Politics

The National Park Service released its compendiums for 2013 this week. They outline this year’s designations, closures and restrictions for national parks and preserves. Some of the changes to Alaska’s compendiums this year come in response to state policies regarding predators like wolves and bears. Download Audio

The Fairbanks Borough opposes the inclusion of rural areas all the way out to the coast in one of its districts and the Aleutians East Borough does not want to be split up.

Rep. Mike Hawker, an Anchorage Republican, took to the House floor Wednesday morning to encourage Gov. Bill Walker to describe his plan for the development of a natural gas megaproject, that would be used to get reserves on the North Slope to market.

A subcommittee concluded that the Anchorage LIO should be outfitted with surplus furniture from state agencies, with a cap of $100,000 for new furniture, but that recommendation was rejected. Download Audio

The state Supreme Court of will not review a lower court's action that allows a public vote in the Lake and Peninsula Borough that would limit development of the Pebble mine.

Many Alaskans are keeping an eye on pot-sale rules in other states in the wake of last year’s legalization vote. The Washington State Liquor Control Board says that state’s retail marijuana industry sold more than $63 million worth of pot in 2014. Download Audio

Libby Casey, APRN – Washington DC A federal judge is ordering the Obama administration to review whether polar bears are endangered under federal law. U.S....

Over 100 communities across Alaska will host Choose Respect marches and rallies against domestic violence and sexual assault today. It is the third year of Governor Parnell’s campaign. He has said his goal to eliminate the abuse within a decade, with an emphasis on personal responsibility and peer pressure.

Alaska has more money in savings than any other state in the country- about $15 billion. But the state is still looking for ways to trim costs and eliminate waste.

The U.S Supreme court released another decision today that has implications for tribes in Alaska. The Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA was enacted to stop American Indian and Alaska Native children from leaving their biological families and tribes when these children were being placed in foster care or up for adoption. ICWA mandates a preference for the Native child’s family and tribe before non Native placement can be considered. The Supreme Court’s decision is in response to a case in South Carolina. Download Audio

Taylor Bickford is leaving the Alaska Redistricting Board. Chairman John Torgerson says Bickford, and assistant director, Jim Ellis, will be moving on, effective Oct. 12, leaving an administrative assistant to manage day-to-day activities. The Board has to stand ready to respond if the Alaska Supreme Court does not let the temporary redistricting plan stand after the general election.