News

Mallott rejects Democrats’ proposed primary change

JUNEAU — Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott on Wednesday declined a request by Alaska Democrats to allow candidates not affiliated with a political party to run… Continue reading

DNR commissioner resigns

One of the leading figures behind the development of a trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline has announced his resignation. In an email to employees of the… Continue reading

In this Feb. 5, 2016 photo, Bernadette Wilson, daughter Penelope Grace Tuck and partner Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, pose for a photo in Tuck's office in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of wielding limited influence, with their support expected to be critical to passing a budget this session. Their leader is Tuck, whom colleagues see as well-suited for the job: a union organizer with a disarming laugh and a willingness to hear people out. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Colleagues say House Democratic leader fits his role well

JUNEAU — Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of limited influence, with their support expected to be critical in passing a budget this… Continue reading

In this Feb. 5, 2016 photo, Bernadette Wilson, daughter Penelope Grace Tuck and partner Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, pose for a photo in Tuck's office in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of wielding limited influence, with their support expected to be critical to passing a budget this session. Their leader is Tuck, whom colleagues see as well-suited for the job: a union organizer with a disarming laugh and a willingness to hear people out. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Legislator’s plan promises to halve state’s swelling deficit

For 13 months, Sen. Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage, has been working on a plan to use Permanent Fund earnings to partially balance Alaska’s state budget.On Tuesday,… Continue reading

Bill would require some Alaska students to repay grants

JUNEAU — Lawmakers are considering a bill that would require students to repay state scholarships and grants if they fail to graduate within six years… Continue reading

Alaska House to focus on budget-related bills

JUNEAU — The Alaska House passed a resolution Monday aimed at focusing committee work on the state’s budget deficit, while minority Democrats pushed for a… Continue reading

Alaska, Oregon lift suspension of insurance carrier

JUNEAU — Insurance regulators in Alaska and Oregon announced Monday that a company that had been suspended from offering health insurance policies in the states… Continue reading

LIO teleconference schedule for Feb. 8

Tuesday 1:00 p.m.The Senate Transportation Committee will sponsor public hearing to discuss SB 132 Electronic Tax Returns & Motor Fuel Tax. Testimony will be taken.Wednesday… Continue reading

For lawmakers, 3 options to tap permanent fund earnings

If there’s one thing Alaska’s lawmakers agree on, it’s this: No single trick or approach will solve the state’s annual deficit, now approaching $4 billion.Most… Continue reading

Hanley: No ‘sour grapes’ over resigning as education chief

JUNEAU — Outgoing state education commissioner Mike Hanley said Friday that he had some professional disagreements with the state board of education. But he said… Continue reading

Judge hears arguments in Medicaid expansion case

JUNEAU — A state court judge in Anchorage heard arguments Thursday in a lawsuit challenging Alaska Gov. Bill Walker’s authority to expand Medicaid without legislative… Continue reading

Legislators discuss animals in domestic violence situations

JUNEAU — A state House committee heard testimony Monday on legislation spelling out protections for animals caught in domestic violence situations or in messy break-ups… Continue reading

Bill would restrict attorney general’s appointment to boards

JUNEAU — A bill introduced in the Alaska House on Monday seeks to restrict the attorney general from serving on the governing body of a… Continue reading

Mumford resigns from fish board

Bob Mumford tendered a letter of resignation to Gov. Bill Walker’s office on Friday resigning from his seat on the Alaska Board of Fisheries, according… Continue reading

Senate votes to remove records from CourtView

By a 19-1 vote on Wednesday, the Alaska Senate has approved a bill that calls for records of acquittals, dismissed cases and dropped cases to… Continue reading

Walker lays out expectations for gas line progress

JUNEAU — Gov. Bill Walker said he wants the state and the North Slope’s major producers to reach agreement on key contracts and issues related… Continue reading

UA plan focuses on campus strengths

The University of Alaska Board of Regents and university President Jim Johnsen have agreed on a framework to restructure the system’s campuses at a time… Continue reading

Rep. Bob Lynn, R-Anchorage and Rep. Max Gruenberg, D-Anchorage, discuss a HB 243, a measure that would allow felons whose convictions are overturned to be retroactively eligible for Permanent Fund Dividend checks, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. Lynn introduced the bill after learning of the plight of a group of indigenous men known as the Fairbanks Four whose convictions were overturned after they spent 18 years in jail for the 1997 death of a Fairbanks teenager. A condition of their release was that they would not sue government entities. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Case inspires bill to allow dividend checks for cleared felons

JUNEAU — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow Alaskans who have had felony convictions overturned and charges later dismissed to become eligible… Continue reading

Rep. Bob Lynn, R-Anchorage and Rep. Max Gruenberg, D-Anchorage, discuss a HB 243, a measure that would allow felons whose convictions are overturned to be retroactively eligible for Permanent Fund Dividend checks, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. Lynn introduced the bill after learning of the plight of a group of indigenous men known as the Fairbanks Four whose convictions were overturned after they spent 18 years in jail for the 1997 death of a Fairbanks teenager. A condition of their release was that they would not sue government entities. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Walker permanent fund plan gets 1st hearing by Senate panel

JUNEAU — The chairman of the Senate State Affairs Committee said Tuesday that he wants to vet several ideas surrounding the use of Alaska Permanent… Continue reading

Alaska Democrats question state candidacy law

JUNEAU — Alaska Democratic party leaders have approved allowing candidates not affiliated with a political party to run in the Democratic primary.In a letter to… Continue reading