Local Government

Juneau moves forward with annexation proposal

The Juneau Assembly is advancing its petition to annex parts of Admiralty Island, despite an attempt by an Assembly member to bring the issue back for further review.

By Adelyn Baxter, KTOO | July 23, 2019 12:03 pm

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Federal Government

It’s back: US Interior Dept. signs new land swap deal for King Cove road

The U.S. Interior Department has already signed a new land swap agreement for a King Cove road, just days after it gave up its appeal of a court ruling that its prior agreement violated federal law.

By Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media | July 23, 2019 6:43 pm

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University of Alaska

Financial exigency likely means UAS layoffs and program reductions — but not before fall classes begin

The UAS chancellor says programs with larger enrollments are more likely to be retained. But he adds that some smaller programs, like Alaska Native languages, are critical to the mission of UAS.

By Zoe Grueskin, KTOO | July 23, 2019 3:22 pm

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State Government

House committee proposes $1,600 PFD and accepts some vetoes — but falls short of governor’s goal

The bill would accept $89 million in vetoes, including $20 million in cuts to the University of Alaska, a $49 million cut to school bond debt reimbursement and a $20 million cut to rural school construction.

By Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media | July 22, 2019 5:38 pm

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Marijuana

Juneau Assembly approves local on-site marijuana consumption

The new ordinance, which allows patrons to consume marijuana edibles inside licensed retailers and smoke in designated outdoor areas, takes effect in 30 days.

By Adelyn Baxter, KTOO | July 23, 2019 5:27 pm

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Federal Government

Feds withdraw appeal of Izembek Refuge road decision

For now, that leaves in place a federal judge’s decision blocking a land exchange for a road through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.

By Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media | July 23, 2019 4:08 pm

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Southeast

Alaska DEC approves waste management permit for Palmer Project

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation has approved a waste management permit for a controversial mineral exploration project near the communities of Klukwan and Haines.

By Henry Leasia, KHNS - Haines | July 23, 2019 1:55 pm

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Juneau

Special needs advocate visits Juneau to reach goal of singing national anthem in every state

An Alabama woman visiting Juneau became the first person with Down syndrome to sing the national anthem in all 50 states on Monday.

By Adelyn Baxter, KTOO | July 22, 2019 6:42 pm

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State Government

Alaska House falls one vote short of funding capital budget, with re-vote planned

Seven minority-caucus Republicans voted against it and four were absent, leaving the bill one vote short of the level the state constitution requires to draw from reserves.

By Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media | July 22, 2019 5:17 pm

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Public Safety

Dozens of convicted criminals have been hired as cops in rural Alaska. Sometimes, they’re the only applicants.

In one village, every cop has been convicted of domestic violence within the past decade, including the chief. Only one has received formal law enforcement training of any kind.

By Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica | July 22, 2019 11:37 am

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University of Alaska

University of Alaska Board of Regents votes to declare financial exigency

The declaration comes as the university grapples with a roughly 40% funding cut from Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s line-item veto and legislators’ failed attempts to override the veto.

By Dan Bross, KUAC - Fairbanks | July 22, 2019 11:20 am

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Federal Government

Alaska’s congressional delegation eyes federal funds at risk due to state budget impasse

A pile of federal dollars are on the line as legislators negotiate the Alaska’s capital budget and whether to restore some of the roughly $400 million Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed.

By Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media | July 22, 2019 7:37 am

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State Government

Updated: Capital budget funding fails in House vote

The Alaska House of Representatives failed again to approve funding for the capital budget Monday morning. A measure that would draw funding from the state’s Constitutional Budget Reserve fell one vote shy of the 30 necessary for passage.

By Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media | July 21, 2019 9:48 pm

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State Government

Alaska lawmakers debate bill to fund capital budget

The nonpartisan Legislative Finance Division says the numbers in the bill don’t add up — there’s a $102 million gap between projected revenue and expenses if the bill were to pass.

By Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media | July 19, 2019 5:58 pm

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Environment

Kodiak whale necropsy adds to the growing body of data about 2019 gray whale deaths

According to NOAA, over 180 gray whales have washed up dead along the West Coast so far this year. But each new specimen adds a little more clarity for scientists.

By Kavitha George, KMXT - Kodiak | July 19, 2019 5:03 pm

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