Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska

Several Alaska Native organizations oppose a legislative effort to increase sea otter harvests.

Alaska’s House and Senate have passed bills aimed at easing veterans’ chances of getting jobs. The measures direct the state to consider military training and experience when granting professional licenses. Alaska licenses about 40 professions, from barbers to contractors to nurses.

You’ve probably heard that cruise-ship bookings took a dive after the Costa Concordia hit a reef and partially sunk. But are travelers avoiding cruising or just delaying ticket purchases? And what does it mean for Alaska tourism?

The most recent Interior Department appropriations bill includes provisions aimed at helping Alaska’s struggling timber industry. But one group says they go too far.

This year’s Celebration Native cultural event will have an added focus on art.

New planning rules for national forests will have little immediate impact on Southeast Alaska. But they could mean some changes for Southcentral forest lands.