More than 27,000 Alaskans receive Medicaid due to an expansion that Gov. Bill Walker supported.
Western
Chukchi Sea polar bears are thriving but only in the short term
The study establishes a relationship between sea ice reduction and polar bear population numbers. The researchers then used that trend to predict how the world’s 26,000 polar bears will fare in the future.
EPA grant funding available again after temporary hold sparks concern
Some rural communities are depending on the money to complete water/sewer projects.
State: Western Alaska had most sexual assaults per capita in 2015
The Department of Public Safety counted the most sexual assault cases per capita in western Alaska during 2015.
Obama draws fury and joy with Bering Sea protection
For 64-year-old Harry Lincoln, a subsistence hunter from Tununak, this isn’t a case of the president imposing his will on distant seas.
Obama creates ‘climate resilience area’ in Bering Sea
President Obama today issued an executive order creating the “Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area” of 112,300 square miles.
Researchers aim to protect the Bering Sea’s rare blue king crab while preserving fisheries
As the blue king crab population crashes, fishermen on St. Paul Island face more restrictions to reduce bycatch. But the rules to protect the crab also make it difficult to do research on the species.
Newtok to ask Obama for federal disaster declaration
Officials say a federal disaster declaration may be the best chance to unlock federal funds for relocation before the existing village becomes uninhabitable.
Former Attorney General Richards joins Bering Straits Native Corp.
Alaska’s former attorney general has a new job. Craig Richards will be the vice president and general counsel for the Bering Straits Native Corporation. Richards says he looks forward to serving the Nome region.
Rural lawmakers wield power without recent precedent
It will be the first time both budget-writing committees will have chairs from Bush Alaska since 1990.