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State ends Wellpath contract to run psychiatric institute, could open up contract for bids
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
The company will continue to work at the facility through December. The state also has hired a contractor to study whether it makes sense to privatize API.
Defense department chooses icebreaker contractor
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
Plans to construct a new icebreaker reached an important milestone today. The Defense Department announced it has selected a contractor to design and build the ship.
As Capitol reporters dwindle, Alaska lawmakers grapple with rise of political blogs
Nathaniel Herz, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
The newest member of the Alaska Capitol press corps isn’t your average reporter — he once made the news for posing for photos in a Speedo. But he’s one of a growing number of political bloggers who are trying to fill in gaps left by Alaska’s shrinking mainstream media.
As part of Dunleavy administration directive, ADF&G considered selling its hatcheries
Aaron Bolton, KBBI – Homer
When Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled his budget proposal back in February, he also issued a directive asking departments to seek out state-owned properties that could be sold in an effort to save money.
Anchorage files appeal over $2M award to former police officer
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
The municipality of Anchorage is appealing an award of almost $2 million to an Anchorage police officer who was fired four years ago.
Fairbanks City Council approves ‘cannabis cafes’
Tim Ellis, KUAC – Fairbanks
The Fairbanks City Council voted Monday to allow consumption of marijuana at authorized cannabis shops in town.
Southeast business survey shows misgivings over Dunleavy budget
Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau
A questionnaire sent to business leaders across Southeast Alaska found deep misgivings over the governor’s approach to balancing the budget.
Lawmakers urge Dunleavy to continue pursuing BC over transboundary mine pollution
Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Lawmakers are urging the Dunleavy administration to continue the state’s engagement with British Columbia over pollution threats from transboundary mining.
Cruise industry responds to community concerns about environmental impacts
Adelyn Baxter, KTOO – Juneau
With another cruise season about to begin, the tourism industry and Juneau are both looking at ways to respond to public concerns about air quality.
‘Ragin’ Contagion’ exercise tests Nome’s ability to respond to widespread disease
Davis Hovey, KNOM – Nome
The fall of 2018 marked one hundred years since the Spanish flu hit Western Alaska, devastating Alaska Native populations and wiping out some villages in the region. This month, public health officials participated in a statewide exercise that tested how communities would respond if a similar widespread airborne disease happened today.
