Alaska Legislature split on budget vetoes, PFDs — and where to meet
Alaska legislators gathered in two different places on Monday, with different messages about state law, permanent fund dividends and Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s line-item vetoes.
Constituents use Wasilla special session to lobby Alaska lawmakers on Gov. Dunleavy’s budget vetoes
Monday’s special session in Wasilla wasn't just a meeting for Alaska’s Republican legislators.
It also gave road system Alaskans a chance to offer their opinions about the huge dilemma facing lawmakers right now: whether to uphold Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy's major line-item budget vetoes.
Malaspina and Montana Creek Fire update for July 8th.
The following is the latest update on the Malaspina and Montana Creek Fires from the Alaska Division of Forestry.
Alaska lawmaker criticizes state loan to former Dunleavy administration official
A former deputy commissioner in Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration has been approved for a more-than-$4-million loan from a state agency, drawing criticism from an Anchorage legislator.
House speaker, Interior lawmakers lay out case for overriding governor’s budget cuts
State House Speaker Bryce Edgmon joined five Fairbanks-area legislators and University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen Wednesday for a news conference focused on overriding the governor's deep cuts to the university system and other state programs. The lawmakers and Johnsen then spoke to about 700 people at a town hall in Fairbanks, almost all of whom urged them to override.
Montana Creek Fire update for July 4th, 2019
Firefighters are continuing to battle a 250-acre wildfire in the Talkeetna area. The fire began yesterday afternoon, then quickly spread before firefighters were able to slow its progress.
Anchorage wildfire forces rapid response to contain
Updated: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday July 3
A fast-moving wildland fire erupted in east Anchorage Tuesday afternoon. What officials are now calling the MLK Fire --...
EPA says Pebble may be riskier than study says, rekindling hope for mine foes
The Environmental Protection Agency has weighed in once again on the proposed Pebble Mine, and it has mine opponents cheering.
In Arctic Village, Gwich’in leaders say the fight to stop drilling in the Arctic Refuge isn’t over
Until recently, Gwich'in tribes were on the winning side of battle over over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Then, in late 2017, Congress opened the coastal plain to oil development So Gwich'in tribes are now taking unprecedented steps to try to protect the caribou herd they depend on.
In the Alaska village where ANWR is the backyard, many see drilling as an opportunity
Many of the Alaska Native residents of Kaktovik, the one small village inside the refuge, see oil development as an opportunity -- though some remain deeply skeptical.
EPA says report on Pebble Mine lacks detail, likely underestimates risks to water quality
The Environmental Protection Agency has just released formal comments on the proposed Pebble Mine, and mine opponents will find a lot to cheer about.
‘It won’t be easy’: Universities, Medicaid hit hard as Dunleavy vetoes nearly $400 million from budget
Gov. Mike Dunleavy says the cuts were necessary to balance the budget by next year, while still paying full permanent fund dividends under the formula in state law.
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy wields veto pen to attack state Supreme Court over abortion ruling
For years, the Alaska Supreme Court has stymied conservatives' efforts to limit state-funded abortion. On Friday, GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy employed a new tactic: He vetoed $335,000 from the Supreme Court's budget, in a move that critics say threatens the judiciary's independence.
Justice department pledges $10.5M in emergency funds for public safety
U.S. Attorney General William Barr declared a law enforcement emergency in Alaska on June 28. The announcement follows a visit to the state where he saw firsthand how many rural communities have little to no public safety.
UA president: Dunleavy vetoes ‘will impact everything we do’
Governor Mike Dunleavy’s vetoes include a $130 million reduction in state support for the University of Alaska system. That’s additional to a $5 million cut to UA approved by state legislators.
Gov. Dunleavy unveils line item vetoes and signs operating budget
Gov. Mike Dunleavy unveiled line-item vetoes the administration says amounts to another $391 million in cuts beyond the Legislature’s budget.
Swan Lake Fire spreads smoky haze to much of Southcentral
The state Division of Air Quality is warning of the smoke's potential health effects, with advisories in effect until Friday evening, pending any extensions.
Alaska AG: Dunleavy could have state troopers bring legislators to Wasilla
Alaska’s attorney general and the Legislature’s top lawyer are at odds over whether the governor is allowed to set a special session’s location.
EPA reconsiders restrictions on Pebble
The EPA is officially reconsidering the proposal it made during the Obama administration to essentially block the Southwest Alaska project.
Traffic flow remains intermittent as Swan Lake Fire grows
The 40,000-acre Swan Lake Fire, burning northeast of Sterling, is ending its third week, now with over 500 firefighters responding.