The U.S. State Department has taken a role in the transboundary mine controversy. A representative will be part of an Alaska stakeholders meeting June 1 in Juneau.
State Government
After ending trade talks in D.C. with an agreement to buy, China finds Alaska looking to sell
China’s top economic adviser returned from a week of trade talks in Washington, D.C. to find Alaska on his doorstep in Beijing.
Ferries fully funded in operating budget
The Alaska Marine Highway System got what it asked for in the Legislature’s operating budget. Next budget year’s sailings and routes will be similar to this year’s schedule.
Chenault to Sitka Chamber: ‘I know how government should work’
The Nikiski Republican says he’s running for governor because he thinks there’s a lack of leadership in the office.
Late bill amendment allows distillery cocktails to continue
The Alaska Legislature gave distilleries the green light to continue serving cocktails. The move was made through a last-minute bill amendment, after major legislation that would have overhauled the state’s alcohol laws was killed for now. It comes after months of uncertainty for manufacturers throughout the state.
Federal designation puts Alaska in touch with millions to fight drug trafficking
The head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy recently designated Alaska a “high intensity drug trafficking area,” making the state eligible for grants from a $250 million pool.
What does it mean to use Permanent Fund earnings for state government?
The Legislature recently voted to use Permanent Fund earnings for government operations for the first time – but how does that work and what are they changing?
A victory for Wrangell tribe: State says no dumping near Pat’s Creek
The Wrangell Cooperative Association never budged from its original position: no disposal near Pat’s Creek. The tribe looked for alternative sites, extra federal funding and outside scientific opinion. All options were on the table, but most did not pan out.
Juneau Assembly member Kiehl, labor leader Etheridge run for state Senate seat
Two more candidates have joined the race for the state Senate seat representing Juneau and other northern Southeast communities: Juneau Assembly member Jesse Kiehl and longtime labor leader Don Etheridge.
State attorney general wants to give more criminal justice options to tribes
Attorney General Jahna Lindemuth talked about the initiatives, such as one that allows tribal courts to take over low level misdemeanor cases from the state, at a tribal court conference in Fairbanks last week.