US chamber chairman talks oil woes, election on Alaska trip

The chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce made a visit this week to Ketchikan, where he called on the presidential candidates from both major parties to focus on growth amid low oil prices. Chairman John Hopkins spoke to the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce about topics including the global energy market and international trade.

Scientists: Drop Arctic from plans for offshore drilling

Nearly 400 scientists have signed a letter urging President Obama to eliminate the possibility of Arctic offshore drilling in the near future by taking the Arctic Ocean out of the next federal offshore lease sale plan. The scientists include Jane Lubchenco, Obama's former administrator of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, now a researcher and teacher at Oregon State University.

Murkowski, Sullivan give ‘non-endorsement endorsement’ for Trump

Alaska Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan are playing the Washington, D.C. word game of the moment, in which they say they are supporting Donald Trump for president, but not endorsing him. There is no real difference between support and endorse, but Murkowski and Sullivan would love it if the former could signify a bare minimum level of approval, like a "D" in political science class.

Former Anchorage mayor files for primary run against Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Former Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan filed to run against U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the 2016 GOP primary on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Former Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan filed to face U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the Republican primary moments before the candidate deadline Wednesday.

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Last week, Alaska senators Lisa Murkowski , Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young asked Secretary of State John Kerry to negotiate with Canadian leaders to make sure appropriate environmental safeguards are in place for mine development in Southeast Alaska. The congressional delegation explained the importance of this issue to Alaskans and the need for assurances that the water quality in transboundary waters between Alaska and Canada will be maintained.