Alaska Journal of Commerce - April Issue 3 2012

Archive » AJC Issue Archive Departments
Parnell removes oil taxes from special session Gov. Sean Parnell on Wednesday pulled oil taxes off the Legislature's special session call, saying the Senate "appears incapable of passing comprehensive oil tax reform." BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press
US unemployment aid requests near 3-month high The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits remained stuck near a three-month high last week, a sign that job gains will likely remain modest. CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER, AP Economics Writer
Arizona case could lead to sweeping changes The United States could see an official about-face in the coming months in how it confronts illegal immigration if the Supreme Court follows through on its suggestion that it would let local police enforce the most controversial part of Arizona's immigration law. JACQUES BILLEAUD, Associated Press
Upturn in homes sales sends stocks slightly higher U.S. stocks edged higher Thursday despite mixed signals on the economy. A batch of bright earnings reports and encouraging news about home sales sent some stocks higher, but the gains were checked by a disappointing report on unemployment claims, a broad decline across European markets and losses at some well-known companies. CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer
House moves ahead with cybersecurity bill House Republicans are pushing ahead with legislation to protect the nation's critical infrastructure and corporations from electronic attacks despite Obama administration objections that the legislation fails to protect Americans' civil liberties. DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press
Strong corporate earnings push stocks higher Stronger profits from Microsoft, McDonald's and other major U.S. corporations pushed stocks higher Friday. Optimism from Europe helped brighten the mood. MATTHEW CRAFT, AP Business Writer
	Providers aim to grow pediatricians for Alaska The “Alaska Grown” label may have to expand to pediatricians in a few years. By Andrew Jensen Alaska Journal of Commerce
Angoon residents petition for Southeast salmon closures The U.S. secretaries of Interior and Agriculture are considering a petition from the Angoon village corporation to exert federal jurisdiction over state waters in Southeast to protect subsistence harvests of sockeye salmon. By Andrew Jensen Alaska Journal of Commerce
State among employers trying to trim health care costs Like all employers, state officials are grappling with how to control rapidly rising health care costs. Unlike the others, however, the sheer size of state medical care spending, through all its programs, gives it huge potential leverage in the market. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
Workers’ wellness can pay off for employers’ bottom line, insurers say Employers are rapidly expanding “wellness” programs for their workers as a strategy to reduce galloping cost health care cost increases. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
	Alaska Job Centers Offer Help with Jobs, Training While the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development doesn’t have an “easy” button – our clients can walk out of a job center with the skills to build a life. By Paul Dick
	Healthcare briefs Alaska has been shaped by events as big as the state – the gold rush, World War II, the Korean War, trans-Alaska oil pipeline construction. Whether serving the almost 225,000 Alaskans at statehood in 1959 or today’s population of more than 700,000, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development provides for safe and legal working conditions, and advances opportunities for employment.
	Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities at work The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division works with a variety of community rehabilitation providers across the state to meet the employment needs of Alaskans with disabilities.
	Alaska’s health care industry continues to grow Alaska’s population has grown to more than 710,000, an increase of about 13 percent since 2000 when we had about 627,000 residents. In addition to other needs, more people mean a greater need for health care as we are all potential customers. By the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Alaskans want to know why Village Built Clinics are underfunded Alaska Natives in rural communities often depend on local clinics as their only source for primary health care. However, many of these clinics are in trouble or already closed, and Alaskans want an answer as to why. Village Built Clinics are health facilities available to rural Alaska communities. They provide primary health care services and are usually staffed by mid-level providers or community health aides. By Jonathan Grass Alaska Journal of Commerce
Health briefs
Flint Hills to close another crude oil refining unit Flint Hills Resources announced April 10 it is closing its No. 1 crude oil refining unit at the company’s refinery at North Pole due to challenging economic conditions faced by the refinery, company officials said in a press release. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
	Curves for health
Marathon sells its Alaska production assets Another of Cook Inlet’s legacy petroleum companies will soon be gone from the scene. Marathon Oil Corp. will sell its Alaska producing properties in Southcentral Alaska to Hilcorp Alaska LLC, the Houston-based company announced April 9. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
	Performers get fired up
	New student housing plans to cut fossil fuels Jack Hebert has been building houses a long time, but with a twist. The president and CEO of the Cold Climate Housing Research Center has a plan to build new student housings units that will become a standard in construction techniques. By Jonathan Grass Alaska Journal of Commerce
Lawmakers still juggling issues as session clock winds down As the clock ticked down to their adjournment at midnight, April 15, legislators were still juggling all the major issues of the 2012 session, among them oil taxes, an extension of tax credits for film producers, new tax credits for high-tech startups, new incentives for oil and gas exploration, an energy voucher payment to citizens to help ease the pain of high fuel prices. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
State will receive $1 billion more in oil revenues, thanks to high prices Alaskans are groaning at the gas pump, but those high prices are fattening the state treasury. State revenues from oil and gas are expected to increase by $1 billion this year compared to estimates made in December, the state Department of Revenue said in its latest revenue forecast. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
OPINION: Young entrepreneurs dream big All across the country, there are young men and women dreaming of opening their own businesses. Some are looking to start the next social media phenomenon, while others are focused on a business idea that fills an important niche on their campuses and in their communities. By Calvin W. Goings SBA Assistant Associate Administrator
EDITORIAL: Unfinished business: no justice in Sen. Ted Stevens case Justice isn’t done in the federal case involving Alaska’s late Sen. Ted Stevens. By the Ketchikan Daily News
	Wind turbines arrive at Port of Anchorage Three vessels — the M/V Muntgracht, the M/V Thorco Amber and the M/V Jasmine Scan — called on the Port of Anchorage.
OPINION: Farmed fish flood, exchange rate shifts will impact salmon markets A resurgence of farmed fish and shifting world currencies could shake up salmon markets this year. “There are two trends going into the current salmon season that we haven’t seen for several years,” said Gunnar Knapp, a fisheries economist at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. By Laine Welch For the Journal
Bulletins 04/15/12
Study says Midwest quakes ‘almost certainly man-made’ due to fracking Oil and gas production may explain a sharp increase in small earthquakes in the nation’s midsection, a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey suggests. By Malcolm Ritter AP Science Writer
	Hemp supporters say support growing in Kentucky Hemp isn’t legal in Kentucky yet, but the eclectic mix of people at a recent seminar in Lexington was evidence that support for the versatile plant may be taking root. By Bruce Schreiner Associated Press
	Study finds some early breast cancer overdiagnosed For years, women have been urged to get screened for breast cancer because the earlier it’s found, the better. Now researchers are reporting more evidence suggesting that’s not always the case. By Stephanie Nano Associated Press
Supreme Court misunderstanding on health overhaul? A possible misunderstanding about President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul could cloud Supreme Court deliberations on its fate, leaving the impression that the law’s insurance requirement is more onerous than it actually is. By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Associated Press
Movers 04/15/12
Archive » Oil & Gas
Parnell removes oil taxes from special session Gov. Sean Parnell on Wednesday pulled oil taxes off the Legislature's special session call, saying the Senate "appears incapable of passing comprehensive oil tax reform." BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press
Parnell submits opening proposal on oil taxes for special session With the special session of the state Legislature under way at 1 p,m. Wednesday, Gov. Sean Parnell transmitted legislation to change Alaska's oil tax regime to foster new production and encourage further development of current sources to stem the decline in North Slope production. Alaska Journal of Commerce
Special session called after legislature fails to pass oil tax changes It was a wild ride on the last day of the 2012 legislative session, and now Gov. Sean Parnell has called lawmakers back to take care of unfinished business – changes to the state’s oil and gas production tax. Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce
Senate sends oil tax bill back to committee The state Senate was to have voted on its oil tax bill Thursday but instead sent Senate Bill 192 back to the Rules Committee, a signal that there are insufficient votes in the Senate Majority to pass the bill. Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce
Flint Hills to close another crude oil refining unit Flint Hills Resources announced April 10 it is closing its No. 1 crude oil refining unit at the company’s refinery at North Pole due to challenging economic conditions faced by the refinery, company officials said in a press release. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
Marathon sells its Alaska production assets Another of Cook Inlet’s legacy petroleum companies will soon be gone from the scene. Marathon Oil Corp. will sell its Alaska producing properties in Southcentral Alaska to Hilcorp Alaska LLC, the Houston-based company announced April 9. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
Lawmakers still juggling issues as session clock winds down As the clock ticked down to their adjournment at midnight, April 15, legislators were still juggling all the major issues of the 2012 session, among them oil taxes, an extension of tax credits for film producers, new tax credits for high-tech startups, new incentives for oil and gas exploration, an energy voucher payment to citizens to help ease the pain of high fuel prices. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
Study says Midwest quakes ‘almost certainly man-made’ due to fracking Oil and gas production may explain a sharp increase in small earthquakes in the nation’s midsection, a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey suggests. By Malcolm Ritter AP Science Writer
Archive » Technology
House moves ahead with cybersecurity bill House Republicans are pushing ahead with legislation to protect the nation's critical infrastructure and corporations from electronic attacks despite Obama administration objections that the legislation fails to protect Americans' civil liberties. DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press
Archive » Alaska Politics
Parnell removes oil taxes from special session Gov. Sean Parnell on Wednesday pulled oil taxes off the Legislature's special session call, saying the Senate "appears incapable of passing comprehensive oil tax reform." BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press
Legislature passes human, sex trafficking bill Alaska lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill stiffening penalties for sex trafficking, removing the label of "prostitute" from victims and changing court procedures as an effort to expedite justice and make the process easier on victims. AUSTIN BAIRD, Associated Press
Parnell submits opening proposal on oil taxes for special session With the special session of the state Legislature under way at 1 p,m. Wednesday, Gov. Sean Parnell transmitted legislation to change Alaska's oil tax regime to foster new production and encourage further development of current sources to stem the decline in North Slope production. Alaska Journal of Commerce
Special session called after legislature fails to pass oil tax changes It was a wild ride on the last day of the 2012 legislative session, and now Gov. Sean Parnell has called lawmakers back to take care of unfinished business – changes to the state’s oil and gas production tax. Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce
Bills moving quickly as session nears close The Senate Finance Committee ticked off a list of bills in rapid succession Friday morning. Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce
Pace picks up as Legislature enters last three days; deadlock over oil taxes continues Legislators ratcheted up the tempo sharply Friday with three days left in the 2012 legislative session. The Senate Finance Committee had a full plate of House-passed bills on its agenda and was voting them out at a fast pace late Friday morning. Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce
Archive » National Politics
Arizona case could lead to sweeping changes The United States could see an official about-face in the coming months in how it confronts illegal immigration if the Supreme Court follows through on its suggestion that it would let local police enforce the most controversial part of Arizona's immigration law. JACQUES BILLEAUD, Associated Press
House moves ahead with cybersecurity bill House Republicans are pushing ahead with legislation to protect the nation's critical infrastructure and corporations from electronic attacks despite Obama administration objections that the legislation fails to protect Americans' civil liberties. DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press
Mommy Wars give way to Doggy Wars in Twitterverse So let's get all the puns out of the way, shall we? It's the issue with legs — four of them. JOCELYN NOVECK, AP National Writer
Archive » Finance
Upturn in homes sales sends stocks slightly higher U.S. stocks edged higher Thursday despite mixed signals on the economy. A batch of bright earnings reports and encouraging news about home sales sent some stocks higher, but the gains were checked by a disappointing report on unemployment claims, a broad decline across European markets and losses at some well-known companies. CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer
Strong corporate earnings push stocks higher Stronger profits from Microsoft, McDonald's and other major U.S. corporations pushed stocks higher Friday. Optimism from Europe helped brighten the mood. MATTHEW CRAFT, AP Business Writer
Wells Fargo beats earnings expectations Wells Fargo's profit jumped 13 percent in the first three months of the year, thanks to strong mortgage lending and a drop in delinquent loans, the bank said Friday. CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer
Stocks fall on higher European borrowing costs U.S. stocks fell on Friday after worries about Europe returned, erasing almost half of the market's gain from the previous day. JOSHUA FREED, AP Business Writer
Archive » Editorials
OPINION: Young entrepreneurs dream big All across the country, there are young men and women dreaming of opening their own businesses. Some are looking to start the next social media phenomenon, while others are focused on a business idea that fills an important niche on their campuses and in their communities. By Calvin W. Goings SBA Assistant Associate Administrator
EDITORIAL: Unfinished business: no justice in Sen. Ted Stevens case Justice isn’t done in the federal case involving Alaska’s late Sen. Ted Stevens. By the Ketchikan Daily News
Archive » Features
Pass the hemp vodka this 4/20 During at least one 420 celebration in Alaska on Friday, you'll be invited to pour yourself a drink instead of lighting up. MARK THIESSEN and RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press
Archive » Movers and Shakers
Movers 04/15/12
Archive » Bulletin Board
Bulletins 04/15/12
Archive » Fishery Stories
FDA: Gulf seafood safe despite oil spill concerns Photos of fish with sores may raise concern about long-term environmental effects of the massive BP oil spill — but federal health officials say the Gulf seafood that's on the market is safe to eat. LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer
Angoon residents petition for Southeast salmon closures The U.S. secretaries of Interior and Agriculture are considering a petition from the Angoon village corporation to exert federal jurisdiction over state waters in Southeast to protect subsistence harvests of sockeye salmon. By Andrew Jensen Alaska Journal of Commerce
OPINION: Farmed fish flood, exchange rate shifts will impact salmon markets A resurgence of farmed fish and shifting world currencies could shake up salmon markets this year. “There are two trends going into the current salmon season that we haven’t seen for several years,” said Gunnar Knapp, a fisheries economist at the University of Alaska at Anchorage. By Laine Welch For the Journal
Archive » Coastal Journal
	Curves for health
Archive » General News
US unemployment aid requests near 3-month high The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits remained stuck near a three-month high last week, a sign that job gains will likely remain modest. CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER, AP Economics Writer
Arizona case could lead to sweeping changes The United States could see an official about-face in the coming months in how it confronts illegal immigration if the Supreme Court follows through on its suggestion that it would let local police enforce the most controversial part of Arizona's immigration law. JACQUES BILLEAUD, Associated Press
House moves ahead with cybersecurity bill House Republicans are pushing ahead with legislation to protect the nation's critical infrastructure and corporations from electronic attacks despite Obama administration objections that the legislation fails to protect Americans' civil liberties. DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press
Legislature passes human, sex trafficking bill Alaska lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill stiffening penalties for sex trafficking, removing the label of "prostitute" from victims and changing court procedures as an effort to expedite justice and make the process easier on victims. AUSTIN BAIRD, Associated Press
Coast Guard: 2 dead in shooting at Alaska station MARY PEMBERTON and RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press
Vietnam man buys little piece of American dream Vietnamese businessman Pham Dinh Nguyen flew to the U.S. for the first time, drove to a tiny, frigid trading outpost and bought his own piece of the American dream: Buford, Wyoming — population 1. MARGIE MASON, Associated Press
Rise in US exports brightens outlook for economy The outlook for U.S. economic growth is looking slightly better. MARTIN CRUTSINGER and PAUL WISEMAN, AP Economics Writers
	Providers aim to grow pediatricians for Alaska The “Alaska Grown” label may have to expand to pediatricians in a few years. By Andrew Jensen Alaska Journal of Commerce
State among employers trying to trim health care costs Like all employers, state officials are grappling with how to control rapidly rising health care costs. Unlike the others, however, the sheer size of state medical care spending, through all its programs, gives it huge potential leverage in the market. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
Workers’ wellness can pay off for employers’ bottom line, insurers say Employers are rapidly expanding “wellness” programs for their workers as a strategy to reduce galloping cost health care cost increases. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce
	Alaska Job Centers Offer Help with Jobs, Training While the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development doesn’t have an “easy” button – our clients can walk out of a job center with the skills to build a life. By Paul Dick
	Healthcare briefs Alaska has been shaped by events as big as the state – the gold rush, World War II, the Korean War, trans-Alaska oil pipeline construction. Whether serving the almost 225,000 Alaskans at statehood in 1959 or today’s population of more than 700,000, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development provides for safe and legal working conditions, and advances opportunities for employment.
	Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities at work The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division works with a variety of community rehabilitation providers across the state to meet the employment needs of Alaskans with disabilities.
	Alaska’s health care industry continues to grow Alaska’s population has grown to more than 710,000, an increase of about 13 percent since 2000 when we had about 627,000 residents. In addition to other needs, more people mean a greater need for health care as we are all potential customers. By the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Alaskans want to know why Village Built Clinics are underfunded Alaska Natives in rural communities often depend on local clinics as their only source for primary health care. However, many of these clinics are in trouble or already closed, and Alaskans want an answer as to why. Village Built Clinics are health facilities available to rural Alaska communities. They provide primary health care services and are usually staffed by mid-level providers or community health aides. By Jonathan Grass Alaska Journal of Commerce
Health briefs
	Curves for health
	Performers get fired up
	New student housing plans to cut fossil fuels Jack Hebert has been building houses a long time, but with a twist. The president and CEO of the Cold Climate Housing Research Center has a plan to build new student housings units that will become a standard in construction techniques. By Jonathan Grass Alaska Journal of Commerce
	Wind turbines arrive at Port of Anchorage Three vessels — the M/V Muntgracht, the M/V Thorco Amber and the M/V Jasmine Scan — called on the Port of Anchorage.
Supreme Court misunderstanding on health overhaul? A possible misunderstanding about President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul could cloud Supreme Court deliberations on its fate, leaving the impression that the law’s insurance requirement is more onerous than it actually is. By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Associated Press
Archive » Oil & Gas Reporter
State will receive $1 billion more in oil revenues, thanks to high prices Alaskans are groaning at the gas pump, but those high prices are fattening the state treasury. State revenues from oil and gas are expected to increase by $1 billion this year compared to estimates made in December, the state Department of Revenue said in its latest revenue forecast. By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

AJC Issue Archive Departments

Parnell removes oil taxes from special session

Gov. Sean Parnell on Wednesday pulled oil taxes off the Legislature's special session call, saying the Senate "appears incapable of passing comprehensive oil tax reform."

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

US unemployment aid requests near 3-month high

The number of people seeking U.S. unemployment benefits remained stuck near a three-month high last week, a sign that job gains will likely remain modest.

CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER, AP Economics Writer

Arizona case could lead to sweeping changes

The United States could see an official about-face in the coming months in how it confronts illegal immigration if the Supreme Court follows through on its suggestion that it would let local police enforce the most controversial part of Arizona's immigration law.

JACQUES BILLEAUD, Associated Press

Upturn in homes sales sends stocks slightly higher

U.S. stocks edged higher Thursday despite mixed signals on the economy. A batch of bright earnings reports and encouraging news about home sales sent some stocks higher, but the gains were checked by a disappointing report on unemployment claims, a broad decline across European markets and losses at some well-known companies.

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

House moves ahead with cybersecurity bill

House Republicans are pushing ahead with legislation to protect the nation's critical infrastructure and corporations from electronic attacks despite Obama administration objections that the legislation fails to protect Americans' civil liberties.

DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press

Strong corporate earnings push stocks higher

Stronger profits from Microsoft, McDonald's and other major U.S. corporations pushed stocks higher Friday. Optimism from Europe helped brighten the mood.

MATTHEW CRAFT, AP Business Writer

Providers aim to grow pediatricians for Alaska

The “Alaska Grown” label may have to expand to pediatricians in a few years.

By Andrew Jensen Alaska Journal of Commerce

Angoon residents petition for Southeast salmon closures

The U.S. secretaries of Interior and Agriculture are considering a petition from the Angoon village corporation to exert federal jurisdiction over state waters in Southeast to protect subsistence harvests of sockeye salmon.

By Andrew Jensen Alaska Journal of Commerce

State among employers trying to trim health care costs

Like all employers, state officials are grappling with how to control rapidly rising health care costs. Unlike the others, however, the sheer size of state medical care spending, through all its programs, gives it huge potential leverage in the market.

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

Workers’ wellness can pay off for employers’ bottom line, insurers say

Employers are rapidly expanding “wellness” programs for their workers as a strategy to reduce galloping cost health care cost increases.

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

Alaska Job Centers Offer Help with Jobs, Training

While the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development doesn’t have an “easy” button – our clients can walk out of a job center with the skills to build a life.

By Paul Dick

Healthcare briefs

Alaska has been shaped by events as big as the state – the gold rush, World War II, the Korean War, trans-Alaska oil pipeline construction. Whether serving the almost 225,000 Alaskans at statehood in 1959 or today’s population of more than 700,000, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development provides for safe and legal working conditions, and advances opportunities for employment.

Vocational Rehabilitation helps people with disabilities at work

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Vocational Rehabilitation Division works with a variety of community rehabilitation providers across the state to meet the employment needs of Alaskans with disabilities.

Alaska’s health care industry continues to grow

Alaska’s population has grown to more than 710,000, an increase of about 13 percent since 2000 when we had about 627,000 residents. In addition to other needs, more people mean a greater need for health care as we are all potential customers.

By the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Alaskans want to know why Village Built Clinics are underfunded

Alaska Natives in rural communities often depend on local clinics as their only source for primary health care. However, many of these clinics are in trouble or already closed, and Alaskans want an answer as to why. Village Built Clinics are health facilities available to rural Alaska communities. They provide primary health care services and are usually staffed by mid-level providers or community health aides.

By Jonathan Grass Alaska Journal of Commerce

Health briefs

Flint Hills to close another crude oil refining unit

Flint Hills Resources announced April 10 it is closing its No. 1 crude oil refining unit at the company’s refinery at North Pole due to challenging economic conditions faced by the refinery, company officials said in a press release.

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

Curves for health

Marathon sells its Alaska production assets

Another of Cook Inlet’s legacy petroleum companies will soon be gone from the scene. Marathon Oil Corp. will sell its Alaska producing properties in Southcentral Alaska to Hilcorp Alaska LLC, the Houston-based company announced April 9.

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

Performers get fired up

New student housing plans to cut fossil fuels

Jack Hebert has been building houses a long time, but with a twist. The president and CEO of the Cold Climate Housing Research Center has a plan to build new student housings units that will become a standard in construction techniques.

By Jonathan Grass Alaska Journal of Commerce

Lawmakers still juggling issues as session clock winds down

As the clock ticked down to their adjournment at midnight, April 15, legislators were still juggling all the major issues of the 2012 session, among them oil taxes, an extension of tax credits for film producers, new tax credits for high-tech startups, new incentives for oil and gas exploration, an energy voucher payment to citizens to help ease the pain of high fuel prices.

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

State will receive $1 billion more in oil revenues, thanks to high prices

Alaskans are groaning at the gas pump, but those high prices are fattening the state treasury. State revenues from oil and gas are expected to increase by $1 billion this year compared to estimates made in December, the state Department of Revenue said in its latest revenue forecast.

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

OPINION: Young entrepreneurs dream big

All across the country, there are young men and women dreaming of opening their own businesses. Some are looking to start the next social media phenomenon, while others are focused on a business idea that fills an important niche on their campuses and in their communities.

By Calvin W. Goings SBA Assistant Associate Administrator

EDITORIAL: Unfinished business: no justice in Sen. Ted Stevens case

Justice isn’t done in the federal case involving Alaska’s late Sen. Ted Stevens.

By the Ketchikan Daily News

Wind turbines arrive at Port of Anchorage

Three vessels — the M/V Muntgracht, the M/V Thorco Amber and the M/V Jasmine Scan — called on the Port of Anchorage.

OPINION: Farmed fish flood, exchange rate shifts will impact salmon markets

A resurgence of farmed fish and shifting world currencies could shake up salmon markets this year. “There are two trends going into the current salmon season that we haven’t seen for several years,” said Gunnar Knapp, a fisheries economist at the University of Alaska at Anchorage.

By Laine Welch For the Journal

Bulletins 04/15/12

Study says Midwest quakes ‘almost certainly man-made’ due to fracking

Oil and gas production may explain a sharp increase in small earthquakes in the nation’s midsection, a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey suggests.

By Malcolm Ritter AP Science Writer

Hemp supporters say support growing in Kentucky

Hemp isn’t legal in Kentucky yet, but the eclectic mix of people at a recent seminar in Lexington was evidence that support for the versatile plant may be taking root.

By Bruce Schreiner Associated Press

Study finds some early breast cancer overdiagnosed

For years, women have been urged to get screened for breast cancer because the earlier it’s found, the better. Now researchers are reporting more evidence suggesting that’s not always the case.

By Stephanie Nano Associated Press

Supreme Court misunderstanding on health overhaul?

A possible misunderstanding about President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul could cloud Supreme Court deliberations on its fate, leaving the impression that the law’s insurance requirement is more onerous than it actually is.

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Associated Press

Movers 04/15/12

Archive »

Oil & Gas

Parnell removes oil taxes from special session

Gov. Sean Parnell on Wednesday pulled oil taxes off the Legislature's special session call, saying the Senate "appears incapable of passing comprehensive oil tax reform."

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

Parnell submits opening proposal on oil taxes for special session

With the special session of the state Legislature under way at 1 p,m. Wednesday, Gov. Sean Parnell transmitted legislation to change Alaska's oil tax regime to foster new production and encourage further development of current sources to stem the decline in North Slope production.

Alaska Journal of Commerce

Special session called after legislature fails to pass oil tax changes

It was a wild ride on the last day of the 2012 legislative session, and now Gov. Sean Parnell has called lawmakers back to take care of unfinished business – changes to the state’s oil and gas production tax.

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Senate sends oil tax bill back to committee

The state Senate was to have voted on its oil tax bill Thursday but instead sent Senate Bill 192 back to the Rules Committee, a signal that there are insufficient votes in the Senate Majority to pass the bill.

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Flint Hills to close another crude oil refining unit

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

Marathon sells its Alaska production assets

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

Lawmakers still juggling issues as session clock winds down

By Tim Bradner Alaska Journal of Commerce

Study says Midwest quakes ‘almost certainly man-made’ due to fracking

Oil and gas production may explain a sharp increase in small earthquakes in the nation’s midsection, a new study from the U.S. Geological Survey suggests.

By Malcolm Ritter AP Science Writer

Archive »

Technology

House moves ahead with cybersecurity bill

DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press

Archive »

Alaska Politics

Parnell removes oil taxes from special session

Gov. Sean Parnell on Wednesday pulled oil taxes off the Legislature's special session call, saying the Senate "appears incapable of passing comprehensive oil tax reform."

BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

Legislature passes human, sex trafficking bill

Alaska lawmakers have unanimously passed a bill stiffening penalties for sex trafficking, removing the label of "prostitute" from victims and changing court procedures as an effort to expedite justice and make the process easier on victims.

AUSTIN BAIRD, Associated Press

Parnell submits opening proposal on oil taxes for special session

Alaska Journal of Commerce

Special session called after legislature fails to pass oil tax changes

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Bills moving quickly as session nears close

The Senate Finance Committee ticked off a list of bills in rapid succession Friday morning.

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Pace picks up as Legislature enters last three days; deadlock over oil taxes continues

Legislators ratcheted up the tempo sharply Friday with three days left in the 2012 legislative session. The Senate Finance Committee had a full plate of House-passed bills on its agenda and was voting them out at a fast pace late Friday morning.

Tim Bradner, Alaska Journal of Commerce

Archive »

National Politics

Arizona case could lead to sweeping changes

JACQUES BILLEAUD, Associated Press

House moves ahead with cybersecurity bill

DONNA CASSATA, Associated Press

Mommy Wars give way to Doggy Wars in Twitterverse

So let's get all the puns out of the way, shall we? It's the issue with legs — four of them.

JOCELYN NOVECK, AP National Writer

Archive »

Finance

Upturn in homes sales sends stocks slightly higher

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

Strong corporate earnings push stocks higher

Stronger profits from Microsoft, McDonald's and other major U.S. corporations pushed stocks higher Friday. Optimism from Europe helped brighten the mood.

MATTHEW CRAFT, AP Business Writer

Wells Fargo beats earnings expectations

Wells Fargo's profit jumped 13 percent in the first three months of the year, thanks to strong mortgage lending and a drop in delinquent loans, the bank said Friday.

CHRISTINA REXRODE, AP Business Writer

Stocks fall on higher European borrowing costs

U.S. stocks fell on Friday after worries about Europe returned, erasing almost half of the market's gain from the previous day.

JOSHUA FREED, AP Business Writer

Archive »

Editorials

OPINION: Young entrepreneurs dream big

By Calvin W. Goings SBA Assistant Associate Administrator

EDITORIAL: Unfinished business: no justice in Sen. Ted Stevens case

Justice isn’t done in the federal case involving Alaska’s late Sen. Ted Stevens.

By the Ketchikan Daily News

Archive »

Features

Pass the hemp vodka this 4/20

During at least one 420 celebration in Alaska on Friday, you'll be invited to pour yourself a drink instead of lighting up.

MARK THIESSEN and RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press

Archive »

Movers and Shakers

Movers 04/15/12

Archive »

Bulletin Board

Bulletins 04/15/12

Archive »

Fishery Stories

FDA: Gulf seafood safe despite oil spill concerns

Photos of fish with sores may raise concern about long-term environmental effects of the massive BP oil spill — but federal health officials say the Gulf seafood that's on the market is safe to eat.

LAURAN NEERGAARD, AP Medical Writer