Judge blocks Trump administration move to undo Obama ban on Arctic oil leasing
U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason, in an opinion released late Friday, said President Donald Trump exceeded his authority by issuing an executive order in 2017 that reopened large parts of the Beaufort and Chukchi seas to offshore oil leasing. Former President Barack Obama had protected those areas from development in his second term.
Most Dunleavy budget cuts face legal, political obstacles
With most of the budget, if the Legislature decides to fund more than what the governor wants, he can use his line-item veto to remove the money. But not in the case of the school funds.
Will Alaska endorse climate science education?
Alaska could be joining dozens of other states by adopting the framework of Next Generation Science Standards. On Friday, the State Board of Education unanimously approved a draft slated for public comment.
Judge deals blow to King Cove road
U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason has thrown out the Interior Department's land exchange agreement for the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, a deal intended to allow for a road to connect King Cove to Cold Bay.
Alaska state senators say PFD formula could be changed
Splitting the draw from permanent fund earnings between government and dividends would make dividends more predictable.
Interior secretary nominee faces jabs over prior lobbying work
David Bernhardt has a lot of experience at the Interior Department. He has also represented the oil industry as a lawyer and lobbyist, and that drew a masked troll to his confirmation hearing Thursday.
Nome woman arrested after confronting Dunleavy at airport
During Governor Mike Dunleavy's visit to Nome yesterday, which was one of his scheduled “roadshow” stops around the state, he was greeted at the airport by Brenda Evak, who was ultimately taken away in handcuffs for alleged disorderly conduct.
Feds charge white supremacist gang members in Alaska
Recruiting for the gang occurred in and outside of prison, and when incarcerated members were released they were required to remain loyal to the gang, according to federal officials.
Alaska House subcommittees propose much smaller cuts than those in Dunleavy’s budget
The House Finance subcommittees have proposed a total of $47 million in reductions from the portion of the current budget the Legislature controls.
Dunleavy gives budget pitch as hundreds rally outside in Anchorage
As the governor made his case for drastic changes to the state's budget, a crowd outside railed against cuts to services like education, healthcare, and the ferry system.
Which Native voices? On Arctic Refuge, lawmakers practice selective listening
It's all about who you ignore. Rep. Don Young told his colleagues to disregard the anti-drilling Gwich'in witnesses while pro-development Inupiat witnesses accuse Democrats of erasing them from the land that's been their home for thousands of years.
US Supreme Court rules in favor of Sturgeon, limiting NPS jurisdiction of state-owned rivers
The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the state controls rivers running through Alaska’s federal conservation lands.
Alaska lawmakers weigh becoming only state to not fund medical education
Sixty-one percent of Alaska medical students who attend the WWAMI program return to Alaska. That’s higher than the national average of graduates who stay in state, but it’s lower than what Alaska lawmakers would like to see.
Sullivan on Mueller report: ‘There’s no evidence of collusion. It’s over.’
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan says Attorney General William Barr's summation of the Mueller report clears President Trump and closes a chapter.
Alaskans pack Anchorage hearing to testify on proposed state budget cuts
The vast majority of the people who testified during a House Finance Committee hearing Sunday spoke out in opposition to Gov. Mike Dunleavy's budget proposal.
Governor’s team contrasts 10-year plan and alternatives, but House speaker says message is ill-timed
The plan looks at what the state would spend over the next 10 years if the Legislature adopts all of Dunleavy’s spending proposals — and if lawmakers and Alaskans amend the state constitution to limit spending.
Chief justice: Dunleavy has to choose a judge from the list
"The governor must appoint one of the candidates nominated by the council," the chief justice wrote, referring to the Alaska Judicial Council. The council screens applicants for judicial vacancies and sends a list to the governor. Gov. Dunleavy's decision not to select anyone for one judicial vacancy puts the state in uncharted waters.
Lawmakers, open meeting advocates criticize conditions for attending Dunleavy meetings
Dunleavy’s office described the events as discussions of the governor’s budget plan and amendment proposals. The next day, Americans for Prosperity Alaska posted online that it was hosting the events, along with terms and conditions for attendees.
China, Russia find common cause in Arctic
China and Russia are teaming up to pursue their interests in the Arctic, and regional security expert Rebecca Pincus says the United States needs to pay more attention.
“We need to play a shaping role in this region. It’s our backyard," she said.
Ferry supporters rally as DOT ponies up $250,000 for privatization study
This comes as the Dunleavy administration decided to offer more time — and a lot more money — for a new study to recommend ways to reduce or eliminate the state’s subsidy for the Alaska Marine Highway System.