Politics

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

a voting station

Anchorage judge rules that imprisoned Democrat will remain on Alaska’s U.S. House ballot

The decision, which will be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court, said Eric Hafner is qualified to run but not to take office.
a debate

The debate between Harris and Trump wasn’t close — and 4 other takeaways

Tuesday’s debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was a contrast from the debate that forced President Biden from the race.
an inauguration

Trump and Harris will meet face-to-face for the first time on Tuesday’s debate stage

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris didn't directly interact during his term. She debated Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, in 2020.
Fairbanks

In Fairbanks, Dibert and LeBon are rematched for state House election

A race in the Golden Heart City may have big consequences and decide who controls the Alaska House of Representatives.
a man in a tie

Seward man arrested on federal charges in threat against Dunleavy’s office

Matthew Edward Stanley, 22, was taken into custody Wednesday. He faces federal charges of making a threat involving explosives.
George Rauscher

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy vetoes work quota rules for Amazon-like warehouses

House Bill 88 would have kept companies from instituting work quotas that discourage employees from using the bathroom.
a library

Alaska’s public libraries sound alarm over abrupt loss of state grant funds

It's not clear why the state slashed funds for operating grants to libraries across Alaska by nearly 75%.

Dunleavy vetoes tax breaks for Turo operators, leaving owners to collect rental car taxes themselves

Senate Bill 127 would have lowered taxes on app-based rentals and made it harder for Turo owners to skip out on their tax bills.

Alaska Democrats ask judge to remove imprisoned out-of-state U.S. House candidate from November ballot

Eric Hafner is serving a 20-year sentence in a New York federal prison. Alaska Democrats argue that should disqualify him from the ballot.
overdose kits

Alaska schools to be stocked with anti-overdose kits under new law

Hundreds of overdose-reversal kits are headed to schools as part of a strategy to combat Alaska’s high rate of opioid deaths.
a protest

Alaska judge strikes down requirement that only licensed physicians provide abortions

A judge agreed with Planned Parenthood that barring clinicians from providing services violates the state's constitution.
A sign that reads "UAA, UNIVERSITY of ALASKA ANCHORAGE." There are flowers in planters in front of it.

For some University of Alaska faculty, the next paycheck could be $0

University officials say they have made headway on the problem and faculty will be paid “as soon as possible."
People waiting in line waiting to cast their vote.

Why candidates are withdrawing from Alaska’s general election

Eleven candidates dropped out after the primary. Many said they wanted to help build support around stronger candidates.
Andi Story

Bill adding more Indigenous languages to Alaska’s official list becomes law

The bill, unsigned by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, adds Cup’ig, Middle Tanana, Lower Tanana and Wetał to the list.
three men

Alaska bill making church and synagogue vandalism a felony is signed into law

Alaskas's new law addresses vandalism attacks on synagogues and other religious sites, which are increasing nationwide.
a building

The future of the Permanent Fund | Talk of Alaska

Amid concerns over its long-term stability, Permanent Fund managers are proposing changes to the fund’s structure they say will protect it for the future.
a panel

Juneau businesses argue against ‘Ship-Free Saturday’ ballot proposition

Members of the group Protect Juneau’s Future say they believe the proposition is bad for the capital's economy.
a cemetery

Army says Arlington National Cemetery worker was ‘pushed aside’ by Trump aides

The statement comes in response to NPR's reporting on an altercation during former President Donald Trump's visit to Arlington.
a sheet

Alaska’s primary election turnout is on pace to be third-lowest in 50 years

Historical trends indicate the cause may be a boring ballot and a growing voter roll.
a man and woman shaking hands on stage

Peltola and Begich square off in their first forum of the year

The leading candidates for Alaska's U.S. House seat vied for the support of the oil industry at an Anchorage conference.