Individual news stories are posted on the APRN news page. You can subscribe to APRN’s newsfeeds via email, podcast and RSS. Follow us on Facebook at alaskapublic.org and on Twitter @aprn.
How Much Are Companies Spending Lobbying Juneau?
Alexandra Gutierrez, APRN – Juneau
There are over ten thousand registered lobbyists in Washington, DC. By contrast, Juneau barely breaks the hundred mark. But even though they’re a small tribe, they still wield plenty of influence in the state capitol.
Study Says Proposed Livengold Mine Would Lose Money
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The proposed Livengood Mining project would not break even at current gold prices. A feasibility study released by project developer International Tower Hill Mines shows profitable operation of the gold mine north of Fairbanks would require prices higher than $1,500 an ounce. Gold is currently selling in the 13 hundred dollar an ounce range, more than 500 dollars below its 2011 peak.
Senate Passes Compromise Measure Lowering Student Loan Interest Rates
Peter Granitz, APRN – Juneau
The U.S. Senate passed a compromise measure to lower student loan interest rates.
The plan reduces rates for undergraduates and grad students enrolling in Alaska colleges this fall.
Senate Considers Passenger Rights Bill
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Does the cruise industry do enough to keep passengers safe? And how do we know if they don’t? Those were among the questions asked at a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee meeting on Wednesday.
Alaska Delegation Asks For Consensus Among CDQ Groups
Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK – Bethel
Coastal Villages Region Fund, the state’s largest Community Development Quota group, has been asking for more fish for their fishermen. It would require Congress amending the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. In response, Alaska’s congressional delegation says before pursuing changes to the program’s fishing allocations they would need a consensus.
Interior Communities Seek Donations For Flood Recovery
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Specific items are being requested to help flood impacted communities in the interior, including Galena, where the most severe and wide ranging break up damage occurred. State Division of Homeland security and emergency management spokesman Jeremy Zidek urges people wanting to help to consider what’s needed before making donations.
IRS Seizes Douglas Inn After Failing To Pay Taxes
Matt Miller, KTOO – Juneau
A Douglas man and his business owe a million dollars in back taxes that have been due since 1999. The Internal Revenue Service in May seized P-P’s Douglas Inn, formerly known as Louie’s. The agency plans to auction off the downtown Douglas property to recoup some of the money owed to the federal government.
New Tool Used To Combat Elodea
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The invasive aquatic plant elodea is growing in a few Alaska fresh water sites, and work continues to fight it back.
