News

Governor Sean Parnell is defending his decision to wait four years to request a federal investigation into reports of a sexual assault problem in the Alaska National Guard. Anchorage Daily News columnist Shannyn Moore wrote Sunday that Parnell first learned about misconduct in the Guard in 2010, when he was approached by three guard chaplains. Parnell says he took those charges seriously, but lacked the details to prompt an investigation until February. He says after the initial concerns were raised, he went to Major General Thomas Katkus to make sure the systems were in place to protect guard members. Then in February, Parnell says he was able to talk with a guard member who provided specifics. Download Audio

Anchorage School District officials and city leaders addressed criticism over the recent cancellations of in-person school, which they say were forced by historic snowfall and unsafe streets.

In Washington, the government shutdown continues with no resolution in sight. Alaska Congressman Don Young says the latest House proposal is going nowhere. It would have funded the government and raised the debt ceiling but included changes to Obamacare. Download Audio

As of Wednesday morning, teachers and other district staff have been instructed to telecommute and work from home. Parents who had scheduled a time to pick up their children’s school work and belongings were told those appointments had been canceled.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski stopped in Bethel to celebrate the breakup of the Kuskokwim River. She says climate change “is a reality that we are seeing.”

Search and rescue volunteers are focusing on an area upriver from where a female survivor was found clutching to the riverbank.

The step could unlock tens of millions of dollars in disaster relief funds for entities damage during the November 30th quake and continuing aftershocks. 

Inter-Island Ferry Authority managers said Tuesday that three crew members have tested positive for COVID-19. IFA General Manager Ron Curtis declined to say exactly when the staff members tested positive, citing ferry authority policy.

The Juneau Assembly is advancing its petition to annex parts of Admiralty Island, despite an attempt by an Assembly member to bring the issue back for further review.

This year’s record cruise ship season brought in $21.6 million in state passenger fees that will be mostly shared with coastal communities. But the cruise industry’s recent victory in a lawsuit against Juneau has implications on how port communities can spend their share.

It is easier than ever for us to get lost in hours of television, gaming, and scrolling through social media. How do we find and maintain balance in our lives when nothing is as it was?

The storm that slammed into western Alaska over the weekend was the result of several factors all converging to make it so destructive, including an ocean warmed by climate change.

The Alaska House voted to put restrictions on sexual education in Alaska schools. The bill had been voted down three times before being approved. House Bill 156 would also suspend statewide standardized testing for two years. Download Audio

A small crowd gathered next to burning logs and a large welcome banner as Mitch Seavey arrived first to Takotna checkpoint in a light snow Tuesday night. Listen now

Bethel’s emergency responders took a ride in the helicopter, permanently stationed there to speed up search and rescue operations.