Washington state House votes to pass bump stock ban
Lawmakers in Washington state on Friday passed a ban on bump stocks, a gun modification that allows certain weapons to fire more rapidly. They debated the ban under the shadow of last week’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Forest Service official says fighting Lower 48 wildfires is cutting into Alaska forest services
“We’ve seen 8,000 positions across the agency that we have essentially shifted from either providing services, forest management (or) recreation management to fire suppression,” said U.S. Forest Service Associate Deputy Chief Chris French.
After repeal and replace, bipartisan governors push Congress to keep and fix health care
Gov. Bill Walker said party lines shouldn’t apply to health care policy. “The pendulum swinging back and forth between the administrations on health care – that’s what’s got to stop.”
Rick Gates pleads guilty and begins cooperating with Mueller’s Russia investigation
The business partner of former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort has reached a deal with the special counsel’s office. Manafort, however, continues to maintain his innocence.
Archaeology in northern Alaska: a race against the clock
“If you see a library burning, you should at least try and get the rare books out,” said archaeologist Anne Jensen.
Murkowski sends letter questioning oil companies about drop in Alaska hire
Murkowski cited a recently released Alaska Department of Labor report, stating the share of out-of-state workers in Alaska’s oil industry rose to 37.1 percent in 2016.
Scientists discover mysterious uranium particle above Aleutian Islands
The enriched uranium probably came from somewhere in Asia. But even using wind trajectories and particle dispersion models, researchers can’t pin it on a specific country.
How to save yourself when you fall through the lake ice
The ice may not be as safe as it looks. Almost daily there are reports of people stepping or falling into the water, according to officials at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center, especially near the face of the glacier.
Florida governor calls for raising age limit for gun purchases from 18 to 21
Instead of broader gun control, Gov. Rick Scott called for keeping guns away from mentally ill or violent people. He announced funds for “school hardening” and police officers in every school.
Offshore drilling public meeting draws supporters, critics and criticism
The Wednesday night meeting was the only opportunity for Alaskans to comment on the draft proposal in person. But it wasn’t what some participants had hoped for.
Ninilchik student in custody after making gun threat
A 12-year-old male student from the Ninilchik School is in custody after making threats about bringing a gun to school.
On mass shootings, Murkowski leaves a word unspoken
In her annual address at the state Capitol, Sen. Lisa Murkowski spoke passionately about the shooting that killed 17 at a Florida high school last week. She called on Congress to take action.
Warm air push to blame for lack of snow
The National Weather Service originally forecasted several inches of snow for parts of Southeast Alaska. Meteorologist Edward Liske says what we got — was rain, and a push of southerly warm air is to blame
Does Juneau really have a Florida federal building’s pelicans?
A common story goes that there was a shipping mix up. Somewhere in Florida, there’s a federal building with our eagle statue, and our federal building got their pelicans. Is it true?
Session end is murky as budget takes shape
The House version looks to be pretty similar to the $4.5 billion that Walker proposed.
Waste Management closes recycling building, sets up temporary replacement
The city’s drop-off recycling center building in Lemon Creek has been closed due to concerns over its structural integrity. But the building’s closure won’t mess up your Saturday routine.
JAHC apologizes for Wearable Art controversy
The Juneau Arts and Humanities Council apologized for the harm from its Wearable Art 2018 show. In a statement, the council’s board acknowledges the situation surrounding the geisha-inspired piece that ran in Saturday’s show could have been avoided or better handled.
Can Southeast share the wealth of tourism growth?
Passenger fees total about $45 million a year statewide, said John Binkley, president of Cruise Lines International Association Alaska. He said pooling that would allow other cities to boost their industries, too.
Sitka lawyer appointed as judge, vetting of applicants for Juneau bench underway
Public defender Jude Pate selected by Gov. Bill Walker to succeed retiring Sitka Superior Court Judge David George. Ten lawyers have applied to succeed retiring Juneau Superior Court Judge Louis Menendez.
Alaskans comment on Trump draft proposal to open state waters to oil, gas development
Alaskans gathered in downtown Anchorage on Wednesday night to weigh in on the Trump administration’s proposal to open almost all Alaska waters to oil and gas development.