Public comment period for Pebble’s draft EIS underway, but critics stress shortcomings
Aside from concerns that the 90-day review period isn’t enough time to examine the 1,400-page document, critics say the draft environmental impact statement’s shortcomings render it insufficient.
FDA clears path for genetically engineered salmon
Genetically engineered salmon is on its way to the United States. The FDA announced Friday it is canceling an import alert, the last barrier keeping the AquAdvantage Salmon out of the country.
Lawmakers want to know more about economic impact of state budget proposal
Alaska lawmakers still face a lot of uncertainty as they decide how deeply to cut funding for government services and permanent fund dividends — or whether to reopen a debate on taxes.
Tlingit code talkers recognized by state legislature for their efforts during WWII
The state legislature adopted a citation Wednesday recognizing the contributions of Tlingit code talkers during World War II. During floor sessions, representatives and senators spoke about the outsized role that Alaska Natives have played in the military.
State labor economist says state policies have affected recession length
Dan Robinson, research chief for the state’s labor department, told the Senate Finance Committee that uncertainty over the size and spending of state government are contributing to Alaska’s recession.
For decades, the government stood between the Unangan people and the seals they subsist on. Now, that’s changing.
The tribal government of St. Paul island, in the Bering Sea, has pushed the federal government for years to relax strict subsistence rules that have blocked access to seals and forced residents to buy expensive groceries. New rules could take effect soon, but they face opposition amid a decline in the seal population.
Don Young: 46 years in an office he never expected to win
Rep. Don Young is now the longest-serving Republican in the history Congress. He reflects on his legacy, and on the goofs and gaffes that punctuate his career.
Alaskans split on Dunleavy PFD repayment plan
The March 6 public hearing before the Senate State Affairs Committee stretched for more than two hours, with testimony split almost evenly between Alaskans opposed
EPA report shows increased chemical releases at Red Dog Mine, state pushes back
"Eighty six percent of all release quantities of TRI chemicals reported from region 10 are from the Red Dog Mine," says Alexandra Dunn, the EPA's Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.
Dunleavy announces Alaska National Guard deployment along Mexico border
The deployment is a response to President Donald Trump’s national emergency declaration on the southern U.S. border last month.
Murkowski explains why she’ll vote to cancel Trump’s emergency
"One can be for border security ... and at the same time question whether the administration has overreached in using the National Emergencies Act in the way that it has,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said on the Senate floor.
State says BP must prove more Prudhoe Bay wells aren’t at risk of ‘catastrophic failure’
In a recent order, the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, a state oil and gas watchdog agency, said BP "has no evidence that permafrost subsidence will not result in sudden catastrophic failure" at other Prudhoe Bay wells.
Regulators: Top Dunleavy administration official can’t conceal consulting firm’s clients
Staff at the Alaska Public Offices Commission this week said Mary Ann Pruitt, Dunleavy's contract communications director, is required to disclose the clients of PS Strategies, an advertising and political consulting firm she owns.
Von Imhof to Anchorage School Board: Dunleavy ‘budget bomb’ unlikely, but expect cuts
Anchorage Republican Senator Natasha von Imhof told the Anchorage School Board Monday night that districts should expect less funding next year, but not at the level proposed by Governor Mike Dunleavy.
Search team investigates potential piece of missing Guardian Flight plane
According to a Guardian Flight Facebook post, a search team recently located a large object in Frederick Sound that they think could be part of the missing aircraft.
Proposed initiative would move Legislature to Anchorage
Attempts to move Alaska’s capital historically have failed due at least in part to the cost. There has been only one previous initiative to move just the Legislature — to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in 2002. It failed by a two-to-one margin.
At Anchorage hearing, Alaskans protest Dunleavy budget proposal, advocate for income tax
More than four dozen people testified against Gov. Mike Dunleavy's budget proposal at a March 2 Anchorage Caucus meeting, with many asking lawmakers to consider tapping into new revenue sources to fund state services.
‘Incredibly competitive’ as mushers begin 47th running of the Iditarod
The 47th running of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is underway. 52 dog teams sped out of Willow Sunday afternoon for the 1000-mile race to Nome.
Senate bill prods EPA on PFAS contamination
PFAS have been discovered in more than a dozen Alaska communities, particularly in water wells. A U.S. Senate bill aims to make PFAS-contaminated sites eligible for Superfund cleanup.
Dividend paybacks meet opposition in public testimony
While a majority spoke out against Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s legislation to pay back permanent fund dividend cuts from the last three years, others said PFDs should never have been cut in the first place.