Nature: Is That Skunk?
It's a familiar but mysterious creature in woods and neighborhoods all across America. Its infamous weapon is one of the most awful scents in all of nature. Now, intrepid researchers and cameramen track skunks day and night across California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ohio, even Martha's Vineyard, uncovering how they hunt, forage, mate and raise amazingly cute babies - all the things they're up to when they're not spraying the local dog. And yes, the remarkable secrets of that stink will be revealed!
TV: Wednesday, 12/5 at 7:00pm
Frigid Temperatures Close Delta-Area Schools
The cold snap that’s been gripping the Interior for more than a week now finally pushed the mercury to 50 below in the Delta Junction area, so Delta-Greely School District officials canceled classes this morning. The Delta district is one of the few in the Interior that closes schools if the temperature drops too low.
University Aims To Rein In Health Care Plan Costs
The University of Alaska, is looking at health care plan changes. The university covers over 80 percent of the cost of health insurance for about 4,000 employees. Many of the plan changes are aimed at reining in costs, which are rising 7 to 10 percent a year.
Fishing Fleet Picks Through Details Of Expanded Observer Program
A meeting about the federal government’s fishery observer program drew a large crowd of vessel owners to the Petersburg Firehall last week. Federal officials addressed dozens of questions and concerns from local fishermen, most of whom will be included in the program for the first time starting in January.
Caribou Hunting Opens Near Bethel
Caribou hunting is open in Unit 18 near Bethel. Like last year, subsistence hunters can take two caribou, but some of the language surrounding how hunters are able to take caribou is different.
Wolf Advocates Say Lack of Denali Buffer has Economic Consequences
The decline of at least one wolf pack along the eastern border of Denali National Park and Preserve has wildlife advocates concerned that wolf watching in and around the park could become a thing of the past. The groups argue that a decline in the wolf population could have a dire impact on the local economy.
Mead Treadwell Considering U.S. Senate Run
U.S. Senator Mark Begich is shrugging off Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell’s announcement he may run against the incumbent in two years. Lieutenant Governor Treadwell said last week he’s considering forming an exploratory committee. That’s the first step to officially entering a race. It gives him a chance to feel out public opinion and see which donors are willing to come forward.
Senate Passes Bill That Could Delay Eielson AFB Closure
The U.S. Senate passed a bill today outlining the nation’s defense policy for the year. The bill could potentially delay the closure of Eielson Air Force Base. Despite bipartisan calls for reigning in federal spending, there’s zero appetite in Congress for closing military bases.
Didrickson Named to Alaska Sports Hall of Fame
Sitka basketball legend Herb Didrickson has been named to the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. Didrickson was selected for the honor over the weekend, along with former Eilson football coach Buck Nystrom.
Police Release Detailed Account Of Koenig Murder
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Anchorage Police Department, after speaking to family members, are able to release additional details of the kidnapping and murder of Samantha Koenig. These details are being provided both to fully explain the courage and resolve Samantha displayed in the final hours of her life, as well as in the hopes that the release of additional details will help investigations of other murders committed by Israel Keyes.
Only Survivor From Tenakee Boating Accident Has Died
The survivor of a recent deadly boating accident near Tenakee Springs has died. Juneau police say 26-year-old Jim A. Brown Jr. was found unconscious and not breathing at a North Douglas Highway home just before midnight.
FBI Requests Public’s Help In Tracking Travels Of Israel Keyes
Mary Rook, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for the State of Alaska requests the public’s assistance in developing information concerning the travels of suspected serial killer ISRAEL KEYES, deceased, in order to identify additional victims. Anyone with information concerning Keyes is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL- FBI. Read more to see his timeline of travel.
American Masters: LENNONYC
LENNONYC is the story of one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century and how he found redemption not in the public adoration he craved as a youth, but in the quiet and simple pleasures of fatherhood. It is also a New York immigrant’s tale. Lennon came to New York City in 1971 seeking what every other immigrant has sought: freedom — the freedom to be himself and not “Beatle John,” the freedom to live a normal life.
TV: Tuesday, 12/4 at 7:00pm
Recount Gives Kreiss-Tomkins 32 Vote Victory In House District 34
It’s been nearly a month since Election Day and the race for House District 34 has finally come to an end with a four-term legislator losing his seat to a political newcomer.
Earthquake Rattles Southcentral Alaska
A 5.8 magnitude earthquake shook Anchorage at 4:42 this afternoon. The earthquake was centered 27 miles directly west of Anchorage in Cook Inlet, right next to Tyonek.
McGrath Power Costs Temporarily Jump 35 Percent
Electric power costs are going up in many areas, but in McGrath, electric rates jumped about 35 percent on Nov. 1. That is a temporary increase.
Electricity Rates Dropping In Fairbanks
Electricity rates are coming down in the Fairbanks area. Golden Valley Electric customers from Delta Junction to Fairbanks and Healy will see their bills drop 11 to 13 percent, depending on service level as of Dec. 1. Golden Valley is benefiting from additional power from Anchorage – natural gas fired energy that’s less expensive than oil generated electricity in Fairbanks.
Trials Reset for Native Fishermen in Salmon Cases
A Bethel court magistrate has rescheduled the trials of 22 Alaska Natives who are charged with illegal fishing during a weak king salmon run. Magistrate Bruce Ward reset the trials for the subsistence fishermen to begin April 15.
Learning in Two Languages
Early in our series “Being Young in Rural Alaska” from the producers of Kids These Days, we learned about efforts to re-introduce indigenous languages through school programs. At the Lower Kuskokwim School District, they have a different challenge: figuring out the best way to teach reading and writing to kids who are already living in two languages. LKSD is the heart of Yup’ik country. One quarter of the certified teachers are Yup’ik, the greatest percentage of indigenous educators of any district in Alaska. The district is rolling out a new method for teaching its bilingual students called the dual language model.
Talkeetna Bachelors Fetch Hefty Price At Annual Auction
For 364 days they cost nothing, you can find them in the woods or at the local bar, but for one special night a year Talkeetna’s bachelors fetch a hefty price. And this year’s 32nd annual Talkeetna Bachelor Auction was the most successful ever.