In 1942, there were 44 people living on Attu Island, nearly all Alaska Natives. They were taken as captives to Japan, where half of them died. And after the war, the federal government forbade them from returning. In August, a group of 11 descendants finally visited their ancestral home for the first time.
KUCB - Unalaska
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Veterans reflect on cost of reclaiming U.S. soil 75 years after Battle of Attu
Seventy-five years ago, Japan and the United States were locked in one of the bloodiest battles fought on American soil: the Battle of Attu. In 1943, American troops were streaming into Alaska in preparation for one of the deadliest battles of World War II. One year earlier, Japanese soldiers had bombed Dutch Harbor, seized Attu Island and took the Alaska Native people who lived there as prisoners of war.
With 50-plus ringed seal sightings, Unalaskans start tracking the unexpected species
Ringed seals — an Arctic species that typically lives far north of the ice-free Aleutian Islands — are showing up.
Now, scientists are monitoring the unusual visitors to find out why they’re near Unalaska..
Troopers send Unalaska investigation to Office of Special Prosecutions
State troopers have wrapped up a months-long investigation concerning at least one of Unalaska’s elected officials. The case is now under review by the Alaska Office of Special Prosecutions, which will decide whether to pursue criminal charges.
Coast Guard suspends search for man missing from oil tanker south of Sand Point
The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a man who reportedly fell overboard from an oil tanker traveling past the Aleutian Islands.
Third ringed seal found in Unalaska sent for rehabilitation
After admitting a sick ringed seal from Unalaska, veterinarians at the Alaska SeaLife Center are cautiously optimistic about his chances for recovery.
Recall election fails to oust Unalaska’s mayor
According to initial election results, 62 percent of voters supported Mayor Frank Kelty, who was waiting at City Hall when the polls closed Tuesday night.
Coast Guard tallies 4th medevac in a week for fishing vessels near Cold Bay
The U.S. Coast Guard has rescued another injured mariner from a fishing vessel near Cold Bay, marking the fourth such medevac in a week.
Unalaska council sets mayoral recall election for March 6
The recall election of Unalaska Mayor Frank Kelty is set for March 6. A recall petition signed by 172 community members seeks to remove him due to allegations of misconduct in office – specifically attempting to sole-source land use agreements for the Unalaska Marine Center positions 5-7.
Unalaska City Council hears quotes for removing the F/V Akutan
The processor F/V Akutan was abandoned in Unalaska’s Captains Bay in September following a disastrous fishing season in Bristol Bay where the ship’s owner went broke, the crew went unpaid, and it’s 158,000 pound haul of salmon was declared unfit for human consumption.