Episodios

  • Fish Waste Concerns and Boarding School Tragedies
    Jul 31 2024

    A new investigation reveals that at least 973 Native American children died in abusive U.S. government boarding schools. The Interior Department calls for an official apology and recommends investing in programs to support Native American communities and heal from these traumas.

    Supporters of Alaska’s ranked choice voting system are asking the state Supreme Court to block a repeal measure from the November ballot. The case, expedited by the court, could impact the election process and ballot design deadlines.

    With salmon season in full swing, Alaskans are urged to properly dispose of fish waste to avoid attracting bears and potential fines. Illegal dumping has led to increased human-bear conflicts, prompting reminders about waste management.

    The Biden administration’s reappointment of Anne Vanderhoeven to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council has disappointed some Alaskans and conservation groups who had hoped for a more diverse and balanced perspective.

    Bristol Bay fishermen report unusually small sockeye salmon this year, with the average weight being the smallest on record. Factors like water temperature, food availability, and competition from pink salmon are contributing to this trend.

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    8 m
  • Historic Court Appointments & Olympic Hopes
    Jul 30 2024

    Alaska is on the brink of a historic shift with the possibility of having a majority female Supreme Court for the first time ever. The Alaska Judicial Council has announced seven female attorneys are in the running to replace Chief Justice Peter Maassen, who will retire in 2025. This change could see Governor Mike Dunleavy appointing a fourth justice, reshaping the court’s composition.

    Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau has been forced to close its new adolescent crisis care program due to financial and staffing issues. The program, which had been providing essential mental health services, struggled with a projected $1.2 million deficit and will be repurposed for other uses, though the hospital's emergency department will continue to offer crisis care.

    Vice President Kamala Harris is making waves with a strong fundraising performance in her presidential campaign, raising over $200 million in just one week. This surge comes despite recent criticisms from political opponents, showing her rising popularity.

    Team USA’s women's rugby team has advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics after a decisive win against Great Britain. With hopes high for an Olympic medal, the team will face reigning champions New Zealand in their next match.

    U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Representative Mary Peltola, are calling on the CDC to reconsider a new dog importation rule that they believe unfairly impacts Alaskans. They argue the rule doesn’t account for Alaska’s unique geography and sled dog culture.

    A successful rescue of an entangled Steller sea lion in Kodiak highlights the ongoing efforts to protect wildlife. NOAA Fisheries and local partners freed the sea lion from a plastic band, demonstrating the community's commitment to marine mammal conservation.

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    7 m
  • Climate Concerns & Online Safety
    Jul 29 2024

    Temperatures in Interior Alaska and northwest Canada are pleasant this July, but climate change is having severe effects. Over 60% of Alaskan Gwich’in forest lands have burned in the past decade, contributing to permafrost melt and economic and health issues.

    A cyanide spill at a gold mine in the Yukon Territory has worried Alaska salmon advocates. The spill occurred upstream of the Yukon River, affecting fish habitats and prompting calls for stricter mining oversight.

    A significant landslide has occurred on the Salmon Creek Trail, making it impassable. The area near the transition from road to trail is affected, but the penstock remains intact and the road is still open.

    The federal government is allocating $575 million to 19 projects to help coastal communities combat climate-related flooding and disasters. This includes nature-based solutions like living shorelines and climate risk assessments for Native communities in Alaska.

    The Senate has moved forward with laws to protect kids online from targeted ads, data collection, bullying, and exploitation. The Kids Online Safety Act and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act aim to make social media safer for young users, despite some concerns about potential free speech limitations.

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    7 m
  • Global Tensions, Environmental Wins, and Alaskan Triumphs
    Jul 26 2024

    Discover the implications of the historic joint patrol by Russian and Chinese bombers near Alaska, raising concerns for U.S. defense and international security.

    Learn about Alaska’s new law prohibiting harmful PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams, a significant move to protect public health and the environment.

    Get the latest details on the scenic Juneau Marathon and Half Marathon, including its Boston Marathon qualifying status and race-day logistics.

    Follow the story of a young walrus calf found alone in Alaska, now under expert care at the Alaska SeaLife Center.

    Meet Alev Kelter, the Alaskan rugby player making headlines with Team USA and aiming for a gold medal in international competition.

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    7 m
  • International Tensions, Alaska's Political Battlefield, and Olympic Glory
    Jul 25 2024

    In international waters near Alaska, U.S. and Canadian fighter jets responded to a significant airspace event involving Chinese and Russian military planes. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed the incident but assured that it did not pose an immediate threat. With increased military activity in the region, NORAD remains vigilant.

    The National Republican Congressional Committee has launched a new ad campaign targeting incumbent Rep. Mary Peltola, framing her as a "Biden enabler." The ad's release marks the beginning of a heated election season in Alaska's House race. Peltola, facing criticism from Republicans, emphasizes her commitment to positive campaigning despite the aggressive tactics from her opponents.

    President Biden gave a poignant address from the Oval Office announcing his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Surrounded by family, Biden reflected on his time in office and the honor it has been.

    Ellie Rubenstein, the investment manager at the center of an email leak controversy with the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp., has announced her resignation. Her departure follows concerns about potential conflicts of interest and her need to focus on her private equity firm.

    The State of Alaska has filed a legal challenge against the Bureau of Land Management’s new Conservation and Landscape Health Rule. Alaska argues that the rule undermines existing laws and imposes restrictions that harm local land use and management.

    Exciting news for Alaska as Kristen Faulkner and Alev Kelter qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Faulkner will compete in cycling, while Kelter returns to represent Team USA in Rugby Sevens. Both athletes receive praise and congratulations from Alaska's political leaders, celebrating their achievements on the global stage.

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    8 m
  • Police Shooting and Peltola’s Dilemma
    Jul 24 2024

    First, we discuss the tragic shooting of Steven Kissack, a well-known figure in Juneau experiencing homelessness. On July 15th, Kissack was shot and killed by police after a tense standoff. We recap the Juneau Police Department’s press release and the ongoing investigation by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation.

    Next, we turn our attention to Alaska’s political scene. Representative Mary Peltola has not yet decided whether to support Vice President Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, breaking from other state Democrats. Peltola emphasizes her focus on Alaska's energy and economic needs while navigating her decision.

    In our legal update, we cover the beginning of former Representative Gabrielle LeDoux's trial for voter misconduct and unlawful interference in the 2018 elections. LeDoux faces allegations related to voting irregularities, and a status hearing is set to determine if the trial will proceed as scheduled.

    Finally, we share the heartwarming story of Louis "Jiggs" Gigliotti, a 103-year-old WWII veteran who is finally receiving his veterans benefits after 78 years. Gigliotti, a longtime resident of Anchorage, has been honored for his service and will now receive support for his medical needs.

    Also, join us as we preview the grand reopening of Capitol Park in Juneau. The park, newly remodeled after two years of work, will celebrate its completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community festivities.

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    8 m
  • Harris Steps Up as Biden Exits; Juneau Police Shooting Sparks Outrage
    Jul 22 2024

    In a dramatic shift just months before the election, President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. Harris is quickly securing support from key Democratic figures and preparing for a high-stakes campaign against Donald Trump.

    The search continues for a Beechcraft Bonanza that vanished over Southeast Alaska with three people on board. The Coast Guard and local authorities are focusing their efforts around Mount Crillon, hoping for a positive outcome.

    Anchorage Police are implementing a new policy requiring the release of body-worn camera footage from officer-involved shootings within 45 days, with families able to view the footage within 14 days. This policy aims to increase transparency and accountability.

    The community in Juneau is rallying against police actions following the shooting death of Steven Kissack, a man experiencing homelessness. Protesters are questioning the use of force and calling for justice as the investigation continues.

    A state court has disqualified several booklets used to gather signatures for an initiative to repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system. The ruling impacts the ballot status of the repeal measure, with the Division of Elections now recalculating signature validity.

    A new forecast projects Alaska’s population will decline by nearly 2% by 2050, driven by outmigration, rising death rates, and falling birth rates. The forecast highlights significant challenges for urban planning and potential regional disparities.

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    8 m
  • Nationwide Technology Outage and Calls for Police Accountability
    Jul 19 2024

    A major technology outage is disrupting 911 and non-emergency call centers across the U.S. Alaska State Troopers report significant issues with emergency call systems statewide. Anchorage police confirm 911 is still operational, but alternative numbers are available for affected areas. The outage is linked to a global disruption affecting Microsoft services, impacting flights, banks, and media outlets worldwide.

    Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has reappointed Ethan Schutt to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp.'s board of directors, despite earlier uncertainty about his reappointment. Schutt, who has been a board member since 2020, is recognized for his role as chair and his commitment to managing the state's $81.8 billion fund.

    U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred resigned following a report of inappropriate conduct, including sexual relationships with staff and attorneys. The Judicial Council has referred the case for possible impeachment, and Alaska state prosecutors are reviewing conflicts of interest in criminal cases previously handled by Kindred.

    The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether to lift a stay on a lower court's order that could halt Southeast Alaska's king salmon fishery. The Wild Fish Conservancy argues that fishing practices are harming endangered killer whales, while the state of Alaska and other groups advocate for maintaining the stay.

    Alaska state prosecutors are investigating the police shooting of Steven Kissack, a man who experienced homelessness by Juneau Police Officers and an Alaska Wildlife Trooper. The shooting, which is the ninth officer-involved shooting in Alaska this year, has raised concerns about police practices and accountability.

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    9 m