Anchorage news

• Starbucks rolls out ‘unity’ cup ahead of Election Day

  01-11-2016 23:28
  
  Starbucks cup photographed on Oct. 26, 2016Joshua Trujillo/Starbucks Artist Shogo Ota creates his art on the window of a Starbucks store on 1st Avenue in SeattleJoshua Trujillo/Starbucks Artist Shogo Ota creates his art on the window of a Starbucks store on 1st Avenue in SeattleJoshua Trujillo/Starbucks
  One week before Election Day, Starbucks has unveiled a new cup in the U.S. that it says is meant to be “a symbol of unity.”
  The green cup features a mosaic of more than 100 people, i
  
  Read more

• Weather hampers search for pilot missing near Lake Clark

  01-11-2016 23:00 via ktoo.org
  
  ANCHORAGE — The National Park Service says poor weather Monday again hampered efforts to find an Anchorage pilot missing in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.
  David McRae, 55, left Anchorage Friday for Lake Clark, the agency said.
  Authorities have not been able to contact him and are trying to reach a location where an emergency locator transmitter beacon was activated.
  The National Park Service says the ELT signal is coming from the 5,000-foot level of mountains between Merrill P
  
  Read more

• Gates on Chilkoot Corridor will not limit access, state parks say

  01-11-2016 23:00 via ktoo.org
  
  A crowd gathers on a September morning along the Chilkoot River. (Photo by Jillian Rogers/KHNS)
  The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is installing gates at Haines most popular bear viewing area: the Chilkoot River Corridor.
  It’s the first step in the effort to improve the road. While the work is happening this week, vehicle access is limited.
  State parks staff say locals shouldn’t worry about the gate restricting access to the recreation area in the future.
  Southeast State Park
  
  Read more

• What’s new at the Alaska Aviation Museum and 4 other family fun activities

  01-11-2016 22:30
  
  From vintage planes to flight simulators, the Alaska Aviation Museum (AAM) has something engaging for the whole family, but that’s not the only place to take the kids this November.
  Erin Kirkland from AK on the GO met with Daybreak to highlight what’s new at the museum, as well as a roundup of what’s going on this month.
  The AAM recently added a virtual reality (VR) flight simulator by the gift shop. If your kids don’t want to fly in VR, there’s a flight simulator w
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Inaugural Alaska IT Awards aims to highlight accomplishments of state’s unique industry

  01-11-2016 22:19
  
  The inaugural Alaska IT Awards Gala this Friday will highlight the state’s accomplishments in the information technology (IT) industry. Organizers of the event say it’s about time those who’ve spearheading the way were awarded for their efforts in putting Alaska on the global IT map.
  “We’ve really been talking for years on, how do we recognize leaders in our community that have done great accomplishments for IT up here in Alaska?” said Jim
  
  Read more

• Troopers investigate theft from crew trailer on Prince of Wales Island

  01-11-2016 22:00 via ktoo.org
  
  Alaska State Troopers on Prince of Wales Island are investigating the theft of appliances and fixtures from a trailer near Hydaburg.
  The crew trailer belongs to Southeast Roadbuilder, according to the online troopers dispatch report.
  The report states that at some point during the past two weeks, someone entered the trailer at a job site near mile marker 7 of Hydaburg Highway, and stole approximately $3,000 worth of items.
  The investigation is ongoing.
  Anyone with information about this inc
  
  Read more

• Lack of child care rating systems leaves parents in a bind

  01-11-2016 22:00 via ktoo.org
  
  There are rating systems for hospitals, nursing homes and doctors. So why is it so hard to compare providers of child care?
  Part of the reason is that there are no nationally agreed-upon standards for what determines the quality of child care. The standards that do exist are formulated in each state, and they vary widely.For example, some states require that child care workers have a teaching certificate. Others require certain college courses. Some have strict ratios of how many caregivers are
  
  Read more

• What is an ‘independent’ candidate this election?

  01-11-2016 21:44 via ktoo.org
  
  Secrecy folders for ballots and “I Voted” stickers at a polling place in the State Office Building for early and absentee voting, Aug. 15, 2016. (Photo by Jeremy Hsieh/KTOO)
  If you’ve felt like there are a lot more candidates in this year’s state elections running as independents, you are not alone.
  Races up and down the ticket in Alaska have candidates dropping party affiliations all together. And, of course, Gov. Bill Walker ran and won as an independent after drop
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Bail request denied fro 31-year-old man charged in drug deal

  01-11-2016 21:00 via ktoo.org
  
  A 31-year-old man charged with dealing drugs from his set net fishing site in Naknek this summer remains in custody.
  Nathan Wegner and his attorney asked for a reconsideration of his bail terms, currently set at $20,000 and a third-party custodian.
  His attorney Jon Bucholdt asked Judge Greg Miller to reduce the dollar amount and let his client seek treatment at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, or SAARC, while his case is litigated.
  “The underlying idea of SAARC is good for h
  
  Read more

• Bail request denied for 31-year-old man charged in drug deal

  01-11-2016 21:00 via ktoo.org
  
  A 31-year-old man charged with dealing drugs from his set net fishing site in Naknek this summer remains in custody.
  Nathan Wegner and his attorney asked for a reconsideration of his bail terms, currently set at $20,000 and a third-party custodian.
  His attorney Jon Bucholdt asked Judge Greg Miller to reduce the dollar amount and let his client seek treatment at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, or SAARC, while his case is litigated.
  “The underlying idea of SAARC is good for h
  
  Read more

• Trump presents dilemma for evangelical women, once reliable GOP voters

  01-11-2016 20:00 via ktoo.org
  
  White evangelicals are reliable Republican voters. They also have a long history of demanding that politicians exemplify character and morality in public life.
  So for many, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump presents a moral dilemma.
  Trump has apologized for what many saw as one of his most egregious moments — bragging about groping and kissing women without consent in a 2005 recording. He has denied allegations from several women accusing him of sexual assault.
  But the episode h
  
  Read more

• Charges dropped, reduced in Haines drug bust case

  01-11-2016 20:00 via ktoo.org
  
  A recent drug bust in Haines has much less serious charges than originally attached.
  Prosecutors and police say even though the case is diminished, they plan to pursue the remaining charges.
  The defendant in the case points to that as evidence of police ineptitude.
  Police initially charged Dean Lari with four felonies. They include three possession charges, which are class C felonies, and one more serious class B felony involving manufacturing or delivering drugs.
  The charges stem from a sting i
  
  Read more

• Troopers investigating gun stolen from Ketchikan home

  01-11-2016 19:00 via ktoo.org
  
  Alaska State Troopers in Ketchikan are seeking information about a stolen gun, taken between Oct. 24 and Oct. 29 from an unlocked home on Beachwood Lane.
  The gun is a black Ruger SR-22 Caliber handgun, according to the Troopers online dispatch.
  Anyone with information pertaining to this case or any criminal activity is asked to contact Alaska State Troopers at 225-5118.
  Callers can remain anonymous.
  
  Read more

• Longtime Anchorage costume store closes doors after Halloween

  01-11-2016 19:00 via ktoo.org
  
  
  Dooleys Tuxedos and Costumes which will be closing after Halloween 2016. (Photo by Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage)
  An Anchorage costume shop has close its doors for good after decades of existence in Alaska.
  Starla Heim, 44, the owner of Dooley’s Tuxedos and Costumes in Anchorage, has been working at the store since she was 18 years old and helped run the business with her mother, Rose Heim, and Doris Dooley, the original owner.
  Dooley passed away in the earl
  
  Read more

• E-cigarette battery sparks, Alaska Airlines plane taken out of service for 6 hours

  01-11-2016 18:23
  
  An Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Anchorage was taken out of service Sunday when an e-cigarette battery started to spark, according to airline spokesperson Halley Knigge.
  She said Alaska Airlines flight 67 had several scheduled stops in southeast Alaska, as the plane made it’s way to the state’s largest city. While people were deplaning in Ketchikan, at about 3:30 p.m., one of the passengers noticed there was smoke coming from his bag.
  According to Knigge, the passenger had b
  
  Read more

• School bus hits car, pillar and commuter bus in Baltimore, killing 6

  01-11-2016 18:00 via ktoo.org
  
  At least six people were killed when a school bus hit a car, careened into a pillar and struck a commuter bus in southern Baltimore on Tuesday morning, according to local police.
  The bus was on its way to pick up a student, police say — there were no children on the bus at the time of the accident.
  The series of crashes began when the yellow school bus struck the back of a Mustang. The driver of that car was injured, according to law enforcement officials.
   Serious injuries reported i
  
  Read more

• Check forging case dismissed after restitution paid

  01-11-2016 18:00 via ktoo.org
  
  The state has dropped its case against a Dillingham woman accused of forging her grandmother’s checks after restitution has been paid.
  In May, police charged Brianna Brandon, 26, with stealing more than $3,500 after forging 16 checks over a two-month period.
  In October, the state dropped those charges after restitution was paid and it became clear Brandon may not have been responsible for the theft.
  “When I first contacted the victim she told me that she was confident that
  
  Read more

• Fairbanks police chief resigns amid investigation

  01-11-2016 17:00 via ktoo.org
  
  FAIRBANKS — The Fairbanks police chief has resigned, days after he was reinstated following a month on leave amid an investigation into allegations of possible conflict-of-interest violations.
  Randall Aragon’s resignation was effective Friday.
  The resignation was announced Monday by Fairbanks Mayor Jim Matherly in a news release.
  The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports Aragon was put on administrative leave Sept. 22 by former mayor John Eberhart, who also reinstated Aragon on Oct
  
  Read more

• Alaskans stand in solidarity with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe fighting pipeline

  01-11-2016 16:27
  
  Protesters fighting the Dakota Access Pipeline Project (DAPL) got support from Alaskans over the weekend, as dozens of people rallied in midtown Anchorage.
  Energy Transfer Partners, a Texas-based energy company, is trying to build a mega pipeline to carry oil. Thousands of protesters in North Dakota are trying to stop the project. They say it tears through Native American burial grounds, violates U.S. treaty obligations and would go right under the Missouri River, which is the reservat
  
  Read more

• US factory activity picks up in October

  01-11-2016 16:00
  
  WASHINGTON (AP) – U.S. manufacturing grew last month at the fastest pace since July, a sign that American factories are coping with economic weakness overseas and a strong dollar.
  The Institute for Supply Management says its manufacturing index came in at 51.9 up from 51.5 in August. Anything above 50 signals growth. Production and export orders grew faster in October. A measure of factory employment rose last month after falling for three straight months.
  Factories have now expanded seven
  
  Read more

• Utility subsidiary seeks withdrawal from state oversight

  01-11-2016 15:56
  
  KENAI, Alaska (AP) – As the Homer Electric Association moves forward with its election to withdraw from the oversight of the state utilities regulator, the company’s subsidiary is also planning a deregulation election.
  The subsidiary, Alaska Electric and Energy Cooperative, operates as a separate cooperative with HEA as its only member. The Regulatory Commission of Alaska announced AEEC’s plans to seek exemption from regulation by election Friday.
  The Peninsula Clarion reports
  
  Read more

• UAF students call for better handling of sex assault cases

  01-11-2016 15:51
  
  FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – Students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are questioning how school officials have responded to reports of sexual assault.
  The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports that they voiced their concerns Sunday at a forum hosted by interim Chancellor Dana Thomas.
  Students criticized university policies that allow those accused of sexual assault to return to campus before the case is closed. They also said the university has been lagging in its effort to fill positions
  
  Read more

• A week from election day, accusations continue to fly between Miller campaign and Alaska GOP

  01-11-2016 08:57
  
  The election is a week away, and accusations, grievances and even a police complaint are flying back and forth between now Libertarian Joe Miller and his former party, the Alaska Republican Party.
  Friday, the Miller campaign sent out a mailer that looked a lot like an old mailer from 2010 that the AKGOP paid for. The flyer is from Miller’s Republican run for U.S. Senate, and points to Sen. Lisa Murkowski — his opponent then and now — for bailing out Wall Street at the expe
  
  Read more

• Got candy? Bean’s Cafe is accepting Halloween candy donations

  01-11-2016 07:05
  
  Bean’s Cafe is hoping to give something a little sweeter to its clients after Halloween. The nonprofit is accepting donations of Halloween candy.
  “GOT CANDY?! We’ll take it!” the organization said on its Facebook page. “Once the candy is sorted and the sugar comas have worn off, pack up the extra candy you have and bring it to Bean’s Cafe. We are having a post-Halloween candy drive!”
  Bean’s Cafe spokeswoman Lisa Sauder says the candy can be used in
  
  Read more

• ‘Artful Teaching’ in Juneau schools couples art — including this awkward pose — and curriculum

  01-11-2016 07:05 via ktoo.org
  
  A group of four students make themselves a pumpkin after their teacher asked them to become something related to Halloween. (Photo by Quinton Chandler/KTOO)
  Jessica Collins’ social studies classroom in Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School is full of energetic seventh- and eighth-graders. Chairs and desks are pushed to the sides of the room.
  The students are separated into groups of four and they’re frozen in awkward poses.
  One group is sitting with their legs crossed and all four kids
  
  Read more

• Police procession carries body of fallen Fairbanks officer to airport

  01-11-2016 06:38
  
   
  ANCHORAGE — Since Friday, the Anchorage Police Department has stood watch over the body of Fairbanks police Sgt. Allen Brandt, who died from complications during surgery after he was shot multiple times. Brandt will soon return home to Fairbanks, where a memorial service will be held.
  Starting at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, APD will escort Brandt’s body from the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s office to a waiting plane near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Ai
  
  Read more

• Fairbanks, Anchorage police detail procession routes for body of fallen officer

  01-11-2016 06:38
  
  An officer stationed at the State Medical Examiner's office to guard Sgt. Allen Brandt's body
  Since Friday, the Anchorage Police Department has stood watch over the body of Fairbanks police Sgt. Allen Brandt, who died from complications during surgery after he was shot multiple times. Brandt will soon return home to Fairbanks, where a memorial service will be held.
  Starting at 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, APD will escort Brandt’s body from the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s
  
  Read more

• PFD automatic voter registration could increase turnout — for a price

  01-11-2016 06:15 via ktoo.org
  
  PFD Voter Registration ballot initiative supporters carries signature boxes and banners to the Alaska Division of Elections in Anchorage, Jan. 14, 2016. (Photo courtesy PFD Voter Registration campaign)
  On Nov. 8, Alaskans will vote on Ballot Measure 1, which would automatically register eligible individuals to vote when they apply for a Permanent Fund Dividend, unless they opt out. Through mid-October, the campaign in favor of the initiative had spent over $1 million, despite the lack of fo
  
  Read more

• Miller irks GOP by sending old fliers bashing Murkowski

  01-11-2016 06:03 via ktoo.org
  
  The Joe Miller campaign obtained 2010 GOP fliers and sent them, with a few modifications. (Image courtesy Miller campaign)
  In another sign that this is a strange election year, the U.S. Senate campaign of Libertarian Joe Miller is mailing leftover fliers the Alaska Republican Party printed in 2010, but didn’t send. The fliers are critical of the incumbent, Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
  In 2010, she was the candidate the party was trying to defeat in the general election. Now, Murkowski is the Repub
  
  Read more

• For Moda customers pushed to Premera, insurance rates will jump 35 percent

  01-11-2016 05:49 via ktoo.org
  
  The open enrollment period for the federal health insurance marketplace opens Nov. 1, 2016. (Photo by Josh Edge/APRN)
  Open enrollment in the federal health insurance marketplace begins Tuesday, and two-thirds of enrolled Alaskans will see about a 35 percent rate increase as they transfer from Moda Health to the lone provider left in Alaska’s market.
  Lori Wing-Heier, director of the state’s Division of Insurance, said about 14,000 individuals will swap over to Premera Blue Cross Blue
  
  Read more

• Fairbanks mourns fallen police officer

  01-11-2016 05:41 via ktoo.org
  
  Hundreds gather in front of a Fairbanks police station for a candlelight vigil to honor Sgt. Allen Brandt on Friday. Brandt died Friday after complications during surgery after being wounded on the job. (Photo by Dan Bross/KUAC)
  Fairbanks is mourning the loss of a police officer. Sgt. Allen Brandt, 34, who was shot earlier this month, died Friday of complications following surgery to remove shrapnel from one of his eyes. Community members gathered for a candlelight vigil Friday night to hon
  
  Read more

• Hot Seats: Lance Pruitt and Harry Crawford for House District 27

  01-11-2016 05:36
  
  Taking out the incumbents — six state lawmakers were knocked out of office during the August primary. One of the candidates in an East Anchorage House race hopes that trend continues in the general election.
  “Hi there how are you? I think I’m doing well. My name is Harry Crawford and I’m running for the state House.”
  It’s a phrase Crawford’s uttered many times before. The Democrat is running against Rep. Lance Pruitt for his old seat, a seat he held for
  
  Read more

• Alaska Air flight grounded after e-cig batteries ignite

  01-11-2016 05:31 via ktoo.org
  
  An Alaska Airlines plane at Juneau International Airport. (Photo by Heather Bryant/KTOO)
  Passengers on an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Anchorage on Sunday were delayed over five hours after a passenger’s backpack started burning. Batteries for an e-cigarette are the likely culprit.
  Flight 67 had just made a scheduled stop in Ketchikan at 3:30 Sunday afternoon, and about half the passengers had deplaned when the incident occurred.
  Andrew Hames was seated just a few rows behind the
  
  Read more

• Tenakee Springs: A source for alternative energy

  01-11-2016 04:51
  
  It’s that time of year — time to switch on the heat. In some rural homes, that will cost thousands of dollars. It’s the kind of electric bill that has people in Southeast Alaska getting creative.
  With its hot springs and tons of wildlife, Tenakee Springs is a place some people call paradise, but living on an isolated island comes at a price. Now, residents there are turning to nature to keep costs down.
  The town, just 55 air miles outside of Alaska’s capito
  
  Read more

• Juneau looks to secure funding for officer body cameras

  01-11-2016 04:35
  
  Juneau is still working to acquire funding needed to outfit the city’s police officers with body cameras.
  The Juneau Empire reports that the U.S. Department of Justice awarded the department with a $25,000 grant to help purchase 40 body cameras. But in order to secure the funds, the city must put up nearly $27,000 on its own.
  The police department can cover about $7,000 of the total, but is asking the Juneau Assembly to appropriate the remainder in asset forfeiture funds.
  The Assembly will
  
  Read more

• Health benefits expire soon for family of fallen Fairbanks officer, reigniting fight for new law

  01-11-2016 03:56
  
  The family of a Fairbanks Police Department officer who died after being shot six times will not have health insurance after Nov. 30 unless the city extends their plan. Sgt. Allen Brandt died 12 days after the shooting following complications from a surgery to remove shrapnel from his eye.
  Fallen officers’ families have dealt with the risk of losing health insurance before. In the past, Alaska governors extended coverage with state funds to the families of Alaska State Troopers killed on d
  
  Read more

• Inbound Glenn closed at S. Birchwood Loop Road following multi-vehicle collision

  01-11-2016 02:42
  
  The inbound lanes of the Glenn Highway have been closed to traffic at South Birchwood Loop Rd. as police respond to a crash involving at least 5 vehicles, according to the Anchorage Police Department.
  Police are on scene awaiting the arrival of tow trucks.
  The alert was sent out shortly after 5:30 p.m. Monday.
  This is a developing story; watch KTVA News at 6 p.m. for live updates. 
  The post Inbound Glenn closed at S. Birchwood Loop Road following multi-vehicle collision appeared first on KT
  
  Read more

• Glenn Highway reopens at S. Birchwood Loop Road following multi-vehicle collision

  01-11-2016 02:42
  
  Updated at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31
  Anchorage police say all lanes have been cleared and reopened.
  Original story
  The inbound lanes of the Glenn Highway have been closed to traffic at South Birchwood Loop Rd. as police respond to a crash involving at least 5 vehicles, according to the Anchorage Police Department.
  Police are on scene awaiting the arrival of tow trucks.
  The alert was sent out shortly after 5:30 p.m. Monday.
  This is a developing story; watch KTVA News at 6 p.m. for live updates
  
  Read more

• Anchorage fuel company settles with EPA for Clean Air Act violations

  01-11-2016 01:35 via ktoo.org
  
  An air pollution control device at the Shoreside Petroleum Inc. facility in Seward. The device is a flare that burns gasoline vapors. (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency)
  An Anchorage-based fuel service company violated federal clean air standards for more than a decade. The Environmental Protection Agency announced a fine against Shoreside Petroleum Inc. on Monday. 
  Shoreside Petroleum was leaking gasoline vapor from its fuel terminals into the air around Seward and Cordova.
  Th
  
  Read more

• School playground fire likely arson, fire officials say

  01-11-2016 01:13
  
  The destroyed playground equipment at Gladys Wood Elementary SchoolCourtesy Heather Marron/Anchorage School District The destroyed playground equipment at Gladys Wood Elementary SchoolCourtesy Heather Marron/Anchorage School District The destroyed playground equipment at Gladys Wood Elementary SchoolCourtesy Heather Marron/Anchorage School District
  The Anchorage Fire Department says someone may have intentionally set fire to and destroyed playground equipment at Gladys Wood Elementary School Fr
  
  Read more

• Juneau Afternoon – 11-1-16

  01-11-2016 01:11 via ktoo.org
  
  Tuesday on A Juneau Afternoon,
  Beth Weigel will be here with an update on Library activities;
  Keith Wertheimer, from the Elks Lodge, will be here to highlight the upcoming Veteran’s Dinner;
  Gordon Harrison will be here with details about this Thursday’s presentation about Capital City Landmarks;
  And Tom Mattice will be here with details about next month’s Snow and Avalanche Workshop.
  That, Writer’s Almanac, Bird Note, music and more, today on A Juneau Afternoon, live at 3
  
  Read more

Follow @AnchorageNewsUS on Twitter!