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Amid doping scandal, a mushing whodunit
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The mushing world has been rocked by an unfolding scandal over doping in the Iditarod. It started two weeks ago, when the race’s governing body announced it was changing rules for drug tests after a banned substance was found in four dogs from a top team. speculation ignited and yesterday, the Iditarod Trail Committee announced it was dogs in the team of four-time champion Dallas Seavey. But Seavey insists he didn’t do it.
Votes aren’t there for crime-bill repeal, says prominent critic
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
The Legislature is looking to revise last year’s law that overhauled the criminal justice system. But lawmakers don’t appear likely to repeal it.
The legislature faces the complexities of attempting oil tax reform
Rashah McChesney, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
While the legislature is in session in Juneau to talk about taxes and crime, some lawmakers also used the opportunity to call together a new oil and gas tax working group.
National tribal advocacy group calls for reinstating Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area
Anna Rose MacArthur, KYUK – Bethel
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) held its annual conference the same week as the Alaska Federation of Natives convention. The national tribal advocacy group passed a resolution urging the federal government to restore the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area as originally issued and to incorporate traditional knowledge “into all federal decision-making that would affect the northern Bering Sea region.”
Alaska Native tribes unite to oppose mega-mines
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Tribal groups from opposite ends of the state have formed an alliance to fight mines they say threaten traditional fisheries.
This Juneau homeowner’s energy savings afforded the ultimate way to beat the chill
Elizabeth Jenkins, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
Heat pumps are nothing new. But upgrades over the past 30 years have made the systems a lot more reliable. Now Juneau installers are racing to keep up with growing demand.
Alaska-owned aerospace company lines up commercial launches
Associated Press
A commercial rocket is expected to launch in January or February 2018 at a state-owned aerospace company’s facility on Kodiak Island.
Juneau warming shelter plan takes shape
Jacob Resneck, KTOO – Juneau
The City and Borough of Juneau is pushing forward with plans for an emergency warming shelter that would open its doors to the homeless when temperatures drop below freezing.
Test results point to achievement gaps among Sitka’s students
Robert Woolsey, KCAW – Sitka
Based on the latest test scores, Sitka’s school district is performing above the state average — but the numbers are not necessarily something to brag about. Instead, Sitka’s educators hope the new test results help them focus their efforts on under-performing populations in the schools.
Ask a Climatologist: First snows accumulate around the state, about on time
Annie Feidt, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
The first snow of the season is a great marker for the start of winter. Most of the state is more or less on track with their normal first snow date.
