BP announces another round of layoffs, but not in Alaska
The company will cut 3,000 positions from its worldwide marketing and refining operations. That comes on top of the 4,000 layoffs BP announced last month in its global production and exploration units.
45 days later, a proposal with few details on LIO building
Tuesday was the deadline set by the Legislative Council to figure out a plan for the controversial lease on the Legislative Information Office in downtown Anchorage. Download Audio
Insurer proposes fix to Alaska’s troubled health insurance market
Premera Alaska is the only individual health insurer left in the state. Moda Health withdrew from the market last week, after Oregon regulators revealed the company was facing "enormous financial losses." Before Moda's announcement, Premera and Moda were working on a plan to stabilize Alaska's individual market. Download Audio
Walker names Soldotna’s Ruffner to fish board
Governor Bill Walker announced five nominations to the board of the Alaska Fish and Game on Tueeday. On the list again this year for a fish board seat is Robert Ruffner of Soldotna, who would replace Fritz Johnson, a commercial fisherman from Dillingham. If confirmed, it will be the first time the fish board would not have a member from Bristol Bay. Download Audio
Officials investigating Wasilla shooting deaths
Law enforcement officials are investigating two shooting deaths near Wasilla. The victims are identified as Renee Millard, age 40, and 10-year 0ld Dean Millard. Alaska State Troopers were alerted to the sound of gunfire at a rural residence in the Meadow Lakes area sometime after 8 am on Monday. According to Trooper spokesperson Megan Peters, two people in an Autumn Lane residence were found deceased shortly afterward. Download Audio
New system will warn of big quakes – but not in Alaska
A prototype of an earthquake early warning system called Shake Alert is close to launch. Soon, West Coast residents will be able to get alerts on their cell phones a few seconds to a few minutes before a big quake strikes. But the warnings won’t cover Alaska.
Record low snow totals for Fairbanks recorded in December, January
Fairbanks has been exceptionally dry over the last two months. A total of just 1.9 inches of snow fell at the airport in December and January, besting Fairbanks previous low mark for the two months set in the winter of 1952-53. Download Audio
Yukon Quest begins Saturday with new start location
Saturday’s Yukon Quest start is being relocated due to rough ice conditions on the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks. Race organizers say the start chute will shift from its traditional spot on the ice near the Cushman Street Bridge, several hundred yards up river to solid ground behind the Morris Thompson Center. From there, dog teams will drop onto the Chena, in an area where ice conditions are better. Download Audio
Fairbanks police say alcohol was a factor in accidental shooting death
Alcohol was a factor in an accidental shooting that took the life of Ft. Wainwright based soldier over the weekend. Fairbanks Police Detective Scott Adams says 25-year-old Stryker Brigade Sergeant Nathan Michael Higginbotham had been consuming alcohol prior to the early Sunday incident.
Alaska sends second draft of transboundary agreement to BC
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott sent the second draft of a Statement of Cooperation to British Columbia officials last week as part of an ongoing effort to preserve water quality and fisheries of the Stikine, Taku, Unuk and Alsek rivers.
Board of Fisheries member resigns
The newest member of the state Board of Fisheries is planning to resign after less than a year on the job.
Fairbanks police investigate shooting death of Army sergeant
Police in Fairbanks are investigating after an Army sergeant died when a firearm he was handling accidentally discharged.
Bill would restrict attorney general appointments to boards
A bill introduced in the Alaska House seeks to restrict the attorney general from serving on the governing body of a state public corporation or on boards or commissions.
Lawmaker proposes license plate contest for artists
An Alaska lawmaker says a contest among artists to design a specialty license plate in Alaska could have the excitement of "American Idol."
Kenai Peninsula agencies brief Gov. Walker on earthquake
Gov. Bill Walker has lauded the efforts of Kenai Peninsula agencies in their response to the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that resulted in highway damage and the destruction of four homes.
Retired workers file dental benefits suit
An association of retired state workers has filed a lawsuit saying state cuts to dental benefits violate the Alaska constitution. The Retired Public Employees of Alaska says changes in 2014 to optional dental, vision, audio and long-term-care insurance must be reversed. On Friday, the association filed the lawsuit against Department of Administration Commissioner Sheldon Fisher in Superior Court in Anchorage. Download Audio
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, Feb. 1, 2016
State agency rakes in dough from gun sales; retired workers file dental suit; court rules for munis in pipeline case; House bill would restrict AG; Congress OKs land transfer; BlueCrest updates drilling plans; Reports differ on Donlin's effects; 3 Togiak men die in boating accident; how deer can cause a plane crash.
Court rules in favor of municipalities in pipeline case
A ruling by the Alaska Supreme Court Friday has strengthened the role municipalities have in setting the tax value of Trans-Alaska Pipeline and similar structures. The ruling overturns a lower court decision that said the Alaska Department of Revenue had the final say. Download Audio
Congress OKs Coast Guard bill to transfer lands
Congress has approved a Coast Guard bill that includes several land transfers Alaska’s congressional delegation has pursued for years. One of them is at Point Spencer, to advance the possible construction of an Arctic deepwater port near Nome. Bering Straits Native Corporation hopes to develop the port, in partnership with the state of Alaska. Download Audio
BlueCrest Energy updates drilling plans
BlueCrest Energy, the company drilling for oil north of Anchor Point, gave an update on their effort at a forum in Kenai last week. Download Audio