Gov. Bill Walker has introduced legislation clarifying the powers of the attorney general when settling litigation related to Alaska’s oil and gas resources.
Economy
House passes Arctic policy bill
The bill lays out the state’s values concerning the Arctic, and provides a general sense of direction for how lawmakers would like to see it developed.
ABC Board discusses problems in marijuana regulation
Alaska’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Board director has given recommendations on how to improve the rollout of marijuana regulation in the coming months.
Juneau Marijuana Committee holds first meeting
About 30 people attended the first meeting of a committee formed by the Juneau Assembly to grapple with Alaska’s soon-to-be legal marijuana industry.
No longer in crisis, Sitka Community Hospital status still ‘urgent’
Sitka Community Hospital has a new CEO, a new CFO; about a million dollars on hand; and no plans to ask for more money from the city.
Regulators stand behind Chukchi lease sale
Federal regulators are suggesting that Shell’s disputed oil leases in the Chukchi Sea be left intact.
Tongass chief ends 40-year Forest Service career
The man at the top of the Tongass is leaving soon. Forrest Cole will retire this spring after four decades with the U.S. Forest Service.
Blockbuster shutting down in Juneau
“We are just selling everything, everything that you can think of besides the walls and the floors,” says Blockbuster manager Vanessa Early.
Department of Transportation proposes reductions to marine highway service
The cuts would affect ferry service across Southeast and in Prince William Sound if the legislature holds the line on Gov. Bill Walker’s budget.
NPFMC to review 50 percent cut on halibut bycatch
Halibut harvests have been on the decline in the Bering Sea for several years. But the amount that trawlers and catcher-processors are allowed to take incidentally has stayed the same.