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Security concerns prompt closing of online PFD applications
Associated Press
The Alaska Department of Revenue has shut down online applications for Alaska Permanent Fund dividends because of security concerns.
Fairbanks election lawsuit goes before Supreme Court
Robyne, KUAC – Fairbanks
Two months after election day, the Alaska Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments at a Jan. 4 oral hearing in the lawsuit holding up Alaska’s House District 1 election.
Murkowski aims to revive public lands bill, despite objection
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
One of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s first priorities of the year is to pass a 680-page public lands bill. Murkowski nearly passed it last month but was thwarted by a single senator.
DOT proposes fee for Uber and Lyft to operate at Alaska international airports
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
If you’re using ride-hailing services to get to certain Alaska airports, it could soon be a little more costly.
Kenai Assembly’s prayer list broadens after policy change
Associated Press
The list of people signed up to deliver invocations to the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly includes Christian pastors, atheists and a member of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Single-use plastic bag ban takes effect in Unalaska
Zoe Sobel, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Unalaska
As of Tuesday, single-use plastic bags are no longer allowed in Unalaska.
Public health data shows 13 percent rise in Alaska suicides
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
New report comes beside a study documenting the presence of drugs and alcohol in incidents of self-harm.
Proposed Prince of Wales old timber logging draws ire from environmentalists
Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Environmentalists are objecting to proposed old growth logging on Prince of Wales Island. The Forest Service says the plan is part of its commitment to the timber industry in Tongass National Forest.
Pebble proponents continue the battle despite years of stagnation
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
There are some long-term investors in the proposed Pebble Mine fighting for the project online. Many have held onto their stock for years, hoping the massive gold and copper deposit in Southwest Alaska gets developed.
CVRF hopes tiny homes could serve as big solution for region’s housing crisis
Anna Rose MacArthur, KYUK – Bethel
A pilot project of the Coastal Villages Region Fund aims to alleviate the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta’s housing crisis with tiny home construction.
