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.
Medicaid cuts, while aimed at access, still raise concerns
As Gov. Mike Dunleavy seeks to close a $1.6 billion budget gap, the administration looked to Medicaid, where it could cut a lot of costs: $249 million.
Judge says BLM must reassess climate impacts of oil leases
The ruling stems from a challenge to lease sales in Wyoming, but if it stands, it could complicate the Trump administration’s effort to produce more petroleum from public lands. Opponents of ANWR drilling say the BLM's analysis of the climate impact of leasing there is inadequate, too.
As Trump administration contemplates drilling in Arctic waters, North Slope organizations stress need to protect subsistence resources
In public comments made available on a federal site, most North Slope institutions didn’t express outright opposition to the plan. But they did voice concern for subsistence resources and hunters’ continued access to them.
Most Alaska military projects spared from border wall fund diversion, DOD says
Funding for Alaska military projects is largely spared from diversion for construction of a southern border wall, under criteria released by the Department of Defense.
At DEC nominee Brune’s confirmation hearing, public testimony centered on Pebble ties
Opposition centered largely on Brune’s involvement with the proposed Pebble Mine. From 2011 to 2014 he served as the public affairs and government relations manager for Anglo American -- a company that backed the project until 2013.
Black box recovered from crashed Southeast flight
An air ambulance company says it has recovered the cockpit voice recorder for its plane that crashed in Southeast Alaska’s Frederick Sound in late January.
Anchorage lawmakers weigh options for $1.9B port modernization project
Anchorage Assembly members are considering whether to spend $100,000 to hire an independent analyst to monitor an ongoing modernization project at the Port of Alaska.
New report findings confirm major problems at Alaska Psychiatric Institute
The investigation by the State of Alaska's Ombudsman Office into API looked into allegations of harm to patients.
Republicans leave school budget subcommittee in protest over process
Chairman Rep. Dan Ortiz claims minority-caucus Republicans had more of a say on the governor’s ideas than they had in the past.
Green New Deal? Murkowski says no, opts for middle way on climate
Sen. Lisa Murkowski is talking about global warming more than ever. While the Green New Deal is a lightning rod in Congress, Murkowski says she's reaching for what's politically possible. In a word: "Innovation."
New House Tribal Affairs Committee aims to advance state relationships
The Alaska House has a new special committee to focus on tribal affairs. The committee will aim to advance relationships with tribes. Lawmakers spent...