With $350 monthly internet bills, Y-K Delta residents face high hurdle for connectivity
The pandemic has exacerbated the problem of limited and expensive connectivity in Western Alaska, and residents are hoping that infrastructure investments can bridge the digital divide.
"Standard Deduction" added to oil-tax vocabulary
The Senate finance Committee is working on a bill that re-writes the state’ tax on oil profits. Most legislators want some changes to the...
Pandemic dominates discussions as AFN convention goes virtual
With no booths to browse hand-crafted art pieces and attendees having to settle for virtual hugs, the 2020 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention was a drier affair than usual.
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.
Ted Stevens name raised in Kohring corruption trial
New details have emerged in the federal investigation of Senator Ted Stevens, and the renovation of his Girdwood home. The information comes from testimony...
NOAA outlines sweeping plan to boost the nation’s seafood industry
NOAA Fisheries announced its National Seafood Strategy on Wednesday. It's the first one aimed at addressing the commercial fishing industry's needs.
Inflation is cooling thanks to gas prices, but many things still cost a lot more
Falling gasoline prices put a dent in the July inflation rate, which fell to 8.5% from 9.1% in June. But other costs such as housing continue to climb, putting a strain on many family budgets.
Alaska officials say hackers stole voter info, didn’t compromise election integrity
State officials said Thursday hackers stole personal information such as birth dates and driver's license numbers of more than 100,000 Alaska voters, though they stressed the hack had no effect on the results of last month's election.
Mortgage rates just hit 5%. Here’s how much more expensive that makes home ownership.
Higher mortgage rates and home prices have pushed the monthly payment to buy the median-priced home in the U.S. up more than 50% since the start of last year. Many first-time buyers can't afford it.
Washington is the first state to create an alert system for missing Indigenous people
The law creates a system similar to Amber Alerts and so-called silver alerts, which are used respectively for missing children and vulnerable adults in many states.
VAWA bill in Senate would expand power of up to 30 Alaska tribal courts
Tribes in the pilot program would be able to try and sentence anyone who commits domestic violence, rape or related crimes in their villages, even if the offender is non-Native.
The Race to Alaska is back, both in film and on the water
There's a new documentary out called "The Race to Alaska" that stitches together stories from the 750-mile, engineless, unsupported boat race.
Renegade Alaska House member makes his case: ‘This partisan thing has been killing us’
After the fall election, Alaska House Republicans thought they had 21 votes -- barely enough to form a majority in the 40-member chamber. But Kenai Rep. Gary Knopp abandoned the group and has been pushing for a coalition balanced between Democrats and Republicans.
Liquor store opens in Bethel – first in 40 years
AC Quickstop opened Bethel’s first liquor store in more than four decades on Tuesday. A line of about 10 people were waiting for the doors to open.
Alaska reports 10 COVID-19 deaths Tuesday
It's one of the highest daily COVID death counts, but it comes amidst a trend of declining cases in the state.
Alaska records more than 40 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily increase yet
It’s the fourth time in the past month that the state has a new daily high.
Alaska House prepares to block legislators’ pay increase, but top senators say they’re uninterested
In the Alaska Capitol, committee chairs can exert an enormous amount of power, as demonstrated by the "Bert Locker."
Alaska House follows Senate to pass bill authorizing sale of carbon credits from state land
Senate Bill 48 authorizes the leasing of state land for up to 55 years for preservation of its powers to absorb atmospheric carbon.
Anchorage School District administrators recommend closing 6 elementary schools
Closing all six schools could save the district between $3.5 and 4 million, or around 5% of the district's expected budget deficit.
Former Alaska Gov. Bill Sheffield dies at 94
“The most important thing to know about Bill Sheffield is that he loved Alaska,” said friend John Pugh.