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Alaska Gov. Dunleavy’s red veto pen looms over this year’s budget debate
Nathaniel Herz, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Anchorage
In Alaska, the governor wields line-item veto power stronger than in all 49 other states. And the high bar to override such vetoes, combined with Mike Dunleavy’s desire for spending cuts, is drawing new attention this year to the constitutional power.
House budget could come as early as tomorrow
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
The Alaska House could pass its version of the state budget as soon as tomorrow.
Ask an Economist: New year brings new direction for Alaska job numbers
Abbey Collins, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Economists in Alaska forecasted 2019 would be the year the state turns a corner, gaining jobs, after years of recession. The first two months of the year have followed that prediction.
13 convicted of drug and money laundering crimes on Kodiak
Zachariah Hughes, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Led by a section of the Coast Guard, law enforcement officials say the convictions stem from heroin and methamphetamine sales on the island.
Unusually warm weather leading to dangerous Y-K ice roads
Krysti Shallenberger, Alaska’s Energy Desk – Bethel
This spring has seen record breaking warm temperatures across Alaska. And in the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta, ice roads are melting early, with devastating consequences.
Hilcorp delays seismic exploration in lower Cook Inlet
Aaron Bolton, KBBI – Homer
The company plans to update 40-year-old seismic data in a 370-square mile lease site offshore from Homer and Anchor Point.
2 popular camp grounds close due to spruce beetles
Abbey Collins, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Two popular campgrounds north of Anchorage are closing, as the state works to mitigate dangers from spruce bark beetles.
Homer needs to increase climate change adaptation efforts, study says
Renee Gross, KBBI – Homer
Homer needs to do more to adapt to a changing climate. That’s according to a study released earlier this year. Researchers say Homer is on track when it comes to mitigating climate change, but needs to be more prepared to deal with its effects. The city is thinking about updating its response to the issue.
State-sponsored raffle for public schools generates almost $1M in first year
Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Last year, the state established the program, allowing Alaskans to donate a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividends to the raffle. The raffle generated $976,400, and 75 percent of that — $732,300 — will go to schools.
New Stuyahok educator chosen as National Assistant Principal of the Year
Isabelle Ross, KDLG – Dillingham
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has named New Stuyahok’s Meghan Redmond the 2019 National Assistant Principal of the Year.
