KFSK Midday Magazine

The Arctic tundra shifted this past year from capturing carbon to releasing it, which means now it's contributing to rising global temperatures; a wildlife refuge near Kotzebue gets a new sign, meant to reflect the region's wildlife and culture; a look back at 2024 in Petersburg.

Petersburg harbormaster Glorianne Wollen told the state seafood task force that Alaska's harbors need more funding; Skagway residents got a lesson on heat pumps; a look at how the Alaska Reads Act has affected reading levels in Sitka.

Troopers arrested a man in Petersburg last week for allegedly sharing child sexual abuse material; SEARHC is acquiring another privately-owned healthcare facility in Juneau; travelers on the Alaska Marine Highway's ferry Columbia can now use free Wi-Fi.

Juneau utility staff say they need to raise water and sewer rates bu about 50% over the next five years; Gov. Mike Dunleavy said last week that he intends to establish a state department of agriculture to improve Alaska's ability to feed itself; in remote Southeast Alaska, travel for school activities can be a logistical nightmare, but studies show those activities are incredibly good for kids.

A bill that would increase thousands of Alaskans' Social Security benefits is headed for President Biden's desk; Wrangell's Christmas Tree Lane has been a tradition for two decaded; Juneau has a new chess club.

Sitka is looking for public input in planning its energy future; Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proposed a funding boost for Alaska's seafood marketing agency, after vetoing similar funding included in last year's budget; Petersburg's Joey Boggs escorted the capital Christmas tree across the country last month.

A look at tanner and golden crab populations ahead of this season's fisheries; federal grant funding will go toward upgrading an aging hydroelectric plant on Prince of Wales Island; a former Denali park ranger documented the ways the Arctic has changed over the last 40 years.

An application to put a cruise limit question before Sitka voters has passed the city's initial legal review; the Ketchikan Indian Community just received a $3 million grant to build dozens of housing units for seniors; Pacific Seafood has purchased the Trident Seafood plant in Kodiak.

The Petersburg wrestlers on on their way to the state tournament in Anchorage today; a shuttered theater in Juneau will be converted into 22 apartments thanks to municipal assistance; an infrequently-used cruise ship port outside of Ketchikan has hew owners.

The Petersburg School District needs to spend down some of its operating balance in the next year and a half; a recent state report found that the Alaska Office of Child Services failed to offer enough support to a foster child with aggressive behaviors; more than a thousand Ukrainians have come to Alaska since Russia invaded their country - but now some worry Trump will deport them.