KFSK Midday Magazine

State lawmakers consider a bill that would limit forever chemicals in drinking water; a change to work requirements could limit some veterans' access to federal food security programs; and the defending Iditarod champion and his sled dogs crossed the finish line in Nome last night.

A state senator wants stronger oversight and changes to state oil and gas taxes; the Alaska Board of Fisheries is considering limits to hatchery production; and the Petersburg School District is asking for budget feedback with an online tool.

A closely-watched budget bill in the Alaska Legislature is back in the air; some Juneau residents say they don't think the city is doing enough to mitigate tourism impacts; and Petersburg's borough assembly will consider allowing limited seafood processing at a cold storage facility.

The Alaska Senate moves forward with a high-profile budget bill; an octopus in Sitka has a new name; and the Petersburg Borough looks to start rewriting parts of its zoning code for implementation outside of town.

The state's transportation department and a Southeast Alaska nonprofit are partnering to plan for the region's future; Borough staff and businesses in Haines prepare for a backcountry ski competition; and Alaska's U.S. Senators nominated a Wrangell High School senior to join the Merchant Marine Academy.

Alaska Congressman Nick Begich III urged the state legislature to encourage resource development; Juneau social service providers are worried about potential cuts to critical funding; and Petersburg basketball coaches reflect of the regional tournament that concluded the teams' seasons.

An animal shelter in Anchorage is struggling to manage the huge number of animals seized in a neglect case; the City of Craig is asking residents how they would like to see tourism exist in the community; and the Alaska Senate passed a bill that could mandate a high school civics course graduation requirement.

Three Southeast Alaska fishermen have been charged with intentionally sinking boats near Sitka and Petersburg; the federal government is suing a Juneau resident for nearly $1 million spent removing his sunken derelict vessel; and Petersburg's Katie Holmlund is one of Alaska's top Forty under 40 awardees.

Researchers are documenting black seaweed across seven communities in Southeast Alaska; Alaska's snowshoe running team prepares for the upcoming Arctic Winter Games; and the Petersburg Borough will enter a 10-year agreement with a public safety equipment provider.

Alaska lawmakers are considering another boost to per-student funding for public schools; British Columbia is proposing to limit U.S.-based Tribes from government consultations related to environmental projects; and Petersburg's only movie theater has received a $30,000 grant from a local private nonprofit.

Alaska lawmakers urge fiscal caution as war in the Middle East pushes oil prices higher; Wrangell is partnering with a marine fabrication company to begin building and repairing large vessels; and a piece of borough-owned tidelands in Petersburg where a cruise line wants to build a dock is getting zoned.

Lawmakers question the state's decision to turn over voter data to the federal Department of Justice; shrimping in Southeast Alaska is now closed to all harvesters through the end of April; and Petersburg and Wrangell faced off on the basketball court during Petersburg's homecoming last weekend.

The neighborhood hit hardest by Juneau's glacial flooding won't pay for a buyout; mining proposals in Skagway have raised environmental concerns; and Petersburg's assembly brainstormed alternate tower sites with Tidal Network.

A measure to repeal ranked choice general elections will be on the ballot this year; Skagway held a peace walk earlier this month; and Petersburg's high school basketball teams are preparing for homecoming.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have backed out of one solution to Juneau's glacial outburst floods; Ketchikan is looking into a tunnel project to connect the city to the airport; and the executive director of Petersburg's domestic violence prevention nonprofit is stepping down.

The Alaska House fast-tracked a half-billion dollar spending bill; one Ketchikan organization is helping people not return to jail; and Petersburg's domestic violence prevention nonprofit has new programming.

The first round of fundraising reports in the race for governor are out; Alaska saw its 8th hottest year on record last year; and a Southeast Alaska group is hosting a landslide conference in Sitka.

Mariculture experts discuss the obstacles and opportunities shaping the industry in Southeast Alaska; President Trump's tariffs have resulted in higher prices for local coffee roasters in Alaska; and using Petersburg's harbors will cost more, starting next month.

The Forest Service is requesting public input for the Tongass National Forest Plan Revision; Travelers can now schedule ferry rides with the Alaska Marine Highway this summer; and a look behind the scenes at Petersburg High School's rom-com spring play performance.

Petersburg's Borough Assembly will decide whether or not to raise harbor fees; Wrangell officials invited local fishermen to a discussion about supporting the fleet; and Tidal Network visited town earlier this month for a work session with the assembly.

Federal fisheries regulators approved some limits on chum bycatch in the Bering Sea; there is now more time to comment on the future of the Federal Subsistence Board; and some insight from one Petersburg couple on building a marriage that lasts more than 75 years.

The Alaska Department of Transportation is drawing fire from lawmakers over the Cascade Point ferry terminal project; lawmakers consider the cost of sending inmates out of state; and the Board of Game has approved a change affecting where archers can hunt on Mitkof Island.

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is expected to vote today on capping chum bycatch in the Bering Sea Pollock fishery; a legal ruling allows Alaska's breweries to have unlimited live music performances; and young-growth lumber harvested from Mitkof Island is being used for a high school project in Sitka.

Scientists confirm destructive landslides are happening more frequently in Alaska, especially in Southeast; a Sitka-based cruise line is closing its doors; and Project Connect organizers say more people identified they're experiencing homelessness in Petersburg compared to previous years.

The Alaska Board of Game unanimously approved a limited harvest of male mountain lions in Southeast; a movie theater in Homer using a membership-driven model marks its first anniversary; and Petersburg Medical Center officials weigh the potential of the Rural Healthcare Transformation Fund.