Alaska Politics

Political news coverage from the Alaska Statewide News Network.

State buys out TransCanada’s interest in gas project

The state of Alaska has completed its acquisition of TransCanada Corp.'s interest in a major gas project. Gov. Bill Walker, in a release, called it an historic day.

Federal Regulation Of State Waters Ruling Being Appealed

Federal court rulings supporting the National Park Service regulation of state owned waters in parks are being appealed. A recent ruling turned down Anchorage moose hunter John Sturgeon’s challenge, of a Park Service ban on hovercraft on the Nation River inside Yukon Charley National Preserve. Download Audio

House Votes to Bar FDA Approval of ‘Frankenfish’

The U.S. House has voted to bar the Food and Drug Administration from approving genetically modified salmon for human consumption. Alaska Representative Don Young sponsored the amendment, which passed by voice vote Wednesday night and is part of a farm spending bill.

Department of Law Issues Opinion Regarding Senate Budget Bill Language

Ellen Lockyer, KSKA – Anchorage Members of the House Finance Committee met in Anchorage Friday to hear the State Department of Law’s opinion...

Murkowski now supports a ‘complete exemption’ for Tongass from Roadless Rule

A decision by the Trump administration over exempting the Tongass National Forest from the Roadless Rule is expected soon. That’s according to Sen. Lisa Murkowski who in an interview with CoastAlaska has hardened her stance on the hot-button issue.

Anvik tribal courts given more jurisdiction in lower level cases

The state of Alaska and the Anvik Tribe have signed an historic justice agreement. The government to government pact provides a template for tribal courts to administer restorative sentences in certain lower level cases, as an alternative to the state criminal justice system. Listen now

Homer voters say ‘yes’ to using HART funds to shore up budget

In Homer's special election, Tuesday, Proposition I passed - that's according to unofficial results released by the city Tuesday night.

Murkowski’s ‘Frankenfish’ Amendment Fails

A vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate today turned back an amendment by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski to require a comprehensive study before genetically-engineered salmon can be sold to consumers.

House Rejects Special Session for Coastal Management Program

So far, there's been no deal on a one-year extension of the Coastal Zone Management program. State House Majority Leader Allen Austerman says polling over the weekend did not yield enough support to accept the Senate's offer.

Sea Party Spent At Least $100K On Petition Drive

The group behind a citizens’ initiative to re-establish an Alaska Coastal Management Program spent more than 100-thousand dollars on its nearly month-long signature gathering effort.

First openly gay bishop talks about religion and sexuality

The first openly gay bishop will speak in Anchorage this weekend about religion, LGBT issues, and the massacre in Orlando. Download Audio

Measure Changing School District Health Plans Speeding Through Legislature

A measure that would put the state in charge of school districts’ health plans is speeding through the legislature. Download Audio

Alaska News Nightly: July 8, 2011

Alaska Congressional Delegation Not Included in Budget Talks, Murkowski Voices Concerns over EPA and BOEMRE, Anchorage Files Lawsuit Over Knik Bridge Project, Northern Waters Task Force Meets This Week, and more...

Report Finds Mixed Blame In Raid On 40 Mile Miners

Governor Sean Parnell has released a report on last summer’s law enforcement sweep of placer mines in the 40 Mile area. It finds mixed blame for the heavy handed law enforcement that upset miners. Download Audio

Judiciary Committee Examines Budget’s Contingency Language

Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau The House Finance Committee Wednesday began hearing from the public about the capital budget the Senate passed last...

Walker Files Bill Creating Marijuana Control Board

Just one day before marijuana possession becomes legal in Alaska, Gov. Bill Walker has filed legislation to create a marijuana control board. Download Audio

‘This needs to stop’: Murkowski rebukes Trump for tweet

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has condemned President Trump for saying that four left-wing congresswomen should go back to where they came from. All four congresswomen are non-White.

Sanford Calls For Juneau To Lead In Southeast Alaska

Juneau’s new mayor says the Capital City needs to take on a bigger leadership role in Southeast Alaska. Just after being sworn-in Monday night, Merrill Sanford urged his fellow Assembly members to reach out to other communities in the state, especially Southeast.

Alaska senators ultimately split as DeVos becomes Education secretary

The U.S. Senate today (Feb. 7) voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education secretary. DeVos is the only one President Trump’s cabinet nominees so far to face serious trouble on the Senate floor. Senators were evenly divided, 50 to 50, and Vice President Mike Pence cast the tie-breaker in favor of confirmation. Alaska’s two senators were split. Listen now

Alaska News Nightly: June 10, 2011

Judge Calls for Deeper Look into Cruise Ship Wastewater Issue, Palin Emails Reveal Struggles with Sudden Public Attention, Alaskan Reaction to Palin Emails Apathetic, Frustrations Over Hastings Wildfire Rising, and more...