Sen. Lisa Murkowski chairs the energy committee. Opening the refuge to drilling is a top priority for her, as it’s been for Alaska’s congressional delegation for 40 years.
Government
Ferry plan calls for smaller ships, public management
A plan to reform the Alaska Marine Highway calls for replacing some ferries with smaller, more efficient vessels. It would be run by a public corporation.
Even with repeal bill dead, Murkowski still not a firm ‘yes’ or ‘no’
The latest Senate effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act is dead. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday canceled a planned vote after too many Republicans declared they would not support the Graham-Cassidy bill.
Desa Jacobsson, 69, remembered for political activism
Desa Jacobsson is remembered for her weeks long fasts and multiple arrests to call attention to violence against Alaska Native women, Native rights, subsistence and environmental issues.
Can Juneau handle 1.5 million cruise ship visitors? Docks and Harbors says it’s time to plan
An economic study commissioned by Juneau’s Docks and Harbors projects 1.5 million cruise ship visitors in 10 years. The city is developing an urban plan for the downtown waterfront as visitors numbers increase.
Republicans scrap health care vote — again, Trump blasts ‘so-called Republicans’
Republicans conceded that their latest Obamacare repeal-and-replace push does not have the votes. It’s yet another embarrassment for GOP leadership and President Trump.
ACA repeal bill now peppered with Alaska money to draw Murkowski
Proponents of repealing the Affordable Care Act revealed yet another new bill Monday, with changes that appear designed to win the vote of U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, one of three Republicans who killed the last repeal bill.
Keynote speakers announced for Elders and Youth
The First Alaskans Institute has announced the keynote speakers for the 2017 the 34th Elders and Youth Conference, which begins Oct. 16, just ahead of the Alaska Federation of Natives in Anchorage.
3 GOP senators oppose Graham-Cassidy, effectively blocking health care bill
Maine Sen. Susan Collins says she’ll vote no on the latest push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. That once again leaves the GOP short of the votes they need to pass a health care bill.
‘Declaration of war’ means North Korea can shoot down U.S. bombers, minister says
North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho claims that under international law, his country can legally shoot down U.S. military planes — even if they’re not in North Korea’s airspace.