Politics

All news stories about local, statewide and Washington, D.C., politics.

Report: Maintaining service levels would leave state short $200 million next year

The report lets lawmakers know that some of the things in the budget this year can’t be repeated. Listen now

Alaska has a climate change policy. Now what?

The state of Alaska recognizes that climate change is happening. And rather than wait around for outside help, the 37 page document outlines the prospect of local solutions to mitigate the damage. Listen now

Murkowski: Kavanaugh debate now about ‘victims and their ability to tell their story’

Alaska senator says the discussion has moved beyond the nominee's qualifications and become "a greater dialog, a national conversation, about women who've become victims." Listen now

Murkowski said to find Kavanaugh accuser ‘very credible’

Sen. Murkowski told a reporter at midday that she was withholding her judgment until she heard from Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. Listen now

Sullivan undergoes emergency appendectomy, in ‘good health’ following procedure

Senator Dan Sullivan underwent an emergency appendectomy yesterday afternoon. Listen now
A black sign with gold letters hangs on a wooden wall

Permanent Fund managers to look for in-state investment opportunities

It sets a goal of increasing the amount of the Permanent Fund assets invested in-state to at least 5 percent in five years. Listen now

Protesters gather at Murkowski’s Alaska offices asking her to torpedo Trump’s Supreme Court pick

Across Alaska today, hundreds gathered at Sen. Murkowski’s satellite offices - rallying against Kavanaugh's nomination. Listen now

Gov. Walker’s ‘roadless rule’ panel takes shape

Timber, fishing and mining interests have been tapped by Gov. Walker for an advisory panel over development in the Tongass National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is eyeing an Alaska-specific rule that could relax road building and logging restrictions. Listen now

Murkowski’s office deluged with calls about Kavanaugh

Sen. Murkowski's spokeswoman won't say how the calls are split, pro vs. con, but Alaskans urging a "no" vote are making their case loudly, and the ACLU is  flying dozens to D.C. to deliver that message in person.
A roll of "I voted" stickers with the blue alaska flag nexxt to secrecy folders

Sitka and Juneau elect new mayors in municipal elections

Communities across the state elected new mayors and enacted new measures in local municipal elections yesterday. Listen now

Effort to ban liquor sales in Bethel fails

A ballot measure to impose a complete ban on alcohol sales in Bethel under the state's local option law has failed in a close vote, according to unofficial election results. Listen now

Alaskans take flight in last-minute push to persuade Murkowski to vote no on Kavanaugh

With Sen. Lisa Murkowski one of the undecided Republicans who could sink Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination, Alaskans who oppose him are boarding flights to make their case to the senator in person. Listen now

Murkowski votes ‘No’ but Kavanaugh nomination advances

Sen. Murkowski said she found Kavanaugh’s angry, confrontational demeanor at a Senate hearing to be a breach of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Listen now

Murkowski back in GOP fold on health care

Last weekend, Sen. Murkowski made headlines for breaking with her party over the Brett Kavanaugh nomination. But she fell in line with her Republican caucus Wednesday on a controversial health care vote. Listen now

Trump signs Sullivan bill aimed at reducing plastic waste in ocean

The "Save Our Seas" law encourages the executive branch to take up the problem of plastic waste internationally. It was sponsored by Sullivan and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I. Listen now

Alaska delegation urges Pompeo to take up transboundary mining concerns

Alaska’s elected leaders are pressing the Trump administration to take up the issue of transboundary mining. The renewed push comes ahead of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to Canada. Listen now

2018 Legislative Races Map

For our  candidate video series called Running, Alaska Public Media invited all candidates who are campaigning for office in Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough....
An alaska native woman in an anorak smiling

Lt. Gov. Davidson delivers first public speech in new position

She spoke at the annual tribal conference, held today at the Egan Center to kick of the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, which starts tomorrow. Listen now

Tara Sweeney returns to AFN, now representing feds

Sweeney called for continued vigilance against drug use in Native communities. "I am committed to finding new ways for the BIA to be engaged in protecting our Alaska Native villages," she said. Listen now

In small town Alaska, conflicts of interest a tricky subject

Wrangell’s city manager’s recent decision to hire a sitting Assembly member raised eyebrows. Listen now