January-Issue-4 2012

The Coast Guard says the Renda was just 15 miles out from the Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor when it turned back Wednesday to make minor repairs.

In the dead of winter, the air outside swings past zero on the Fahrenheit scale around the Anchorage area. Further north around Fairbanks, it gets even colder. But none of this dissuades tourists who see this as a time to take in some of the attractions that have built Alaska’s tourism reputation.

What’s in a name? It can actually mean a lot, which is why the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau has changed its name to Visit Anchorage.

The Coast Guard says the Renda was just 15 miles out from the Aleutian Islands port of Dutch Harbor when it turned back Wednesday to make minor repairs.

U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline dismissed a claim by the U.S. Justice Department that BP had violated terms of a probation order when a field pipeline ruptured and spilled oil in 2009.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The United States has record supplies of natural gas and plenty of reasons to promote natural-gas powered cars, but so consumers, manufacturers and fuel suppliers haven’t shown much interest.

The board of directors of Alaska Communications voted Dec. 21 to lower its quarterly divided in a move that will free up nearly $30 million in cash flow annually for the Anchorage-based telecom.

BOSTON (AP) — There’s plenty for investors to worry about heading into 2012, from the European debt crisis to our own struggles to regain fiscal fitness. The economic recovery is picking up, but not so much that it inspires great confidence.

China will emerge as Alaska’s top export customer for 2011 when final trade statistics are counted for the last two months of the year, state officials say.

Homer is fortunate. While fish wars have bitterly divided other Alaska communities, Homer’s commercial fishing and sport charter fleets have been able to avoid most of the acrimony that’s found in other fishing towns.

Alaska’s commercial fisheries programs could get a slight boost if the governor’s budget for the next fiscal year gets a nod from legislators.

On the list are things like “pay off credit cards” and “save for retirement.” You’ll be putting some money away for your business or for emergencies. There will be little splurges, sure, but cautiously.

China will emerge as Alaska’s top export customer for 2011 when final trade statistics are counted for the last two months of the year, state officials say.

In the dead of winter, the air outside swings past zero on the Fahrenheit scale around the Anchorage area. Further north around Fairbanks, it gets even colder. But none of this dissuades tourists who see this as a time to take in some of the attractions that have built Alaska’s tourism reputation.

Bulletins 01/01/12

The fate of wide-ranging fishing closures in the western Aleutian Islands is now in the hands of a federal judge after a Dec. 21 hearing in U.S. Alaska District Court.

Homer is fortunate. While fish wars have bitterly divided other Alaska communities, Homer’s commercial fishing and sport charter fleets have been able to avoid most of the acrimony that’s found in other fishing towns.

Alaska’s commercial fisheries programs could get a slight boost if the governor’s budget for the next fiscal year gets a nod from legislators.

NEW YORK (AP) — Europe took the financial world on a stomach-churning ride in 2011.