Abuse of opioids has been a growing problem in Alaska for the past decade. Jay Butler, Alaska’s chief medical officer, says the problem has been more visible the past couple years, and some of that could be driven by the national dialogue taking place about the issue. A joint investigation by The Associated Press and…
Associated Press
6 Anchorage football players kneel during national anthem
Six West Anchorage High School football players who took a knee during the national anthem have the attention of administrators. Activities director Brian Hosken told KTVA-TV that he and school administrators are going to conduct a review on Monday before deciding whether the students face any action. Principal Rick Stone declined to comment and would…
Athletics face cuts at University of Alaska
Steep cuts loom for University of Alaska athletics and regents want to avoid eliminating programs. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports the proposed athletics cuts are the sharpest among initial plans in an effort to focus the university as budget reductions persist. An athletics working group presented three options that reduce sports offerings. Regents decided to…
Alaska ferry repairs to interrupt service to Bellingham
Repairs will take an Alaska ferry off the water and interrupt service to Bellingham, Washington, for two weeks. The Ketchikan Daily News reports the Columbia’s travel speeds are reduced and routes will be delayed through its scheduled arrival in Bellingham Sept. 25. Alaska Department of Transportation spokesman Jeremy Woodrow says a log probably caused damage…
Senators file lawsuit over Walker’s permanent fund veto
An Alaska state senator and two former state senators sued the state Friday, claiming Gov. Bill Walker illegally vetoed Alaska Permanent Fund earnings that were required to be transferred to dividends. Walker in June cut in half anticipated permanent fund dividends that give all residents a share of the state’s oil wealth. He said checks…
Nageak files lawsuits against state officials over election
The losing incumbent in a northern Alaska state legislative race has filed two lawsuits against state elections officials, alleging illegal procedures were followed. KTVA-TV reports Democrat Benjamin Nageak filed the lawsuits Friday against Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott and Division of Elections Director Josie Bahnke over the House District 40 race. A recount confirmed challenger Dean…