Sole eyewitness in Strawn homicide case begins her testimony
The prosecution says Tiffany Johnson, formerly known as Tiffany Albertson, watched her friend Brandon Cook die on Oct. 20, 2015.
One refugee’s story of fleeing war and finding love
Refugee stories are often about fear: people fleeing their homes because they fear for their safety. But they can also be stories of joy. One Anchorage woman and her family took a path from war to love, and finally, to Alaska.
Trump transition limits EPA participation in Alaska environmental conference
Trump transition officials ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to limit its participation in an Alaska environmental conference this week.
In joint conference, Trump and Abe laud alliance as ‘cornerstone of peace’
The U.S. president and Japanese prime minister used their news conference to celebrate the allies’ bilateral cooperation. The joint address marked an intermission in their multiday diplomatic talks.
Happiness is orange at Hoonah City Schools
The Happiness Advantage is an idea based on research that points to a link between a positive mindset and success.
State consultants recommend consolidating state corporations
The Boston Consulting Group was paid $800,000 to study opportunities for savings and consolidation in three state corporations. They presented their findings to lawmakers on Thursday.
Reluctant to comply with REAL ID, Alaska faces possible barrier to flying
The information on REAL ID-compliant licenses would be in a new database that’s shared with other states.
State coffers won’t cover cost of cleanup if oil companies walk away
The agency that oversees oil and gas drilling in the state says it doesn’t collect nearly enough money to clean up wells in case companies walk away. Regulators say the recent influx of small, private companies means Alaska risks shouldering the cost of abandoned wells. State lawmakers are receptive to addressing the issue.
Appeals court rejects bid to reinstate Trump’s travel ban
The 3-0 decision is a setback for President Trump, who had previously called into question the courts’ authority to review his actions.
Where does a gorilla run for mayor? Juneau, of course.
Erin Heist, who works as a state admin officer, wasn’t sure where she heard the rumor, but it ate at her constantly. Heist moved to Juneau with her family when she was 9. Sometime during high school, she says the rumor struck: A gorilla had ran for mayor in Juneau’s storied past.
Presbyterian Church formally apologizes to North Slope Natives for denouncing culture
The idea is to start a process of healing by acknowledging that the Church, however well intended, was wrong, when it denounced the cultures of Native people, both in Alaska and across the nation.
Latest oil tax credit bill off to a rough start in state House
New bill would up minimum tax rate on oil companies, cut state credits for operating losses.
Strawn prosecution admits alleged murder weapon is still missing
Attorneys made their opening statements and began presenting evidence on the third day of Christopher Strawn’s homicide trial.
Juneau’s proposed ‘camping ban’ could affect HUD funding
The Alaska Coalition on Housing and Homelessness has warned that a camping ban targeting the homeless could imperil Juneau’s access to federal grant dollars. This is an issue some Assembly members want addressed before the ordinance goes to a vote on Feb. 13.
Alaska’s infrastructure report card probably not going on the fridge
Is Alaska on the honor roll for its energy grid and water systems? According to the American Society of Civil Engineers the answer is “no.”
Senate confirms Jeff Sessions as Attorney General
The Alabama Republican was confirmed by his Senate peers on Wednesday night to lead the Department of Justice in a vote largely along party lines.
University of Alaska president addresses lawmakers after no-confidence votes
After absorbing over $50 million dollars in budget cuts over the last two years, University President Jim Johnsen and the Board of Regents are in the process of consolidating the university’s administration through what they call the “Strategic Pathways” program. Johnsen addressed issues with the university faculty this morning at a meeting of the Senate Education Committee.
Chief justice urges lawmakers to collaborate and compromise
The court has proposed cutting its $105 million budget by $3.6 million dollars.
Legislature considers new contract to sell royalty oil
With declining flow rates on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, state talks shorter contracts to sell royalty oil
UAS faculty offers support and criticism to university president
The UAS senate’s letter sits at the top of a growing pile of complaints against the university system’s cost-saving strategy. Faculty senates in Anchorage and Fairbanks announced they have no confidence in President Johnsen’s leadership.