Next year's operating and capital budgets total $12.8 billion, $400,000 less than this years, but still with a $1.4 billion dollar deficit.
A member of Fairbanks team that's been in control of the Funny River firefighting efforts describes some challenges and successes.
More than $20 million in federal fishery disaster funds will be distributed in Alaska in response to poor king salmon runs in recent years. Some $9.6 million goes to the Yukon-Kuskokwim region; and $11.1 million to Cook Inlet. The money can go to fisheries restoration, disaster prevention, and help for affected communities.
Alaska Marine Highway workers have approved a strike authorization, meaning the Inlandboatman's Union's 600 workers could strike over the terms of a new contract to begin when the current contract ends June 30. The union and the state are at an impasse over workers' cost of living adjustments.