Murkowski claims several Alaska victories in year-end spending, tax bills
Congress has agreed on a year-end spending and tax package, though the final votes in the House and Senate have yet to be taken. The legislation sets federal funding levels for the next year and extends several tax breaks.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015
Lawmakers: Legislature likely to vacate controversial downtown offices; Spending bill includes rider on GMO salmon labeling; 38K Alaskans turn to Food Stamps during thin times; Interior Energy Project loses GVEA business to Petro Star; Deeper ferry cuts on the horizon?; Sitka gets nod for ship-shape harbor; Interior village of Beaver to keep its school, for now; Whale research center comes ashore in Southeast; Bethel woman takes 4th at international powerlifting meet
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38K Alaska households turn to Food Stamps during tight times
According to a new White House report, 38,000 Alaskan households receive benefits from Food Stamps. Two-thirds of those households have children. Half of them are in deep poverty. The statistics go on and on. But is the program working? Many people say yes, though there are some hiccups.
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Spending bill includes rider on GMO salmon labeling
A bill poised to pass the U.S. Congress would require the FDA to produce labeling guidelines before it allows the sale of genetically engineered salmon.
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Deeper cuts ahead for ferry system?
Budget cuts have already dramatically reduced Alaska Marine Highway sailings. And the recently-released spending plan for the next fiscal year calls for more. So, how does the ferry system fare in the governor’s budget? And will the Legislature make further cuts?
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Interior Energy Project loses GVEA business to Petro Star
Golden Valley Electric Association is favoring oil over natural gas to fuel large generators in North Pole. The move reduces the utility's role as an anchor tenant for the state-backed Interior Energy Project.
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Sitka gets nod for ship-shape harbor
Sitka is the fourth recipient of a statewide “Alaskan Clean Harbors” certificate. Along with Homer, Seward, and Haines, Sitka’s harbor system was recognized in October by the Alaska Clean Harbors Advisory Committee for meeting 88 best management practices.
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Village of Beaver narrowly keeps its school, for now
The Interior village of Beaver’s school will remain open, despite a below-par student count this fall.
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Whale research center comes ashore in Southeast
A whale research foundation working in Southeast Alaska for the last 20 years is coming ashore. The Center for Coastal Conservation has acquired the former general store in Warm Springs Bay, on eastern Baranof Island, and has plans to expand its research programs beyond humpback whales.
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Bethel woman takes 4th international powerlifting meet
Last month 25-year-old Alaskan Natalie Hanson placed fourth at an international powerlifting competition in Germany.
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Forest Service awards new tour permits for Mendenhall area
U.S. Forest Service officials have awarded 15 companies with lucrative rights to bring tourists into the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area.
Feds extend health care enrollment period
The federal government has extended an important deadline for people who need individual health insurance in 2016. High demand on healthcare.gov prompted officials to extend the deadline for coverage that takes effect Jan. 1.
HealthCare.gov enrollment deadline extended
The federal government has extend an important deadline for people who need individual health insurance in 2016. High demand on healthcare.gov prompted officials to extend the deadline for coverage that takes effect January 1.
Lawmakers: Legislature likely to vacate controversial downtown office
The Legislature is likely to back out of its controversial and costly lease of new legislative offices in downtown Anchorage, according to a couple of Republican lawmakers.
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Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015
Shell asks for extension on offshore drill leases; NOAA report outlines impacts of warming Arctic; Alaska Air, co-plaintiffs doggedly push back on SeaTac min. wage; IEP tests LNG tanker on Alaska roads; Marijuana regs on track, despite remaining hurdles; Sitkans, police review tasing event in community 'talking circle'; At 71%, Alaska graduation rate among lowest in the country; At $1.50/lb., lamprey harvest tops Yukon salmon; With understanding comes forgiveness: Turning ‘Yuuyaraq’ into film
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Shell seeks to extend drilling rights off Alaska
The company filed an appeal on Tuesday, asking the federal government to reconsider extending its drilling rights in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, which are set to expire by 2020.
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NOAA report outlines impacts of warming Arctic
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Tuesday released its annual Arctic Report Card, covering everything from rising temperatures on land and sea, to sea ice declines and its impact on Arctic ecosystems and the rest of the world.
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Alaska Air among plaintiffs doggedly pushing back on SeaTac min. wage
Alaska Airlines and other plaintiffs are continuing their long legal battle over SeaTac’s $15 minimum wage law. They’ve asked a King County Superior Court judge to set a trial date so they can present evidence about how the higher minimum wage would interfere with airport operations.
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IEP tests LNG tanker for safety on Alaska roads
A liquefied natural gas tanker truck is being tested for possible future use by the Interior Energy Project.
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Marijuana regs largely on track, but hurdles remain
The chairman of the marijuana control board says the state is on track with its regulatory process work. But regulatory hurdles at the federal level -- like product inspection, transport and banking -- still linger.
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