Companies in foreign trade zones await more details on Trump tariffs
Manufacturers that operate in foreign trade zones may be able to evade President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, trade experts say. But there are a lot of unanswered questions about how the tariffs — which were justified on rarely-used national security grounds — will be applied in zones.
Bacteria that can kill wild sheep and goats has never turned up in Alaska — until now
Four Dall sheep from the Talkeetna Mountains and two Kenai Peninsula mountain goats became the state’s first wild sheep and goats to test positive for a pathogen known as Movi that has led to deadly outbreaks among bighorn sheep in the Lower 48 and is triggering calls for restrictions on domestic livestock here.
Trump Cabinet turnover sets record going back 100 years
President Donald Trump says “there will always be change, and I think you want to see change.” Already he’s had more Cabinet turnover in 420 days than 14 of his predecessors had in their first two years.
State delays Byford cleanup, but says contentious site won’t change
The cleanup at the old Byford junkyard is on hold, pending further environmental testing from the state. The state still plans on hauling 20,000 cubic yards of lead contaminated soil from the junkyard to a rock-pit, a quarter of a mile from Pat’s Creek.
Grand jury indicts 13 Fairbanks Correctional Center inmates for August jail riot, standoff
A Fairbanks grand jury has indicted 13 Fairbanks Correctional Center inmates on rioting and criminal mischief charges related to an Aug. 17 riot at the jail.
Early science says there are risks from secondhand marijuana smoke
Now that marijuana is legal in more than 20 states, we all may be exposed to more marijuana on the street. Researchers warn that secondhand smoke from pot poses risks to the heart, lungs and arteries.
Small craft advisory issued for Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal
The National Weather Service issued the small craft advisory in effect for this afternoon and late Monday for Stephens Passage, Lynn Canal and the Icy Strait.
Social workers report dramatic increase in child abuse and neglect referrals
The state of Alaska is seeing a rise in child abuse and neglect referrals and threats to worker safety, according to those who work in the field.
Judge to resolve email standoff in Sitka homicide case
Reuben Yerkes’ trial has been pushed to September — almost 16 months after Ali Clayton was shot in her home.
This halibut hook is an innovation for the past, present and future
Few people still use the hand-carved halibut hook. But there’s a push to make sure the tradition sticks around.
Alaska regulators quiz utilities over tax windfall
Regulated utilities benefiting from the corporate tax cut should share the wealth with Alaska ratepayers. That’s the argument made by the Attorney General’s office in a recent filing to state regulators.
Oil revenue is up in state’s spring forecast
The state will still have a $2.3 billion gap between what it spends and what it raises. Lawmakers from the two majorities in the Legislature had different responses to the news.
State puts out list of companies that got $75 million in cashable tax credits last year
These cash-for-credits recipients used to be kept confidential, but a law passed in 2016 now requires that the state report them.
Alaska’s top Forest Service official is retiring
Regional Forester Beth Pendleton will retire in April after eight years in the position.
Judge: State prosecutors provided insufficient evidence in alleged PFD fraud case
Roland Maw was facing a total of 12 felony charges of theft and unsworn falsification related to applying for and receiving Permanent Fund Dividends between 2009 and 2014.
Salmon initiative clears another hurdle
The Yes for Salmon initiative reports it received close to 42,000 signatures, significantly more than required. But a vote on the issue isn’t guaranteed.
Immigration advocates warn ICE is retaliating for activism
ICE denies the allegations, saying it does not target immigrants for holding advocacy positions.
Deep snowpack a good sign for midsummer fire season
The frozen ground gives crews at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge a good opportunity to do preventative work that will help later on during the height of fire season.
To prevent suicides and school shootings, more states embrace anonymous tip lines
States across the country are responding to high-profile school shootings and rising teen suicide rates by creating tip lines. The programs aim to prevent young people from behaving dangerously, whether that means bullying, using drugs or killing someone.
Alaska senator backs bill to allow pot business banking
Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and a bipartisan group of senators are pushing legislation that would allow legal marijuana businesses to use banks to store profits.