Gov. Walker Proposes Larger Ferry Budget
Gov. Bill Walker says the state ferry system needs more money to avoid “crippling cuts” during the next fiscal year.
Marriage Equality Advocates Ask Governor and Attorney General To “Stop in the name of the love”
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on marriage equality yesterday (Tuesday). On the same day, around 40 people gathered at the Dimond Courthouse plaza across from the State Capitol in Juneau to rally through song and dance.
U.S. Army ‘Sugar Bears’ Fly Supplies to Denali
On Monday, Army helicopters flew the last round of supplies to Denali base camp for the 2015 climbing season. The unit, dubbed the “Sugar Bears” is well-known in Talkeetna, and has a history in Alaska of combining training and supply runs.
Icebreakers? Sure, but CG Boss Says Cutters Come First
The head of the Coast Guard says the country must invest in new icebreakers to meet a predicted increase in Arctic drilling and marine traffic. But he also told a U.S. Senate panel today the Coast Guard needs lots of ships, and icebreakers aren’t the top item on his acquisitions list.
As Legislature Gavels In For Special Session, Leaders Ask For Break And Relocation
House Speaker Mike Chenault said he has broached the idea of taking a two-week recess and then reconvening back in Anchorage, noting that construction is scheduled to start on the Capitol building in a matter of days.
Record Cruise Ship Season Starts Sunday in Unalaska
Unalaska will get a big population boost this weekend, with the first cruise ship of what’s shaping up to be a busy summer.
After Legislature Adjourns, Walker Calls For Special Session
Eight days after the statutory deadline, the Alaska State Legislature has adjourned. But as soon as the gavel dropped, Gov. Bill Walker issued a proclamation calling them into a special session.
Lawmakers Could Gavel Out
Lawmakers may gavel out this evening after a week long stalemate on the budget.
BOEM Explains 75% Chance of Arctic Oil Spill
Inside a thick government report on the impact of off-shore oil leasing in the Chukchi Sea is a phrase that grabs the attention. It says there's "75% chance of one or more large spills." Today, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management put out a fact sheet to clarify what it means by that 75 percent figure.
Industry Forecasts Strong Tourist Season For Alaska
With a little over a week until the first ship arrives in Juneau, the head of a cruise industry group in Alaska says 2015 should be strong year for tourism in the state.
Law and Rover: HB 147 Would Give Pets Special Legal Considerations
Most people don’t want to think of their pets as property. But in court, they are. A bill by Rep. Liz Vazquez likely be back in next year’s legislative session aims to give pets special considerations in the law when it comes to divorce, protective orders and animal seizures.
Red Chris Mine Gets Closer To Full Production
A British Columbia mine upriver from Wrangell and Petersburg is one step closer to full production after reaching a benefits agreement with a First Nation group.
After Weekend Moves On Budget, Legislative Session Continues On
After a week of lots of gridlock and little accomplished, the Alaska State Legislature lurched into some fits of action on the budget this weekend.
With Budget Negotiations Stalled, Republicans Consider Partially Funding Government
A three-quarter vote is needed to access the state's rainy day fund, and the House’s Democratic minority has made their support conditional on a few priorities, like increased education funding and Medicaid expansion. The Republican majorities in the House and Senate are now considering ways to avoid that vote.
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After Five-Month Break, More National Guard Records Released
The 4142-page file was sent to news organizations at 3p.m. on Friday afternoon. Alaska Public Media and the Alaska Dispatch News requested the materials nearly a year ago, during the Parnell administration, but were denied access until a superior court judge ruled for their release in October.
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Testing Refusals Hit Haines, Put Star Rating And Funding At Risk
A growing national movement to opt-out of standardized testing has hit the Haines School District hard. In the past six years, only one student has refrained from taking annual tests. But this year, families of 12 students refused the test.
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US To Assume Arctic Council Chair Amid Dispute Over Russian Military Moves
The United States will take over Friday as chair of the Arctic Council, the international body of representatives from eight nations with territory in the region. U.S. delegates they’ll focus on the impact of climate change on the Arctic and its peoples. And despite divisions between some members, observers say they don't believe council’s work will be disrupted.
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US Senate Confirms Attorney General Nominee Loretta Lynch
The U.S. Senate today voted to confirm Loretta Lynch as attorney general. Both Alaska senators voted against her, saying she has not shown she has the independence to stand up to the Obama White House.
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Alaska Miners Dispute Claim That ‘Much’ Of Alaska’s Federal Lands Are Open To Mining
Alaska mining advocates are taking issue with something Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said last week, while defending federal resource management in Alaska.
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With Legislature In Limbo, Walker Calls For Action On Bills
Gov. Bill Walker is calling on lawmakers to do work on bills for as long as it continues to be in extended session.
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