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.

City engineer: No Good News On Juneau’s Sewage Sludge Disposal

The way the City and Borough of Juneau disposes of its sewage sludge isn’t sustainable, and the long-term solution consultants are recommending will be expensive. Download Audio

Why Juneau Should Be Next For Housing First

Momentum is building in the capital city to provide housing for the homeless who suffer from substance abuse. Housing First is based on the idea that the homeless can’t deal with problems like alcoholism and medical issues until they have a permanent place to live. Anchorage and Fairbanks have Housing First facilities. In Juneau, some non-profit organizations, city officials, and legislators think it’s a good idea. Download Audio
a Juneau elevated track

Alaska school sports association bans trans girls from girls sports

The Alaska School Activities Association board’s vote follows a similar decision in August by the state Board of Education.
A beige building.

Anchorage Assembly to vote on spending $2.5M to convert Solid Waste Services building into homeless shelter

Officials say the building could house up to 150 people and would provide food services, showers and case workers.
Merbok debris

FEMA under investigation after ‘unintelligible’ Merbok relief information was sent to Alaska Native communities

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's work with Alaska’s Indigenous communities is being checked for possible systemic problems.
humpback whales

Humpback whale calf found dead near Juneau was killed by a large boat, biologists say

The fatal injuries to Tango, found near Auke Bay this summer, included deep lacerations on the calf’s body and pectoral fin likely caused by a propeller.
Josiah Patkotak

State Rep. Josiah Patkotak resigns after winning North Slope mayor’s race

Patkotak’s resignation opens a vacancy in the Alaska House of Representatives, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy has 30 days to nominate someone to fill the seat.
a sandhill crane

19 cases of avian flu identified in Dillingham

State Veterinarian Robert Gerlach spoke with KDLG about avian flu, its risk to the region and how to stay safe when hunting wild birds. 
a ceremony

At water blessing ceremony, Klukwan residents speak out against planned mine

Thursday's gathering of about 150 people at the Klehini River near Haines also included protests against the proposed Palmer Project mine.
a bear

An empty-nest mama bear just won Fat Bear Week

Like an ursine Sarah Connor, Grazer is one tough mother. She preemptively attacks huge males that might threaten her offspring.
A mirrored building.

Anchorage Assembly relaxes rules on marijuana testing

Now, most city workers will no longer be fired if they use marijuana off the clock.
President Biden

Biden proposes a ban on ‘junk fees’ — from concert tickets to hotel rooms

"Folks are ... tired of being taken advantage of," President Biden said, announcing a federal push against added and surprise business fees.
a search

Wave of Western Alaska boating incidents leaves 4 dead, 2 missing

Kelly Coopchiak, 25, and Alexander Henry, 31, remain missing after the four incidents. Four other boaters are dead, with two more rescued.

Fairbanks council OKs more than doubling city’s tobacco tax to 20%

Tax advocates said the increase, approved Monday, leaves Fairbanks below Alaska's average local tobacco tax rate of 39%.
a man

Unalaska hires new police chief, 10 months after former chief’s resignation

Kim Hankins moved to the Aleutians from Illinois, where he was recognized by state officials for his dedication to narcotics law enforcement.
totem poles

‘This is more than art’: Juneau’s waterfront totem poles get new descriptive signs

The Sealaska Heritage Institute put up storyboards to protect the poles installed this year, after summer images of their mistreatment by tourists.
a ferry

After Facebook uproar, ferry managers say they’re committed to Prince Rupert route

The Alaska Department of Transportation says the state ferry route to Prince Rupert, B.C. isn’t going anywhere, after a false Facebook post.
a bearded man listen from a podium to a man on a screen

Rabbis and Alaska politicians condemn attack on Israel, pledge support

About 200 people turned out for a solidarity event in Anchorage.
Cans on shelves in a grocery store

The wait for food stamps in Alaska is improving, but applicants still face long delays

Many applicants still have to wait for up to three months to receive benefits.
A view of the tipping floor from the observation deck of waste services dumping waste onto the floor.

With new Anchorage waste center, city hopes to help residents minimize trash

The transfer station is a central point for the city’s garbage trucks and residents to dump trash, but also offers opportunities to divert landfill waste.