9-18-17 Crew members stand of the front deck of the ferry Malaspina as it pulls away from Juneau's Auke Bay ferry terminal Sept. 18, 2017. Photo by Ed Schoenfeld

Budget glitch could leave ferries without funding

The Alaska Marine Highway System could shut down this spring. And one Southeast senator said it’s an intentional attempt to damage the ferries.

By Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska News | September 21, 2017 2:29 pm

Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg observes Jon Choate, lawyer for the Alaska Democratic Party, on Sept. 21, 2017. Pallenberg heard oral arguments over whether the party can allow independents to run in party primaries. (Photo by Andrew Kitchenman/KTOO)

Should independents be able to run in a Democratic primary?

Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg heard oral arguments in a lawsuit on the issue. He said he’ll try to reach a decision as quickly as he can.

By Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media | September 21, 2017 8:41 pm

Gov. Bill Walker speaks to reporters during a press conference at the Capitol, April 26, 2017. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)

Gov. Walker cites uncertainty over funding in opposing ACA repeal

Walker said he has spoken several times with U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose vote could help determine the bill’s fate.

By Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO and Alaska Public Media | September 21, 2017 8:06 pm

Alaska DOT is cruising Juneau for offending campaign signs

State transportation crews are removing political campaign signs along state rights-of-way. Alaska law largely forbids signs anywhere visible from the roadway.

By Jacob Resneck, KTOO | September 21, 2017 5:34 pm

The University of Alaska’s timber sale area on the Chilkat Peninsula. (Map courtesy University of Alaska)

University offers 400 acres on Chilkat Peninsula for timber sale

The University of Alaska is offering up 400 acres of its Haines-area land for timber harvest. The timing of the university’s decision was motivated by a conversation happening at the local level. The Haines Planning Commission is considering whether to restrict resource extraction in the Mud Bay area.

By Emily Files, KHNS-Haines | September 21, 2017 5:21 pm

Fort Wainwright soldier charged with assaulting infant son

A Fort Wainwright soldier is charged with assaulting his infant son. Ronald L. McGriff, 22, was arrested Wednesday and charged with first-degree assault for severely injuring his 8-month-old son in August, Fairbanks police said.

By Dan Bross, KUAC-Fairbanks | September 21, 2017 5:12 pm

The sidewalk near the corner of Front and Seward streets has one of the few Alaska Dispatch News vending machines in Juneau. Pictured Aug. 14, 2017.

Layoffs hit Alaska Dispatch News in wake of bankruptcy sale

A “significant” number of employees have been laid off at Alaska Dispatch News as part of a restructuring under the company’s new owners.

By Annie Zak, Alaska Dispatch News | September 21, 2017 1:53 pm

Evelyn Yanez points to pictures and says the Yup'ik name of the animal, object or activity, during a Yup'ik immersion program for infants to 5-year-olds in the village of Igiugig. (Photo by Avery Lill/KDLG)

Education

Pre-K in Igiugig is all in Yup’ik

Four kids toddle around a cozy room. There are all the items typical for a pre-kindergarten classroom — stuffed animals, puzzles and teachers. The puzzles are the kind with a hole cut out for each piece, and each piece is labeled in Yup’ik.

By Avery Lill, KDLG-Dillingham | September 21, 2017 12:02 pm

Rey Soto-Lopez practices his welding techniques at the Ironworkers Union. (Photo by Anne Hillman/Alaska Public Media)

Changing the way you think to stay out of prison

Research shows the classes focused on behavior and attitude can be effective and change how people think – and they reduce recidivism by about 25 percent, if they are taught by well-trained teachers. The most effective programs focus on anger management and problem-solving.

By Anne Hillman, Alaska Public Media | September 21, 2017 11:33 am

Airborne Army soldiers practice roll-over drills in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan (Photo by Zachariah Hughes/Alaska Public Media)

Military

Amid evolving Afghan mission, Alaska soldiers ready to deploy

As the United States approaches the 16th anniversary of military operations in Afghanistan, thousands more troops are readying to deploy. One of the units heading there is the airborne infantry brigade based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.

By Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media | September 21, 2017 11:18 am

Health

‘Vote no’: Left takes to TV and sky to reach Murkowski

Advocates on the left are cranking up the pressure on U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski to vote against the latest bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

By Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media | September 21, 2017 10:04 am

Homer’s canvas board counts absentee ballots in recall election. (Photo by Aaron Bolton/KBBI)

New ethics complaint filed over Homer recall election

A new ethics complaint has been filed in relation to Homer’s recent recall election. Three Homer City Council members were up for recall in June, but all three retained their seats. The complaint argues that the council members should have recused themselves from certifying the election results.

By Aaron Bolton, KBBI-Homer | September 21, 2017 9:47 am