Budget deal is done, but oil tax reform remains elusive
The budget passed by the Legislature this week doesn't include about $775 million owed to oil companies in refundable tax credits this year. Democrats say, if companies want those credits, there has to be oil tax reform. Download Audio
Walker says the Legislature must pass his fiscal plan
Gov. Bill Walker said the Legislature’s work is a long way from being over. While lawmakers stopped pink slips from being sent to state workers by passing a state budget on Tuesday, Walker said the Legislature must act now to prevent a replay in the future. Download Audio
Ex-Mayor Dan Sullivan challenges Murkowski
Former Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan is apparently challenging U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the Republican Primary. The news, broken by an ADN reporter on Twitter, raises the prospect that Alaska would have two Republican U.S. Senators named "Dan Sullivan." Download Audio
Several fires plague Mat-Su over Memorial Day weekend
Three new fires in the Matanuska Susitna Borough were sparked over the long weekend. On Monday, fire crews were called out to two fires in the Palmer area. Despite the area being under a burn suspension, both of the fires were human caused on private land, when residents chose to burn debris piles. Forestry crews from Palmer responded to those fires, which were declared contained. Download Audio
Legislature votes to dip into budget reserve to pass state budget
The Legislature is poised to pass a state budget that would prevent layoff notices going out to state workers tomorrow. But the budget could draw three billion dollars from the state’s piggy bank, the constitutional budget reserve. And it’s not clear how Governor Bill Walker will respond to a spending plan that doesn’t address Alaska’s long-term state fiscal imbalance. Download Audio
Real winners in pot bonanza? Security companies
One IT security firm estimates 80 percent of its business is consulting on surveillance and data storage to bring cannabis companies into compliance with state rules. Download Audio
Forest Service reminds tourists why Mendenhall glacier is shrinking
On a busy summer day, thousands of people -- mostly cruise ship passengers -- visit Juneau's Mendenhall glacier. The U.S. Forest Service wants those tourists to take in the dramatic views, but also consider why the glacier is shrinking. Visitor center director John Neary is making it his personal mission.
Juneau man captures story of icebreaker Storis in labor-of-love documentary
Congress is considering funding a new icebreaker to serve in the Arctic. It would be a heavy, polar-class Coast Guard cutter, to get through thick ice. But size isn’t everything when it comes to Coast Guard ships. A Juneau man has made a film about the Storis, a dainty icebreaker by polar standards, that rescued mariners and enforced the law along Alaska’s coast for almost 60 years.
Author’s war on bed bugs included a little chocolate
My bed is an island. It’s covered with books, notebooks, research, pens,paintbrushes and, often, my beloved granddaughter. Still, it's an island. No part of my sheets or other bedding touches the floor or a wall. My pillows, mattress and box spring are each encased in squeaky bug proof covers.
Young, Murkowski to do ‘double whammy’ on energy bill
Alaska Congressman Don Young will have a say in drafting the final version of Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s energy modernization bill. That’s because the U.S. House passed its own energy bill this week, to match the Murkowski bill already passed in the Senate. House leaders then picked Young to serve on the conference committee that will negotiate a compromise between the two bills. Download Audio
In stalemated Legislature, ‘Musk Ox’ may hold the key
The Legislature is on Day 126 of what was supposed to be a 90 day session -- and many Alaskans are wondering, what’s taking so long? Download Audio
AK: Young ‘Bio Blitzers’ explore and examine the Arctic environment
Last week a group of scientists traveled to a small village in the Arctic to find as many different species as they could. It was happening all over the country in celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the National Park Service. But it had special meaning in Anaktuvuk Pass, where the local Inupiaq people live a subsistence lifestyle inside of a national park. Download Audio
Fire managers urge caution heading into Memorial Day weekend
Alaskans will be headed outdoors to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend - the unofficial start of summer for many, but fire managers are reminding state residents that the risk of wildfire is extremely high and they are urging caution. Download Audio
Bill with $1B for icebreaker advances to Senate
The Arctic is one step closer to having a new U.S. icebreaker. The full Senate Appropriations committee this morning passed a bill that includes $1 billion for a heavy duty polar ship. The panel also approved millions in Defense and Coast Guard spending likely to go to Alaska, and to Kodiak in particular. Download Audio
Downtown Anchorage park to see major safety renovations
In order to make a downtown Anchorage park safer, officials will destroy a decades-old fountain. It's one of several measures Mayor Ethan Berkowitz introduced during an outdoor press conference in Town Square Park on Wednesday. Download Audio
Walker ally on gas line board resigns to run for state Senate
Former Fairbanks borough mayor Luke Hopkins announced his resignation from the board of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation. He is expected to challenge North Pole Republican John Coghill. Download Audio
As new companies enter Alaska oil fields, violations spike
2015 was a record year for fines in Alaska’s oil and gas fields. State regulators proposed some $1.7 million dollars in penalties against five companies -- and the University of Alaska Fairbanks -- for violating safety and environmental regulations at oil and gas wells. Download Audio
Special session off to slow start, despite looming deadlines
Gov. Bill Walker called the Legislature back to work after it failed to pass a budget by the constitutional deadline last week. Lawmakers now have 30 days to try to accomplish what they couldn't do in the last four months: pass a budget and make some progress on closing the state's $4 billion deficit. Download Audio
BP announces sale of midtown Anchorage building
BP announced Monday that it’s selling its midtown Anchorage building. In a statement, the company says the sale will “reduce costs and free up capital, allowing BP to focus on its core business.” BP will become a tenant in the building rather than the owner, in what the statement describes as a “real estate transaction.” Download Audio
Legislature convenes for special session
Alaska lawmakers are back at work Monday after failing to pass a budget by the constitutional deadline last week. It’s the first day of a special session called by Governor Bill Walker.