News
The antithesis of apathy: Alaskas student government leaders are resolute at Juneau conference
7+ hour, 43+ min ago (520+ words) If it were up to Marck Ortilla and a few hundred of his student government peers, a state Senate floor vote Monday on a contentious bill boosting retirement benefits for public employees would be a foregone conclusion. Unanimous approval of…...
Alaska Senate proposes draft operating budget with a $1 K PFD plus a $150 energy relief payment
1+ day, 20+ hour ago (694+ words) The Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday'proposed an operating budget for the next fiscal year, with a $1, 000 Alaska Permanent Fund dividend plus a $150 energy relief payment per eligible Alaskan.' The committee's draft budget takes a more conservative approach to uncertainty around…...
A tiny Arctic village in Alaska is trying to revive its polar bear tourism industry
1+ day, 19+ hour ago (780+ words) Late every summer, hulking white bears gather outside a tiny Alaska Native village on the edge of the continent, far above the Arctic Circle, to feast on whale carcasses left behind by hunters and to wait for the deep cold…...
Organizers say boost from 50th Alaska Folk Festival means this year's is even bigger
2+ week, 5+ day ago (644+ words) One might expect the 51st Alaska Folk Festival to be a bit tamer than the landmark 50-year bash, but organizers say last year's golden anniversary get-together set the stage for an even bigger week of music, dance and other activities this…...
Alaska Senate advances constitutional amendment to establish education fund
3+ week, 3+ day ago (647+ words) The Alaska Senate on Wednesday advanced a constitutional amendment that would establish a dedicated fund for public education. If passed, lawmakers could design a new source of state revenue to go toward the fund that would be used specifically for…...
Alaska Senate votes to clarify state authority for imported natural gas prices
3+ week, 3+ day ago (347+ words) The Alaska Senate on Tuesday unanimously advanced a bill that would clarify state regulators" authority to oversee pricing for imported natural gas." The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission oversees the construction and location of gas import facilities. Senate Bill 180 clarifies that…...
Alaska lawmakers hear warnings of "education crisis" at joint meeting
3+ week, 4+ day ago (34+ words) Juneau Independent Keep Juneau Independent free for everyone. Start a monthly membership or make a single contribution. (Tax Deductible) Website managed by Aedel-France Buzard...
Anchorage teacher announces run for US House as an independent
3+ week, 5+ day ago (305+ words) Matthew "Bronco" Williams, an Anchorage-based private school teacher, has announced that he is running as an independent for Alaska's lone seat in the U. S. House of Representatives." Williams, 28, has not held public office. He ran as a Democrat for the Mississippi…...
Alaska mayors say governor's proposed tax break for $46 B gas line "needs a lot of work'
3+ week, 4+ day ago (1171+ words) Five Alaska mayors voiced concerns about how a proposed tax break for the Alaska LNG gas line project would impact their communities. Republican Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has proposed eliminating property taxes and other local taxes for the $46 billion megaproject....
Independent Anchorage attorney files as 18th candidate for Alaska governor
4+ week, 1+ day ago (264+ words) Anchorage attorney Gregg Brelsford on Tuesday announced that he is running as an independent for Alaska governor." Republican Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is in his final year of office. He is prevented by the Alaska Constitution from running for a…...