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Alaska’s US senators veer apart on shutdown votes
Liz Ruskin, Alaska Public Media – Washington D.C.
Two competing bills to end the partial government shutdown both fizzled. Alaska’s senators took different tacks.
Shutdown puts strain on some Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations
Renee Gross, KBBI – Homer
Some Alaska Native tribes and tribal organizations are dipping into reserves in order to pay for services that the federal government usually covers.
Dunleavy appointee accused of lying about his credentials
Rashah McChesney, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Juneau
Department of Administration Commissioner-designee John Quick’s resume contains factual inaccuracies.
Dunleavy appoints marijuana critic to pot board
Associated Press
A woman involved in a failed ban on marijuana operations in Fairbanks has been appointed to the board that regulates Alaska’s legal marijuana industry.
State trooper charged with illegal use of computer
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
An Alaska State Trooper serving on active duty with the Alaska National Guard has been arrested and charged with two felony counts of illegal use of a computer.
Sitka police chief asks assembly to raise officer salaries in response to turnover
Katherine Rose, KCAW – Sitka
Concerns over a hostile workplace culture surfaced Tuesday night, during a presentation to the Sitka Assembly calling for higher police wages.
Alaska notifies 87,000 people after computer security breach
Associated Press
Alaska officials say about 87,000 letters were sent to those possibly affected by a computer security breach at the state Division of Public Assistance last year.
Federal court employees to work without pay if shutdown extends to February
Matt Miller, KTOO – Juneau
U.S. Courts say they have enough money to continue operating until Jan. 31. But after that, court employees and federal public defenders will be working without pay.
Sea lion bites fisherman’s leg in Southwest Alaska
Associated Press
A sea lion bit a fisherman on his leg in a harbor in southwest Alaska, marking a fishing town’s third attack in two years by the marine mammals.
Cordova’s Ice Worm festival to commence this weekend
Shahmeer Azmat, KCHU – Valdez
The City of Cordova is gearing up for one of its biggest festivals celebrating one of its tiniest residents. The 59th annual Iceworm Festival is a week-long community event, from January 26 through February 2, aiming to lift the winter blues.
Russian Orthodox Christians celebrate Theophany on icy Kuskokwim
Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska – Juneau
Russian Orthodox parishioners gathered in Bethel Jan. 19 to observe the Russian Orthodox holy day of Theophany.
