Politics

The first Alaska Native woman to serve as lieutenant governor will lead a key Tribal health organization in the state. 

The Bethel City Council meeting on March 9 saw discussion from the public and from council members about the way the Bethel Police Department handles rape cases. Those who testified advocated for more responsible policing, and for timely handling of rape kits. 

The federal court system will likely decide the fate of Tundra Ridge Road, also known as Polk Road, also known as Uamuralria Drive. The State of Alaska has filed an action of eminent domain to condemn part of a native allotment for the road. 

In their Tuesday, March 9 meeting, the Bethel City Council will introduce a resolution put forth by city management that would pit the city against the State of Alaska concerning a transportation plan.

On Thursday, March 4, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to advance Congresswoman Debra Haaland’s nomination as Interior Secretary to a full Senate vote. The committee passed the nomination 11-9, with two Republican senators voting in favor of Haaland, including Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. 

Interior secretary-nominee U.S. Rep. Debra Haaland finished a two-day confirmation hearing in the U.S. Senate on Feb. 24. Oil-state senators on the Senate Energy Committee challenged her on anti-development positions she took as a U.S. Congresswoman, but Sen. Lisa Murkowski seemed more intent on educating the nominee about Alaska’s unique circumstances.