Tradesmen are working around the clock at Sitka’s community boatyard to install a hybrid electric propulsion system on the F/V Mirage, and breathe life into research toward clean energy solutions and cost savings for Alaska’s small boat fisheries. The conversion represents the first phase of an Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association initiative to fit three boats […]
Posted inNews
Murkowski and Sullivan split on Trump’s plans for further military action in Venezuela
Alaska’s two U.S. Senators are split on a resolution intended to halt U.S. military action in Venezuela without the approval of Congress. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, joined four other Republicans and the Senate’s Democrats in a 52-47 procedural vote that advances the resolution. If adopted, the resolution would direct the “removal of United States Armed […]
Posted inNews, Health, Government & Elections
Alaska’s Rep. Nick Begich votes against 3-year extension of federal health care subsidies
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 230-196 on Thursday to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years and reverse massive cost increases that went into effect with the new year. The reversal must still be approved by the U.S. Senate and President Donald Trump before becoming effective. Alaska’s lone member of the House, Republican Rep. Nick […]
Posted inNews, Environment, Mining
Mine workers ready respirators and go-bags as Red Dog contends with hazardous gas buildup
A buildup of hazardous gas at Alaska’s Red Dog mine in recent weeks forced the huge zinc and lead operation to fit workers with respirators and ramp up air monitoring at the mine and in nearby villages. Since November, reactive ore and waste rock at the remote Northwest Alaska mine has been generating higher-than-usual amounts […]
Posted inSoutheast News
Hundreds warned to evacuate in downtown Juneau amid high avalanche risk
Alaska’s capital city advised downtown residents in avalanche zones to evacuate their homes late Friday morning. Avalanche risk mounted as a result of increased snowfall, higher temperatures and forecasted rain, triggering an emergency alert. City and Borough of Juneau Emergency Programs Manager Ryan O’Shaughnessy said the city is monitoring the risk closely and working with […]
Posted inNews, Environment & Natural Resources, Economy
Alaska offers free rocks and dirt, helping big state-backed construction projects
The state of Alaska is preparing to give away millions of dollars worth of gravel to public corporations, a move that would amount to millions of dollars in assistance to some of the state’s biggest construction projects. According to a Q&A posted by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the beneficiaries could include the proposed […]
Posted inLocal News
Haines Highway cleared of avalanche that caught three vehicles
At about 8:15 a.m. Friday, Haines school counselor Kristen Brumfield was in her Nissan Xterra about halfway through her 34-mile commute south along the Haines Highway. Then the whole world turned white. “I took my foot off the gas and swore,” she said. “I heard a [sound] and I hit something and then stopped.” When […]
Posted inSoutheast News, Transportation
Lack of crew will keep state ferry tied up again this summer
Though the state will have two ferries that could operate next summer on the popular route between Bellingham, Washington, and Alaska, it will park the Kennicott at the dock in Ketchikan, keeping it out of service for the fourth summer in a row due to a persistent crew shortage. The Alaska Marine Highway System has […]
Posted inNews, Health
Insurance premiums spike while people wait for Congress to do something
Congress returns to work this week after a holiday break, with several members continuing to search for a political compromise to save millions of Americans from dramatic increases in their health insurance premiums under the Affordable Care Act. Two Wrangell residents who spoke to the Wrangell Sentinel on condition of anonymity to protect their financial […]
Posted inNews, State of Alaska
Alaska Family and Community Services commissioner leaves state post for Trump administration job
The commissioner of Alaska’s Department of Family and Community Services has departed that position to take a job with the Trump administration. Kim Kovol has accepted a job with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced last week. Her last day working for the state was on Friday, and Tracy Dompeling, the […]