Politics

Walker's National Guard nominee faces questions about infidelity, military law

Alaska House Republicans peppered Gov. Bill Walker’s nominee to head the state’s National Guard with questions about her personal life and her views on extramarital affairs during a pair of confirmation hearings Tuesday at the Capitol.
Nathaniel Herz
Legislator plans hearing on Alaska National Guard investigation
Walker names Hummel adjutant general of Alaska National Guard
Anchorage

Two workers hospitalized after well accident in Eagle River

Two construction workers were taken to the hospital Tuesday evening after they deployed dry ice in a wellhead in Eagle River and suffocated, according to the Anchorage Fire Department. 
Tegan Hanlon
Alaska News

State: Supreme Court case could have widespread impact on hunting, fishing

In state Supreme Court case, a trio of Southeast fishermen including former state Sen. Albert Kookesh argue that subsistence fishermen need public input before harvest limits are set. A state attorney says that hunting and fishing permits across the state could be affected by the court's ruling. 
Alex DeMarban
State must work to develop a unified system for subsistence management
Feds to study link between climate change, subsistence fishing patterns
Politics

Alaska communities could lose programs due to 'Choose Respect' cuts

The Alaska Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault re-evaluated the growth of its prevention programs after money from the “Choose Respect” campaign was halved. Officials expressed disappointment but said cuts were understandable amid declining oil prices.
Jerzy Shedlock
Photos: Hundreds 'Choose Respect' in Anchorage march
Business

No reason yet offered for Bethel grocery closing, but competitor promises not to raise prices

The lone big grocery store that will be operating in Bethel after Friday won’t raise its prices but does expect a boost in business with competitor Swanson’s closing, an executive with Alaska Commercial Co. said Tuesday.
Lisa Demer
Bethel's new showplace grocery store to close Friday
New Swanson's store opens in Bethel

Public broadcasting a winner in budget battle, while schools, Medicaid struggle

A legislative committee Tuesday restored most, but not all, of the dramatic budget cuts made to public broadcasting in Alaska, but the Republican-led group mostly rebuffed restoration of numerous other cuts across a wide range of programs. 
Politics
Pat Forgey

Chief Paul John's knowledge, kindness eulogized in Anchorage service

Traditional Yup'ik Chief Paul John, who died Friday at age 85, was praised by Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and other Alaska Native leaders at funeral services Tuesday in Anchorage. Rural AlaskaMike Dunham

My late-to-work excuse: I saved a cat frozen to an Anchorage sidewalk

The cat sat with all fours and its belly on the ground, as though ready to pounce. But its head was bobbing lazily as it struggled to stay conscious, its fur matted and frozen.PetsSean Doogan

Alaska's US senators split on GOP letter to Iranian government

A controversial letter from U.S. Senate Republicans to Iranian government leaders casting doubt on any potential nuclear agreement with the Obama administration was signed by Sen. Dan Sullivan but not by Sen. Lisa Murkowski.PoliticsYereth Rosen

News & Politics

Walker withdraws one Libertarian for APOC, names another

Gov. Bill Walker has swapped his choice for the Libertarian nominee to serve on the state commission that enforces campaign-finance and public-official disclosure rules.Nathaniel Herz
Audit finds unapproved and undocumented purchases in school district charge-card program
Arctic sea ice winter maximum may be record low
Demboski matching donations in Anchorage mayor's race

Have a news tip? Let us know at newstips@alaskadispatch.com

Multimedia

Multimedia
Photos: Paul John Anchorage memorial service
Multimedia
Photos: Iditarod mushers travel from Nenana to Manley
Multimedia
Video: Cat recovering after getting stuck in ice
Multimedia
Photos: New Swanson's closing in Bethel

Iditarod 2015

Brent Sass kicked out of Iditarod for breaking communications rule

Brent Sass has been disqualified from the Iditarod for having an iPod Touch, breaking the rule that prohibits mushers from using two-way communication devices.Alaska Dispatch News
Iditablog: Oops, where's my dog Singer?
Used to a balmy Alaska winter, Iditarod mushers feel the chill of minus 30
After dog mashup in Nenana, Iditarod's elite begin to strut their stuff

Voices

Uber's departure is Anchorage's loss - and cab cartel's gain

OPINION: Mayor Sullivan slams door on Uber - and sends a signal that Anchorage isn't open for innovative new business.  Mike Dingman
There's no hiding from Alaska's fiscal reality, so let's face it head on
It's time to repeal daylight saving time; the question is how
Tim Bradner: Walker should clear up confusion on state-led gas line

Sports

Aces are banged up but have Wolfe back for big series

Alaska leading scorer Brendan Connolly and first-pairing defenseman Corey Syvret are day-to-day, but high-scoring rookie center Greg Wolfe is back.Doyle Woody
In rough UAA hockey season, goalie Mantha proved smooth
Seawolves, Matsunami enjoy historic day for UAA gymnastics team
No medals for Alaska skiers on first day of racing at Junior Nationals

Events

Magic Luncheons
'Urban Farming: Alaska Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies'
Bollywood 101 class
Film screening, 'GMO OMG'

Culture

Chief Paul John's knowledge, kindness eulogized in Anchorage service

Traditional Yup'ik Chief Paul John, who died Friday at age 85, was praised by Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and other Alaska Native leaders at funeral services Tuesday in Anchorage. Mike Dunham
My late-to-work excuse: I saved a cat frozen to an Anchorage sidewalk
Market Fresh: Just for the halibut
Arts this week: Alaska sci-fi, truth and lies in mushing, St. Patrick's festivities

Arctic

Arctic sea ice winter maximum may be record low

Winter sea-ice extent in the Arctic appears to have peaked in February, meaning an earlier-than-average melt season is underway. But the decline isn't necessarily an indicator of an extraordinarily big summer melt-off. Yereth Rosen
Seattle mayor, council seek review of Shell Arctic drilling fleet
Glacier ice in narrow fjords creates oceans' noisiest known conditions, study says
Arctic development requires federal investment, Senate panel told

Nation/World

We Alaskans

Chatting with George Gee: Economist, barista, artist, philosopher

The barista and co-owner of Side Street Espresso in downtown Anchorage also produces art on an unusual medium. "I seldom can say there’s an inspiration," he says of his work. "It’s another day. It’s like getting up."Marc Lester
'Kingdom of Ice' a chilling tale of Arctic survival against all odds
Photos: Coffeehouse artist George Gee
Midwinter delights: spinning spruce seeds and hungry crossbills