Alaska lawmakers debate bill to fund capital budget
The nonpartisan Legislative Finance Division says the numbers in the bill don’t add up — there’s a $102 million gap between projected revenue and expenses if the bill were to pass.
Murkowski votes to proceed with 2nd impeachment; Sullivan votes to stop
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski was one of six Republicans who voted to proceed with ex-President Trump’s impeachment trial.
Anchorage suspends restaurant dining, bar service
Mayor Berkowitz has banned dine-in service for food and drink at restaurants, bars and breweries. The order also closes gyms, bingo halls and theaters, and it bans gatherings of more than 50 people.
Anchorage raises age to buy tobacco products to 21
Anchorage is raising the minimum age for residents to buy tobacco and nicotine products. The Assembly voted unanimously Tuesday night for a new measure that makes it illegal to sell cigarettes, electronic smoking devices and other similar products to anyone under 21 years old.
Summers without ships bring Ketchikan $3.4 million budget shortfall
But despite the multimillion shortfall, officials said the borough won’t burn through all of its savings.
Alaska’s U.S. senators vote for multi-billion dollar coronavirus bill; Rep. Don Young is absent
Sens. Murkowski and Sullivan support a major stimulus bill but were critical of President Obama's stimulus bill during the Great Recession.
Chair of Rasmuson Foundation, and Dunleavy voter, walks back support for governor
Ed Rasmuson serves as chair of the board for the Rasmuson Foundation, which supports an array of programs for poor Alaskans, artists and others. Now, he says, he regrets voting for Dunleavy and supporting his campaign.
Aleutian Falcon, 1 of Trident’s 2 floating Alaska seafood processors, burns in Tacoma
A 233-foot floating processor owned by Trident Seafoods caught fire shortly before midnight Wednesday. The processor, the Aleutian Falcon, was docked at the Port of Tacoma, Washington.
From octagon to hexagon: AFC embraces new ring, venue at Alaska Airlines Center
After 13 years at the Sullivan Arena, the Alaska Fighting Championship has packed its bags and moved to the Alaska Airlines Center. The center has newer amenities, and fans can be closer to the raw action that, figuratively and literally, packs a punch. Listen now
Alaska ferries resume sailing after striking workers ratify new contract
Members won a 3% raise over three years and concessions on how much they’d contribute towards the health care plan and when.
Update: Alaska House Republicans name lawmaker who tested positive for COVID-19
Alaska Rep. Mike Cronk tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. He announced the result on Thursday through a press release from the House Republican caucus.
Ketchikan officials announce two new cases of COVID-19, bringing local total to eight
Officials reiterated the importance of staying home given the exponential growth in coronavirus cases in Ketchikan.
Why SEARHC thinks paying for 8 weeks of parental leave will save money
A Southeast health provider has adopted what may be the most progressive parental leave policy in Alaska. At least two experts say they don’t know of another employer in the state with a comparable benefit.
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Climate bill faces tough sledding in Alaska legislature
Two Anchorage Democrats have introduced a bill to create a statewide commission on climate change. But even its authors doubt the bill has much of a chance, at least this session. Still, they argue it’s a step in the right direction. Listen now
LISTEN: Congress put together a $2 trillion relief package. What happens next?
Congress has put together the largest financial relief package in history. Will it be enough to blunt the economic decline in the U.S? And what will it mean for Alaska's economy and workers?
Human Rights Commission quietly fires director
The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights has confirmed firing its executive director in July, after she had been on the job for less than a month, but the commission continues to say little about it.
After COVID-19 hiatus, Denali climbing season returns in 2021
In high-elevation environments, a respiratory disease has the potential to be particularly dangerous, raising the stakes for guides on Denali trips.
Saturday update: Alaska COVID-19 case count jumps by 17, to 102
Alaska has confirmed 102 cases of COVID-19 as of Saturday afternoon, up from 85 the day before, the Department of Health and Social Services said.
Homeless shelters and services to see reduced funding
With a state capital budget passed, the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation said it will dole out checks to charities that have been trying to keep Alaskans off the streets. But those checks will only go so far.
Anchorage Assembly rejects motion to end emergency proclamation
The Anchorage Assembly rejected another motion to throw out the city’s emergency proclamation at a meeting on Tuesday evening. The city has been under an emergency proclamation since the pandemic began last March. It is currently set to expire next month unless the Assembly votes to extend it for the eighth time.