Above: State legislators were in session for a record 212 days in 2021 as they wrestled with lingering questions over the permanent fund and the state budget. As Lawmakers prepare for this year’s session, Alaska Public Media’s Adelyn Baxter looks back and reports that, despite the lengthy process, lawmakers didn’t make much progress in 2021.
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Before flight’s emergency landing in Bethel, boots melted and the cabin filled with smoke
“The pilot handed my granddaughter the fire extinguisher, and she didn’t know what to do with it," recounted one of the passengers.
State says it’s prepping Tazlina, hiring catamarans to bolster Southeast Alaska’s winter ferry schedule
Alaska Department of Transportation recently signed contracts with at least two vendors to run catamarans to Southeast villages. But officials in coastal communities aren’t sure the passenger-only vessels will be able to meet residents’ immediate needs.
The Postal Service is now taking orders for COVID-19 test kits
The free at-home COVID-19 tests are expected to be delivered by USPS later this month. The White House said the site is in "beta testing" and will be launched formally Wednesday.
NASA scientists estimate Tonga blast at 10 megatons
Researchers who have been studying the volcano since 2015 say it was likely caused by seawater flowing into a chamber filled with magma.
Bridge proposed in Denali National Park to avoid landslide area
The National Park Service is proposing a large steel bridge along a section of the only road that runs through Denali National Park and Preserve. The road was closed last year near its halfway point due to a long-running landslide issue that has been exacerbated by climate change.
National News
The Postal Service is now taking orders for COVID-19 test kits
The free at-home COVID-19 tests are expected to be delivered by USPS later this month. The White House said the site is in "beta testing" and will be launched formally Wednesday.
NASA scientists estimate Tonga blast at 10 megatons
Researchers who have been studying the volcano since 2015 say it was likely caused by seawater flowing into a chamber filled with magma.
Despite huge volcanic blast, Tonga avoids widespread disaster
In its first update since the eruption, the government said Tuesday it has confirmed three deaths — two local residents and a British woman.
Watch
Lawmakers hope for compromise and consensus as next Legislative session approaches | Alaska Insight
Long-term fiscal solutions for Alaska’s budget have been elusive so far, and political frustration is boiling over. State lawmakers are returning to Juneau for the regular legislative session starting next week.
ANCSA at 50 | Special Edition of Alaska Insight
Fifty years ago this December, Alaska Native leaders joined forces with national lawmakers to create legislation that ensured certain native land rights in our state. How has that legislation evolved over the decades? What does the next generation of Alaska Native leaders want to see moving forward?
Search and Rescue Airman uses her training to fly Alaska’s smallest planes | INDIE ALASKA
Jasmine Chavez is an Air Force veteran aspiring to be a bush pilot in Alaska.
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