Alaska news

• Understanding culture through Alaska literature

  05-02-2016 23:30
  
  Literature helps us understand our world, ourselves and each other and Alaska is full of great authors. Tlingit author Ernestine Hayes will discuss her book Blonde Indian and the deeper understanding that can come from reading about lives that are different from our own.
  HOST: Lori Townsend
  GUESTS:
  Ernestine Hayes, author of Blonde Indian & Assistant Professor of English at UAS
  Patience Frederiksen, State Library Talking Book Center
  Rayette Sterling, Anchorage Public Library
  S
  
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• AK: Local start-up leverages social media to bring beard oil to Alaskans

  05-02-2016 23:23
  
  Kyle Reading prepares a batch of Flintlock beard oil. (Photo by Josh Edge/APRN)
  Two local musicians in Anchorage are diving beards-first into the business of male grooming products.
  They’re going for a style reminiscent of Don Draper mixed with well-groomed mountain man.
  I spent an afternoon at company – or apartment kitchen – headquarters to find out a little bit more.
  Kyle Reading pours a fresh batch of beard oil into one-ounce bottles. (Photo by Josh Edge/APRN)
  “Basica
  
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• 49 Voices: EJ David of Anchorage - Alaska Public Radio Network

  05-02-2016 23:17
  Alaska Public Radio Network
  49 Voices: EJ David of Anchorage
  Alaska Public Radio Network
  This week we're hearing from EJ David, a Psychology professor from UAA and keynote speaker at the First Alaskans Institute 2016 Racial Equity Summit. EJ David (Photo by Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media). DAVID: I was born in the Philippines.
  

• 49 Voices: EJ David of Anchorage

  05-02-2016 23:16
  
  This week we’re hearing from EJ David, a Psychology professor from UAA and keynote speaker at the First Alaskans Institute 2016 Racial Equity Summit.
  EJ David (Photo by Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media)
  DAVID: I was born in the Philippines. What brought me here to Alaska, more specifically to Barrow, Alaska was my father. He got a job up there, working for the borough. I was 14. It was a huge change. That was probably one of the bigger things I had to adjust to, especially from where I gr
  
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• No 'sour grapes,' says outgoing Alaska education commissioner

  05-02-2016 23:11
  
  No 'sour grapes,' says outgoing Alaska education commissioner Outgoing Alaska education commissioner Mike Hanley said Friday he had professional disagreements with the state board of education. But he said that's not a "sour grapes statement."February 5, 2016
  
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• We’re “all ears” on Hometown Alaska this week

  05-02-2016 23:00
  
  Rabbit image courtesy Wikimedia Commons.
  We (Kathleen and Charles) hosted an “all ears” show on Hometown Alaska six months ago. We got many new ideas from our listeners for show topics they’d like us to pursue, and many of them turned into programs. We enjoyed that conversation so much, we’re having one again this Wednesday.
  We invite your thoughts on programming that you’d like to hear on your local community radio show. Is it more public affairs and issues? Is it
  
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• Ohio rookie to go out first for Yukon Quest race

  05-02-2016 22:54
  
  The order is set for tomorrow’s start of the Yukon Quest. The 23 mushers, slated to begin the race in downtown Fairbanks, drew numbers Thursday night to determine the running order.
  Allen Moore’s team arrives in Pelly Crossing during Yukon Quest 2015. (Photo by Emily Schwing/KUAC)
  The first person to leave for Whitehorse on Saturday will be a 19-year-old rookie from Ohio. Laura Neese drew number one at the Yukon Quest Race Banquet on Thursday.
  “I’m good with it” say
  
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• Breakfast offered in Sitka School District for all students

  05-02-2016 22:33
  
  It’s often called the most important meal of the day but sometimes kids don’t get the chance to eat breakfast before heading to class. Sitka School District wanted to change that this year and started offering breakfast for all students.
  Students and staff walk through the hallway at Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School in Sitka. (Photo by Ed Ronco/KCAW)
   
  It’s parfait day at Sitka High School and dozens of students have showed up early to grab a bite to eat before the first
  
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• AEDC Economic Forecast Luncheon

  05-02-2016 22:30
  
  On January 27, AEDC President and CEO, Bill Popp, presented the 1-Year Economic Forecast for Anchorage and shared the results of the Anchorage Business Confidence Index. He gave an update on AEDC’s Live. Work. Play. initiative and discussed how Anchorage ranks for living, working and playing when compared to the largest city in each state, plus the District of Columbia.
  Anchorage Mayor, Ethan Berkowitz also spoke and provided his views on the Anchorage Municipal Outlook.SPEAKERS
  
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• Alaska troopers: No plans to intervene in village dispute - seattlepi.com

  05-02-2016 22:22
  KTVA.com - Alaska News and Weather
  Alaska troopers: No plans to intervene in village dispute
  seattlepi.com
  ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Alaska State Troopers said they don't know who the rightful tribal leaders are in a western Alaska village involved in a power struggle, so they've taken no action weeks after a federal judge said the agency could use force to ...
  Alaska troopers: No plans to intervene in Newtok village disputeKTUU.comall 7 news articles »
  

• State seeks to charge Bill Allen in federal sex case

  05-02-2016 21:55
  
  Alaska Attorney General Craig Richards. (Photo by Josh Edge/APRN)
  Alaska Attorney General Craig Richards says the state wants authority to pursue charges against former VECO boss Bill Allen for allegedly transporting a young woman across state lines for sex.
  In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch on Friday, Richards says a new law requires that she “cross-designate” the state to pursue the federal case, or else provide a detailed explanation why s
  
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• Under amended law, Alaska pursues sex-trafficking charges against Bill Allen - KTUU.com

  05-02-2016 21:51
  KTUU.com
  Under amended law, Alaska pursues sex-trafficking charges against Bill Allen
  KTUU.com
  The state of Alaska today is asking for federal authority to pursue sex-trafficking charges against former Veco chief Bill Allen. Alaska Attorney General Craig Richards and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan told reporters that a recent amendment to federal law, ...
  Alaska attorney general hints at potential new investigation of Bill AllenAlaska Dispatch Newsall 2 news articles »
  

• Historical Trauma

  05-02-2016 21:00
  
  The examples most commonly associated with Historical Trauma include, Slavery, the Holocaust, and the systematic annihilation of the way of life for American Indians and Alaska Natives during and after European colonization. Historical Trauma is perhaps best defined by Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart as the “cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over the lifespan and across generations, which emanates from massive group trauma.” The impacts of Hi
  
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• State announces new effort to prosecute Bill Allen on sex-crime allegations

  05-02-2016 20:30
  
  State announces new effort to prosecute Bill Allen on sex-crime allegations Alaska Attorney General Craig Richards said Friday the state was launching a new push to prosecute former Veco chief Bill Allen for sex crimes. But the U.S. Department of Justice must first sign off on the plan.February 5, 2016
  
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• The next steps for DOC

  05-02-2016 20:15
  
  
  Governor Walker recently announced Dean Williams as the new commissioner of the Department of Corrections. This week on Alaska Edition we will talk about the future of the Department of Corrections and the steps the new commissioner plans to take to better the system.Listen Now:
  HOST: Ellen Lockyer
  GUESTS:Carmen Gutierrez, Former Deputy of Commissioner, Alaska Department of Corrections
  Randy McLellan, President, Alaska Correctional Officers Association
  Dean Williams, Commissioner, Alas
  
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• ACT’s Over The River And Through The Woods

  05-02-2016 18:36
  
  Over The River And Through The Woods
  It’s “to grandmother’s house” we go this week on Stage Talk as Anchorage Community Theatre’s Executive Director Sara Athans and actor Carl Bright take us on a trip to visit Joe DiPietro’s comedy, Over The River and Through The Woods currently being performed at ACT through February 14th.
  Facebook
  HOST:
  Steve Hunt
  GUESTS: 
  Sara Athans, Executive Director, Anchorage Community TheatreCarl Bright, “Nick” i
  
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• Feds announce tracking requirements for seafood imports

  05-02-2016 18:29
  
  Red king crab, pictured here, is one of 13 species that the National Marine Fisheries Service wants importers to provide better information about if it comes from abroad. (Photo via Alaska Department of Fish & Game)
  The National Marine Fisheries Service on Thursday announced that it is implementing a new tracking program for seafood imports, meant to help combat illegal fishing and seafood fraud. Importers will have to track where fish was caught, the type of gear that was used and
  
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• Alaska School Counselor Honored - KTUU.com

  05-02-2016 18:28
  KTUU.com
  Alaska School Counselor Honored
  KTUU.com
  Natalie Kant, counselor at Skyview Middle School in Soldotna, is the 2016 State of Alaska Counselor Representative. It means she's in the running for National School Counselor of the year. Comments. The views expressed are not those of this company or ...
  

• Alaska Native’s discuss what ‘Eskimo’ means to them

  05-02-2016 18:26
  
  Screenshot of the Alaska Airlines redesigned greeting page before it was changed. (Photo by Blossom Twitchell)
  After Alaska Airlines unveiled a new look for their airplanes and website many Alaska Natives took offense to a phrase they with their new marketing campaign. The phrase that sparked a controversy and a new round of conversations about what the word “Eskimo” means to Alaska Natives.
  Alaska Airlines unveiled their new airplane and website designs late last month. Both pr
  
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• Alaska state education commissioner resigns - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

  05-02-2016 17:47
  Alaska Dispatch News
  Alaska state education commissioner resigns
  Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
  FAIRBANKS, ALASKA — Alaska Commissioner of Education and Early Development Mike Hanley resigned Thursday at the request of Gov. Bill Walker as the administration plans to push the department in a new direction. As the State Board of Education ...
  No 'sour grapes,' says outgoing Alaska education commissionerAlaska Dispatch News
  Governor, state board oust Alaska education chiefKTOO
  Mike Hanley o
  

• Troopers seize illegal drugs, stolen guns at home in Tok

  05-02-2016 17:38
  
  Troopers arrested 48-year-old Floyd J. Stuck, who was arraigned Thursday in Fairbanks on two felony gun charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm, and three felony drug counts.
  Troopers acting on a tip met with a person in Tok who claimed to have bought drugs at Stuck’s home.
  After surveillance, troopers obtained a search warrant.
  Troopers seized 32 firearms and say half were stolen. They seized 10 grams of methamphetamine, 49 grams of suspected heroin, 42 morphine tablet
  
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• Report: Police acted properly in incident with autistic man

  05-02-2016 17:37
  
  Nick Pletnikoff, on the ground, about to be pepper sprayed by Kodiak Police Department Sgt. Francis de la Fuente on Sept. 16, 2015. (KPD bodycam footage )
  An independent investigation into a physical encounter between Kodiak police officers and an autistic man has determined that the three officers responded professionally.
  The Kodiak Daily Mirror reports the city hired Soldotna-based consultant Greg Russell to investigate the Sept. 16 incident involving the officers and Nick Pletnikoff. Russell
  
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• Low energy prices a double-edged sword for industry - Alaska Public Radio Network

  05-02-2016 17:18
  Low energy prices a double-edged sword for industry
  Alaska Public Radio Network
  This illustration shows what a proposed gas treatment plant on the North Slope could look like. (Courtesy of Alaska LNG). Low energy prices may help Alaska LNG compete against other prospective natural gas export projects around the world. BP Business ...
  

• Low energy prices a double-edged sword for industry

  05-02-2016 17:18
  
  This illustration shows what a proposed gas treatment plant on the North Slope could look like. (Courtesy of Alaska LNG)
  Low energy prices may help Alaska LNG compete against other prospective natural gas export projects around the world.
  BP Business Development Director for Alaska LNG, Damien Bilboa says the depressed market is a double edged sword for the industry.
  “Thirty dollars a barrel, everyone’s challenged. I’ve seen numbers that suggest the average cost across the Slop
  
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• Public testimony: Keep state hands off of dividends

  05-02-2016 16:57
  
  Alaskans don’t want to see large cuts to their annual Permanent Fund dividends. At least, that was the message most people delivered Thursday night about Gov. Bill Walker’s plan for the fund.
  Martin Stepetin Sr. of Juneau testifies on SB23 in the Senate State Affairs Committee, Feb. 4, 2016. The bill is the governor’s plan for reshaping the Permanent Fund to make state government fiscally sustainable. (Photo by John Kelly/360 North)
  The Senate State Affairs Committee
  
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• Alaska Legislature's overall travel spending down 25 percent - Alaska Dispatch News

  05-02-2016 16:23
  Alaska Dispatch News
  Alaska Legislature's overall travel spending down 25 percent
  Alaska Dispatch News
  State senators applaud during U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan's speech to a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Juneau on March 23, 2015. Michael Penn. JUNEAU — The Alaska Legislature cut its overall travel spending last year to $500,000 from ...
  

• Alaska fish and game license sales hit post-recession high - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

  05-02-2016 10:42
  Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
  Alaska fish and game license sales hit post-recession high
  Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
  Sportsmen spent more on Alaska sport hunting and fishing licenses last year than they have any year since 2008. The 2015 Alaska hunting and fishing license data published last week show sportsmen spent $27.3 million on licenses and tags last year, ...
  

• Alaska icers back to basics in return to Carlson Center - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

  05-02-2016 09:51
  Reno Gazette Journal
  Alaska icers back to basics in return to Carlson Center
  Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
  FAIRBANKS—The Alaska Nanooks enter the final stretch of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association with six of their final eight games at home. The stretch begins today and Saturday against Ferris State at the Carlson Center. The Carlson Center, though ...
  Nevada rifle team falls to No. 5 AlaskaReno Gazette Journalall 3 news articles »
  

• Final cannabis laws hammered out in Anchorage

  05-02-2016 08:00
  
  Anchorage is just days away from finalizing local rules that will determine the shape of the state’s largest commercial cannabis market.
  Marijuana for sale at a dispensary in California. (Photo: Dank Depot via Flickr Creative Commons)
  During public testimony Thursday evening in front of the Anchorage Assembly, residents gave feedback on the finer points of the zoning and licence requirements nearing their final form. Many spoke of a positive shift in the Assembly’s willingness to adj
  
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• Governor's budget plan picked apart as Alaskans debate Permanent Fund changes

  05-02-2016 06:39
  
  Governor's budget plan picked apart as Alaskans debate Permanent Fund changes Gov. Walker’s proposal to change how the Permanent Fund dividend is paid as a way to help fix Alaska's massive budget deficit had few supporters Thursday when it faced public comment for the first time.February 4, 2016
  
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• 'Winter's Dance' brings together tribal funk group Pamyua and Alaska Dance Theatre - Alaska Dispatch News

  05-02-2016 05:59
  Alaska Dispatch News
  'Winter's Dance' brings together tribal funk group Pamyua and Alaska Dance Theatre
  Alaska Dispatch News
  Silvea Fast, 14, center, and dancers from Alaska Dance Theatre rehearse on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, for their upcoming production Winter's Dance, a collaboration with music by Pamyua at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 12-13. Bill Roth / ...and more »
  

• Alaska radio personality Malie Delgado ends 'American Idol' run - Alaska Dispatch News

  05-02-2016 05:37
  Alaska Dispatch News
  Alaska radio personality Malie Delgado ends 'American Idol' run
  Alaska Dispatch News
  Former Miss Alaska Amalia "Malie" Delgado advanced to the final cut in the Hollywood Rounds on "American Idol," but stopped short of making the top 24. Delgado, who is a co-host of 101.3 KGOT's Breakfast Club in Anchorage, struggled with losing her ...and more »
  

• AMP testing: New Alaska education head should stay the course - Alaska Dispatch News

  05-02-2016 04:22
  Alaska Dispatch News
  AMP testing: New Alaska education head should stay the course
  Alaska Dispatch News
  I hope the new education commissioner can reconsider the decision to eliminate the new statewide standardized tests for students, called Alaska Measures of Progress. Admittedly, the AMP tests and reporting could use some tweaking and improvement, but ...and more »
  

• ConocoPhillips shows healthy earnings in Alaska, keeps capital investment up - Alaska Dispatch News

  05-02-2016 04:05
  Alaska Dispatch News
  ConocoPhillips shows healthy earnings in Alaska, keeps capital investment up
  Alaska Dispatch News
  Amid massive losses in its global portfolio that led ConocoPhillips to reduce its dividend for the first time in decades, the oil giant in 2015 earned $482 million from oil and gas production in Alaska and plans to keep capital spending in the state at ...and more »
  

• Obama proposes big new tax on oil - Alaska Public Radio Network

  05-02-2016 03:53
  Obama proposes big new tax on oil
  Alaska Public Radio Network
  President Obama wants to impose a $10-per-barrel tax on crude oil. The White House says the tax is included in the budget the president will propose next week. Fate of Medicaid expansion hangs on interpretation of one word. Annie Feidt, APRN-Anchorageand more »
  

• Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016

  05-02-2016 03:51
  
  
  Download Audio
  Obama proposes big new tax on oil
  Liz Ruskin, APRN-Washington, DCPresident Obama wants to impose a $10-per-barrel tax on crude oil. The White House says the tax is included in the budget the president will propose next week.
  Fate of Medicaid expansion hangs on interpretation of one word
  Annie Feidt, APRN-AnchorageThe Legislative Council’s case against Medicaid expansion hangs on the interpretation of the word requires in Alaska statute. That’s a point all parties agree
  
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• Attorneys argue Alaska Medicaid expansion case in Superior Court Thursday - KTUU.com

  05-02-2016 03:50
  KTUU.com
  Attorneys argue Alaska Medicaid expansion case in Superior Court Thursday
  KTUU.com
  Superior court Judge Frank Pfiffner heard arguments Thursday from attorneys on both sides of a civil lawsuit challenging Governor Bill Walker's authority to approve Medicaid expansion without legislative approval. In July 2015, Walker announced ...
  Alaska judge hears arguments in Medicaid expansion suitJuneau Empire (subscription)
  Alaska judge to hear arguments in Medicaid expansion caseFairbanks Daily N
  

• Purse upped for Kuskokwim 300

  05-02-2016 03:06
  
  The Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race Committee has once again raised its purse, maintaining the race’s money pot as the second highest in the state for sled dog racing behind the Iditarod.
  The 2017 purse totals $150,000. That’s $20,000 more than this year’s race and is the fourth time in five years the purse has increased. The committee is also extending payouts from 20th position to 25th.
  Race Manager Zach Fansler says the race has attracted more sponsors while receiving highe
  
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• Hanley’s departure comes at critical time for Mt. Edgecumbe

  05-02-2016 02:41
  
  Education Commissioner Mike Hanley’s departure comes at a critical time for Mt. Edgecumbe, the state run boarding school in Sitka. The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program is interested in piloting an accelerated, STEM-focused high school on the campus. As details of that proposed takeover unfold, Mt. Edgecumbe administration was looking to Hanley as one of their defenders.
  Commissioner Mike Hanley has a history of standing by Mt. Edgecumbe High School. Last spring, the House Educ
  
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• Fate of Medicaid expansion hangs on interpretation of one word

  05-02-2016 02:20
  
  The Council is suing over Governor Bill Walker’s decision to expand Medicaid without permission from the legislature. Alaska law says legislative approval is necessary to add an optional group to the Medicaid program. Federal statute lists the expansion population in the required category, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can choose whether to expand the program.
  Attorney Erin Murphy argues for the Legislative Council in Anchorage Superior Court. Photo credit: Annie Feidt
  Attorney E
  
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• Kachemak Selo highlights need for new school

  05-02-2016 02:10
  
  
  One of three buildings that make up Kachemak Selo School. (Photo by Daysha Eaton/KBBI)
  Download Audio
  A new school for the town of Kachemak Selo is at the top of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s list of funding requests to the legislature. But with the state in financial crisis due to declining oil revenue, their request may go unmet. The tiny Russian Old Believer village is at the head of Kachemak Bay.
  Tanya Konev teaches preschool in Russian language at Kachemak-Selo sc
  
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• Wal-Mart wouldn’t allow job fair information in store

  05-02-2016 02:09
  
  A Wal-Mart employee talks to a Juneau Job Center staffer during a Jan. 29 job fair. (Photo by Elizabeth Jenkins/KTOO)
  About a minute’s walk from Wal-Mart, a small room at Gruening Park has been transformed intoa mini job fair. Up to 168 Juneau Wal-Mart employees could lose their jobs this week, so the state organized the Jan. 29 job fair to help.
  “We’ve got TSA, Fred Meyer, Verizon, AT&T, Home Depot, and IGA,” said Ray Brogdon, an employee at the state&rsquo
  
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• Obama proposes big new tax on oil

  05-02-2016 01:59
  
  File photo: Wikimedia
  President Obama wants to impose a $10-per-barrel tax on crude oil. The White House says the tax is included in the budget the president will propose next week.
  Jeff Zients, director of the National Economic Council at the White House, says the revenue would be used to move the country to a cleaner transportation system, and also boost spending on highways, transit and high-speed rail.
  “The 10-barrel fee is paid for by the oil companies,” he said. “The fee
  
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