Alaska News Nightly: June 2, 2011
Natural Resources Commissioner Educates Washington DC About Alaska, Abuse Victims Take Case to Federal Court, Fire Risk in Fairbanks Decreases, Weather May Help Fight Hastings Wildfire, and more...
SHI program trains educators to see Thru the Cultural Lens
Juneau teachers and administrators were the students on Saturday at a Sealaska Heritage Institute seminar intended to help them see the world from their pupils’ perspectives.
Suicide prevention model relies on local adaptation
A new prevention model aims to make a dent in Western Alaska's high suicide rate by providing the region with research and strategies, and letting each village decide for itself how to use the information.
NSF Earmarks $1.5M for Native Students Studying STEM Subjects
A $1.5 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation will fund a five-year pilot project to help American Indian and Alaska Native college students achieve advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM subjects.
Download Audio:
Army Corps green-lights Ward Cove cruise ship dock
Fairbanks investor John Binkley of the Ward Cove Dock Group says the hope is to get the berths in place for this season.
Here’s why your street isn’t plowed yet
Back-to-back storms, a tricky division of labor, and budget cuts contribute to a perception of lagging snow-removal. Listen now
Rural Legislators Wary Of Change To School Funding Formula
With the Alaska House of Representatives set to vote on an omnibus education bill Monday night, rural legislators are prepared to fight a change to the funding formula included in the legislation.
Lacking competitive benefits, exodus of troopers causes ‘critically low’ staffing
The Alaska State Troopers are at “critically low” staffing levels, according to a recruitment and retention plan report from the Department of Public Safety. Listen now
House Democrats Confirm Kito To Downtown Juneau Seat
Sam Kito III is now at work as the newest member of the Alaska Legislature.
He replaces Juneau Rep. Beth Kerttula, who resigned her House seat last month for a Stanford University fellowship.
Download Audio
With Federal Funding Drying Up, Fate of Trails Program Uncertain
Whether it's with bicycles, ATVs, or hiking boots, summer is a prime time for Alaskans to go and play outside. There are hundreds of miles of trails available for use across the state, and much of that system is developed and maintained with federal funding. But now, some of that money is at risk of drying up, and outdoor enthusiasts are worried about what that could mean for recreation in the state.
Download Audio
49 Voices: Noatak Post of Juneau
This week we're hearing from Noatak Post in Juneau. During the summers, Post can be found playing the violin for tourists visiting the state's capital as they disembark from cruise ships. Listen now
LGBTQ community grieves while celebrating Pride
Members of Juneau’s LGBTQ community celebrated the beginning of Pride week with a picnic at a local park. The festive mood was darkened by collective mourning for victims of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando early Sunday. At least 50 people were killed. Download Audio
Academic merit prioritized over financial need in state higher education programs
Alaska has the lowest proportion of students from low-income families attending university in the country. There is a state-run grant program designed to help more low-income Alaskans afford college. But it only receives half as much money as the state's merit-based program. Listen now
$5 million in capital budget designated for UA renovations and repairs
$5 million is included in the capital budget for the state's university system to spend on major building renovations and repairs. Listen now
Three-way race for governor complicates campaign strategies
There’s a large early lead for Republicans in requests for absentee ballots. Listen now
Touring by Tesla: From The Mexico Border to Fairbanks
Guy Hall is an electric car evangelist. He drove from the California-Mexico border to Fairbanks in a Tesla Model S, and stopped by KTOO in Juneau to let a reporter take his wheels for a spin.
Download Audio:
Construction season is ramping up in Alaska. What kind of spending is expected in the industry this year?
Construction industry spending in Alaska is projected to increase by 10 percent this year compared to 2018.
Alaska fishermen appeal Carnival’s $20 million pollution settlement
Three Alaskans are appealing a deal reached between Carnival Corporation and federal prosecutors after the world’s largest cruise company recently admitted to violating its felony probation.
New study says Chukchi polar bears are healthy despite sea ice loss — for now
“Unless the underlying problem of climate change is addressed, the sea ice is expected to continue to diminish,” said polar bear researcher Eric Regehr. “And at some point that will likely have a negative effect on the bears in this Chukchi area.”
Alaska AG: Dunleavy could have state troopers bring legislators to Wasilla
Alaska’s attorney general and the Legislature’s top lawyer are at odds over whether the governor is allowed to set a special session’s location.