Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, July 9, 2020
The Anchorage School District outlines its plan for fall. And, a small commuter airline in Southern California- with some Alaska experience- will revive Ravn. Plus, pandemic challenges forced a Sitka farmers market to adapt, but it continues to operate in part to address food insecurity caused by the pandemic:
Scientists Keeping an Eye on Cleveland Volcano
Scientists at the Alaska Volcano Observatory are keeping an eye on Cleveland volcano. The Aleutian Chain volcano started showing increased thermal activity last month.
Juneau Prepares Bid for Arctic Winter Games
Juneau may again bid to host the Arctic Winter Games. Mayor Bruce Botelho has called an organizational meeting tonight (Thursday), with an eye on...
Denali Park Rangers Discover Remains Of Small Pets Cooked In Campfire
Last Thursday, an employee at Denali National Park made a disturbing discovery while driving to the site of the landslide on the Park Road. He saw trash scattered near a turnout at Mile 7 and stopped to investigate. What he found has Park staff baffled.
What drew this moose into an Anchorage hospital? Office plants.
There’s “never a dull moment here at the hospital," said director of security Randy Hughes.
New report questions business model of British Columbia gold mines
The report says mines are allowing day traders and Canadian taxpayers to assume most of the financial risk, while a much smaller group of shareholders reaps the rewards.
Russia’s war strains Arctic Council; 7 member nations call Ukraine attack ‘flagrant violation’ of council values
It’s an unprecedented development for the Arctic Council. It formed in 1996 with the idea that the Arctic should be a zone of peace and cooperation. Now, Russia's war in Europe is spilling over into the region.
Interior Homesteader, Poet Passes Away
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Former Alaska poet laureate John Haines has died. The interior homesteader spent decades in the bush, an experience...
What’s up with that igloo by Denali and also the tallest building in Fairbanks?
https://youtu.be/AyXEiQecad8
A giant, artificial igloo marks the halfway point between Fairbanks and Anchorage along the Parks Highway. It was supposed to be a roadside hotel,...
Fairbanks Police Chief on administrative leave
The Fairbanks Police Chief is on administrative leave today. The City issued a release yesterday (Wednesday) saying Chief Randall Aragon is on paid administrative leave while the city looks into conflict of interest charges. The release states Deputy Chief Brad Johnson will be acting chief during the investigation.
New House minority Republicans vent, claim they’re sidelined in budget process
For years, the minority caucus in the Alaska House has had a say in the state’s budget. But that may not happen this year, as the majority caucus looks to tap Permanent Fund earnings to close the budget gap. Listen now
Anchorage senator proposes new spending cap, key piece of Alaska fiscal plan
The idea from Sen. James Kaufman, R-Anchorage, was encouraged by a bipartisan, bicameral group.
Juneau police make arrest in notes that included ‘a possible general threat against children’
Juneau police arrested 47-year-old Mitchell Thomas Watley on one felony count of terroristic threatening on Sunday.
Legislators hope to fix uncertainty plaguing school budgets this session
This session, some state legislators hope to put an end to the uncertainty school districts across the state face when it comes to their budgets. House Bill 287 and Senate Bill 131 both address K-12 school funding, but in different ways. Listen now
Kurka calls on Pierce to resign from Alaska governor’s race, citing unconfirmed harassment claim
If Charlie Pierce and his running mate quit before Tuesday, Christopher Kurka would fill the No. 4 spot in the general election.
Rare polar bear sighting causes a stir in Kotzebue
Locals in Kotzebue showed a mix of excitement and concern over the weekend in response to reports that a rare polar bear was spotted in the area.
Wild Alaska Devil’s Club Buds
We all have our quirks. Some wear an apron while they cook. Some still drink Shirley Temples when they're 36.
One quirk I embrace: I'm a forager, and I embrace my inner hunter & gatherer.
See the recipe.
300 Villages: Kivalina
This week, we’re heading to Kivalina on the Chukchi Sea. Stanley Hawley is the Tribal Administrator for the City of Kivalina.
Download Audio
Second McCandless film set for Sept. 21 release
There's another film coming out about Christopher McCandless. The independent documentary is scheduled for release September 21, the same day Sean Penn’s movie adaptation...
Native Leaders Voice Concerns on Off Shore Drilling
Alaska Natives are uniting in asking Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to put a stop to oil and gas development off Alaska’s shores. A five...