Report Shows Mineral Values Tripling Since 2001
A state report shows the value of minerals produced in Alaska more than tripled between 2001 and 2011. Mining industry wages have also surged as employers seek skilled workers.
Long-Term Unemployment Benefits To Experience Cuts
As federal agencies are beginning to furlough employees because of sequestration, the long-term unemployed in Alaska are about to see a reduction in their unemployment benefits.
Southcentral Experiencing Chilly Spring
It’s a chilly spring in the Anchorage area. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Burling says temperatures in recent days have been just a few degrees below normal, but that comes after a winter and early spring with lower temperatures than usual.
Anchorage Co-op Combining Ancient Qayaq Design With Education
An Anchorage-based co-op is raising money to begin after-school training that combines ancient techniques of qayaq design with education.
Panel Discusses Alaska Tribal Courts
A panel of experts met last night at the University of Alaska Justice Center to discuss Tribal Courts in Alaska.
Sequester Expected To Impact 8a Contracts
Across-the-board federal budget cuts are coming, half from the Department of Defense budget; the other half to other federal agency budgets.
Rising Number Of Alaskans Predicted To Be Affected By Future Flooding
Studies by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Government Accounting Office show increasing numbers of Alaskans will be affected by floods and erosion in coming years due to rising waters and extreme weather events. And the studies predict some communities are likely to be destroyed by 2017.
Program Researching Chukchi Sea’s Biological Productivity
An environmental research program with a long history of working in Alaska is breaking new ground by partnering with state universities to find out why an area in the Chukchi Sea is so biologically productive.
Eastern Bering Sea Fish Survey Yields Surprising Results
About a thousand people gathered for the Alaska Marine Science Symposium last week. Dozens of scientists spoke on topics ranging from ocean acidification, and changes in the productivity of plants and animals in the marine environment to jobs in science. A survey of fish in the eastern Bering Sea had surprising results.
Scientists Unable To Determine Cause Of Seal, Walrus Illness
An international team of scientists hasn’t been able to determine the cause of an illness afflicting seals and walruses in Canada, Russia, and Alaska. And now, the mysterious outbreak may be over.
100 Turn Out For ‘Idle No More’ Rally In Anchorage
About a hundred people turned out for a rally in support of tribal sovereignty and environmental conservation held in downtown Anchorage today. The rally was organized to coincide with others being held in Canada, other states, and other countries in support of the “Idle No More” movement in Canada, in which First Nations have been protesting legislation that removes environmental protections on tribal lands.
Tribal, Environmental Groups Hold Rally Supporting ‘Idle No More’ Movement
Tribal and environmental organizations are holding a noon rally on Friday in Anchorage to show support for Canadian tribes fighting legislation they call a direct attack on First Nations. The legislation reduces environmental assessment requirements, and cuts the number of waterways protected by the Navigable Waters Protection Act.
Consultant Says Gulf of Alaska Weather Is Typical For Winter
Former University of Alaska professor and current oil spill response consultant Rick Steiner says the weather the Kulluk encountered is typical for the Gulf in winter, and he says the problem is that Shell didn’t prepare.
Federal Unemployment Benefits Will End If No Stop-Gap Measure Reached
If Congress doesn’t pass a stop gap measure that includes it, federal emergency unemployment compensation will end for thousands of jobless Alaskans on Monday. President Obama would like to see federal unemployment benefits as part of a stop-gap measure to avert the so called fiscal cliff.
School District Connects Learning with Fun!
A rural school district has figured out a way to help students connect for learning… and for fun.
Alaska VA Office Moves Off JBER
For veterans without military ID cards, several pieces of documentation were required to visit the Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs located on the Joint Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Anchorage, including a driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. That’s no more, now that the office has moved off the base.
Residential Detox Center Reopens
Alaska’s chronic shortage of substance abuse detoxification services recently improved when one of four residential detox centers in the state reopened.
Commission Says Alaskans Would Benefit From More Cooperation Between State, Tribes
The Tribal Law and Order Act signed into law last July created an all-volunteer Indian Law and Order Commission charged with creating recommendations on how to make life for Native Americans safer and more just. Two members of the Indian Law and Order Commission recently visited Alaska to gather information. They say all Alaskans would benefit if the state worked more cooperatively with tribes. Governor Sean Parnell says the criticism is unwarranted.
Commission Gathers Information To Make Indian Country More Safe
Two members of the all-volunteer Indian Law and Order Commission came to Alaska last week to gather information for recommendations to the President and Congress on ways to make Indian Country safer and more just. They say all Alaskans would benefit if the state worked more cooperatively with tribes.
AISES Convention Draws 2,000 To Anchorage
The three-day American Indian Science and Engineering Society – or AISES – convention drew about 2,000 people to Anchorage this week.
