Through language, a Yup’ik teacher passes on a way of life
As a child, Alice Fitka was punished for speaking her Yup'ik language in school. Since then, she's spent decades teaching it in the Western Alaska village of Tuntutuliak.
As his crime bills languish, Gov. Dunleavy renews the idea of a special session
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, at a news conference Monday, again suggested he could order Alaska lawmakers into a special session unless they start advancing his batch of criminal justice bills.
Lawmakers strike compromise on scaling back conflict of interest restrictions
The Senate passed an earlier version of the bill, which would have repealed the conflict of interest provisions entirely. The House passed its own version. A conference committee agreed on the compromise Monday.
As part of Dunleavy administration directive, ADF&G considered selling its hatcheries
When Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled his budget proposal back in February, he also issued a directive asking departments to seek out state-owned properties that could be sold in an effort to save money.
As Capitol reporters dwindle, Alaska lawmakers grapple with rise of political blogs
The newest member of the Alaska Capitol press corps isn't your average reporter -- he once made the news for posing for photos in a Speedo. But he's one of a growing number of political bloggers who are trying to fill in gaps left by Alaska's shrinking mainstream media.
State ends Wellpath contract to run psychiatric institute, could open up contract for bids
The company will continue to work at the facility through December. The state also has hired a contractor to study whether it makes sense to privatize API.
Anchorage School District to allow for tribal, cultural attire at graduation
During graduation in the Anchorage School District, some of the students' attire will be a little more meaningful this year. The school district recently made a change allowing students to express their cultures as they celebrate their achievement.
Two tribes, Dunleavy at odds over tribal sovereignty
Two tribes say that Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his administration aren’t doing enough to consult with their leaders on big issues facing the state.
Murkowski asks for longer Pebble comment period
The current 90-day public comment period ends on May 30. The senator wants the Army Corps of Engineers to give the public an additional 30 days to weigh in.
Survey: Southeast business leaders pan Dunleavy budget priorities
A questionnaire sent to business leaders across Southeast Alaska found deep misgivings over the governor’s approach to balancing the budget.
Interior delays offshore drilling plan, citing judge’s decision
The Trump administration's plan to expand offshore drilling in the Arctic and throughout U.S. coastal waters is on indefinite hold.
Legislature considers plastic bag ban
The state legislature is considering a ban on plastic shopping bags.
Pot could leave black mark on immigration cases
Federal immigration authorities issued a “policy alert” about cannabis. It's causing a stir among Alaska immigration attorneys and exposes a gulf between federal policy and Alaska values on what constitutes “good moral character.”
Tongass ‘timber sale’ nearing the finish line
Crews are spending the warmer months on Prince of Wales Island surveying vast areas of national forest land for potential logging.
Napakiak mourns after two prisoners die in jail fire
Two prisoners died early Sunday morning when flames engulfed the Napakiak jail.
Mine opponents ask SEC to investigate Pebble’s parent company
Two groups allege Northern Dynasty Minerals has described a massive deposit to potential investors while Pebble's permit application describes a mine barely a tenth that size.
Senate bill to change PFD formula advances
Senate Bill 103 would split the annual draw from permanent fund earnings evenly between dividends and state government.
House committees take different approach on crime bills
House members have brought different ideas on addressing crime to the House Judiciary and House Finance committees.
Dunleavy administration being sued for withholding $20M in education funding
The Dunleavy administration is being sued by education nonprofit Coalition for Education Equity over his refusal to release $20 million in funds that were delegated to public schools last year by the Legislature.
Senate passes budget that ignores most of Dunleavy’s cuts
On a 19-1 vote, the Alaska Senate approved a budget with a $3,000 dividend — and a $1.2 billion gap between what it spends and what it makes.