Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.
House Appropriations Proposes EPA Cuts, Senate Proposes Nothing
Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC
Congress is debating the funding levels for things that have huge affects on Alaska: The Environmental Protection Agency, Land Water Conservation funds, firefighting resources and others. The House is prepared to move a bill that makes dramatic cuts.
Gambell, Savoonga Face Food Shortage
Eva DeLappe, KNOM – Nome
Gambell and Savoonga had their lowest walrus harvest on record. That’s created a food shortage and economic crisis in the Yup’ik villages as residents are unable to pay their bills and are worried about the coming winter. The region’s legislators are urging Governor Parnell to declare an economic disaster declaration for the Island to free up state money for relief.
APU’s Eagle Glacier Training Camp Cultivating Olympic Skiers
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
The U.S. women’s cross country ski team has never won an Olympic medal. But that could change in Sochi, Russia this winter. Leading the way is Alaska Pacific University Skier Kikkan Randall, the best sprint skier in the world. Summer training usually involves giving up on snow. But the U.S. women have a secret weapon as they prepare for Sochi – APU’s Eagle Glacier training camp.
Gardens at Bragaw to Celebrate Grand Opening
Sara Bernard, APRN – Anchorage
The community gardens in the Mountain View neighborhood in Anchorage are finally bearing fruit – and vegetables. The Anchorage Community Land Trust negotiated with the municipality to take over the project in 2012 with help from state and grant funding. The organization will host the gardens’ opening celebration this Friday.
Chugiak Singer-Songwriter Advances In National Competition
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
Chugiak singer-songwriter Robin Hopper had been named a quarterfinalist in a national competition sponsored by the Grammy Foundation.
Smoking Ban Postponed At AHFC Senior Housing
Rosemarie Alexander, KTOO – Juneau
A smoking ban planned for state-subsidized senior public housing has been postponed.
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation was to implement no-smoking rules in residents’ apartments in August, forcing smokers outside.
Now the corporation says it will re-evaluate the policy.
Photographer Aims To Help Struggling Non-Profits
Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage
Photographer Ron Levy came to Alaska to work as a park ranger during the 1980s. He started taking photos, first as a hobby, but soon made the jump to a professional career. Levy has recently returned from Mexico where he shot photos of environmental degradation. He says he wants to use his camera to help struggling non-profits accomplish their aims.
