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Supreme Court Strikes Down Portion Of Voting Rights Act
Peter Granitz, APRN – Washington DC
The U.S. Supreme Court vacated a major provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act this morning. The Court did not invalidate the entire law and Alaska’s Congressional delegation has mixed reactions.
Alaska Likely To Experience Effects Of Voting Rights Act Changes Immediately
Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau
Most states that had been covered under the Voting Rights Act won’t feel the full impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling until 2020, when the next redistricting cycle starts up. But Alaska, along with Texas, will experience the effects straight away. Here, political lines still haven’t been finalized, and today’s decision could shape the way boundaries are drawn.
Court Issues Decision On Indian Child Welfare Act
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
The U.S Supreme court released another decision today that has implications for tribes in Alaska. The Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA was enacted to stop American Indian and Alaska Native children from leaving their biological families and tribes when these children were being placed in foster care or up for adoption. ICWA mandates a preference for the Native child’s family and tribe before non Native placement can be considered. The Supreme Court’s decision is in response to a case in South Carolina.
Former Bethel Foster Parent, Daycare Provider Arrested On Sex Abuse Charges
Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK – Bethel
A former foster parent and daycare provider in Bethel has been arrested for charges that he sexually abused a 4-year-old.
Third Fatal APD Shooting This Year
Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage
Another person has been shot and killed by an Anchorage Police Officer.
Pavlof Eruption Picks Up Again
Stephanie Joyce, KUCB – Unalaska
The eruption at Pavlof Volcano, on the Alaska Peninsula, has picked up again. The volcano is spewing ash to 28,000-feet, the highest it’s reached since the unrest started in early May.
President Declares Disaster For Spring Flooding
The Associated Press
President Barack Obama has declared a federal disaster for spring flooding in parts of Alaska.
More Hot Weather, Thunderstorms Expected To Spark More Wildfire Activity
Steve Heimel, APRN – Anchorage
More hot weather in the Interior and the prospect of thunderstorms are likely to result in more wildfire activity. There are currently 86 active wildfires burning statewide. Fourteen of those are staffed. The Alaska Division of Forestry is monitoring two outside of Tok and the Chisana River fire south of the Alaska Highway is now at about 30,000 acres.
Search Continues For Man Who Allegedly Fired On Troopers Near Big Lake
Phillip Manning, KTNA – Talkeetna
Tuesday morning, Alaska State Troopers tried to stop a driver on Big Lake Road in the Mat Su Valley’s Big Lake area. The driver fled, and the Trooper pursued for 10 minutes before the man exited and allegedly fired at the trooper. The suspect then fled on foot. The Trooper was not injured, called for back-up to begin searching for the suspect. The search was called off just after 3:00 pm, but Troopers say the investigation is ongoing. The Department of Public Safety is advising local residents to remain cautious.
Access Alaska Gets New Accessible Building
Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage
Access Alaska, a non-profit that serves Alaska’s seniors and people with disabilities, has a new building that will allow them to expand their mission.
