If Gov. Bill Walker signs Senate Bill 54, American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska lawyer Tara Rich expects defense attorneys to file lawsuits almost immediately.
Government
U.S. lifts ban on importing elephant trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said hunting programs in those countries can aid conservation efforts. But those who oppose the policy change point to a decline in Zimbabwe’s elephant population.
Democrats fail to stop refuge drilling plan
Legislation that would open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling was approved Wednesday by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Democrats tried repeatedly kill or weaken the measure, but they failed to stop the advance of the drilling measure.
Native cartographers instrumental in mapping pre-statehood Alaska
Independent history John Cloud lectured Wednesday in the Living History Room of Juneau’s Walter Soboleff Building, where he touted the important contributions that Tlingit clan leader Kohklux and Inupiat Joe Kokaryuk made to mapping Alaska.
Senators heard about permanent fund problems before leaving
If the Legislature doesn’t act to close the budget gap, the permanent fund earnings reserve account would fall to zero in about 10 years.
Boosters, skeptics vie for seats on Juneau’s mining committee
Juneau’s mining subcommittee is tasked with revamping the city’s mining ordinance. Both environmentalists and mine advocates are looking for a seat at the table.