News

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

Assembly member Debbie White breaks up peanut brittle she made in her home kitchen on Monday.

Brittle be the tie that binds

Sitting on the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly takes quite the time commitment. So does making 240 pounds of peanut brittle. Debbie White does… Continue reading

Assembly member Debbie White breaks up peanut brittle she made in her home kitchen on Monday.
Facilities Coordinator Odin Miller, right, serves Mario Capolicchio lunch at The Glory Hole on Monday.

Shelter in the hole

There are less than 20 days until Christmas, but there’s a $20,000 fire sprinkler bill on Glory Hole Director Mariya Lovishchuk’s desk, and the first… Continue reading

Facilities Coordinator Odin Miller, right, serves Mario Capolicchio lunch at The Glory Hole on Monday.
Mayor Greg Fisk talks about his first week on the job during an interview on Oct. 23. Fisk was found dead in his house on Monday.

Fisk’s life to be celebrated Sunday

A “Community Celebration of Life” will be held to honor Mayor Greg Fisk this Sunday from 1-2 p.m. at Centennial Hall, according to a short… Continue reading

Mayor Greg Fisk talks about his first week on the job during an interview on Oct. 23. Fisk was found dead in his house on Monday.

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

Police blotter for Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015

Assault• At 1:14 p.m. Saturday, a 56-year-old man reported he was assaulted two days ago in the 5900 block of Churchill Way. Investigation continues. Alcohol… Continue reading

Around town for Tuesday, Dec. 8

Social Media & Its Uses in the Workplace, 9 a.m.- 11 a.m., The Learning Connection, 210 Ferry Way. Details: 586-5718.Parks and Recreation Wednesday hike, 9:30… Continue reading

Leader of opposition party Primero Justicia, Henrique Capriles, who's also governor of Miranda state, gives a press conference at his office in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday.

Venezuelan opposition wins Congress, aims for supermajority

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s opposition rejoiced Monday after its shock triumph in legislative elections and waited anxiously for the final tally to see whether it… Continue reading

Leader of opposition party Primero Justicia, Henrique Capriles, who's also governor of Miranda state, gives a press conference at his office in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday.
In this Nov. 25 photo taken in Tijuana, Mexico, vehicles pass under a walking bridge that connects the new Cross Border Xpress air terminal in San Diego, right, to the Tijuana International Airport, left. The new terminal is scheduled to begin operations on Wednesday.

California’s newest airport extends to Mexico

SAN DIEGO — The U.S.-Mexico border is one of the world’s most fortified international divides. Starting Wednesday, it will also be one of the world’s… Continue reading

In this Nov. 25 photo taken in Tijuana, Mexico, vehicles pass under a walking bridge that connects the new Cross Border Xpress air terminal in San Diego, right, to the Tijuana International Airport, left. The new terminal is scheduled to begin operations on Wednesday.

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

No charges for Chicago officer in other 2014 shooting

CHICAGO — A dashcam video of another 2014 fatal shooting of a black man by a Chicago police officer became public Monday, with Cook County’s… Continue reading

Cheap oil buoys consumers, hammers its producers

DALLAS — Oil prices have been lower for longer than expected. Now, with OPEC’s decision to keep pumping at current levels, analysts expect oil to… Continue reading

Kendrick the King: Rapper leads Grammys with 11 nominations

NEW YORK (AP) — Kendrick Lamar is the king of the Grammys: The rapper is the leading nominee for the 2016 awards with 11, including… Continue reading

Supporters react as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, in Davenport, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

Trump: ‘Complete shutdown’ on Muslims into US

NEWARK, N.J. — Donald Trump called Monday for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States,” an idea swiftly condemned by his… Continue reading

Supporters react as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, in Davenport, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)