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Spicer says feds likely to boost enforcement of anti-marijuana laws
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said today he expects the Department of Justice will step up enforcement of federal marijuana laws. No details yet on how this will affect states that have set up recreational marijuana industries.
Alaska sees positive federal signals on individual insurance market
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
The Walker administration is asking the federal government to take on much of the cost of supporting the individual insurance market. And early interest in the program from the Trump administration is raising its hopes.
House Science to EPA: drop Pebble Mine veto
Dave Bendinger, KDLG – Dillingham
In a letter Wednesday to new EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, the chairman of the House Science Committee asked that the agency rescind its 2014 veto of the Pebble Mine. EPA proposed the preemptive Clean Water Act restrictions based on findings from its Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment, and did so with the support of many area tribes, fishermen, and environmental groups.
Walker wants Trump on-board the gasline
Rashah McChesney, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
Throughout his presidential campaign, Donald Trump pledged to increase the nation’s infrastructure spending. After Trump was elected, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker, sent the new president an infrastructure wishlist from the state. At the top of that list is the state-led $45 billion gasline project.
Against the odds, proving solar can power Alaska
Rachel Waldholz, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
Alaska’s solar industry lags behind other states. But with prices dropping dramatically around the world, more entrepreneurs are seeing an opportunity.
Alaska Aces hockey team to fold after this season
Josh Edge, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The state’s only professional sports franchise, the Alaska Aces, will fold after this season. The decision was announced Thursday (Feb. 23).
New Iditarod two-way communication rules for safety, not advantage
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
During last year’s Iditarod, an intoxicated snowmachiner struck Jeff King and Aliy Zirkle’s teams on a section of the trail heading into Nulato. And the implications of that event are shaping aspects of this year’s Iditarod.
