the river’s Salmon Management Plan, including making some changes to the King salmon fishery.
Ferry System Gets New Boss, Management Structure
Juneau’s Reuben Yost is the new chief of the state ferry system. But he’ll spend only about half his time on that job. Transportation Commissioner Pat Kemp named the long-time department employee to the deputy commissioner post Tuesday. Yost will be in charge of the marine highway. But he’ll also oversee measurement standards, commercial vehicle enforcement and special projects.
Two Donations Total $600K For Sitka Building Improvements
Two donors have sent hundreds of thousands of dollars – each – to improve a couple of buildings in Sitka.
Yakutat Dog Survives Fall, 24 Hours In Well
On the afternoon of Friday, January 4th, nine-year old Tinaa went on a walk in Yakutat, like she did most days. When she didn’t come home that evening, the family wasn’t really worried.
False Alarm Locks Down Eielson
Eielson Air Force Base was on lock down for nearly an hour on Wednesday afternoon following an inaccurate report of an active shooter on base. Emergency responders with the 354th Fighter Wing are in the midst of week-long training exercises.
Mat-Su Borough Power Ordinance Under Review
An ordinance restricting the size of power generation facilities in the Matanuska Susitna Borough may get a re-write. The move to re-visit the law sparked debate at Tuesday night's Borough Assembly meeting. An opponent of the move says it opens the door for possible coal-fired power generation in the Borough down the road.
New Hydro Plant Brings Cheaper Power to Atka
When Atka’s hydroelectric power plant came online at the end of last month, it was the culmination of decades of planning, according to city administrator Julie Dirks.
Bingo! Eating Spicy Food for Points
D-43, C-12, Eat lunch at a food truck. Playing "Bingo" has never been this fun.
Click here for the full story.
Anchorage Assembly Hears Title 21 Testimony, Nobody Likes Rewrite Much
The Anchorage Assembly heard public testimony on the long-anticipated rewrite of Anchorage land-use law, Title 21, at their meeting Tuesday night. More than 40 people testified. KSKA's Daysha Eaton was there and has the highlights.
Frasca Appointed to Drummond’s Seat on Anchorage Assembly
The Anchorage Assembly appointed and a new member Tuesday. KSKA's Daysha Eaton has the story.
Life on Fire: The Surprise Salmon
Watch The Surprise Salmon - Preview on PBS. See more from Life on Fire.
In Alaska, the fresh water that feeds the rivers is snowmelt from North America’s highest mountains and most active volcanoes. Time and again, they erupt and poison the rivers. Scientists have only just begun to piece together what might have happened nearly 2,000 years ago, when one race of salmon faced the death of their natal river and were forced back to the open ocean on an exceptional adventure. Navigating between the sulphurous waters, bears, sharks and eagles, the fish escaped the Earth’s wrath to give birth to descendants that continue their pioneering journey to the heart of an active volcano. TV: Wednesday, 1/16 at 9:00pm
28th Alaska State Legislature Commences
The 28th session of the Alaska State Legislature is underway. Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell gaveled in the House of Representatives a few minutes after 1 p.m., and the Senate about 2 p.m.
Parnell Discusses Priorities For Session
I sat down with Governor Parnell today to talk about those priorities. He wasn’t ready to give away any specifics on the new oil tax reform proposal that will top his agenda. But he says after his defeat on his oil tax plan last session, his administration did a lot of homework.