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Congressman Young Preps Legislation To Restrain Feds
Liz Ruskin, APRN – Washington DC
With the bitter Congressional standoff over for now, lawmakers could turn to a practice rarely seen in Washington these days. They might pass a few bills. Each member of Alaska’s congressional delegation has sponsored dozens of bills this year. But, other than the budget, don’t bet on anything controversial becoming law.
Definition Of ‘Alaska Native’ Needs Fixing In Health Care Law
Annie Feidt, APRN – Anchorage
Thousands of Alaska Natives will miss out on benefits they qualify for under the Affordable Care Act if the definition of Alaska Native under the law isn’t changed. American Indians and Alaska Natives are exempt from the law’s individual mandate to buy health insurance or face a tax penalty. They also qualify for additional help paying for out of pocket expenses in some cases and can purchase or drop coverage on a month to month basis.
Special Shelter For Mentally Ill In The Works
Daysha Eaton, KSKA – Anchorage
Homeless advocates are working to open a special shelter for some of the city’s most vulnerable homeless people. They’re hoping to start the city’s first overnight shelter for the mentally ill.
Elders and Youth Conference Kicks Off In Fairbanks
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
The First Alaskans Institute Elders and Youth Conference got underway Monday in Fairbanks. The annual precursor to the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention is in its 30th year, bringing together Alaska Natives from across the state of all ages to hear speakers and participate in issue and culture focused workshops.
Bethel Will Remain A Subsistence Use Area
Angela Denning-Barnes, KYUK – Bethel
The State’s Joint Board of Fisheries and Game voted against establishing a non-subsistence use area for Bethel at a meeting in Anchorage.
Sitka Tribe’s Manage Leaves For Washington State
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
The Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s general manager is leaving for a similar job in Washington State. Ted Wright has spent about two years as top administrator for Sitka’s tribal government. He held the same position from 1992 to 1995.
Phase One Of Capitol Renovations Nears Completion
Lisa Phu, KTOO – Juneau
State legislators, staffers, and others doing business at the State Capitol building will soon be able to walk through the main entrance again.
Soon, You’ll Be Able To Hitch Your Bike To A Rain Boot
Jeremy Hsieh, KTOO – Juneau
Juneau is buying bike racks that double as public art with locally inspired motifs. The city is paying Minneapolis-based Dero Bike Rack Co. about $21,000 for the custom order.
Southeast’s Top Choir, Band Students Converge On Petersburg
Matt Lichtenstein, KFSK – Petersburg
More than 120 of the top choir and band students from high schools around the Alaska panhandle convened on Petersburg this week. The community is hosting the Southeast Honors Music Festival. After more than two days and evenings of intense practice as a group, the event culminates with a public concert tonight.
