Alaska News Nightly: May 18, 2012

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EPA Releases Bristol Bay Assessment

Dave Bendinger, KDLG – Dillingham

The Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft document intended to inform their decision making process in regards to large mining projects in the Bristol Bay region.

Defense Authorization Facing Presidential Veto

Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC

Representative Don Young voted to increase Pentagon spending on Friday. Defense authorization is facing a veto from the president.

Arrow Refuse To Offer Curbside Recycling In Juneau

Casey Kelly, KTOO – Juneau

The state-regulated company that collects garbage in Juneau will start offering curbside recycling next month.

Arrow Refuse plans to pick up comingled materials, including paper, cardboard, metal cans, and plastics, but not glass. Customers can opt-in to the service for $3.11 a month.

Many Juneau residents have long clamored for curbside recycling. But not everyone is convinced that Arrow Refuse’s service is right for the community.

Kuskokwim River Breakup Less Extreme Than Expected

Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK – Bethel

Although dozens of people were evacuated, breakup on the Lower Kuskokwim River was a lot less eventful than what experts had expected.

Bethel Hold Breakup Bash

Mark Arehart, KYUK – Bethel

From an ice standpoint, the Lower Kuskokwim breakup may have been quick, but in the eyes of residents along the river, it was a long time coming.  In Bethel dozens and dozens of people even gathered together for a riverside party.

Air Station Sitka Changes Command

Ed Ronco, KCAW – Sitka

Commander Ward Sandlin took over as commanding officer of Air Station Sitka on Wednesday. The top job changes every two years. Sandlin replaces Commander Doug Cameron.

AK: Climate Change

Johanna Eurich, KNBA – Anchorage

Alaska Natives living in some arctic coastal communities became the nation’s first climate change refugees when the loss of protective ice, exposed them to huge waves and storm surges, making it too dangerous to remain in their homes.  But inland villages are also feeling the affects of global warming. Melting permafrost is devastating the delta community of Selawik. To find out how residents are coping, Johanna Eurich visited the village, where the land is sinking and eroding.

300 Villages: Nenana

This week, we’re featuring Nenana, the interior village that’s home to the famous ice classic lottery. The community is located where the Nenana and Tanana rivers meet. Robin Campbell is Tribal Administrator in Nenana.

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