Sen. Mark Begich concedes, lagging by 6,211 votes with few ballots left to count
Sen. Begich had held off conceding the race, which the AP called last week, waiting until the bulk of late and absentee ballots were counted yesterday. In a prepared statement, Begich listed some of his accomplishments: opening NPRA, advancing oil exploration, and keeping the military presence in Alaska strong. He said he's proud of the new model for health care for veterans he created. Veterans now can receive care at local clinics and hospitals rather than having to travel to a VA facility.
In a prepared statement, Senator-elect Dan Sullivan said he thanked Begich for his service, and is looking forward to representing and serving Alaskans. He said he's ready to begin the process of turning our country around, and to build a brighter future for Alaska. Sullivan will be sworn into office in January. Last week, Sullivan traveled to Washington, DC, for orientation for new Senators and to vote for Senate officers.
Polar bear population hard hit by climate change
A new U.S.-Canada study shows a population of Chukchi Sea polar bears has fallen by nearly half, with a dramatic increase in deaths of young cubs. Scientists chiefly blame shrinking sea ice from global warming.
Kuskokwim River breaking up due to unseasonably warm weather
Temperatures in the 30s and 40s in Western Alaska has the Kuskokwim River breaking up and melting. The National Weather Service says flooding is unlikely. Forecasts call for continued warm weather this week, and dropping back below freezing at the end of the week.
Juneau friends, relatives honor the late Dr. Walter Soboleff with a parade
About 70 people turned out on Friday to honor a Tlingit Elder and Presbyterian minister known for his work to preserve Tlingit language and culture, and document Tlingit values. As KTOO's Casey Kelley reports, Soboleff's church was desegregated at a time when most were segregated. Soboleff was active in the Alaska Native Brotherhood, and supported the Alaska Native civil rights movement. Soboleff died in 2011 at the age of 102.
