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.
Why prison drug treatment programs in Alaska ramped down at ‘exactly the wrong time’
State corrections officials closed or moved drug treatment programs it offered because of contracting issues just as lighter sentencing rules took effect that were supposed to be paired with more treatment. Listen now
For third straight year, Gov. Walker proposes budget drawing from Permanent Fund earnings
Walker also proposed process changes. Lawmakers’ per diem payments would stop if they don’t pass a budget in the 90-day session set by state law. Their salaries would also be delayed. Another change would shift the state to a two-year budget. Listen now
Amid sexual harassment claims, Rep. Westlake says he’ll resign
“It shows that more and more so, people who do these kinds of things are going to be held accountable for their actions,” said Olivia Garrett, a former legislative aide and the first person to come forward publicly with allegations. Listen now
Nonpartisan report says Wilson incident in June wasn’t sexual harassment
Lobaugh wrote in a report released Tuesday that the video showed Wilson held his cellphone about one to two feet away from the hemline of the aide’s skirt for four seconds. Listen now
State prosecutor decides not to charge Sen. Wilson in reporter slapping
Peterson wrote that it is unlikely the state will be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Wilson acted with the specific intent to harass or annoy Herz. Listen now
Sen. Wilson says unreleased video shows he didn’t harass Capitol worker
Two news reporters have said Wilson held his cell phone between the legs of the staffer. Listen now
Premera pays state $25M to offset high health insurance rates
The payment will offset nearly half the $55 million cost of the Alaska Reinsurance Program. Listen now
Army Corps requires less wetlands mitigation in Alaska
Over the last three years, wetlands mitigation hasn’t been happening as often as it used to, and conservation groups are concerned. Whether the change is intentional or incidental is disputed. Listen now
Members named to Capitol sexual harassment policy subcommittee
Subcommittee has been asked to provide recommendations to the Legislative Council before the start of the legislative session in January.
Disputed June incident heightens sexual harassment concerns
Two Capitol reporters say they witnessed the senator putting his cellphone between a female staffer’s legs in a public hallway. The senator denies it. Listen now
Council allows Sen. David Wilson to view video of June incident
The incident sparked concerns about sexual harassment and other workplace harassment in the Capitol.
Legislative Council to consider sexual harassment working group
Recent concerns about sexual harassment both outside Alaska and in Juneau have led lawmakers to consider making changes to the policy. Listen now
ACLU says judges would invalidate crime law provision, but prosecutors see a solution
If Gov. Bill Walker signs Senate Bill 54, American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska lawyer Tara Rich expects defense attorneys to file lawsuits almost immediately. Listen now
Senators heard about permanent fund problems before leaving
If the Legislature doesn’t act to close the budget gap, the permanent fund earnings reserve account would fall to zero in about 10 years. Listen now
Legislature’s chambers part ways as special session fizzles out
The impasse is a result of the two chambers having different views on the two bills on the special session agenda. Listen now
Alaska Senate passes crime bill, adjourns from special session
Legal experts say flaw in bill could lead to provision from unpopular Senate Bill 91 remaining in place. Listen now
Legislative leaders seek update to sexual harassment policies
The national reckoning with sexual harassment has reached Juneau. Both chambers of the Alaska Legislature are seeking to make changes to their sexual harassment policies, lawmakers said Thursday. Listen now
Spending gap could hurt Alaska Permanent Fund, budget director says
Alaska’s state government will have a roughly $600 million gap between how much it spends and how much it raises, State budget director Pat Pitney says. Listen now
Alaska House passes revision to criminal justice law
After a series of contentious votes on amendments, 32 House members voted for Senate Bill 54, while eight voted against it early Tuesday morning. Listen now
Alaska House rejects repeal of controversial criminal justice law
An amendment would have repealed most of the law that lowered jail terms for many crimes. Listen now