The state just sold timber from its Southeast Alaska forest to the region’s largest mill. It’s part of a multi-agency effort to keep the area’s logging industry alive. But some say it’s time to let it go.
State Government
After budget cuts and crime spikes, Alaska prosecutors struggle to keep up
The state of Alaska does not have enough criminal attorneys, and is struggling to prosecute violent crimes, according to officials within the Department of Law.
Storm, steering problem hit Southeast ferry service
Rough weather and a mechanical breakdown are affecting the Alaska Marine Highway ferries Columbia and LeConte’s scheduled service in Southeast Alaska.
Watch: Gov. Bill Walker delivers 2018 State of the State
Gov. Bill Walker delivers his annual State of the State address from the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau at 7 p.m. Thursday. Come back to this post for a live stream of Gavel Alaska coverage. Or watch on 360 North television, which is available in Juneau over the air on channel 3.3, or on cable and satellite.
Wasilla state Sen. Mike Dunleavy resigns ahead of campaign for governor
Alaska state Sen. Mike Dunleavy, R-Wasilla, on Monday announced he would resign his seat to “devote 100 percent of my time and energy to the cause of ensuring that Alaska elects a new governor in 2018.”
Lawmaker seeks to up Alaska’s legal age of marriage to 18
An Alaska lawmaker is seeking to change the state law that allows a person as young as 14 to marry. State Sen. Berta Gardner is planning to introduce legislation to up the legal age of marriage to 18 in Alaska.
Alaska lawmaker calls on colleague to resign leadership post
An Alaska lawmaker is calling for state Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux to resign her post as chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, claiming she failed to investigate a sexual harassment complaint from a legislative aide.
Alaska state regulators urge caution to investors eyeing cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrency prices have been swinging wildly. The price of one bitcoin rose from $1,000 a year ago to roughly $14,000 today.
Ferry Taku sale set for Jan. 19, but its future is uncertain
The state ferry Taku will keep its name – and possibly its job — after it leaves Alaska. But it could also be cut up for scrap.
Trollers call for chinook management ‘with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer’
Fishermen in Sitka are pushing back against a proposed king salmon conservation plan that could impose deep restrictions on fishing seasons in 2018.