News

Alaska ferry system could face more budget cuts

KODIAK — The head of the Alaska Marine Highway System says he expects a $5 million cut to the organization’s operating budget next year.The budget… Continue reading

Electric official outlines $15 million upgrades for Sitka

SITKA — Officials with Sitka’s electric department have plans for $15.7 million in projects over the next decade to address weaknesses in the city’s electric… Continue reading

Man steals Salvation Army kettle outside Wasilla store

ANCHORAGE — Wasilla police are looking for man suspected of stealing a Salvation Army kettle that contained donations.Anchorage television station KTUU reported a volunteer bell-ringer… Continue reading

Hoverboards cannot fly

Alaska Airlines is banning the shipment of one of the most popular toys this Christmas.Last week, the airline decided that hoverboards are not safe to… Continue reading

Criminal justice commission recommends $424 million in savings

The state commission tasked with cutting costs in Alaska’s criminal justice system has come up with a slate of suggestions that could save Alaska’s budget… Continue reading

Hearing in Fairbanks 4 case canceled

ANCHORAGE — A hearing set for today has been canceled in the case of four indigenous men seeking post-conviction relief in the 1997 beating death… Continue reading

Photo: Moose play

Three moose play along Raspberry Road as they trot back to Kincaid Park in Anchorage on Wednesday.… Continue reading

Lawmakers consider reused medical equipment

KENAI — Alaska’s Medicaid patients may soon be getting recycled wheelchairs and walkers under new legislation that could reduce costs for the state program.State lawmakers… Continue reading

This Tuesday photo, shows the $2 million Islamic Community Center in Anchorage. This building, which is still under construction but occupied, is believed to be the first mosque in Alaska.

Who are US Muslims?

When Donald Trump offered a “temporary” plan to block Muslims from entering the United States in response to jihadist terrorism, some supporters cheered while other… Continue reading

This Tuesday photo, shows the $2 million Islamic Community Center in Anchorage. This building, which is still under construction but occupied, is believed to be the first mosque in Alaska.

Ex-leaders not budging after losing Alaska tribal dispute

ANCHORAGE — Former officials in an Alaska Native village are refusing to relinquish their old office and tribal records, despite a federal appeals panel’s finding… Continue reading

Settlement agreement reached in Seward coal terminal lawsuit

ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Railroad and the company that transfers coal to ships at Seward have reached a settlement with environmental groups that sued over… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker presents his fiscal year 2017 fiscal plan on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 in Anchorage.

Walker proposes big fix, including income tax, to solve state’s budget woes

Gov. Bill Walker has proposed the biggest changes to Alaska’s system of taxes and revenue since Jay Hammond signed legislation eliminating the state’s income tax… Continue reading

Gov. Bill Walker presents his fiscal year 2017 fiscal plan on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015 in Anchorage.

Alaska predicts sharp oil tax decline amid low prices

JUNEAU — The state of Alaska is projecting revenue from oil and gas production taxes at $172 million this year, a dramatic drop from two… Continue reading

First Lady Donna Walker spends time with her grandchildren, Walker Linderman, 11 months, and Mera Hobson, 7, as they wait for the doors to open for the Governor's Open House on Tuesday.

For governor, cookies come before budget’s main course

This morning, Gov. Bill Walker will unveil a complicated, multibillion-dollar plan to erase Alaska’s deficits and balance the state budget within four years.But first, there… Continue reading

First Lady Donna Walker spends time with her grandchildren, Walker Linderman, 11 months, and Mera Hobson, 7, as they wait for the doors to open for the Governor's Open House on Tuesday.

Anchorage mayor pulls support from road project

ANCHORAGE — Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has withdrawn the city’s support for a controversial $20 million dollar transportation project due to the state’s “current fiscal… Continue reading

Report: Short review didn’t compromise lease sale

ANCHORAGE — A federal agency rushed through an environmental review of an Alaska offshore petroleum lease sale at the insistence of high-level managers but did… Continue reading

In this May 22, 2015 file photo, Samantha Leialoha Watanabe walks outside of federal court in Honolulu. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, a federal jury found her guilty of assaulting her 15-month-old daughter on a flight from Alaska in May. Prosecutors say Watanabe cursed at her daughter, smacked her in the head, hit her in the face with a stuffed doll and yanked out tufts of her hair. They say passengers and flight attendants on the May 3 Alaska Airlines flight believed Watanabe was unnecessarily rough to a generally well-behaved toddler.

Jury finds Hawaii mother guilty of assaulting child on flight from Alaska

HONOLULU — A Hawaii mother was convicted Tuesday of assaulting her 15-month-old daughter during a May flight from Anchorage, Alaska to Honolulu.Samantha Leialoha Watanabe’s defense… Continue reading

In this May 22, 2015 file photo, Samantha Leialoha Watanabe walks outside of federal court in Honolulu. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, a federal jury found her guilty of assaulting her 15-month-old daughter on a flight from Alaska in May. Prosecutors say Watanabe cursed at her daughter, smacked her in the head, hit her in the face with a stuffed doll and yanked out tufts of her hair. They say passengers and flight attendants on the May 3 Alaska Airlines flight believed Watanabe was unnecessarily rough to a generally well-behaved toddler.

Bethel looks to housing project to retain workers

BETHEL — Bethel officials hope new housing for public safety, education and health professionals will help the city recruit and retain more personnel.The Bethel Community… Continue reading

Ag board to consider new director candidates

The Alaska Board of Agriculture and Conservation will meet at 1 p.m. Friday in Palmer to consider applicants to become the new state director of… Continue reading

With temporary IDs, expect travel delays

Alaska’s temporary driver identification does not meet Transportation Security Administration standards and could lead to more TSA screening, the Alaska Dispatch News reported Monday.According to… Continue reading