Laura Kraegel, KUCB - Unalaska
Laura Kraegel covers Unalaska and the Aleutian Islands for KUCB . Originally from Chicago, she first came to Alaska to work at KNOM, reporting on Nome and the Bering Strait Region. (laura@kucb.org / 907.581.6700)
Museum of the Aleutians reopens after yearlong closure
The Museum of the Aleutians has officially reopened in Unalaska — after a scandal closed the space for nearly a year.
Scientists have increased alert level for Pavlof Volcano
Scientists have increased the alert level for Pavlof Volcano for the second time this month. On Thursday, the Alaska Peninsula volcano showed signs of low-level eruptive activity, prompting officials to raise its alert level from "advisory" to "watch." Listen now
Where are the herring? Unalaska’s fishery remains on hold while seiners search
The commercial herring fishery is on hold in Unalaska — because no one can find the fish.
Fishing vessel takes on water near Adak
The United States Coast Guard said the Alaska Juris, a 229 foot fishing vessel, was reported to be taking on water this afternoon in the Aleutians. The Coast Guard reports 46 people in survival suits abandoned ship in three life rafts. As of 4 p.m., the Coast Guard was on the way to the ship which was 174 miles from Adak. Listen now
A closer look at the ship bringing high-speed internet to Western Alaska
Western Alaska just got one step closer to high-speed internet. Listen now
What happened to all the Chinook Salmon? New research points to potential predators
In the 1960s, king salmon were abundant in Alaska, and it stayed that way through the 90s. After the new millennium, though, Chinook numbers fell — and they've remained low since.
In Northwest Arctic, controversy continues on eve of new caribou restrictions
For the first time ever, hunters who live outside the Northwest Arctic will not be allowed to hunt caribou on federal lands. The Federal Subsistence Board has closed Game Management Unit 23 starting July 1 in an effort to conserve Alaska’s largest herd and protect subsistence. Download Audio
Hydroponics business brings local produce to Kotzebue
In the middle of a gravel lot, surrounded by rusty equipment and old storage containers, one brand-new connex is making history. Inside, it’s filled with hydroponically grown, leafy green vegetables — the inaugural crop from Arctic Greens. Download Audio
Department of Fish and Game seeks to prevent closing of caribou hunting to outsiders
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has asked the Federal Subsistence Board to repeal its controversial decision to close caribou hunting in the Northwest Arctic to all non-local hunters. Download Audio
Nearing graduation, musician Byron Nicholai looks to college and new challenges
Byron Nicholai began posting fun, silly music videos on Facebook when he was 14 years old. Now, the Toksook Bay musician is 18, and his drumming and singing is celebrated for sharing traditional Yup’ik culture.
Federal Board closes caribou hunting to non-locals in the Northwest Arctic
In the Northwest Arctic, caribou hunting has been contentious for years. Alaska’s largest herd continues to decline, while tensions have emerged between rural subsistence users and outside hunters. Download Audio
Emmonak public safety official arrested for pointing gun at residents
A village public safety officer from Emmonak was arrested Wednesday for pointing a firearm at three residents of the community. Alaska State Troopers say they responded to the incident last Friday and their investigation led to the arrest of 68-year-old Jay Leroy Levan. Download Audio
AK: Iñupiaq photographer documents life and culture in Alaska Inuit communities
From Teller and Kaktovik to Shungnak and Tuluksak, Inupiaq photographer Brian Adams has traveled all over rural Alaska for “I Am Inuit.” The project aims to document Alaska Inuit culture and share it with the world through portraits and stories of local people. Download Audio
Emmonak declares disaster after fire threatens fishing industry
The City of Emmonak has issued a disaster declaration after a fire destroyed five commercial fishing buildings last month, causing $3 million of damage. Download Audio
2016 Cama-i Dance Festival starts in Bethel
The 2016 Cama-i Dance Festival starts Friday night in Bethel. The festival will feature performers from all over the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and beyond.
Download Audio
Zirkle and King thank Nulato community after snowmachine incident
At the Iditarod Banquet in Nome Sunday night, mushers, fans, and race officials celebrated the 44th running of the Last Great Race. Before they announced awards, though, organizers presented Aliy Zirkle and Jeff King with a special donation from the community of Nulato.
Arctic Winter Games to start on Sunday with nine Nome athletes
The Arctic Winter Games start Sunday in Greenland. Nine athletes from Nome are representing Team Alaska at the international tournament. They’ll compete in four events: Dene Games, Arctic Sports, Biathlon Ski, and Alpine Skiing. Most of Nome’s athletes have competed in indigenous games since they were little kids. But at today’s practice, Coach Marjorie Tahbone has them trying something new.
State lawmakers recommend closing the Nome Youth Facility
A subcommittee for the Alaska House of Representatives has recommended closing the Nome Youth Facility. The closure would save more than a million dollars outright, but some say it would come at the expense of kids who live in western Alaska.
Rep. Foster fights proposed cuts to rural services, supports state income tax
With Alaska’s budget deficit nearing $4 billion, Representative Neal Foster (D-Nome) says cuts are coming and they’ll have major repercussions for the Bering Strait Region.
Winter storm brings strong winds, blowing snow to Nome, Bering Strait region
A low-pressure system southwest of Saint Lawrence Island is producing snow and strong winds around the region.