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Governor Walker’s proposed budget leaves gap of almost $900 million
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
Walker’s proposed spending plan totals $10 billion for the coming year, but much of that is federal funding. The budget includes $4.3 billion for the part of the budget directly controlled by the Legislature.
Walker abandons Juneau Access Road
Jeremy Hsieh, KTOO – Juneau
On Thursday, Dec. 15, citing the state’s multi-billion dollar financial crisis, Gov. Bill Walker announced that the state is no longer backing construction of the Juneau Access Improvements Project.
Former Anchorage man indicted in Iranian money laundering scheme
Lori Townsend, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
An indictment in a bizarre international money laundering scheme was released from the U.S. Attorney’s office in Anchorage today. $1 billion that was being held in Seoul South Korea, was spirited out of the country through a scheme perpetrated by a former Anchorage man.
Alaska woman sues to block electors from voting for Trump
Associated Press
A Hillary Clinton supporter from Anchorage is suing Alaska’s three members of the Electoral College, claiming their anticipated votes for President-elect Donald Trump will violate her constitutional rights.
Assembly member flooded with threatening messages since controversy
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Anchorage Assembly member Amy Demboski is no stranger to controversy, but is alarmed by the surge of messages directed at her.
Fracking in Alaska: Who should weigh in?
Elizabeth Harball, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
The state agency that oversees oil and gas drilling held a hearing Thursday on whether more public input is needed when a company wants to start hydraulic fracturing in Alaska. Environmental groups say this would allow more transparency, while the industry argues there are already enough rules to make sure hydraulic fracturing is safe. It’s up to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to decide who is right.
Seniors find companionship through Kenaitze program
Shahla Farzan, KBBI – Homer
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe is wrapping up the first year of its new Senior Companion Program. The program pairs volunteers with fellow seniors who live on the Central Kenai Peninsula.
