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.

Expert disputes boot print evidence in Fairbanks 4 case

Boot print evidence used to link one of the Fairbanks Four to the 1997 murder of John Hartman, are disputed by a forensic expert. Download Audio

Fairbanks 4 parolee speaks out at AFN to standing ovation

Marvin Roberts, one of the Fairbanks Four, received a standing ovation when he walked onto the stage at AFN, Saturday. It was the first time Roberts had spoken out in such a public venue about the case. Download Audio
The sun sets on the Polar Pioneer in Unalaska's Broad Bay in 2015. (Photo by John Ryan, KUCB - Unalaska)

Obama Administration cancels offshore lease sales, citing lack of interest

The Interior Department won't auction off drilling rights in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in the next two years. The auctions would have been the first in the Arctic Ocean since 2008, and the first under President Obama. Download Audio

Murkowski spotlights civic heroes at AFN

Every year, Alaska’s congressional delegation is invited to address the AFN convention, and today was U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s turn. She stuck close to the theme of the convention, "Heroes in our Homeland," but did mention a few of her own accomplishments. Download Audio

At AFN, protesters slam Murkowski’s support for Arctic drilling

During Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s speech at AFN, protesters marched dressed as a salmon, a caribou and a walrus. It was part of an effort to call out Murkowski for her support of Arctic oil drilling. Download Audio

Pease testifies, says confession was coerced

The first of four Fairbanks men seeking exoneration from convictions for a 1997 murder took the stand at an ongoing evidentiary hearing yesterday. Download Audio

Alaska officials fighting mad over Arctic lease cancellation

When the Obama Administration announced the cancelation of drilling opportunities in the Arctic Ocean, the reaction of Alaska’s congressional delegation and governor was swift and terrible. They're pledging a bold response, which, if Rep. Don Young has his way, involves renting a drilling rig.

AFN: Alaskans share intimate ‘heroes’ stories online

This year's AFN theme is 'Heroes in our Homeland.' Some of the more touching hero stories are making their way through social media.

Hearing ends 26 years of litigation over Exxon Valdez oil spill

The state and federal governments have decided not to pursue a final $100-million from ExxonMobil over its 1989 oil spill in Prince William Sound. Download Audio

FBX 4 witnesses recall aggressive police questioning

People who say they were with the Fairbanks Four the night of John Hartman’s 1997 murder, recount aggressive questioning by police trying to build a case against the men.

‘Fairbanks 4’ supporters stage protest during Gov’s AFN speech

Fairbanks Four supporters protested during Governor Bill Walker’s address to the crowds during opening day at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage Thursday. People held up four fingers, and held a banner reading “Justice Fairbanks Four." Download Audio

State, feds won’t pursue $92M more in ’89 Exxon Valdez spill

The state and federal governments have decided not to pursue $92 million in additional damages from Exxon Mobil Corp., citing the recovery of ducks and sea otters in Alaska's Prince William Sound following a devastating oil spill more than two decades ago. Download Audio

With $3B budget deficit, lawmakers eye oil tax credits

With the state facing a deficit next year of more than $3 billion, lawmakers face the always vexing question of what can be cut. One option on the table is reducing tax credits for oil and gas companies. Download Audio

Forensic psychologist doubtful of witness testimony at FBX 4 hearing

A perception and memory expert took the stand at the Fairbanks Four hearing on Tuesday. University of Washington psychology professor Jeffrey Loftus’s work focuses on our ability to recognize others at distance and under various conditions, including darkness. Download Audio

Congressional panel to hear criticism of EPA’s Pebble process

A U.S. House Committee chairman has announced a hearing to examine whether the EPA unfairly blocked the Pebble Mine in Southwest Alaska with a so-called “pre-emptive veto,” before the mine has even applied for permits.

FBX 4 investigators testify, point to languishing evidence

Two Alaska State Troopers hired in September 2013 to re-investigate the 1997 John Hartman murder case testified in state court in Fairbanks on Monday. Download Audio

Hooper Bay endures 4th suicide in 2 weeks

The village of Hooper Bay has suffered another loss. A fourth person has died by suicide. Alaska State Troopers received a call that 21-year-old Carl Dominic Robert Joe had died from an apparent suicide Saturday afternoon.

Homelessness survey finds at least 70 in Juneau sleeping outside

Volunteers and staff from Juneau’s shelter and soup kitchen went to the streets and interviewed 70 homeless people over the course of a few days in September. It’s been three years since the vulnerability index survey was done in the capital city. Download Audio

Elders & Youth Conference kicks off in Anchorage

The 32nd annual Elders and Youth conference begins today in Anchorage. Hundreds of Alaska Natives, young and old, will meet over the next two-and-a-half days to learn about and discuss a diverse set of issues. This year’s theme is “Not in our smokehouse!”

FBX 4 testimony: Classmate says Wallace confessed to him

A man who claims a high school classmate told him he and group of friends killed John Hartman back in 1997, testified in state court in Fairbanks on Thursday. Download Audio