Adelyn Baxter, KTOO - Juneau
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 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
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
49 Voices: Ralph Watkins on Hoonah
This week we're hearing from Ralph Watkins in Hoonah. Watkins is the superintendent of Hoonah city schools and was involved in the annual ḵu.éex’ festival, which celebrates the cities Tlingit culture and heritage. Listen now
Juneau teens rap about Tlingit culture in new bilingual music video
The song features rhymes about picking blueberries, Southeast Alaska and smoking "a fat pound of salmon." Listen now
Lemon Creek inmates study Latin etymology and epic poems behind bars
Taking GED or vocational classes in prison is not unusual. But at Juneau’s Lemon Creek Correctional Center, a small group is studying Latin, a language that’s been dead for centuries. Listen now
Juneau seeks community help with $1 million endowment for Alaska College of Education
The City and Borough of Juneau is looking to the community for help meeting the remainder of its $1 million commitment to the University of Alaska’s new education college. Listen now
Elders look on with pride as younger generations step up at Celebration 2018
What began 36 years ago as an attempt to save Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures from extinction has become a vibrant reminder that Alaska Native traditions are alive and thriving. Listen now
49 Voices: Nellie Vale of Yakutat
This week we're hearing from Nellie Vale who arrived to Celebration 2018 in the Yakutat canoe. 10-year-old Vale decided to introduce herself with her Tlingit name. Listen now
Savikko Park totem pole represents long-delayed healing for descendants of Douglas Indian Village
Members of the T’aaḵú Ḵwáan gathered Tuesday at Savikko Park in Douglas for the raising of the Yanyeidì Gooch kootéeyaa, or Wolf totem pole.
Newest megaship docks in Juneau for the first time
The newest megaship to ply Alaska waters arrived in Juneau Tuesday for the first time. The 4,000-passenger Norwegian Bliss was specially designed for sailing in Alaska and will be making weekly stops in Juneau through the season. Listen now
Juneau’s child care providers concerned by proposed licensing changes
Proposed regulations may make it harder for child care facilities statewide to do business. In Juneau, some daycare directors say the new rules would reduce capacity and worsen the shortage of affordable child care. Listen now
New PBS show ‘Molly of Denali’ to feature Alaska Native in title role
The animated children’s series will debut next summer. It’s the first nationally distributed children’s series to feature an Alaska Native character in a leading role. Listen now
AK: What’s the deal with Juneau’s barefoot guy?
Xtratufs, Bogs, Muck Boots — comfortable, waterproof footwear is pretty much a necessity here in Juneau. But not for the local some know as “the barefoot guy.” Listen now
Capitol rally calls for more funding to support STEAM education in Alaska
As nearly 100 people rallied for the second annual March for Science outside, legislators inside debated education funding. Listen now
Alaskan educators advocate for increased K-12 funding
School administrators, teachers and parents from across the state testified before the House Finance Committee Tuesday in support of increased school funding. Rep. Les Gara’s HB 339 would increase the base student allocation by $100 to $6,030. Listen now
U.S. Coast Guard, Juneau police test response capabilities with nuclear scenario
Juneau emergency responders trained for a simulated a terrorist threat with a nuclear device aboard a ferry. About 30 Juneau residents got to ride along for the exercise. Listen now
UA President Johnsen shares outlook for university budget
The Alaska House of Representatives passed its version of the state operating budget Monday by a narrow margin. It includes $19 million more for the University of Alaska’s operating budget than Gov. Bill Walker proposed. Listen now
Rep. Sam Kito III will not seek re-election
Rep. Sam Kito III is not running for re-election in the fall. Kito told the Juneau Empire he made his decision Friday due to financial concerns. Listen now