State Government

The annual fishery didn’t happen at all in 2019 and 2020. Most of the herring were young and too small to meet international market demands, and the pandemic posed other challenges in 2020.

So far, the federal government has distributed more than 35,000 doses to Alaska tribes — on top of the 78,000 doses it’s delivered to Alaska’s state government. And more than 250,000 doses have been dedicated to tribes nationwide through the Indian Health Service.

A Spanish firm offered a pair of bids worth $4.6 million for the Chenega and Fairweather, which the state bought for a combined $68 million.

Some lawmakers are moving to Parler and MeWe. The social media platforms are unmoderated so users can post whatever they want — including hate speech and conspiracy theories.

The Legislative Council filed a lawsuit on Dec. 23 seeking to remove appointees made since April 2019 to positions that require the Legislature’s approval. 

“There are going to be 200-300 people coming into this building. They’re concerned about what’s going to happen and concerned about putting themselves in jeopardy,” said Kodiak Senator Gary Steven

Many Beach Road residents say they are frustrated by a lack of communication with officials charged with making crucial decisions about the future of their homes.

In a business survey late last year, the City and Borough of Wrangell found that more than 40% of local businesses said the lack of ferry service was hurting their bottom line.

The state won 10-year oil leases for nine pieces of land by submitting the minimum offer: $25 an acre. But drilling for oil in the refuge is expensive, and it faces an aggressive opposition campaign.

Frustrated advocates and families point to overcrowding in prisons, inconsistent precautions and a general lack of transparency from the Department of Corrections.