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With Permanent Fund draw, higher oil prices bring Alaska closer to balanced budget
Higher oil prices coupled with the legislature’s decision to tap into the Permanent Fund’s earnings to pay the bills mean the state is suddenly a lot closer to a balanced budget.
Rashah McChesney, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
Three dead gray whales wash up in Kodiak
Three whales washing up in such a short span of time in the same area is concerning, said Mandy Migura, Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding coordinator with NOAA.
Daysha Eaton, KMXT – Kodiak
Chignik fishermen stuck ashore as sockeye run fails
There is really only one thing to talk about in Chignik Bay these days: Where are the sockeye?
Mitch Borden, KMXT – Chignik Bay
Review shows dramatic shift in Army Corps of Engineers permitting
The analysis by E&E News, a Washington D.C.-based news organization that covers energy and environment issues, showed that the corps allowed the destruction of thousands of acres of wetlands without requiring offsets for that development as it had in the past.
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Alaska cannabis taxes reach new high
The state Department of Revenue reported collecting nearly $1.2 million in May. It is the fourth time this year that state tax collections topped $1 million.
The Associated Press
Spruce beetles reach ‘outbreak’ levels
Over the last two years, an outbreak concentrated in southcentral Alaska’s Susitna River drainage and northwest Kenai Peninsula has affected more than 500,000 acres of forest.
Erin McKinstry, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Caught in immigration mess, U.S.-born Tsimshian teacher fights to stay in ancestral territory
When the homelands of indigenous groups straddle the border between the U.S. and Canada, traveling back-and-forth becomes an immigration issue. You would think the countries have similar policies, but it isn’t that easy.
Tripp Crouse, KTOO – Juneau
Anchorage Botanical Garden celebrates 25th anniversary
Alaska isn’t exactly known for tropical orchids. But that hasn’t stopped Anchorage’s Botanical Garden from raising them. It’s one of many unique projects that the non-profit has undertaken since opening its doors a quarter of a century ago.
Erin McKinstry, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Casey Grove is host of Alaska News Nightly, a general assignment reporter and an editor at Alaska Public Media. Reach him at cgrove@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Casey here.
