An image of Newtok's shoreline. In addition to increased erosion, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta may experience warmer winters and increased rainfall as the planet warms. (Photo courtesy Lemay Engineering and Consulting)

Climate Change

YK Delta winters could be unrecognizable after a century of climate change

If you’re living in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta a hundred years from now, it’s going to be hot and wet, according to a new study by scientists at the International Arctic Research Center, an institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

By Teresa Cotsirilos, KYUK-Bethel | September 25, 2017 10:23 am

At least four generations of the Davenport family have grown up with the “Diving Whale” blanket. But, as Amy Davenport told the audience Sept. 14, “There came a time when this blanket needed to come back.” (Photo courtesy James Poulson/Daily Sitka Sentinel)

Alaska Native Arts & Culture

A piece of history, culture comes home to Southeast

Tribal leaders from around Southeast Alaska gathered Sept. 14 in Sitka to welcome home a Chilkat robe associated with one of the most famous figures in modern Alaskan history.

By Robert Woolsey, KCAW-Sitka | September 25, 2017 9:59 am

‘Declaration of war’ means North Korea can shoot down U.S. bombers, minister says

North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho claims that under international law, his country can legally shoot down U.S. military planes — even if they’re not in North Korea’s airspace.

By Bill Chappell, NPR | September 25, 2017 9:30 am

Alaska's Energy Desk

Cleanup indicates Valdez spill bigger than initially thought

According to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, approximately 400 gallons of an oily water mix had been recovered from the Port of Valdez as of Saturday night.

By Elizabeth Harball, Alaska's Energy Desk | September 24, 2017 11:36 am

Russian hackers targeted Washington, Oregon election systems in 2016

Russian hackers attempted to penetrate Washington and Oregon’s voter registration systems last year. Top elections officials in both states received that confirmation Friday from the Department of Homeland Security.

By Austin Jenkins, Northwest News Network | September 24, 2017 11:25 am

Juneau officials to consider returning land to tribe

The City and Borough of Juneau Lands Committee will discuss a proposal to give Indian Point, also known as Auke Cape, back to the Auk’w Kwaan at its Oct. 23 meeting.

By Associated Press | September 23, 2017 3:24 pm

Crime & Courts

Police shooting victim pleads guilty to reduced charges

Jeremie Shaun Tinney, 39, was sentenced to 220 days in prison and fined $3,000 for failing to stop for a peace officer, driving while intoxicated, and assault during the Dec. 3, 2016, incident.

By Matt Miller, KTOO | September 23, 2017 2:01 pm

Lawsuit seeks to allow non-Alaska residents to gather signatures for state ballot initiatives

A lawsuit filed in federal court this week seeks to remove the residency requirement for people gathering signatures for state ballot initiatives.

By Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media | September 22, 2017 4:30 pm

Dan Henry (Photo courtesy The Skagway News)

Skagway Assembly candidate ordered to pay $220 for incomplete financial disclosures

For the second time in two years, a Skagway political figure has been ordered to pay a fine for incomplete financial disclosures. Assembly hopeful Dan Henry failed to disclose substantial debt on his candidate paperwork. He will still be able to run for office in the upcoming election.

By Emily Files, KHNS-Haines | September 22, 2017 4:12 pm

State Government

Walker pitches 1.5 percent income tax with a limit

Administration officials have a mouthful of a name for it: the “capped hybrid head tax.” It’s a flat 1.5 percent of wages and self-employment income, with a maximum of twice the value of that year’s Alaska Permanent Fund dividend.

By Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media | September 22, 2017 2:03 pm

A Tongass National Forest clearcut is shown in this 2014 aerial view. A new court decision limits logging on roadless areas of the forest. (Photo by Ed Schoenfeld/CoastAlaska News)

Environment

Federal court upholds contentious ‘roadless rule’ for national forests

A federal district court has sided with conservationists fighting to preserve the U.S. Forest Service’s “roadless rule” that limits road building in national forests. Alaska conservationists opposed to expanded logging in Tongass National Forest hailed the ruling as a victory.

By Jacob Resneck, KTOO | September 22, 2017 12:40 pm

Health

McCain announces opposition to Obamacare repeal bill, possibly dooming it

Arizona Sen. John McCain is the second Republican to oppose the legislation, after Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul came out against it last week. If one more GOP senator is against the bill, it cannot pass.

By Susan Davis, NPR | September 22, 2017 12:25 pm

Master Gardener Ed Buyarski harvested these potatoes of the Caribe and Magic Molly varieties which suffered from potato scab. (Photo by Matt Miller/KTOO)

Gardentalk

Gardentalk – Scabby potatoes

Peel off the scab and eat the potatoes immediately. They won’t keep very well in your root cellar. Master Gardener Ed Buyarski also has tips for mitigating potato scab, how to carefully harvest potatoes, techniques to harden or age potatoes before harvest, and setting aside small seed potatoes for next season’s planting.

By Matt Miller, KTOO | September 22, 2017 12:16 pm