Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, February 28, 2023
The Anchorage Assembly says it's not ready to approve a settlement over a project it never approved. Concentrations of dangerous forever chemicals are higher than previously thought in some Anchorage and Fairbanks lakes. Plus, eyes are on the winner of last year's Iditarod as teams gear up for this year's race.
Sullivan seeks hearings on lab-leak COVID origin theory
Alaska U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he hopes Democrats will support hearings into the Energy Department’s conclusions.
Bronson aims to pay contractor millions for work on nixed homeless shelter, without Assembly approval
In a response letter, Assembly leaders wrote that “making the proposed payment without additional Assembly action would be illegal.”
All eyes on reigning Iditarod champ Brent Sass in small, yet competitive field
Nearly all of last year’s top dog teams are returning to the Iditarod, though some of the mushers have changed.
Alaska Legislature sends $300K in salmon donations to Ukraine
More than a year into the war in Ukraine, Alaska’s government is doing its part by sending aid in the form of seafood from the Last Frontier.
Alaska to provide $1.7M to help with food stamp backlog need
Funding is being directed to help stock Alaska food pantries as part of a broader effort to address a state backlog in processing food stamp benefits.
Rapes and aggravated assaults push Alaska’s violent-crime rates up; property-crime rates fall
Alaska’s rate of violent crimes has increased, a contrast to national trends driven by extremely high statewide rates of rape and aggravated assault.
Tuluksak teachers trying to manage after 2 weeks without running water
The nearly 300 people residing in Tuluksak are still waiting for help for the school, which hasn’t had access to running water since Feb. 9.
Building housing Skagway court destroyed in fire
Firefighters say the Packer Building, which also housed multiple local businesses, was a total loss in the Sunday blaze.
Biden’s student loan relief faces its biggest test yet at the Supreme Court
Six GOP-dominated states will ask the Supreme Court on Tuesday to permanently block the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness program.
Bering Sea storm brings blizzards, snow to Southcentral Alaska
A storm brought light snow to Anchorage’s morning commute Tuesday, with much of the eastern Kenai Peninsula facing blizzard warnings.
On its own: How local organizations piece together search and rescue operations along Alaska’s Arctic coastline
While no single organization has enough resources, a cooperative effort is building as more ships sail through the Arctic’s icy seas.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, February 27, 2023
Sen. Dan Sullivan says the U.S. isn’t sending weapons to Ukraine fast enough and the Anchorage Assembly considers offering parental leave to city employees.
24 photos of Alaska’s massive and bright aurora show
Scientists expect the strong solar activity to continue with more sightings this week.
Anchorage’s IMAX movie theater spared from bankruptcy closure — for now
In a court filing, attorneys for the parent company say they are still negotiating with the theater’s landlord.
Alaska’s Mount Edgecumbe volcano shows more signs of reawakening, scientists say
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is planning to install additional instruments on Southeast Alaska’s most prominent volcano.
Hometown Alaska: Behind the scenes at the Fur Rondy Melodrama
Fur Rondy is upon us again and the Anchorage festival will have plenty of events for Alaskans to choose from. One of the longstanding traditions of the celebration is the Fur Rondy Melodrama. On this week's Hometown Alaska we'll take a look behind the scenes of this year's performance and what it means to be melodramatic.
Anchorage Assembly considers adding paid parental leave for city workers after mayor revoked policy
It’s the second time in less than two years that Assembly member Austin Quinn-Davidson has attempted to secure paid parental leave for city workers.
Despite high inflation, Americans are spending like crazy — and it’s kind of puzzling
Americans began the new year with a spending spree, but businesses are not sure how long it can last.
Meet Genevieve Mina, Alaska’s second Filipino legislator
Mina represents House District 19 in Anchorage, which covers the Airport Heights, Mountain View and Russian Jack neighborhoods.