Audit Deems KABATA Project “Unreasonably Optimistic”
An audit of the Knik Arm bridge finds that the agency handling the project has "overstated" its traffic forecasts. Government auditors expect substantially less toll revenue as a result, leaving the state at risk of having to make up the shortfall.
From ‘Bring It On’ To ‘I Can’t Take It Anymore,’ Anchorage Residents React To Snow
Just a few short days ago, spring looked pretty promising in Anchorage with forty degree weather, sunshine and snow melting. But with a foot of new snow on the ground and another significant snow dump underway, April is looking more like mid-winter.
Marvin Sentenced To 198 Years
John Marvin, Junior has been sentenced to 198 years in prison for the murder of two Hoonah police officers. The 47-year old Hoonah resident will essentially spend the rest of his life in prison for gunning down two officers in front of their families, and then holding other officers at bay in a stand-off for more than a day.
Northern Edge Cancelled
Another major military exercise has been cancelled. The Alaskan command announced this (Friday) morning that it will not hold Northern Edge 2013. The event, held every other year was scheduled for the last 2 weeks of June.
U.N. Passes Global Arms Treaty That Faces Opposition in Senate
The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed the Global Arms Trade Treaty this week. The three no votes came from North Korea, Iran and Syria. But there's more opposition in the United States Senate.
Interview: Gov.Parnell Explains Fiscal Plan
With less than two weeks of the session to go, Gov. Sean Parnell is watching how the legislature treats the state's budget and major bills affecting tax policy and energy projects.
Protesters Rally Against Oil Tax Plan
As protests against legislation overhauling the state's oil tax structure were held across the state today, the bill continues to evolve inside the Capitol building. The latest version would lower taxes even more than the last one.
Tenure Bill Passes The Alaska House
The Alaska House passed legislation that would change the tenure system for urban teachers, extending their probationary period from three years to five.
‘A Call To Action’ On Planning Arctic Development
Dozens of federal, state and local agencies have a say on how development happens in arctic Alaska. A report released today (Thursday) makes the case for doing a better job coordinating the work those agencies are doing as big decisions are made on important arctic issues.
Outside Group Targets Begich on Immigration
The group Numbers USA aims to "educate voters" in states with senators who could play a pivotal role in the coming immigration debate. The group started airing an ad throughout Alaska this week that asks actors who "thinks Senator Mark Begich's plan to bring in foreign workers to take American jobs is a good idea?"
Oil Tax Overhaul May Cost As Much As $5 Billion Over Next 6 Years
The most recent version of oil tax overhaul has a new price tag: almost $5 billion over the next six years.
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Gov. Parnell Not Concerned About Oil Company Testimony On Tax Changes
With less than two weeks left to the regular session, legislators are focusing their attention on the budget and with getting to a vote on major bills- like oil tax reform. Governor Sean Parnell sat down with APRN’s Alexandra Gutierrez to talk about what he would like to see in these final days.
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Begich Furloughs Staff, Will Return Fraction of Pay
Senator Mark Begich says everyone will need to feel the pinch of sequester, so he’s decided to return a portion of his salary to the Treasury this year.
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Legislators Interrupt Normal Business to Discuss Funny Faces, Toilet Humor
The day after a vote on a major infrastructure project, the House majority didn't tout their political win. Instead, messaging focused on childish behavior from a Fairbanks Democrat during debate on the legislation.
In-State Gasline Bill Passes House Vote
In a late-night vote on Monday, the Alaska House passed legislation meant to advance the construction of a small-diameter pipeline. It would transport natural gas from the North Slope to Southcentral for Alaskan consumption and, potentially, for export.
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Bill Would Make Hazing Students A Misdemeanor
High school hazing would be outlawed under a bill introduced by state Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, D-Sitka.
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House Passes In-State Gasline Bill
In a literal eleventh hour vote on Monday night, the Alaska House passed legislation meant to advance the construction of a small-diameter pipeline.
EPA To Release Revised Pebble Mine Watershed Assessment
The EPA is scheduled to release its revised watershed assessment for the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay sometime this spring. Conservation groups are stepping up the lobbying pressure in Washington in anticipation of the ruling.
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State Senate Passes Crime Bill
The State Senate unanimously passed the governor's crime package on Monday. The bill is meant to combat Alaska's high rates of domestic and sexual violence.
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Federal Spending Cuts Curb Alaska Volcano Monitoring
The Alaska Volcano Observatory is joining the list of agencies that have announced cutbacks in response to the massive federal spending cuts known as sequestration. AVO will stop maintaining its seismic networks on some remote volcanoes.