Alaska

Shell Oil Containment System Passes Federal Test In Puget Sound

John Ryan — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:10:08 +0000

Shell Oil had to postpone its Arctic drilling for a full year after one of its oil rigs ran aground off the Alaska coast this winter. But Shell’s efforts to open a new frontier of oil exploration in the Arctic Ocean continue in Puget Sound. The oil giant passed a key test with federal regulators last month in the waters off Anacortes, Washington. KUOW’s John Ryan reports.

Another Setback For Shell’s Arctic Drilling Plans

John Ryan — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:44:05 +0000

Another costly setback for Shell Oil and its efforts to drill in the Arctic Ocean: Shell needs to send its beleaguered oil rigs to Asia for major repairs, instead of to Seattle as planned. KUOW’s John Ryan reports.

Interior Dept. To Probe Shell’s Arctic Drilling Mishaps

John Ryan — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:54:26 +0000

The Obama Administration announced a sweeping inquiry into Shell Oil’s Arctic drilling program yesterday. The 60-day probe will look at the company’s mishaps in Alaska and here in Puget Sound. KUOW’s John Ryan reports.

Chehalis Cold Case Suspect Awaits Extradition From Alaska

Dave Bendinger — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 23:03:20 +0000

An Alaska man accused of murdering an elderly Chehalis couple in 1985 is awaiting extradition to Lewis County, Wash. Police say the arrest of Rick Riffe of King Salmon, Alaska, closes a cold case investigation that spans 26 years.

Report Details Risks of Proposed Mine Near Alaska's Bristol Bay

Ashley Ahearn — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:10:20 +0000

Bristol Bay, in Southwestern Alaska, is the home of one of the world’s largest runs of Sockeye salmon. In fact, all five types of salmon spawn in the bay’s freshwater tributaries.

Bristol Bay could also become the home of a new mine to extract copper, gold and other minerals.

The Environmental Protection Agency has released a risk assessment study on how mining could impact the ecosystem there. The Agency will hold a public hearing in Seattle Thursday.

Ashley Ahearn reports that fishermen in the Northwest are watching the process closely.

Pets And Wildlife Deliver YouTube Stardom To Alaska Woman

Alexandra Gutierrez — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:07:13 +0000

UNALASKA, Alaska - One of the quirks of the internet age is how some home videos become unexpected global sensations. In 'net lingo, it's called "going viral." This week's examples of that genre include a humorous clip of house cats and neighborhood wildlife gathered on a porch in the remote Aleutian town of Unalaska. KUCB’s Alexandra Gutierrez reports on the unlikely Internet stardom of a woman who just filmed out her door.

No Vacation: Amy Buckler and Mina Black

Sueann Ramella — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:46:14 +0000

Life in Seward, Alaska wasn't easy for English major Amy Buckler and her husband. They had a tough time making ends meet. One day, they decided to leave and start a new life in Oregon with their young daughter. In today's StoryCorps Amy tells her now 10-year-old daughter, Mina Black, about a trip that would prove tougher than they'd ever expected.