Andrew Kitchenman, Alaska Public Media & KTOO - Juneau
Andrew Kitchenman is the state government and politics reporter for Alaska Public Media and KTOO in Juneau. Reach him at akitchenman@alaskapublic.org.
Dunleavy says he won’t defund police, but thanks protesters for weighing in on injustice
Dunleavy didn’t list specific changes he would advocate, but said he expects ideas to come from conversations between Alaskans.
Alaska Libertarian Party files lawsuit to get on presidential ballot
State law allows parties ballot access if they get 3% of the vote in the most recent statewide general election, but the party contends ballot access should be a constitutional right.
Alaska hospitals fear long-term financial consequences of COVID-19
With health care spending down 60% from May, some hospitals are struggling to survive.
State Supreme Court justices release letter on racial injustice in Alaska
The four justices sitting on the Alaska Supreme Court released a letter on Friday committing themselves to making the court an accessible and impartial forum.
State revises travel mandate, offering testing as alternative to quarantine starting Saturday
The state says that even for travelers who receive a test at the airport, they should take a second test a week to 14 days later.
Dunleavy calls George Floyd’s death “horrific,” thanks Alaskans for peaceful protests
“I’m proud of Alaskans who may not go to the get togethers are still in support of our free speech.”
Alaska to replace 14-day quarantine with testing, preferably in advance but also offered at airports
Gov. Dunleavy is ending Alaska's 14-day quarantine. Instead, visitors and returning Alaskans will be asked to take a test within 72 hours of boarding an Alaska-bound flight.
Dunleavy still pushing for second PFD payment to Alaskans
The Legislature already passed a $1000 dividend to be paid in July. Now Dunleavy wants a second payout, which he said will help Alaskans have the cash they need to keep the economy going.
Forestry plane with four aboard crashes at takeoff in Aniak
The four people on board the plane survived, but reported injuries.
State reports 13 new coronavirus cases
There were 13 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Alaska on Wednesday. That’s the most new cases for one day in six weeks, according to the state Department of Health and Social Services.
As the state reopens, health care and labor leaders express concern about worker safety
Lawmakers met on Wednesday to hear from health care providers and labor leaders about their concerns as workplaces in Alaska reopen.
Alaska lawmakers pass funding bill, finishing what they came to Juneau to do
The Senate overwhelmingly passed the bill to distribute over $1.1 billion in funding after the House adjourned
Complaint alleges Dunleavy violated ethics law by auctioning breakfast at Governor’s Mansion
State law prohibits the use of state facilities for partisan political purposes, except to discuss political strategy or use communications equipment, as long as there is no charge to the state.
Alaska House passes COVID-19 relief bill; Senate has one more day to approve
The Senate had already passed its own bill, but it now has to pass the House bill after the chamber adjourned.
Screened for virus in Capitol, lawmakers begin work on federal relief funding
In addition to spending, the Senate also considered changing rules to allow legislators to attend the session by video conference.
Alaska Legislature plans to reconvene in Juneau to pass federal relief after lawsuit
The Alaska Legislature is planning to reconvene next week to formally appropriate federal COVID-19 relief, following a lawsuit that seeks to block the state government’s current plan for the relief.
Alaska municipalities are eager for CARES Act relief, but concerned it won’t be enough
Municipalities could get half-a-billion dollars across the state, but there are still questions about how that can be spent, and whether it will be enough to cover the expected shortfall in other revenues.
Juneau man sues to block state’s $1.5 billion coronavirus aid plan, citing improper process
A retired carpenter and former University of Alaska regent is suing the Dunleavy administration, saying that the entire legislature must approve any state spending.
Key committee approves CARES Act relief after weeks long impasse
The biggest items were $586.6 million in direct municipal relief; $290 million in small business relief; and $100 million for the state’s fisheries.
Phase 2: Dunleavy announces plan to ease more restrictions, reopen bars, gyms
The state says it will also ease restrictions on intrastate travel, childcare facilities, and religious gatherings, among other plans.