Lawmakers want to know more about economic impact of state budget proposal
Alaska lawmakers still face a lot of uncertainty as they decide how deeply to cut funding for government services and permanent fund dividends — or whether to reopen a debate on taxes.
FDA clears path for genetically engineered salmon
Genetically engineered salmon is on its way to the United States. The FDA announced Friday it is canceling an import alert, the last barrier keeping the AquAdvantage Salmon out of the country.
Juneau businesses find themselves in alcohol license limbo as legislators work to change laws
Businesses in Juneau and across Alaska have been surprised to find their alcohol license renewals denied by the state recently. A new bill could solve the issue, but legislators say more reforms are necessary to overhaul Alaska’s alcohol laws.
Cash assistance to Alaska low income seniors faces cut
More than 11,000 elderly Alaskans would lose a cash assistance program that’s been around for nearly half a century.
CEO says genetically engineered salmon is no threat
AquaBounty's CEO says Alaska's wild salmon industry has nothing to fear from the genetically engineered salmon her company plans to raise and sell.
Homer Rep. Vance apologizes after criticizing letters from high school students
A freshman House lawmaker took to social media to criticize Homer high schoolers that had written her office over proposed education cuts. Homer Rep. Sarah Vance has since apologized and taken down the video on her Facebook page.
Republican senators concerned with scale of proposed budget cuts
While Democratic senators have been most outspoken in their opposition to Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed budget cuts, it’s the Republicans who control the Senate majority. Several Republican senators on the Finance Committee have expressed concerns.
State plans to sell Sheldon Jackson Museum in cost-cutting efforts
The state Division of Alaska Libraries, Archives, and Museums announced late last week that it is looking to sell the Sheldon Jackson Museum.
Bill seeks to require jail time in cases similar to 2018 Justin Schneider assault
Soldotna Republican Sen. Peter Micciche, the bill sponsor, says the measure would prevent a case like that of Justin Schneider from happening again.
Murkowski’s public lands bill becomes law
President Trump has signed into law a massive public lands bill that Sen. Lisa Murkowski has spent years compiling and negotiating.
Enviro group says Interior hid gaps in ANWR science
An environmental group has published 18 leaked memos by government scientists that outline gaps in knowledge about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The public comment period for oil and gas lease sales in the refuge ends Thursday.
Alaska state ferry supporters come out in force
A long procession of Alaskans signed up to testify Tuesday over the future of the state’s ferry system.
Bill would repeal conflict of interest requirements enacted last year
Alaska lawmakers want to repeal parts of a new law that requires them to declare a wider range of conflicts of interest: Senators say it's creating practical obstacles to serving their constituents.
Juneau legislators address budget concerns at town hall
In back-to-back town hall meetings this week, Juneau city officials and legislators addressed concerns about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed state budget. The City and Borough of Juneau has said it stands to lose more than $28 million from reductions in state funding.
Virginia GOP group helps boost conservative Anchorage school board candidates
An independent political group with money from a national Republican organization is running radio ads boosting conservative candidates in Anchorage’s local school board races.
Murkowski votes to block Trump’s emergency; Sullivan votes opposite
Alaska's U.S. senators split on the vote Thursday to block President Trump's declaration of an emergency. If Trump prevails with a veto, Alaska could lose military construction projects as money is diverted to build a wall on the southern border.
Alaska, oil companies to determine economic viability of gasline within 60 days
Gov. Mike Dunleavy says he didn’t hear much interest in Alaska’s gasline at a conference in Texas. But he did hear interest from companies in investing in North Slope oil.
House committee to hold budget hearings across Alaska
House Speaker Bryce Edgmon says the format will allow more Alaskans to speak face-to-face with lawmakers. But House Minority Leader Lance Pruitt opposes the idea for fiscal reasons.
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...
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."