Bipartisan Group Working On Immigration Overhaul
A bipartisan group of senators is laying out the framework for an overhaul of the nation’s immigration status. Alaska’s senators are welcoming the movement.
Missile-Defense System Contractor Boeing Hails Successful Test Of New ‘Kill Vehicle’
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency successfully tested an anti-missile warhead over the weekend. The test marked the first time in over two years that missiles like the ones at Fort Greely have been launched. It sets the stage for missile-defense contractor Boeing to conduct a full-scale test later this year.
In New Campaign, McDonald’s Plugs Alaskan Pollock
This week, McDonald’s doubled down on its commitment to Alaskan pollock. The chain announced that it will stop using other fish and switch to 100 percent Alaskan pollock in all 14,000 of its United States restaurants.
Alaska Plant Tapped As Health Supplement
A plant tapped as a health supplement offers an economic opportunity in Alaska. Rhodiola prospers in high latitudes and has long been recognized by Alaska Natives for its medicinal qualities. Some Alaska farmers are positioning to sell into a lucrative world market.
Petersburg Officials Review Tsunami Evacuation
Petersburg officials are reviewing the community’s response to a tsunami warning from the January 4th earthquake that rattled Southeast Alaska and sent residents scrambling to higher ground in the middle of the night. The voluntary evacuation went smoothly by many accounts but also highlighted some possible areas of improvement.
Environmentalists Push Against Shell’s Arctic Drilling Plan
Environmentalists from Alaska are hoping to persuade Congressional staffers Shell Oil should not continue its drilling operation in the Arctic this summer.
Report Says State Could See Boost If It Accepts Money For Medicaid Expansion Program
A new report shows Alaska would see a big economic boost if the state decides to accept federal dollars to expand the Medicaid program. But Governor Parnell has expressed serious reservations about the expansion.
Competing Voter ID Bills Introduced In State Legislature
It’s not too difficult to get an “I voted” sticker in Alaska. As long as you’ve registered, you just have to show a piece of identification at the polls, like a driver’s license or a utility bill. Even if you don’t have ID, you can cast a questioned ballot if an election worker can vouch for you. But two bills lawmakers are considering this year could change that process, in very different ways.
Fairbanks Shies Away From Marijuana Dispensary Proposal
The City of Fairbanks is being asked to authorize operation of the state’s first medical marijuana dispensary. A local woman is pushing the city to legalize operation of a business that could cultivate and sell the drug to approved medical users.
Bill Would Lessen Cruise Ship Discharge Standards
The Parnell Administration wants to change another part of the 2006 cruise ship initiative. The voter-approved measure required strict new standards for wastewater discharges. Bills introduced this session at the governor’s request would effectively allow more chemicals and minerals to be released into the water.
Chukchi Trawl Survey Sheds Light on Unexplored Waters
Fishing is off-limits in the Arctic, but last summer, a pair of commercial trawlers traveled north to the Chukchi Sea. They were on a scientific mission, to conduct the first-ever comprehensive study of the Chukchi’s ecosystem.
Alaska Legislature Facing First Budget Deficit In Nearly A Decade
For the first time in nearly a decade, the state legislature is in a position where it could have to spend more money than it takes in. Fiscal analyst David Teal spoke before the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, and he says that it’s an unusual position for a state that’s brought in extra revenue for almost a decade.
Tsunami Debris Docks provide Unique Opportunity for Scientists
Tsunami debris from Japan is fouling shorelines all along the west coast of the United States. It’s also providing a unique research opportunity for scientists studying invasive species. At the Marine Science Symposium in Anchorage this week, Oregon State University associate professor Jessica Miller gave an update on her research work on the two massive docks that washed up in Oregon and Washington last year.
Commissioner Apologizes For Lack Of Communication In Alaska Class Ferry Plan
Transportation Commissioner Pat Kemp on Tuesday apologized for keeping the Marine Highway Advisory Board out of the loop on the Alaska Class Ferry. He and his staff also released a few more details on the vessel’s proposed replacements.
Congress Returns To Debt Limit Battle
Just one day after President Obama’s inauguration, Congress returned to the fight over whether to raise the nation’s borrowing limit. Many Republicans are unwilling to extend the debt limit, and Congressman Don Young won’t commit either way.
On 40th Anniversary, Anti-Abortion Activists Protest Roe v. Wade
Tuesday marks the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision that created protection for abortion. In Juneau, a rally was held in front of the Capitol to protest the ruling, but inside the building, it’s not yet clear how much time the legislature will spend considering anti-abortion bills.
Susitna-Watana Dam Planning Back On Track
Planning for the proposed Susitna Watana Hydro dam is back on track. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had delayed the project, after finding some of the studies inadequate. But the agency reversed that decision, after receiving appeals from Governor Sean Parnell, Alaska’s Congressional delegation, and state lawmakers.
Alaskans Attend Presidential Inauguration
President Obama swore in for his second term today. He spoke to a crowd on the National Mall of about a million people, with millions more tuned in at home. And while most people watched from afar, some lucky Alaskans were there to witness to it firsthand.
Top-Level Army Leader: Alaska’s Strategic Importance Will Limit Military Budget Cuts
The Army’s second-highest-ranking civilian leader visited Fort Wainwright last week to talk about Alaska and the strategic role it plays in the nation’s defense – and how that might help protect the state’s military installations from cutbacks during upcoming budget battles in Washington.
State Proposes New Language For Logging Practices
State rules for logging steep, unstable hillsides will see some language changes under a proposal from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. The regulatory amendments were prompted by concerns from a group of Petersburg residents who worry that a potential timber sale will trigger landslides above their homes. They say the new wording fails to address the issue of public safety.