Alaska steps into legal battle over hard rock mining regulation
The state is intervening in a lawsuit over the EPA’s decision to rescind an Obama-era rule
Trump’s executive order on family separation: What it does and doesn’t do
The president ended a policy that sent children to government-run facilities away from their parents, but critics say he created new problems, and kids already held may be there indefinitely.
University regents advance Chilkat Valley timber sale in 9-1 vote
The University of Alaska is moving forward with a controversial Haines-area timber sale. With more information in front of the University’s Board of Regents this week, they were nearly unanimous in their decision to approve a development and disposal plan.
State: Permafrost melt from Arctic broadband projects violated permits
Melting permafrost is creating a muddy mess in Alaska’s Arctic after two competing broadband projects dug trenches alongside the Dalton Highway for their separate fiber optic cables.
Governor on Juneau Access Project: ‘I don’t want to create any false hope’
Pro-road advocates were elated when the governor declined to veto $21 million added by the Legislature. But Gov. Walker said he’s still convinced the Juneau Access Project design is flawed.
Strawn sentenced to 88 years in murder of Brandon Cook
Superior Court Judge Philip Pallenberg sentenced Christopher Strawn on Wednesday morning to 88 years for murder and two years for assault.
Campbell Creek Science Center offers reward for information on stolen mammoth tusk
In March, someone stole a 10,000-year-old mammoth tusk from the Center. Bureau of Land Management, which owns the Center, announced Tuesday that it’s offering a $500 reward to anyone with information leading to the recovery of the missing 100-pound tusk.
Alaska senators veer apart on family separations
The separation of families detained at the southern border is dividing Republicans as they try to keep the scenes of despair from becoming a GOP public relations disaster. Alaska’s two senators have staked out distant positions, at least for the short term.
Accused in 2016 murders, Palmer man faces possible death sentence
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage said it’s only the third time in the past 25 to 30 years that a formal intent to pursue the death penalty has been filed in an Alaska case.
Walker asks Trump administration to protect people with pre-existing conditions
Walker has been working with a bipartisan governors’ group over the past year on health care issues.
New Alaska regs require oil and gas wells anchor below permafrost
The change in regulation comes after a BP well failed last year; the company blamed it on thawing permafrost causing uneven pressure on the well.
Spike in shipping costs has Southeast businesses up in arms
Freight rates increase all the time. And at small increments people just suck it up. But small business owners are seeing a steeper hike than anyone expected.
Juneau’s rainbow crosswalk tug of war continues
Juneau city officials are appealing to the guerrilla artists to stop embellishing crosswalks with colored paint. The city manager says rainbow crosswalk fans and city officials should find a compromise.
Reporter returns to Utqiaġvik, finds 24/7 sun and pronunciation variations
Ravenna Koeniq of Alaska’s Energy Desk shares her impressions of spending time in the North Slope community, and what has happened since residents changed the name from Barrow to Utqiaġvik over a year ago.
Sport anglers can catch, keep kings in Juneau
Daily bag and possession limit is two king salmon of any size in the hatchery terminal areas of Lena Cove, Auke Bay, Fritz Cove, and the northern half of Gastineau Channel down to the bridge.Outside the hatchery areas the limit is one fish.
After a difficult year, scandal-plagued Iditarod seeks ‘new blood’
Changes are coming to the Iditarod’s board of directors. According to a press release, the board of the Iditarod Trail Committee approved expanding its numbers from nine to 12 earlier this month. And several directors may step down.
EPA, Corps agree to new wetland mitigation guidelines
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers have beefed up their guidelines for wetlands mitigation in Alaska, elaborating on ways a developer can compensate for disturbing bogs, ponds and streams.
DHS chief confronted with ProPublica tape of wailing children separated from parents
A reporter turned on the audio recording as Kirstjen Nielsen defended the Trump administration’s immigration policies at a White House briefing.
Juneau arts nonprofit to run city’s Centennial Hall
The nonprofit Juneau Arts and Humanities Council plans to start running the city’s Centennial Hall convention center by July 1. Both sides say a contract is expected to be finalized by the end of the week.
Photos: GLITZ performers light up Centennial Hall for annual drag show
Drag kings and queens took the stage this weekend in all their glitter and glamour for the fourth annual GLITZ Drag Show.