News

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ANCHORAGE — Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has withdrawn the city’s support for a controversial $20 million dollar transportation project due to the state’s “current fiscal… Continue reading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

‘Mudflats’ blogger is new Democratic spokeswoman

Jeanne Devon, a political blogger known for her “The Mudflats” blog has been hired as the press secretary for the Alaska Senate’s five-member Democratic minority.Devon,… Continue reading

DNR wants public feedback on fees

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is considering whether it should change many of the fees levied for use of state and water.In an announcement… Continue reading

China Airlines jet strikes struck

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, a China Airlines Boeing 747 struck a stair truck at Anchorage International Airport on Sunday.An incident report filed with… Continue reading

Adventure show star charged with hunting violations

ANCHORAGE — A former beauty queen who hosts an Outdoor Channel adventure show illegally shot an Alaska grizzly bear and conspired to cover up the… Continue reading

Native biz deal with federal contracting changes

ANCHORAGE — Alaska Native regional corporations are receiving a decreasing amount of their revenue from a government contracting program that gives preferential treatment to disadvantaged… Continue reading

In this Nov. 25 photo, exchange student Nouredine Mama, of Cameroon, shares details about his culture and life in Africa with fourth and sixth grade students at Nikolaevsk School in Nikolaevsk.

Africa exchange student visits Russian village

KENAI — Cameroon exchange student Nouredine Mama was given two days’ notice before he was flown to Alaska this fall.The 16-year-old was already settled in… Continue reading

In this Nov. 25 photo, exchange student Nouredine Mama, of Cameroon, shares details about his culture and life in Africa with fourth and sixth grade students at Nikolaevsk School in Nikolaevsk.

Ketchikan prohibits retail pot shops

KETCHIKAN — Retail marijuana shops will not be able to open within Ketchikan city limits.Thursday’s 5-2 vote came after public comment and a 20-minute discussion,… Continue reading

Ketchikan official wants to revisit pot shop vote

KETCHIKAN — A Ketchikan council member plans to ask for reconsideration of the city’s recent pot shop vote.Members voted 5-2 to prohibit retail sales of… Continue reading

Troopers await positive identifications on crash victims

ANCHORAGE — Alaska State Troopers are awaiting a report from the state medical examiner before releasing names of two victims in a fatal Parks Highway… Continue reading