Politics

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

the Supreme Court

Can ghost guns be regulated as firearms? The Supreme Court will decide.

The government says ghost guns kits count as a firearm under a 1968 law. But challengers contend “a kit of parts is not a weapon.”
Tom McKay

Anchorage legislator submitted resignation to get state job, then reversed course

A possible legal snag has put Rep. Tom McKay’s plans on hold, at least temporarily.
a voting station

Alaska records show no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting or registration

Donald Trump, as well as in-state Republicans, have falsely claimed that noncitizens are voting in large numbers.

For the second time, Anchorage Assembly rejects paying legal settlement to Bronson’s ousted municipal manager

Amy Demboski sued the city, alleging she was fired in retaliation for bringing up concerns of illegal and unethical activities to former Mayor Bronson.

Many Alaska voters say they want parties to work together. What do they mean?

Politicians in Alaska have a long history of working across party lines. How they talk about that cooperation seems to matter.
a building

Ten Commandments, ‘historical documents’ to be displayed outside Mat-Su Borough Assembly chambers

Borough staff will also research whether to place similar displays in public libraries.
a protest

Alaska legislative panel bans large signs in the state Capitol after education protest

Signs will be limited to 11 inches by 17 inches and can’t be attached to posts or sticks, according to a new visitor policy.

Mayor LaFrance highlights winter shelter plan and snow plowing in proposed budget

The proposed budget is roughly $645 million, about $20 million more than last year’s. LaFrance said it’s about $200,000 under the tax cap.
a refuge

Hilcorp again eyes Interior Alaska for oil exploration

Oil and gas company Hilcorp appears to be moving toward new oil and gas exploration work in Alaska’s Interior.
a Starlink unit

Satellite internet shakes up rural Alaska schools amid rising costs

Education is increasingly reliant on the internet. In rural Alaska, who provides internet service to schools is a million-dollar question.
sign wavers

Juneau’s Ship Free Saturdays proposition sinking in preliminary election results

Initial returns also showed incumbent Mayor Beth Weldon leading challenger Angela Rodell, with voters favoring two other propositions.
a debate

Who is the real JD Vance? And 4 other takeaways from the vice-presidential debate

Running mates are unlikely to make a major difference in this election, but there were some takeaways from an interesting night.
portraits of two men

JD Vance and Tim Walz face off in the last scheduled debate of the election season

https://www.youtube.com/live/VAGZGQg31hs?si=rSLFVMjPyoI5U7YJ Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz will face off onstage in New York tonight at 5 p.m. AST for what is the last...
Noatak

Dunleavy declares emergency as erosion threatens Noatak’s drinking water

The erosion that prompted Gov. Mike Dunleavy's action is advancing on the Northwest Alaska community's water lines.
a cruise ship

Why some Juneau residents want to ban cruise ships on Saturdays — and what’s at stake

Advocates say growing tourism needs to be reined in, but opponents say the financial and legal implications could hurt the economy.
a forum

Alaska Federation of Natives will not hold a U.S. House candidate forum

The event is normally a key part of statewide political campaigns but was squeezed out by other priorities, a top organizer said.
a woman in the u.s. capitol

Congress passes a short-term spending bill. Alaska delegation votes yes.

A group of hard-right House Republicans voted no.

In Valdez, a community feels the pinch of the child care shortage

It’s not just that daycare is hard to find. For many people, it’s simply not available.
man in suit sitting at a table

For the first time, America has an Arctic ambassador, and he’s Alaskan

Michael Sfraga, from Fairbanks, is "probably the most recognized go-to Arctic expert that we have," Sen. Lisa Murkowski says.
businesses line water

A three-way race is on to replace five-term House Rep. Dan Ortiz in Ketchikan

In the coastal district — Alaska’s farthest south — the candidates say they want to support education, fishing and energy, but differ on how.