Crude prices continue to fall across the United States. Brent Crude Oil set an 11-year low, dipping below $33 per barrel Thursday morning.
Economy
Wrangell fisherman, son sentenced for falsifying halibut reports
Charles “Chuck” J. Petticrew Sr. and Charles “Jeff J. Petticrew Jr. falsified landing reports which indicated that nearly two tons of fish were caught in the Gulf of Alaska.
Setnet ban initiative ruled unconstitutional
The justices decided the initiative was unconstitutional because only the Alaska Legislature and the Board of Fisheries have the power to divide fish amongst different groups of fishermen.
Company Behind Keystone XL Oil Pipeline Sues U.S. Government
TransCanada’s lawsuit claims President Obama exceeded his authority when he rejected the pipeline in November. It is also filing a $15 billion suit under the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Juneau considers options for dealing with its #2 problem
About 7,000 tons of the capital city’s human waste is barged to Oregon every year, costing the City and Borough of Juneau about $2 million. The Juneau Utility Advisory Board released new recommendations Monday on how CBJ should continue to deal with the sludge.
Ferry fares up 5 percent for most routes
Ferry fares went up 5 percent for most routes Jan. 1. The hike comes on the heels of a 4.5 percent increase that began in May.
Endangered species listing denied for Alexander Archipelago wolves
Alexander Archipelago wolves in Southeast Alaska do not warrant an endangered species listing, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday. The decision comes four years after a petition was filed by conservation groups asking for greater protection for the wolves.
S&P warns further downgrades may be on horizon
With plunging oil prices wreaking havoc on the state’s budget, the agency knocked Alaska down a notch from the top AAA rating it’s held for the last four years.
Petersburg Cold Storage broadens customer base
Petersburg’s nonprofit cold storage plant is serving a wider group of customers than it did when it began about 10 years ago. It’s still mostly freezing fish for big processors but it’s also taking in groceries and sport anglers’ catches.
Walker announces new restrictions on state hiring and travel
The governor said the restrictions formalize what many state agencies and departments are already doing to cut costs.