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Alaska Public Media

@alaskapublic.org

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News from Alaska Public Media and our partner stations across the state. Alaska Public Media is a NPR and PBS station. Sign up for our daily newsletter: alaskapublic.org/newsletters.

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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 9h

“We’re not gonna back down or give way, because there’s too much at stake here,” said Butch Laiti, president of the Douglas Indian Association. “If we lose the Taku, and then that’s it, it won’t come back. And that’s the bottom line, right there.”

Juneau residents voice opposition to proposed New Polaris gold mine in British Columbia

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 11h

A new study has concluded that solar power plants are now cost-competitive with diesel for many rural Alaska communities, even if solar is only usable during part of the year. (via Alaska Beacon)

Hybrid solar-diesel power is less expensive than diesel alone in parts of rural Alaska, study shows

Diesel prices in remote areas are so high that it’s cheaper to use solar for part of the year, the analysis found, even with the cost of two power plants.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 12h

Western Alaska is bracing for another strong storm system this weekend as the remnants of Typhoon Halong are expected to move into the Bering Sea late Sunday into Monday.

Remnants of Typhoon Halong could bring further flooding to Western Alaska

The weekend’s potential storm is reminiscent of 2022’s ex-typhoon Merbok, which caused millions of dollars in damage across western Alaska.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 13h

A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.

This 4-year-old's heart is failing. A federal grant that might help him was canceled

A Cornell University researcher has been developing an artificial heart for children for more than 20 years. Now, his research is on hold and his lab is shut down.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 14h

A University of Alaska Fairbanks program aims to categorize birch syrup's complex flavors.

"Even the particular day and time that you extract that sap actually influences that flavor — that's the story for that particular day," Jennifer Hoppough said.

Tree tappers, chefs and food scientists say there's more to Alaska's birch syrup than just sweetness

A University of Alaska Fairbanks program seeks to categorize birch syrup's complex flavors.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 15h

From a zombie run to Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations, this weekend in Anchorage is packed.

Here are 11 ways to dive in.

The Anchorage Weekender: A zombie run, an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration and 9 more local events

Oh my gourd, Halloween is right around the corner! Anchorage is creeping it real this October with tons of haunted happenings.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 16h

President Trump is sending military troops to Chicago, over the objections of the elected leaders there, and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan thinks it’s a good idea.

He says Chicago’s violent crime rate justifies the deployment.

Sullivan endorses Trump’s deployment of military to Chicago

Sen. Sullivan says the crime rate justifies sending in the troops. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, on the other hand, considers it inappropriate.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 16h

Funding for a program subsidizing rural air travel is set to continue through early November despite the ongoing government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Transportation told airlines yesterday.

Rural airline subsidies will continue into early November despite shutdown, feds say

The U.S. Transportation Department says it has secured funding to continue the Essential Air Service program, subsidizing routes to 65 Alaska communities, through Nov. 2.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

The city of Kotzebue is under mandatory evacuation orders. That's as the community prepares for flooding the National Weather Service warns could be worse than last year's, which led to dozens of evacuations and two families losing their homes.

Mandatory evacuations ordered in Kotzebue as flooding from coastal storm begins

Water could rise as much as 10 feet above the high tide line, according the National Weather Service.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

A federal judge has ordered Alaska’s prison system to reconsider a transgender woman’s request to undergo surgery after declaring a state policy on the issue is so restrictive that it violates the U.S. Constitution. (via Alaska Beacon)

Federal judge says Alaska’s treatment of transgender inmate violates U.S. Constitution

The ruling follows a precedent that gender-affirming surgery can be medically necessary for transgender people in Alaska prisons.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

Some in Haines fear a proposed road to Juneau is about opening access to resources.

“It’s unlikely that this whole thing is going to come to fruition,” Shannon Donahue said. “Pieces may... Roads to logging, roads to mines and that can do a lot of damage.”

Concerns flare in Haines that a road to Juneau would be a ‘road to resources’

A DOT spokesperson said finding ways to partner with industry is an important part of the process, adding that the potential project is not purely a “road to a ferry terminal.”

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

After six years, the Alaska State Troopers have updated their list of cold case homicides.

Advocates for Indigenous victims and their families applaud the new list, but some say it still falls short of what’s needed to make a difference.

New Alaska State Troopers cold case list raises more questions than answers, advocates say

Advocates for Indigenous victims and their families applaud the new list, but some say it still falls short of what’s needed to truly make a difference.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

Ice cellars – or siqlugaq, in Yup'ik – are underground caches that Indigenous peoples in the Arctic have been using for thousands of years to store food. But as the Arctic warms, the practice is changing.

As the Arctic warms, residents and researchers look for ways to keep using traditional ice cellars

Permafrost thaw and erosion have been causing some of the ice cellars in Alaska to collapse or flood.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

The Municipality of Anchorage has launched a scavenger hunt of hidden gems throughout the city as part of its 50th anniversary celebration.

Allie Hartman, communications director for the Assembly, said the idea sprouted from coworkers riffing on their favorite spots in their own neighborhoods.

A hunt for hidden gems across Anchorage as the city turns 50

Instead of gold, you’ll find parks and trails that are beloved by community residents.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

The FBI searched the cellphone records of Sen. Sullivan and seven other U.S. senators and a member of the U.S. House as part of its investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, a newly released document shows. (via Alaska Beacon)
https://akpub.io/4mUxk8W

FBI searched Alaska Sen. Sullivan’s phone logs during Jan. 6 insurrection investigation

The logs cover several days during and around the insurrection, when rioters stormed the Capitol after President Donald Trump falsely claimed to have won reelection in 2020.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 1d

Travelers across the U.S. are beginning to feel the impacts of the government shutdown, as air traffic control staffing shortages disrupt flights across the country.

The government shutdown keeps snarling air travel. Officials say it could get worse

A dozen facilities saw air traffic control shortages on Monday, delaying flights at several airports. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy blamed "a slight tick-up in sick calls" due to the shutdown.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

We're in the last few hours of our $10,000 Challenge Match!

Thanks to the estate of Norm Stadem, first-time donations will be matched dollar for dollar until the total amount of first-time donations for the day reaches $10,000.

Give by 11:59 p.m. AKST today at akpub.io/FallDrive25.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

Bering Sea crabbers will see a boost in catch limits this season, after years of cancellations and small harvests due to low snow and king crab stocks.

Alaska crab fishery shows signs of recovery after massive crash

Bering Sea crabbers will see a boost in catch limits this season, after years of cancellations and small harvests due to low snow and king crab stocks.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

Searchers have recovered the body of one of three heli-skiers killed in an avalanche near Girdwood in March, troopers say.

Avalanche victim's body recovered near Girdwood

Searchers on Friday recovered the body of one of three heli-skiers killed in an avalanche near Girdwood in March, according to Alaska State Troopers.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

The small hive beetle — a pest that feeds on bees and honey — has been found in Alaska for the first time.

"They're impacting both quality and quantity of honey produced," entomologist Alex Wenninger said.

A pest that feeds on bees and honey has been found in Alaska for the first time

One expert hopes a coordinated effort among beekeepers will get the situation under control, but a master beekeeper says she's not confident that'll be enough.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

On this Talk of Alaska: Sen. Lisa Murkowski has served as one of Alaska’s two U.S. Senators for the past 23 years, and she joins us to discuss the government shutdown and her recent votes in Congress.

🎧 here or wherever you get your podcasts: https://akpub.io/46E7rpe

Sen. Murkowski discusses the government shutdown | Talk of Alaska

Sen. Lisa Murkowski joins us on this Talk of Alaska to discuss the government shutdown and her recent votes in Congress.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

Sen. Lisa Murkowski was the guest on today's “Talk of Alaska.”

She talked shutdown. She talked separation of powers. And she took questions from callers across the state.

Here are eight notable things she said.

8 notable things Murkowski said on ‘Talk of Alaska’

Murkowski spoke about a range of controversial subjects and took questions from callers across the state.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

After a six-week trial and about three days of deliberation, a Washington state jury has awarded $16.9 million to the family of a man who died in a 2019 airplane crash on Unalaska's runway.

6 years after fatal Unalaska plane crash, jury finds PenAir liable for nearly $17M

A Washington state jury awarded $16.9 million to the family of a man who died in a 2019 airplane crash on Unalaska's runway.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

The National Weather Service expects a storm this week to cause flooding along more than 400 miles of Northwest Alaska's coastline.

Water is expected to start rising tonight.

Northwest Alaska braces for coastal flooding

The National Weather Service expects peak water levels of up to 9 feet above the normal high tide line on Wednesday afternoon.

Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 2d

The CDC has accepted a controversial recommendation from outside vaccine advisers.

The new guidelines call for people to talk to a doctor, pharmacist or some other health care provider about the risks and benefits of the COVID vaccine before they get a shot.

The CDC says people must consult a health professional before COVID shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention accepted a controversial recommendation from outside vaccine advisers to tighten guidelines for the COVID vaccine.