Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska, Author at KCAW

Split decision handed down in Native corporation free speech case

A Goldbelt, Inc. shareholder has won a partial victory on appeal in his fight with state financial regulators over critical social media posts. The case highlights the tension between state officials maintaining the integrity of high-stakes Alaska Native corporation elections without quashing legitimate shareholder dissent.

Sealaska shareholders consider election reforms

A pair of resolutions are being put to Sealaska shareholders that boosters say would reform how Southeast Alaska’s regional Native corporation elects its leaders.It’s part of an effort to boost the voices of independent shareholders.

Guardian Flight settles over deadly 2019 medevac crash

The twin-engine King Air turboprop was preparing to pick up a patient in Kake on January 29, 2019. For reasons that remain unclear it crashed into the water killing all three crew members on board.

Unanimous ferry reform bill prompts constitutional challenge from Alaska’s governor

A bill that would give the legislature more clout in shaping the state-run ferry system has unanimously passed Alaska’s House of Representatives on May 5. But its success remains uncertain because the governor’s office asserts it’s unconstitutional.

Human rights panel to weigh transboundary mining concerns

An international human rights body has agreed to hear from Southeast Alaska tribes concerned about cross-border pollution. Tribes and First Nations want more protection from British Columbia’s mining sector that’s active in transboundary watersheds.

Could rising timber prices aid the Tongass transition to second-growth logging?

Experts are divided over whether soaring lumber prices could be a way for Southeast Alaska’s struggling timber industry to harvest second-growth trees. Industry figures are skeptical that the region's outfits and mills can adapt to second-growth timber production.

A decade after Fukushima nuclear disaster, Alaska expands seafood monitoring

An earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Japan in 2011 killed tens of thousands and crippled the Fukushima nuclear plant which released radioactive material into the air and ocean. State regulators has been monitoring Alaska seafood for radiation since 2014.

Dunleavy administration withdraws DMV privatization plan

State-run DMVs will remain open in Haines, Homer, Valdez, Delta Junction, Eagle River and Tok for at least another year. The privatization plan would've increased the cost for routine DMV services in those communities.

Alaska sues PFAS makers as lawmakers seek broader action from regulators

The state's lawsuit names chemical giants 3M, Dupont and others for knowingly manufacturing toxic compounds that have polluted the state. It comes the same day as a bill was filed compelling state regulators to take broader action on contaminated sites.

Lawmakers advance bill to hike Alaska’s gas tax

Most of the revenue would go toward highway maintenance. And it enjoys wide support from business and industry groups that say it would help reinvest in Alaska’s road infrastructure.