The Koch Effect: Two Rich Guys Democrats Love to Hate
In Alaska’s U.S. Senate race, there’s been so much talk about the billionaire Koch Brothers you might think they were running for office. They’re not, though a Koch-affiliated group has already spent close to $1 million on ads against Mark Begich. The Cook Political Report today declared the race a toss-up and Begich one of the Senate’s most endangered Democrats. But the well funded anti-Begich ad campaign may not be having the desired effect.
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Tsunami Debris Clean Up Is Slowed By Huge Volume, Rugged Terrain
The state is planning an aerial survey this spring to figure out how much new debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami has arrived on Alaska's shores. Environmental groups spent much of last summer cleaning up debris. But the state's vast and rugged coastline has made it a slow and costly project.
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What Alaska Natives Need To Know About The Affordable Care Act
For most Americans, the deadline to sign up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is March 31. For American Indians and Alaska Natives, the process is a little different.
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Sitka Herring Fishery Could Open As Soon As Thursday
The multi-million dollar Sitka Sound sac roe herring fishery could open as early as the end of this week. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game announced Monday evening (3-17-14) that as of 8 a.m. Thursday (3-20-14), the fishery will be placed on two-hour notice. That means seiners could have their nets in the water as soon as Thursday morning, if the department’s test samples find a high enough percentage of mature roe, or eggs, in the fish by then.
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Bill Prioritizes Personal-Use Dipnet Fishing
A bill that would place a priority on personal-use dipnet fishing has been working its way through the system since it was introduced in the state legislature last year. The bill had a hearing in the House Fisheries Committee Tuesday.
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Alaska News Nightly: March 19, 2014
The Koch Effect: Two Rich Guys Democrats Love to Hate; State Senate Passes Bill Advancing Gasline Project; Tsunami Debris Clean Up Is Slowed By Huge Volume, Rugged Terrain; What Alaska Natives Need To Know About The Affordable Care Act; Sitka Herring Fishery Could Open As Soon As Thursday; Bill Prioritizes Personal-Use Dipnet Fishing
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State, Feds To Weigh Options In Exxon Valdez Case
The state and federal governments have told a federal judge they are reviewing information from studies on the lingering effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and will be deciding how to proceed in a continuing legal case.
Seafood Kebabs on Forbidden Rice
The early Persians were onto something.
Skewered meats, seafoods and vegetables deftly seasoned and grilled or broiled to perfection are easy to whip up and always a hit. The variations on these Alaskan seafood kebabs are endless.
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State Senate Passes Bill Advancing Gasline Project
Alaska Senate passes legislation that seeks to advance a liquefied natural gas pipeline.
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With Budget Shortfalls Looming, Questions Raised About Knik Bridge Finances
A bill authorizing the state to build a billion-dollar bridge across the Knik Arm is back for consideration.
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With Deadline Approaching, More Alaskans Signing Up For Health Insurance
Alaskans working to sign people up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act say they're seeing a big increase in enrollments this month. The boost comes as the March 31st open enrollment deadline approaches.
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Lawmakers Urge Gov. Parnell To Keep Flint Hills Refinery In Operation
A resolution in the legislature urges quick action by Governor Sean Parnell to ensure Alaska doesn’t lose in state refining capacity. HCR 22 by Representative Tammie Wilson of North Pole, is aimed at keeping Flint Hills North Pole Refinery in operation under a new owner. Flint Hills plans to cease refining this summer in favor of selling cheaper imported fuels.
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Red King Crab Harvest Abysmal In Bering Straits
Earlier in March, 1.2 million pounds of Tanner crab were caught in the Southeast’s commercial fishery, the biggest haul in over a decade. But in the Bering Straits region the winter season for Red King Crabs has been abysmal.
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University, State Timber Offerings Planned Near Petersburg
Plans are starting to gear up for timber sales on state and university owned lands in the area of the Tongass National Forest.
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Heliskiing Guide Caught In Haines Avalanche Dies
A heliski guide caught in an avalanche over the weekend near Haines died late Monday according to a statement posted online by his family.
DNR’s Parks Move Wood Tikchik Under Chugach Supervision
The state’s division of parks and recreation has reorganized the management structure of two of its largest parks. As part of the re-shuffling, one of Wood Tikchik’s two park rangers will be reassigned to Chugach later this year.
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Oosik Classic Ski Race Draws Hundreds To Talkeetna
Last weekend, hundreds of skiers descended on Talkeetna for the Oosik Classic Ski Race and Tour. Some come to compete, and others wear costumes. Everyone comes to have a good time.
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Alaska News Nightly: March 18, 2014
Legislature Debates Gasline Project; KABATA Bill Up For Consideration; With Deadline Approaching, More Alaskans Signing Up For Health Insurance; Lawmakers Urge Gov. Parnell To Keep Flint Hills Refinery In Operation; Lawmakers Mulling Anchorage Office Purchase; Red King Crab Harvest Abysmal In Bering Straits; University, State Timber Offerings Planned Near Petersburg; Heliskiing Guide Caught In Haines Avalanche Dies; DNR’s Parks Move Wood Tikchik Under Chugach Supervision; Oosik Classic Ski Race Draws Hundreds To Talkeetna
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Mayor Sullivan Vetoes East Anchorage Park, Assembly Could Override
Mayor Dan Sullivan has vetoed an ordinance the Assembly passed last week that designated municipal land in East Anchorage for a park.
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An Alaskan Goes to the 2014 Whitney Biennial
About a year ago, I received an email that professor Michelle Grabner would be one of the three curators of the 2014 Whitney Biennial Show. I asked Grabner if I could shadow her on her year long adventure of artist selection.
The Whitney press office dismissed my project.
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