Independent Lens: Soul Food Junkies
Soul food is a quintessential American cuisine, with a rich history and an abiding significance for black cultural identity. But with its celebration of all things fried and smothered, it has also had lasting effects on the health of African Americans.
TV: Monday, 1/14 at 9:00pm
American Experience: The Abolitionists – Part 2
Douglass escapes slavery, eventually joining Garrison in the anti-slavery movement. Threatened with capture by his former owner, Douglass flees to England, returning to the U.S. in 1847. He launches his own anti-slavery paper. John Brown meets with Douglass, revealing his radical plan to raise an army, attack plantations and free the slaves. Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes Uncle Tom’s Cabin in 1852. A best-seller, and then wildly successful stage play, this influential novel changes the hearts and minds of millions of Americans. The divide between North and South deepens, touching off a crisis that is about to careen out of control.
TV: Tuesday, 1/15 at 8:00pm
Driving Conditions Could Be Hazardous Sunday For ANC, Mat-Su
The National Weather service has canceled its freezing rain advisories for Anchorage and the Mat-Su, but warned driving conditions still could be hazardous for the area. Forecasters say the area will still get some rain on Sunday as temperatures rise to the low 40s during the day. High winds - with gusts up to 85 mph along Turnagain Arm and the Hillside areas - are expected through the evening and into Monday morning. A flood watch is still in effect for Anchorage and the Mat-Su.
Judge Vacates Polar Bear Habitat Designation
A federal judge in Alaska has set aside a plan designating more than 187,000 square miles as habitat for threatened polar bears. U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline said in a written order that the purpose behind the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designation was admirable, because it is important to protect the polar bear. But he said such protection must be done correctly, and found the current designation went too far and was “too extensive.”
EPA Cites Both Shell Drill Rigs For Air Pollution Violations
Shell's Arctic drilling problems continue to mount up. This morning word is out that the Environmental Protection Agency has cited both of its drilling rigs for air pollution violations during the past drilling season. The Noble Discoverer still sits in Seward, originally detained for safety and propulsion violations. And the Kulluk is anchored in a Kodiak Island bay still being inspected for damages from being grounded on New Year's Eve.
100 Turn Out For ‘Idle No More’ Rally In Anchorage
About a hundred people turned out for a rally in support of tribal sovereignty and environmental conservation held in downtown Anchorage today. The rally was organized to coincide with others being held in Canada, other states, and other countries in support of the “Idle No More” movement in Canada, in which First Nations have been protesting legislation that removes environmental protections on tribal lands.
Alaska Legislature Releases Nearly 20 More Prefiled Bills
The legislature released a new set of bill this morning, in advance of the coming session. Nearly 20 bills were filed. One big ticket item would help finance a natural gas liquification plant on the North Slope, and it would authorize a loan of up to $275 million. Another would create a Chinook salmon research endowment.
District Braces for $14 Million in Cuts
The Anchorage School District is about ready to roll out its final phase of budget cuts. Administrators need to cut $14 million more to reach the $25 million in cuts needed to balance the budget. Early rounds of cuts eliminated unfilled positions, but the new superintendent says the next phase will involve layoffs.
Burning Death Prompts Questions And Concerns
The Fairbanks Native community and local officials came together Thursday to share information about the recent fire death of a homeless man. Johnny Wallis, a long time Fairbanks resident who lived on the streets, was found burning in the downtown post office on New Year’s Day. Thursday’s press conference provided a range of views, but little clarity on the disturbing incident.
AK: Recovering
It’s been almost four years since the largest flood in the history of the city of Eagle and Eagle Village devastated both communities. In the spring of 2009, a series of extremely warm days melted a higher than normal snowpack. When a massive ice jam broke free, a deluge of water surged toward the city and the nearby native village. KUAC’s Emily Schwing visited both communities last summer to find out how locals have fared since the flood.
300 Villages: Atqasuk
This week, we’re heading to Atqasuk, a small Inupiaq community south of Barrow on the Meade River. Sherlene Kagak is the city clerk in Atqasuk.
Report Questions Whether Alaska Native Corporations Share Enough Info With Shareholders
A recent report from the Government Accountability Office questions whether Alaska Native Corporations share enough information with their shareholders. The GAO report does not make any recommendations, but it is generating a lot of buzz.
APD Seeking Witnesses In Fatal Vehicle, Pedestrian Collision
Anchorage police are seeking witnesses to learn more about what happened when an SUV pulled out of a midtown parking lot and hit and killed pedestrian Hymie James Castro, 64. They have released the identity of the driver now - Virginia Jacober, 68, of Anchorage - and they have filed no charges. They say they need to know more about how Castro got in the street at the corner of C street and Northern Lights Boulevard.
Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey – Season 3, Episode 2
Watch Downton Abbey Season 3 Preview on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.
The fate of Downton Abbey hinges on a letter from a dead man. Edith and Sir Anthony face their own fateful moment. Mrs. Hughes confronts a crisis. TV: Sunday, 1/13 at 8:00pmAnchorage School District Reviews Security
The superintendent of the Anchorage School District used the early school board meeting Thursday to highlight security issues following the lock down Tuesday at Dimond High School.
Government Hill Apartment Blaze Leaves 40 Homeless
Anchorage firefighters responded to a multiple alarm fire at a Government Hill apartment house on Thursday afternoon. The blaze left about 40 people without homes. It is the second apartment fire in the city in a week.
Senator Begich Will Not Support Assault Weapons Ban
Vice President Joe Biden says he will deliver recommendations for new gun control measures to President Barack Obama on Tuesday. Mr. Biden says he will call for both legislation and executive order from the White House.
Wax Buildup Causing Pipeline Problems
Wax buildup caused by low oil throughput is continuing to cause problems for Trans Alaska Pipeline operators. The wax is at the heart of recent trouble with mechanical pigs used to clean the inside of the pipeline.
Alaska DEC Suing Operators Of Outdoor Wood-Powered Boilers In Fairbanks
Pollution from two outdoor wood boilers in Fairbanks has resulted in the state filing suit against the operators. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is suing Andrew and Gloria Straughn to halt operation of the boilers at rental properties they own in a neighborhood near Wood River Elementary School.
Tribal, Environmental Groups Hold Rally Supporting ‘Idle No More’ Movement
Tribal and environmental organizations are holding a noon rally on Friday in Anchorage to show support for Canadian tribes fighting legislation they call a direct attack on First Nations. The legislation reduces environmental assessment requirements, and cuts the number of waterways protected by the Navigable Waters Protection Act.