What do Juneau and the Golden State have in common? Electric vehicles
In total, there are about 80 fully electric vehicles on the roads of Juneau. More than 40 of those were parked at Savikko Park in Douglas on Saturday at an electric vehicle get together.
With Saildrones, researchers learn more about St. Paul’s fur seals
Understanding how northern fur seals respond to changes in the distribution and abundance of fish could explain the mysterious decline of fur seals in the Pribilof Islands.
Alaska Republican officers ditch party roles to back Libertarian candidate
The Central Committee of the Alaska Republican Party voted to remove one of its members over the weekend, and several other party officers resigned, all so they can publicly support Joe Miller. Miller is trying again to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
VIDEO: Why is Alaska’s ice melting so fast?
Alaska’s glaciers are having an outsized impact on global sea level rise. Dr. Michael Loso, physical scientist at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, explains what’s happening to ice in the Last Frontier.
Unalaska joins emergency petition on tanner crab
This season, the unpredictable tanner crab population isn’t looking so good for Aleutian fishermen. At least, that’s what the state’s trawl survey indicated this summer.
High winds send cruise ship toward Haines, away from Skagway
Thousands of unexpected visitors made a stop in Haines today, when an unscheduled cruise ship docked in town this Tuesday morning. The boat was headed for Skagway, but high winds caused a change of plans. The ferry dock is crowded and the wind is strong. It’s a reminder of why the Crown Princess is stopped in Haines and not Skagway. Some passengers walk back and forth to town. Others wait nearby, while tour operators mingle with the crowd.
U.S.-Canada trade deal creating uncertainty in Southeast timber market
The U.S. is in the midst of negotiations with Canada over an agreement on Canadian lumber imports. Many U.S. sawmill owners argue that the Canadian mills receive government subsidies on government-owned lands, making it difficult for the U.S. market to compete.
Homer tourism reaches all-time high, visitor center coordinator says
Homer, the little town at the “End of The Road,” is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. 2016 has been a record-breaking year for the Homer tourism industry, said Jan Knutson, the Visitor Center coordinator with the Homer Chamber of Commerce.
Skagway residents weigh in on ferry dock closure
Skagway residents are facing a two-and-a-half month disruption in Alaska Marine Highway ferry service sometime in the next year and a half. The municipality held a meeting last week to hear from residents about what they think the best timing would be for the looming closure of the ferry dock.
Grant funds expansion of 3-year language revitalization program — and ‘a whole different worldview’
The Sealaska Heritage Institute hopes to create a three-year program, with at least eight participants.
No concesssion from Nageak as recount boosts Westlake’s lead
Westlake’s lead doubled Monday from four to eight votes over Nageak in final results in the closely watched recount.
Why Gov. Walker won’t challenge veto reversal
Gov. Walker won’t challenge a decision to reverse his veto of education funding. The state’s budget chief said a challenge would have cost the state time and money in a long court battle.
With 3 attacks in a month, Sitka bears showing ‘stress,’ district ranger says
A pair of Forest Service workers killed a charging brown bear near Sitka at the end of August. It was the third dangerous bear encounter in the Sitka Ranger District in less than a month.
Foul play not suspected in apparent gun death off University Drive
The Juneau Police Department is investigating the death of a 39-year-old Juneau resident Benjamin Parson.
Insurance data shows a surge in spending on opioid treatment and testing
An analysis of insurance company payments, finds that emergency room visits and lab tests were responsible for much of the overall spending related to treatment and testing for opioid use.
Police offer $10K for information on suspect in homicide case
Police in Anchorage have hit a wall in an active murder investigation. With help from the FBI, they’re hoping to find a person who may have been involved.
Alaska prepares for vessel disasters
Thousands of vessels move through Alaska’s waters every year. If something goes awry, their cargo and fuel could end up in the ocean. Cleanup efforts for past groundings near Unalaska have proven difficult and costly. But how ready is the state for disaster?
Some towns treat bikes as trendy, but in Reading, Pa., they’re tools
The city of nearly 90,000 is making an effort to become bike-friendly as a way to cater to existing residents — many of whom bike because they have to.
European green crab found in Puget Sound
A European green crab was found in Puget Sound. The crab is an invasive species that could have profound impacts on the areas foodweb.
State approves first licenses for marijuana businesses
The state approved its first licenses for marijuana businesses Thursday. Some business owners plan to open by the end of the year.