Music Matters
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

9/18/14 Alaska Permanent Fund to distribute $1,884 dividends beginning Oct. 2

Permanent Fund Dividend third largest in 33-year history

This year's PFD will be $1,884. That's twice as much as last year and the third-largest ever. Distribution begins Oct. 2.

---------------------------------------------------------

Lawsuit alleges candidate merger of gubernatorial campaigns was unlawful

A law suit claims Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell erred in issuing an emergency order that allowed the merger of the Bill Walker and Byron Mallott races for Governor and the withdrawal of other affected candidates. Mallott withdrew as the Democratic party's nominee for Governor and is now running for Lt. Gov. on the Walker ticket.

---------------------------------------------------------

Gov. Sean Parnell administration acknowledges Alaska Native tribes "exist"

For years, the state of Alaska under Republican leadership used lawsuits, legislation, and policy decisions to dispute or diminish tribal authorities. That seems to be changing, though, as the Parnell administration works with tribes on an agreement that would allow misdemeanor cases to be diverted to tribal courts. The civil diversion agreement states tribes in Alaska "exist," but stops short of recognizing tribal sovereignty. It does follow the course of federal and state court rulings and federal legislation that recognize tribal jurisdiction on certain matters affecting tribal members. Those include  the ability to handle misdemeanor cases involving alcohol, domestic violence, and juveniles, and the right of tribes to prosecute non-Indian offenders in cases involving tribal members. The agreement also recognizes the right of tribal courts to use restitution, talking circles, or other traditional measures instead of western court procedures.

Tribal representatives say the main effect of the civil diversion agreement will be to clearly authorize State Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers to divert cases to tribal courts. They say the agreement will be help prevent juvenile offenders from getting a state record of offenses, which can affect job, military, and scholarship opportunities.

Several tribes across the state are reviewing and considering the terms of the agreement. None have signed it yet.