DILLINGHAM -- As this small fishing town spruces up for a visit from President Barack Obama on Wednesday, down-home hospitality, intense security and regular life are melding and sometimes clashing.
Statement on the President's visit to Dillingham
OPINION: Bristol Bay resident recalls Mount Polley aftermath one year later
One year ago today, Aug. 4, 2014, a tailings dam failed at the Mount Polley mine in British Columbia, sending 6.6 billion gallons of toxins downriver, tainting waters flowing into the Fraser River, one of Canada's most prolific salmon producers. Though the economic, social, and environmental costs of the disaster will not be fully known for a long time, the event hit extremely close to home for my family and neighbors. We felt for those living in the impact zone, and saw our concerns about developing the Pebble deposit come to life.
The Animas River spill and the myth of mine safety
The definition of a mine, said Mark Twain, is a hole in the ground owned by liars. And this month the industry's biggest lie — that it can be trusted with our water — is once again on display as another mining disaster has spilled millions of gallons of toxic mining waste and chemicals into our streams, rivers and lakes.
Bristol Bay's rivers, rich salmon runs still need permanent protection
The buzz this time of year around the state is astonishing. The fish are running and Alaskans are filling their freezers and bellies with fresh, delicious salmon. Here in Bristol Bay, the touted banner run had us holding our breath early in the season, but now they've arrived just like they have each summer.