What’s up with the Mat-Su, and why is it steering Alaska’s politics?
Over the last several decades, the population of the Matanuska and Susitna valleys has grown dramatically. With that boom has come political power — and the rise of a particular brand of conservatism.
Army Corps begins hearings on draft EIS for proposed Pebble Mine
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continued its series of public hearings on the proposed Pebble Mine and the project’s draft environmental review this week.
State DHSS suspends thousands of senior benefits payments
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has suspended payments for some recipients of the state’s Senior Benefits Program due to a lack of funding.
Ocean Rangers log potential cruise pollution, face axe by lawmakers
Over the past two years Alaska’s on-board cruise ship inspectors called Ocean Rangers have documented a pattern of potentially serious water pollution. But there’s been no apparent action by regulators, and Gov. Dunleavy’s administration wants to get rid of the program.
Senators weigh splitting permanent fund draw between state and dividends — and limiting spending
Sen. Natasha von Imhof says the combination of splitting the Alaska Permanent Fund draw and limiting spending would allow PFDs to grow over time.
Dunleavy says money set aside for Alaska schools is subject to veto. Lawmakers disagree.
A new fight is erupting in Juneau about spending on Alaska's public schools. It centers on whether Gov. Mike Dunleavy has the power to veto money state lawmakers set aside for schools last year, for the upcoming school year – a practice called "forward funding."
Caring for Alaska’s seniors during tense budget talks
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s budget proposes eliminating more than a third of the state’s funding for Medicaid. To achieve that, some hospitals and nursing homes could be paid less to provide skilled labor.
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy’s red veto pen looms over this year’s budget debate
In Alaska, the governor wields line-item veto power stronger than in all 49 other states. And the high bar to override such vetoes, combined with Mike Dunleavy’s desire for spending cuts, is drawing new attention this year to the constitutional power.
Dunleavy calls for action on constitutional amendments, crime bills
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said state lawmakers aren’t moving fast enough to pass his big priorities this session. That’s not just an idle threat — Dunleavy has constitutional powers he can use to force lawmakers into action.
Alleged Alaska prison gang member arrested in Georgia
The last of six Alaska men indicted together in late March on federal murder and kidnapping charges - and allegedly connected to a white supremacist prison gang - has been arrested in Georgia.
In Ketchikan, Dunleavy presents arguments for big budget cuts
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s Monday visit to Ketchikan included a 90-minute question-and-answer session with residents. Outside about 30 demonstrators picketed the venue.
House Finance budget includes cuts, but less than the governor’s
The Alaska House Finance Committee has proposed a budget that reduces state spending by $314 million, less than a third of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed cut of $1.03 billion. The committee finished its work on Friday, proposing cuts that are much greater than those proposed by House subcommittees.
UA Board of Regents begins process to eliminate UAA Education department
The University of Alaska Board of Regents took the first step today in phasing out the Education Department on the Anchorage campus. The regents voted to eliminate seven initial licensure programs.
Lawmakers seek competitive contract to run psychiatric institute
Rep. Ivy Spohnholz said the department didn’t provide enough information to Chief Procurement Officer Jason Soza for him to be able to adequately review the contract, which would pay Wellpath $225 million over five years.
New York Times reporter discusses story revealing ANWR oil test well was ‘worthless’
This week, the New York Times published a story uncovering a long-held Alaska secret: it revealed that the only exploratory oil well ever drilled in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge was "worthess." Alaska's Energy Desk reporter Elizabeth Harball talked to Henry Fountain, one of the New York Times reporters who broke the story.
Former Gov. Bill Walker lands at political ally’s law firm
Former Alaska Gov. Bill Walker has a new job. Walker, an attorney, has joined the law office formerly known as Brena, Bell and Clarkson -- now known as Brena, Bell and Walker, according to a document filed Friday in a federal case.
Ballot initiative to move Alaska Legislature’s meetings clears early hurdle
After the sponsors get some official documents, they’ll have one year to collect more than 28,000 qualified signatures to put the question to voters in 2020.
Rep. Young shoves reporter on way to VAWA vote
Congressman Don Young has apologized for shoving a female reporter at the U.S. Capitol today. He was on his way to vote for the Violence Against Women Act.
At Iliamna Lake hearings, residents speak out on Pebble Mine
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is holding a series of public hearings on the proposed Pebble Mine’s draft environmental review. Three were held in communities on Iliamna Lake. That region – and the people who live there – would be among the most immediately impacted by the project.
Lawmakers amend budget to stop reimbursing municipalities for school bond debt
The House Finance Committee voted Wednesday for an amendment that would stop the state from reimbursing municipalities for existing school bond debt.