Sitka couple united in push for voter accessibility and in life
Absentee voting is available in Alaska through Monday, Nov. 5, but not all registered voters can cast their ballot. Blind and visually impaired voters in need of special machines will have to wait until election day — and that doesn’t sit well with one married couple in Sitka.
What happened to the downtown bells?
They’ve been gone for about four years. The system was originally installed by a private downtown bank in the 1960s.
Organizations step up to address growing homeless and poverty needs around Homer
The Homelessness Action Group began recently as a way to address the lack of shelters in the area and the Homer Community Food Pantry is expanding, in part because the number of clients it serves is growing.
Youth who increase voter turnout could win big cash with this contest
The school or youth group that increases the voter turnout in its district the most wins. The first place winner will receive $10,000, and the second place winner will receive $5,000.
To cut crime, candidates weigh adding troopers, increasing drug treatment
Recent debates have focused on the criminal justice overhaul passed two years ago, known as Senate Bill 91. Both candidates offer distinct visions for reform.
Alaska urges British Columbia to toughen mining standards
The Walker administration is using its final weeks in office to push for tougher mine rules across the border in British Columbia. The province is in the midst of reviewing its mine reclamation laws.
Seven black Alaskans are running for the Legislature — and most are Republicans
Black Republican candidates Marilyn Stewart, Ceezar Martinson, Marcus Sanders, and Stanley Wright are all running for the Alaska House of Representatives in Democratic-leaning districts.
Donlin Gold still waiting for big state permits
Donlin Gold, the company developing a proposed gold mine in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, says that it hopes to get most of its major permits out of the way this year. But so far, progress has been a bit slow.
Public comment closes on on-site consumption for marijuana retailers
Public comment ended Thursday for the latest draft proposal to allow customers to smoke or consume marijuana products in licensed retail shops. Meanwhile, businesses with plans for on-site consumption are still in limbo.
A warming Arctic means a change of plans for offshore drilling project
As the Arctic warms, Hilcorp is already having to tweak its proposal to accommodate climate change. And future companies looking to drill offshore in the Arctic may have additional changes to plan for.
After months of negotiations, SEARHC takes over Wrangell Medical Center
The transition follows Wrangell voters overwhelmingly approving the transfer of the city-run complex to the local health organization in the October municipal election.
Ground game: How Galvin camp hopes to unseat Young
A recent survey shows Alyse Galvin with a slight edge over Republican incumbent Don Young. But part of the challenge for Galvin supporters is fighting the sense that Young’s re-election is inevitable.
Anchorage shelter seeks to exclude transgender people
The shelter operators filed a federal lawsuit against the city and its Equal Rights Commission in August, months after a transgender woman complained to the commission that she was denied entry at the shelter.
On education, candidates for governor have different priorities and styles
Democrat Mark Begich and Republican Mike Dunleavy come from different backgrounds. Begich has been outside the education system, Dunleavy within it.
To carry out salmon habitat measure, Alaska must decide what ‘significant’ means
Part of the uncertainty on how the salmon habitat initiative Ballot Measure 1 could affect things like small-scale hydro projects or mom-and-pop placer mines hinges on a single phrase in the ballot measure: “significant adverse effects.”
With rain in the forecast, Ketchikan switches back to hydroelectric power
Ketchikan Public Utilities had been relying on backup diesel generators after an unusually dry stretch of weather. The area just suffered its eighth-driest October on record.
New Superior Court Judge Amy Gurton Mead takes oath, dons robe in ceremony
A formal ceremony was held Oct. 26 for the former Juneau city attorney. The new Superior Court judge was sworn in officially back in late August.
Bristol Bay tribes call for significant changes in Dillingham hospital leadership
A survey conducted in September found that practices at the Kanakanak Hospital’s pharmacy put patients at risk for adverse health effects.
Feds propose Tongass old growth timber sale
This latest proposed Tongass timber sale on Prince of Wales Island would dwarf anything seen in decades. The public has until mid-December to weigh in on the U.S. Forest Service’s plan.
Yakutat carver’s first totem pole honors her grandfather — and coffee
Alison Marks is one of only a handful of Native women who carve totem poles. Her artwork often blends traditional Tlingit culture and design with modern ideas.