The Alaska Federation of Natives convention heard remarks by both of Alaska’s U.S. senators and voted on a number or resolutions, one of which sparked a contentious debate on climate change.
Sexual Abuse & Domestic Violence
Judge: Alaska’s justice system is failing in the case of slain Mountain Village woman
A judge has declared a crisis in the state’s courts, saying turnover among public defenders is delaying criminal trials and denying justice for victims and defendants alike.
Diocese of Juneau finds ‘credible evidence’ of sexual misconduct by Southeast Alaska priests
A report commissioned by the Diocese of Juneau found “credible evidence” that seven people who served the Catholic Church in Southeast Alaska since 1951 engaged in sexual misconduct involving minors or vulnerable adults.
Alaska Native men gather to explore culture, identity, domestic violence and building healthy communities
Sitting men down together to talk and learning how to harvest seal aren’t silver bullets for ending domestic violence and building healthy communities. But participants in a wide-ranging conference believe they’re positive steps.
Alaska state budget vetoes reduce funding for homeless shelters and services
Anchorage homeless shelters and services are bracing for cutbacks and closures after Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced hundreds of millions of dollars in line-item state budget vetoes Friday.
Justice Dept. pledges $10.5M in emergency funds for public safety
U.S. Attorney General William Barr declared a law enforcement emergency in Alaska on June 28. The announcement follows a visit to the state where he saw firsthand how many rural communities have little-to-no public safety presence.
AG Barr says ‘everything is on the table’ to solve Alaska’s public safety crisis
The U.S. Attorney General’s security detail outnumbered the number of village public safety officers in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta — a region roughly the size of Oregon.
Felony charges climb to 13 in sexual assault case against Sitka doctor
Two more felony sexual assault charges have been brought against a Sitka physician, bringing the total now to 13.
U.S. Attorney General Barr says ‘very basics of public safety are lacking in the villages’
Barr said he’ll return to Washington with “a sense of urgency” to address public safety issues in rural Alaska.
‘Enough is enough’: AG Barr hears from Alaska Native leaders about rural justice problems
U.S. Attorney General William Barr is in Alaska this week, learning about law enforcement challenges in rural areas. He declined to comment on the Mueller investigation on Wednesday.