The U.S. president and Japanese prime minister used their news conference to celebrate the allies’ bilateral cooperation. The joint address marked an intermission in their multiday diplomatic talks.
Federal Government
Reluctant to comply with REAL ID, Alaska faces possible barrier to flying
The information on REAL ID-compliant licenses would be in a new database that’s shared with other states.
Appeals court rejects bid to reinstate Trump’s travel ban
The 3-0 decision is a setback for President Trump, who had previously called into question the courts’ authority to review his actions.
Juneau’s proposed ‘camping ban’ could affect HUD funding
The Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness has warned that a camping ban targeting the homeless could imperil Juneau’s access to federal grant dollars. This is an issue some Assembly members want addressed before the ordinance goes to a vote on Feb. 13.
Senate confirms Jeff Sessions as Attorney General
The Alabama Republican was confirmed by his Senate peers on Wednesday night to lead the Department of Justice in a vote largely along party lines.
Trump calls on court to ‘do what’s right’ and uphold his travel ban
Speaking to a gathering of sheriffs and police chiefs, President Trump said “a bad high school student” would understand the legality of his executive order, which is the subject of multiple lawsuits.
Alaska senators ultimately split as DeVos becomes Education secretary
The U.S. Senate today, Feb. 7, voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as education secretary. DeVos is the only one President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees so far to face serious trouble on the Senate floor. Senators were evenly divided, 50-50, and Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaker in favor of confirmation.
Army approves Dakota Access Pipeline route, paving way for the project’s completion
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it will allow the pipeline to cross under the Missouri River, cutting short an environmental impact assessment and removing the final barrier to construction.
Pence becomes first VP to break Senate tie over Cabinet nomination
Mike Pence is not the first vice president to break any Senate tie, though; the right gives vice presidents a rare chance to be in the limelight and cast a consequential vote that makes a difference.
Betsy DeVos confirmed as education secretary
The most controversial Cabinet pick in recent memory squeaks through with some help from Vice President Pence. Here are some implications for higher education, school choice and more.