Amtrak train derails on overpass in Washington state, causing ‘multiple fatalities’
A Pierce County sheriff’s office spokesman says multiple people are dead and others injured after a high-speed train jumped its rails onto the Interstate 5 freeway between Olympia and DuPont.
Why prison drug treatment programs in Alaska ramped down at ‘exactly the wrong time’
State corrections officials closed or moved drug treatment programs it offered because of contracting issues just as lighter sentencing rules took effect that were supposed to be paired with more treatment.
GOP releases final tax bill as Rubio, Corker boost path to Christmas passage
Congressional Republicans released a final draft of their tax bill Friday. With newfound support from two wavering senators, lawmakers appear to be on track to pass the measure and deliver it to President Trump for his signature by Christmas.
ACLU sounds alarm on non-criminal immigrant detentions in Anchorage
The Alaska chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is raising the alarm about what it characterizes as a raid by federal immigration authorities in Anchorage this week. According to the ACLU, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested at least five people in Anchorage on Tuesday.
For third straight year, Gov. Walker proposes budget drawing from Permanent Fund earnings
Walker also proposed process changes. Lawmakers’ per diem payments would stop if they don’t pass a budget in the 90-day session set by state law. Their salaries would also be delayed. Another change would shift the state to a two-year budget.
Permanent Fund Corporation to study ethical and sustainable investing
An Alaska-based coalition wants the Permanent Fund Corporation to drop all of its fossil fuel holdings
Walker wants to borrow money to pay $900 million in oil tax credits
The tax credits are scheduled to be paid off fully in 2025. Walker and the Department of Revenue are proposing paying them off by 2019 at a discount.
Conoco hopes to crack open off-limits North Slope land
Beyond its current developments, the ConocoPhillips sees even more opportunity further west. But in that direction lies the off-limits Teshekpuk Lake Special Area.
U.S. Sen. Murkowski unsure Congress can investigate Trump on groping charges
“The role that we play in Congress for an investigation – that’s one of the things that I’ve been trying to figure out: Is there a congressional role?” Murkowski said.
Flume Trail reopens after 7 weeks
An Oct. 27 storm damaged the flume, which diverts water from Gold Creek into Alaska Electric Light and Power’s 120-year-old powerhouse on Capital Avenue.
Amid sexual harassment claims, Rep. Westlake says he’ll resign
“It shows that more and more so, people who do these kinds of things are going to be held accountable for their actions,” said Olivia Garrett, a former legislative aide and the first person to come forward publicly with allegations.
State mandated review of Juneau’s untested sexual assault kits is underway
So far, Juneau Police Department officials say they haven’t found any unprocessed sexual assault kits that should’ve been sent off to the state crime laboratory in Anchorage.
High temperatures in Utqiaġvik confuse NOAA algorithm
This November in Utqiaġvik was the hottest on record, averaging 17.2°F. It was so warm that NOAA’s quality control algorithms flagged the data.
Four Alaska firefighters dispatched to battle California blazes
Four Alaska wild fire professionals are working on blazes in southern California. Alaska Division of Forestry spokesman Tim Mowry said the Alaskans deployed south have special skills.
Alaska investigators nab 3 in botnet attacks, ‘click fraud’ scam
Three young men have pleaded guilty in Alaska to writing malicious computer software that infected and took control of hundreds of thousands of internet-connected devices, including common household routers.
Juneau officials tee up more cash for cruise ship lawsuit defense
If approved, Juneau’s total commitment since the case began in 2016 would be $847,000. On top of that, the head of the city’s finance department is recommending setting aside another $750,000 later.
Credit rating agency sees a ‘clear path,’ as Alaska tries to balance its budget
In less than a year and a half, Alaska went from one of Moody’s highest rated states, to one of its lowest. But now, that’s changed.
King Cove closer to goal of 100 percent renewable electricity
Funding for renewable energy projects in Alaska has dried up, but that has not stopped the City of King Cove from pursuing green power.
ACA health insurance applications due Friday
Friday is the deadline to apply for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Premiums are down this year and that’s in part due to the Alaska Reinsurance Program.
Several workers possibly contaminated at Hanford nuclear site
Six Hanford Site workers have shown up as possibly contaminated since Dec. 8. One worker was possibly contaminated twice.