Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska - Juneau
Justices question restrictions on Alaska Native corporation shareholders’ free speech
The case was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska to test the limits of the state’s power to regulate free speech in corporate elections.
Coastal communities relate ferry woes to House lawmakers
They were invited by House lawmakers who held Tuesday’s hearing — the first day of the legislative session — to galvanize support for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
ACLU asks Alaska Supreme Court to extend free speech rights to shareholders in Native corporation board elections
The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska says the state’s financial regulator is chilling voices critical of Native corporations. Now, the Alaska Supreme Court is set to hear a legal challenge that could decide how much power the state has to police shareholders’ speech.
Privatize Alaska ferries? ‘Not feasible,’ Dunleavy administration consultants say
Gov. Dunleavy has floated the idea of privatizing the system, but a report that's been under wraps for months concludes it doesn't make sense.
Bureau of Indian Affairs proposes rule to recognize new Alaska tribes
Unrecognized tribes in Alaska seeking federal status will have to demonstrate more than 80 years of history, under a new process proposed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
For Alaska Native shareholders, criticism on Facebook during board elections can trigger state fines
State regulators will fine some Alaska Native corporation shareholders over their criticism on social media. That’s because free speech is not protected when it comes to corporate elections.
Body ID’d as missing Kake woman; troopers investigate homicide
A woman from the Southeast Alaska community of Kake who vanished a year ago has been found dead on the Kenai Peninsula.
Fire at BC fish farm releases thousands of Atlantic salmon
Finfish aquaculture is currently outlawed in Alaska.
Researchers, marine pilots work to prevent vessel strikes from killing Alaska whales
A group of federal researchers and marine pilots are teaming up to combine scientists' knowledge of whale behavior with marine pilots' experience with ships.
Alaska DOT: LeConte ferry repairs to take six months; fate of sister ship Aurora unclear
The Alaska Marine Highway System says the LeConte won’t return to service until May 15, which means some Southeast Alaska communities will go around seven months without a ferry connection.
Future of Alaska ferry Malaspina in question as state consigns ship to ‘long-term layup’
The Malaspina was built in 1963 and is part of the original fleet of mainline ferries. Its final voyage is scheduled for Dec. 2.
Tazlina brought back into service to provide more Southeast Alaska ferry sailings
The Alaska Marine Highway System restored ferry service Friday to some of the communities that had service slashed earlier this month. The ferry Tazlina will be brought back online to make up for previously canceled sailings.
Feds approve renaming Saginaw Bay over ‘Kake War’ connections
The U.S. Board on Geographic Names has approved changing the name of a bay in Southeast Alaska following a petition from tribal leaders complaining of its association with military aggression.
Southeast Alaska supply chains breaking down as ferry service gap enters second week
As the partial ferry shutdown enters its second week in Southeast Alaska, small communities are trying to find alternative means of bringing groceries and other essentials to their residents.
Solutions sought to ease conflicts over Southeast Alaska’s rising sea otter populations
Sea otters are rapidly recolonizing Southeast Alaska, breeding challenges for commercial fishermen in the region.
EPA fines Silver Bay Seafoods over seafloor waste pile
The Sitka seafood processor reportedly allowed its waste pile on the seafloor to balloon to more than double the size allowed by its permit.
Abrupt Alaska ferry cancellations strand hundreds of people, vehicles
Some 999 passengers with 526 vehicles were affected by the Alaska Marine Highway System’s recent abrupt cancellation of ferry service across much of Southeast.
Southeast communities scramble as ferries LeConte, Aurora head to dry dock
Four Southeast communities have been cut off with virtually no notice, stranding passengers and vehicles.
Alaska ferry LeConte repairs delayed; long gaps in winter service possible for rural Southeast Alaska
Critics said the state should’ve planned ahead and applied for more federal funds for ferry overhauls.
Coast Guard weighs dropping radio-based NAVTEX system to communicate with mariners
Mariners are urging Coast Guard officials to keep the free, low-tech service rather than switch over to subscription-based satellites.