Latest news with #AlaskaPublicMedia
New York Times
15-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
PBS and NPR's Last-Ditch Fight to Save Funding
When Americans took off the Fourth of July holiday to celebrate the country's independence from the British, Paula Kerger, the chief executive of PBS, was busy fighting her own political battle. As a deadline was fast approaching for Congress to decide whether to strip more than $500 million a year from public media, Ms. Kerger was promoting a campaign to save that funding, featuring celebrities like Bill Nye, Kerry Washington and Reba McEntire. 'We were really taking advantage of this moment, when people were talking about our country, to be part of that dialogue because that is what PBS is,' Ms. Kerger said. 'We are very much a part of the fabric of America.' Congress is expected to vote on that proposal, known as a rescission request, by the end of the week. If approved, it would end federal support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which distributes money to NPR, PBS and local stations. That deadline has led to a rush of last-minute appeals from dozens of public radio and TV executives across the country, from Washington, D.C., to Anchorage. 'It's really important,' said Ed Ulman, chief executive of Alaska Public Media, the largest PBS and NPR organization in that state, where some organizations are in danger of shutting down if the vote passes. 'Everybody is reaching out to their senators and ensuring that this issue is front of mind,' he added. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
New York Post
30-05-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Massive volcano eruption is imminent amid earthquake surge, leaving major US city on high alert, scientists fear
Is it going to blow — or blow over? Seismic activity levels on Alaska's Mount Spurr soared to March levels earlier this week, sparking fear that an eruption could be on the horizon. 'Earthquake activity beneath Mount Spurr remains elevated,' the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) warned in a May 28 report. 'Following a steady decline from late March through April, shallow earthquake activity has increased in the past two weeks to March levels of about 100 events per week.' Advertisement And while the advisory assured that the 'likelihood of an eruption continues to gradually decline,' the 11,000-foot volcano remains at an 'elevated state of unrest,' meaning that an 'explosive eruption' is still possible. 4 A roiling eruption column rising from Mount Spurr's Crater Peak vent during its Aug. 18, 1992, eruption. R.G. McGimsey, /, Alaska Volcano Observatory 'We're not out of the woods yet, by any means,' Matt Haney, a researcher with the Alaska Volcano Observatory, told Alaska Public Media. 'There's still earthquakes happening at Mount Spurr.' Advertisement However, an AVO report on May 29 found that while 'low-level unrest continues, no changes have been observed in the monitoring data to indicate that the volcano is moving closer to an eruption.' 'If an eruption occurred, it would be preceded by additional signals allowing warning,' they said. If an eruption were to occur, it would likely send a spout of ash shooting as high as 50,000 feet into the air, Haney previously told the Daily Mail, adding that the resulting cloud could cover the neighboring city of Anchorage. Spurr has been on officials' radar since April 2024, when they observed a spike in seismic activity. Advertisement 4 Mount Spurr. 'We're not out of the woods yet, by any means,' researcher Matt Haney saud. 'There's still earthquakes happening at Mount Spurr.' Matt Loewen / Alaska Volcano Observatory/ USGS By October, the rate of tremors had soared from 30 per week to 125 per week. The recent return to those levels has raised alarm bells. Meanwhile, a gas measurement probe from May 23 found that emissions were slightly lower, but within the 'uncertainty bounds' of those measured during the last gas analysis on April 24. They wrote that 'CO2 values' from the volcano's vents remain at 'above background' levels which could indicate the presence of magma underneath the surface. Advertisement However, AVO noted these levels were similar to the readings in 2004 and 2006, a similar period of activity when Spurr didn't blow its stack. 4 Chart detailing earthquake activity and deformation at Mount Spurr from Sept. 1, 2023, to May 23, 2025. 4 The summit of Mount Spurr on Oct. 24, 2024. AP Alaskans likely won't need to batten down the hatches just yet. 'The pause in deformation suggests' that the shallow intrusion of magma 'over the past 17 months has stalled,' according to the agency. 'This intrusion of magma could still lead to an eruption, but gas and earthquake activity do not clearly indicate an unstable or pressurizing system.' A Spurr eruption, the AVO said, would likely be nearly identical to eruptions in 1953 and 1992, which involved explosive events that lasted several hours and produced ash clouds that traveled hundreds of miles and rained ash across southcentral Alaska. Advertisement The latter year's explosion notably blanketed Anchorage with ash, causing officials to shutter the airport. A possible Spurr eruption — which would likely originate from its side vent, called Crater Peak — would also cause mudslides and avalanches of volcanic debris and ash to roar down the mountain at 200 miles per hour. 'Fortunately, there are not any communities in that radius that would be affected,' Haney said. Advertisement
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Public media is in the crosshairs. How will Alaska's congressional delegation vote?
Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, standing with Alaska Public Media President Ed Ulman, at left, accepted a "champion of public broadcasting" award in 2020 from a coalition of public television stations. Amid efforts to strip federal funding of public media, Sullivan calls NPR "overly partisan" but says he "understands that Alaska's public radio stations are essential to our state." (Photo courtesy of America's Public Television Stations) Should public media be spared the budget cutting axe of President Donald Trump and the congressional allies of the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE? I'm not going to directly answer that question myself, because I'm not an unbiased observer: I've worked for years as a reporter and contractor for Alaska Public Media, Anchorage's public radio and television station. I also have close friendships and working relationships with many of the reporters across the state whose jobs could be at stake. I do, however, feel confident in saying that there's another, related question that's objectively interesting and less problematic for me to try to answer, which is: Will Alaska's elected officials vote to buck Trump and preserve public media's federal funding? That question has become increasingly urgent with the Trump administration plan to end the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, or CPB.' That nonprofit organization, in turn, grants money to both NPR and PBS, as well as to stations across the country — including more than 20 in Alaska, from Utqiagvik on the North Slope to Ketchikan near the Canadian boarder. Alaska's stations received more than $12 million from CPB last year, which can amount to 40% or more of their annual budgets. NPR, which Trump and his allies have attacked as biased towards liberals, derives roughly 1% of its budget from CPB, though it also collects money from individual stations that run its programs. Alaska's public media leaders told me they believe Trump's proposal is more likely to pass the Republican-controlled U.S. House. They're counting on the U.S. Senate — where only a few GOP votes would be needed to sink the plan — to be their firewall. They describe Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski as a rock solid ally in preserving the funding. And they expect Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, a longtime supporter of public media, to come to their defense, too. But they also say they won't know for certain until the votes are cast. 'I don't want to say that I'm fully confident of their votes,' said Tom Abbott, general manager of KFSK in the Southeast Alaska fishing town of Petersburg, which gets some 30% of its budget from CPB. But, Abbott added: 'We've had very strong support from both of our U.S. senators, for several years now.' I was curious to know where Sullivan, Murkowski and Alaska's sole member of the U.S. House, Republican Nick Begich III, stood on what's reported to be an impending proposal from Trump to rescind $1.1 billion, or two years of funding, for CPB. I asked each of their offices Wednesday. Begich's spokesperson didn't respond by my deadline. Murkowski's spokesman, Joe Plesha, was unequivocal, saying that she is a 'fierce advocate for Alaska's public broadcasting and vehemently opposes this reported rescission.' 'While the administration might be targeting NPR and PBS by rescinding this funding, the real casualty will be local public broadcasting, which is vital for Alaska,' Plesha said. Sullivan's spokesperson, Amanda Coyne, also sent a statement: 'While Sen. Sullivan believes that NPR has become overly partisan and has veered far from its mission to include a diversity of voices in its coverage, he understands that Alaska's public radio stations are essential to our state, especially in rural areas.' Sullivan has also, in recent days, responded to constituents who have emailed in support of public media funding, saying in a form letter that he 'will continue to work with the current administration to stress the importance of public broadcasting in Alaska and nationwide.' Sullivan's position is particularly interesting because of his politics: Unlike Murkowski, he's rarely publicly criticized Trump's policies. But while Trump's White House has ripped into public media — saying this monththat 'the NPR, PBS grift has ripped us off for too long' — Sullivan has long recognized its value, at least as far as the services it provides in rural communities. In 2020, he accepted a 'champion of public broadcasting' award from a coalition of public television stations. He also joined with Murkowski in recommending an Alaskan, Diane Kaplan, for a seat on CPB's board of directors, and former President Joe Biden appointed her in 2022. Kaplan is now in the news this week for a lawsuit she and CPB filed against Trump, alleging that the president is illegally attempting to fire her and other board members. Begich's vote will be interesting to watch, as well. The representative, who's just a few months into his first term, has aligned himself closely with Trump. But he's also sent constituents correspondence about public media funding that references the challenge of communication and information sharing in Alaska's rural communities, saying that public media plays a 'crucial role' in residents' access to news and emergency alerts. 'I support fiscal responsibility and efforts to reduce wasteful government spending,' he said in one recent message. 'I also recognize that certain investments provide valuable returns to our communities. I will continue to advocate for policies that enhance infrastructure, improve broadband access, and support communication networks that serve all Alaskans, including those in our rural communities.' Republicans have targeted federal funding of public media for years. But those efforts have never gained as much traction as they're getting now. Abbott, in Petersburg, describes the current threat to federal funding as 'by far, the most serious' in his 28 years as general manager. With the proposal from Trump expected, though still not yet introduced, 'it puts us all in an uneasy position.''We're kind of waiting for the ax to drop,' he said. Nathaniel Herz welcomes tips at natherz@ or (907) 793-0312. This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Herz. Subscribe at this link. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make disturbing discovery after investigating Arctic Ocean wildlife: 'It blew my mind'
While diving into issues surrounding the Arctic Ocean, researchers discovered microplastics in the stomachs of dozens of seals. The research was published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin. It's the first study to document microplastic ingestion in marine mammals in the Arctic, according to Alaska Public Media. Spotted seals from the Bering and Chukchi Seas were harvested in 2012 and 2020 for the study. The research team at the University of Alaska Fairbanks used enzymes to break down the prey found in the stomachs and separated the plastic particles. A total of 190 microplastics were found in 33 seal stomachs. Biologist Alex Sletten, leader of the study, said all but one of the seal stomachs contained microplastics. "When you think about the Arctic, you think about this pristine environment that hasn't really been touched by anthropogenic stress," Sletten said. "In reality, there's so much microplastics out there. It blew my mind." The team noted that the microplastic ingestion was not impacted by age, location, or the year the seals were harvested. However, the study determined that species high on the food chain are more likely to consume microplastics because the animals they eat have already ingested the pollution. Plastic waste accounts for 80% of all marine pollution, according to UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. In fact, researchers expect more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050. A study found that there were more than 400 million metric tons of plastic produced worldwide in 2023. However, more plastic produced means more plastic pollution. In addition to microplastic ingestion, marine animals can become entangled or even suffocate from plastic pollution. Plastics also pose severe health risks to humans. Research revealed that microplastics can potentially lead to various cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, and respiratory disorders. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program is dedicated to addressing the effects of marine debris. Meanwhile, consumers can help by simply using less plastic. Reusable alternatives that are plastic-free last longer, which ultimately keeps money in your pocket. Should taxpayers help pay to clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? We should pay for all of it We should pay some but not all Corporations should foot the bill Charities should pay for it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Switching up fashion preferences can also benefit the environment. About 9% of the microplastics found in the ocean are from synthetic fibers that are in fabrics like polyester and nylon, per the Natural Resources Defense Council. Buying clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and wool instead can make a huge difference. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Beloved Community Reindeer Dies After Mysterious Assaults
A beloved Alaskan reindeer was euthanized earlier this month after a series of mysterious attacks by an intruder. Star, an eight-year-old reindeer who was revered by its Anchorage community, began to lose weight and exhibit startling health issues after the unidentified aggressor gained access to the animal's quarters in January, the Associated Press reported. Since the 1960s, it's been a tradition in Anchorage for the town to house a reindeer in the public Feb. 20, the person returned and opened Star's cage and released the animal. Star's owner, Albert Whitehead, told Alaska Public Media that the reindeer was found wandering the streets of Anchorage after likely following the intruder from the stall. When he reviewed security footage, Whitehead was astonished to see the person using bolt cutters to free Star. The following night, Whitehead was watching the surveillance footage when the person once again arrived, this time hitting Star twice in the face with an unknown substance. Whitehead left his house to confront the attacker. 'I yelled at him to stop, 'What the hell are you doing? What are you spraying on the animal? Don't do that, quit that!' ' Whitehead said. 'I'm trying to help Star,' the intruder allegedly replied. 'I have no idea what they meant by that,' Whitehead the Feb. 20 incident, Star began experiencing digestion issues and extreme weight loss and came down with pneumonia. On April 1, Whitehead made the difficult decision to euthanize Star. 'His health was so bad that he was not doing very well,' Whitehead said. 'He was suffering…Suddenly he relapsed, and some other issues developed. So [I] really don't know what caused him to die. The vets now are going through a necropsy with him, and we won't have a result of that for a couple [of] weeks.' 'I think [we did] everything possible for him,' Whitehead added. No arrests have been made in the incident, but Anchorage police are circulating the security footage to see if any residents can identify the intruder. When asked if Anchorage's public reindeer tradition would continue after Star's death, Whitehead didn't mince words. 'Would you be willing to put another animal into that enclosure, knowing there's somebody out there that [was] doing this kind of stuff to him?' he asked.
