Adelyn Baxter, KTOO - Juneau
How Alaska chooses its judges; how voters weigh in
Before Alaska's statewide election on Nov. 6, where 15 judges appear on the ballot, learn how Alaska selects judges through an independent citizens' commission, and how voters have a say in retaining those judges at election time.
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NPFMC may impose regulations on Southeast and GOA rental boats
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council, or NPFMC, took a step during its meeting Monday toward regulating unguided boats that anglers pay to use for halibut fishing. Listen now
Superior court judge rules against Kenai Peninsula Borough in invocation case
After a roughly two-year court battle, a superior court judge ruled Tuesday that the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s invocation policy is unconstitutional. Listen now
Key Alaska seafood products dropped from list of Chinese tariffs
Some of Alaska’s seafood industry has escaped the Trump administration’s trade war with China for now. Listen now
Cruise season ends as industry looks to see even more visitors next year
With the departure of the Westerdam and the Norwegian Pearl, Juneau’s 2018 cruise season has come to an end. Some in the local tour industry are already concerned about the growing number of visitors each year. Listen now
FEMA assesses issues after national emergency alert test
“Some people didn’t receive it at all. Some people received it multiple times. Some people had their phone on silent and only heard a vibration. Other people didn’t hear anything at all,” a FEMA official explained. Listen now
Loving and learning from jazz
What can you learn from jazz? Find out from these Alaska students, including high school, college and an adult learner, along with their teacher, John Damberg. They'll play a few tunes, too.
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Homer City Council revisits plastic bag ban
The Homer City Council is contemplating a ban on thin single-use plastic bags. The move would follow other communities that have passed similar ordinances. Listen now
Are YOU ready for the next emergency disaster? Here’s how to be.
Our previous show explained how Alaska prepares for natural and man-made disasters. Today's show shifts to our responsibility to be prepared ourselves. Learn how.
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Governor declares emergency for Alaska Native languages
Gov. Walker’s order directs the state to use traditional place names on state signs and to promote indigenous languages in public education. Listen now
Homer residents experiment with a tree from Alaska’s prehistoric past
Could climate change take forests back in time? Kenai Peninsula residents and scientists see evidence that warmer weather is bringing back at least one tree that hasn’t populated Alaska for millions of years. Listen now
Is Alaska ready for its next health emergency?
First of two parts on emergency preparedness. This week, how is the state of Alaska prepared? Next week: How should you, private citizen, prepare?
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UA regents to meet in Juneau this week
The meeting agenda includes updates on the university’s compliance with federal requirements for handling sexual discrimination, harassment and assault. It also includes progress on Strategic Pathways, the university’s comprehensive cost-cutting plan now in its third and final phase.
Alaska Native organizations receive federal grant for safe and healthy housing
The Organized Village of Kake and the Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority each received $1 million and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium won almost $870,000. They hope to use the money for home repairs, education and to deal with mold and mildew issues. Listen now
Alaska’s therapeutic courts
September is National Recovery Month. On our next show, find out more about the role therapeutic courts play in coming to grips with the causes of crime instead of simply punishing the crime—again and again.
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Alaska Airlines union workers picket for better wages
In Juneau, clerical workers, ramp staff and customer service agents sported neon green t-shirts that said “Show us the money!” as they waved signs on the plaza across from the airport’s drop off area. Listen now
Southeast sport fishing lodge owner appointed to halibut commission
Richard Yamada owns a lodge on Shelter Island. He’s been involved in the charter fishing industry for 37 years and currently serves on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Juneau-Douglas Advisory Committee. Listen now
Saving the stories from Bristol Bay’s Naknek cannery
Bristol Bay just came off an historic salmon harvest. This year's peak has a long tail of success, dating back to the 1890s. Now, public historians are working to save the multicultural stories from Bristol Bay's Naknek Cannery, and to position this rich maritime district in a global context.
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What risk do hatchery fish pose to Prince William Sound’s pinks?
An Alaska Department of Fish and Game study is about to take a step toward answering a question central to the debate: do hatchery fish that spawn with wild populations pose a threat to those stocks? Listen now
New Alaska College of Education prepares to step up teacher recruitment and retention
Among the College of Education’s new initiatives is hiring a full-time recruiter based in Juneau and expanding its role in a new teacher mentorship program. Listen now