Reverbiage: Stories from NPR tagged 'alaska'

Alaska Natives Look For New Friends In Congress

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:23:00 EST

With Alaska's Ted Stevens no longer in the Senate, there's talk on Capitol Hill of reconsidering some of the federal contracting preferences enjoyed by Alaska Native corporations. These companies often receive federal deals even when other, cheaper businesses offer similar services.

Forecast For 2009: Anniversaries, Flavors And More

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST

It's the first day of 2009, and Melissa Block has a preview of some events and trends expected for this year. Vic Fischer, who worked on Alaska's state constitution a half-century ago, talks with Block about the celebration of 50 years of statehood. Park ranger Helen McKenna Uff says it's going to be a big year at the Edgar Allan Poe Historical Site in Philadelphia as Poe fans celebrate the poet and writer's 200th birthday. Lynn Dornblaser of the global research firm Mintel shares her top five flavors for 2009: lavender, cactus, persimmon, masala and chimichurri. Finally, Nicholas Staddon of Monrovia Co. — a leading producer of plants in the U.S. — shares his garden pick for 2009. He says small is big this year: Look out for the Baby Pete Agapanthus.

Snowzilla Appears Just In Time For Christmas

Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:01:00 EST

A popular attraction in Anchorage, Alaska, is back. The giant snowman dubbed Snowzilla has been built in Billy Powers' front yard. City officials earlier had ordered the Power's family to cease and desist. Still, Snowzilla appeared before dawn one day this week. At 25 feet tall, Snowzilla is bigger than ever.

Snowzilla Declared Public Nuisance

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:43:00 EST

Among the favorite winter getaways: Alaska. A quarter of a million tourists flock there when it gets really cold in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights or to go dogsledding and snowmobiling. One big attraction won't be there this year: Snowzilla. The giant snowman has attracted so many gawkers, cars and complaints that city officials in Anchorage have declared it a public nuisance and ordered the family that builds it to leave the snow on the ground.

Incoming Senator Sees New Era In Alaska Politics

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:40:00 EST

For the first time in 30 years, Alaska will be represented in the Senate by a Democrat. Mark Begich defeated longtime Sen. Ted Stevens in a close race, and he is promising to end Alaska's infamous pork-barrel politics.

Hunting Buffalo In Alaska

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:35:00 EST

The American buffalo at one time swarmed the plains from Texas to Canada, but by 1911 they were near extinction. Steven Rinella, author of American Buffalo, talks about his experience hunting buffalo in Alaska and about his book.

Stevens Says Goodbye To Senate Following Loss

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST

Alaska's Ted Stevens bid farewell to his Senate colleagues Thursday as his nearly 40-year career draws to a close. The longest-serving Republican in the Senate was convicted on corruption charges last month and narrowly lost his re-election bid to Democrat Mark Begich.

Alaskans React To End Of Stevens Era

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:00:00 EST

Embattled Sen. Ted Stevens concedes after coming up short in a tight race for re-election to Alaska's Senate seat. How are Alaskans greeting the news that Stevens is out after 40 years in office?

Senator-Elect Begich: Alaskans Wanted Change

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:00:00 EST

In the U.S. Senate race in Alaska, Democrat Mark Begich has claimed victory over six-term Republican incumbent Ted Stevens. The Anchorage Mayor's victory moves Senate Democrats within two seats of a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority. Senator-elect Begich tells Renee Montagne that he won because Alaskans were ready to focus on the future.

Alaska's Sen. Ted Stevens Loses Re-Election Bid

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:05:00 EST

Stevens, one of the longest serving senators in the history of the Senate, at last check trailed his Democratic rival, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, by more than 3,700 votes as absentee and overseas ballots were counted.

Vote Count Going Against Alaska's Stevens

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:24:31 EST

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican in the history of the Senate, is falling behind Democrat Mark Begich in his re-election bid as absentee ballots and other ballots are counted.

Fate Of Alaska Sen. Stevens Remains Uncertain

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

At this point Republican incumbent Ted Stevens is behind Democratic challenger Mark Begich by just over a thousand votes. Even if he's able to pull off a victory, Stevens still faces an expulsion vote in the Senate. His Republican colleagues put off a preliminary step toward one Tuesday — waiting to see what happens in Alaska.

Beyond Wasilla: Palin Eyes Future On National Stage

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST

Her ticket may have failed to win the White House, but former VP candidate Sarah Palin hasn't faded from public view. The Alaska governor, seemingly omnipresent on TV, isn't ruling out a move soon to the U.S. Senate — or a 2012 bid for the Oval Office.

In Alaska Senate Race, Challenger Takes Lead

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:33:00 EST

Democrat Mark Begich took an 814-vote lead over incumbent Ted Stevens in the race for Alaska's U.S. Senate seat. The approximately 30,000 votes that remain will be counted on Friday and next week. Kyle Hopkins, a reporter with the Anchorage Daily News, offers his insight.

Palin Returns To Alaska Politics, But What's Ahead...

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST

With new national prominence, Gov. Sarah Palin will have to figure out how she fits back into the intimate world of politics in her home state. At the same time, speculation about her next move is running high — with some supporters already associating her name with the 2012 presidential race.

Sen. Stevens Leading In Alaska

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

It doesn't look like the Alaska senate race is going to be decided anytime soon. There are still tens of thousands of ballots to count. At this point, incumbent Republican senator Ted Stevens has a slight lead, despite his seven felony convictions.

Four States Yet To Determine Senators

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST

America has clearly decided on its next president. But some other races are still open. Georgia, Oregon, Alaska, and Minnesota are still counting ballots to determine their senators. Juan Williams guides us through the results.

Alaska's Stevens Now Seeking Voters' Verdict

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:17:00 EDT

Following his conviction on corruption charges, Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens is back in his home state, campaigning for re-election. Stevens is the longest-serving Republican in the Senate, but cracks are showing in his base of support. He faces a strong challenge from Democrat Mark Begich.

Alaska Reacts To Sen. Stevens' Conviction

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EDT

Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens has been found guilty on all counts in his corruption trial. He is facing re-election next week and what had been a solid lead in the polls has now narrowed considerably.

Alaska Sen. Stevens Will Appeal Verdict

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Alaska Senator Ted Stevens was found guilty Monday on all seven corruption charges against him. The government had charged Stevens with lying on his Senate financial disclosure forms, by not disclosing gifts including major home renovations from an oil industry executive. In a statement, Stevens said he would fight the "unjust verdict."

Alaska Sen. Stevens Convicted In Corruption Trial

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:32:00 EDT

A jury has found Republican Sen. Ted Stevens guilty of lying about gifts from an oil company in Alaska. Alaska Public Radio's Libby Casey, who's just outside the courtroom, discusses the verdict.

Palin Dons Denim At N.C. Campaign Event

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin turned up at a North Carolina campaign event in jeans. She was mocked last week for the cost of her wardrobe. She was attacking out-of-touch elites when it was revealed that the Republican National Committee paid for a $150,000 shopping spree. Her stylist and makeup artist were paid thousands more. The Alaska governor says she won't keep the clothes, instead she'll return to her regular consignment shop in Anchorage.

Filling The Seat The New President Leaves Behind

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 09:43:00 EDT

No matter who wins — Barack Obama or John McCain — somebody will have to fill his senate seat— and maybe Joe Biden's — and Alaska could get a new governor. Guest Host Alison Stewart speaks with NPR's Political Editor Ken Rudin about what is likely to happen.

The Long Trek Of The Bar-Tailed Godwit

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

The bar-tailed godwit, a shore bird, has set a new standard for bird migration. A team of scientists recently tracked a godwit as it flew from Alaska to New Zealand — a distance of almost 7,200 miles — for nine days without a rest.

Jury To Decide Alaska Sen. Ted Steven's Fate

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:00:00 EDT

A federal jury is expected to begin deliberations Wednesday in the case against Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. He is charged with lying on Senate financial disclosure forms.