President Obama’s visit to Alaska is now less than a week away, and he’s not the only one with an agenda for his stay in the 49th state.
Government
Walker administration continues tribal land trust lawsuit
Walker has faced pressure from tribes to drop the lawsuit he inherited from the Parnell administration. He delayed action for seven months, but recently fly around the state to meet face to face with tribal leaders in the five communities involved in the suit.
B.C. minister: Tulsequah Chief Mine leak should be fixed
British Columbia’s top mine official says the province needs to address pollution pouring out of an abandoned tunnel near Juneau.
Juneau Assembly discusses tax breaks to stimulate housing
The Juneau Assembly wants to draft ordinances creating new property tax breaks that incentivize denser development and redevelopment of blighted properties.
A few residents volunteer time, materials to upgrade Dillingham animal shelter
The volunteers don’t want credit or attention. They do want to see this job done and maybe set a small example on how to tackle the next ones.
Yupiit Nation presses for tribal governance progress
Yupiit Nation tribal members at an event Friday made a last second push for advancing sovereignty in Alaska. A few dozen members signed on to a letter to Gov. Bill Walker asking him to stop the state’s fight against putting lands into trust.
Sen. Menendez Bribery Case Heats Up With New Justice Filing
Defense teams had accused the government of such “outrageous misconduct” that they said all charges should be dismissed. Now the government is hitting back.
Despite Same-Sex Marriage Ruling, Gay Adoption Rights Uncertain in Some States
Some states have taken up legislation that would allow taxpayer-funded contractors that oversee state adoptions to refuse to let gay or lesbian individuals adopt children if it conflicts with the organization’s religious beliefs.
Petersburg voters to consider exempting elected officials from financial disclosure
Petersburg voters have only one ballot question to decide this fall and it’s a question voted down by a narrow margin a year ago.
British Columbia mine chief’s visit includes tribes, critics
British Columbia officials travel to Southeast Alaska Aug. 24-27 to discuss concerns about transboundary mines.