Rep. Olson bill would tax Permanent Fund dividends as budget stopgap
Representative Kurt Olson, a Soldotna Republican developed a plan to tax Permanent Fund dividends back in February. But he didn’t introduce it at the time, because he wanted to see how the debate over plans from Governor Bill Walker and others unfolded. Download Audio
Retired EPA ecologist Phil North speaks out
Retired EPA ecologist Phil North resurfaced in the US last month for deposition in a lawsuit filed by the Pebble Mine. Pebble alleges EPA broke Federal Advisory Committee Act rules when it developed the Bristol Bay watershed assessment, and says North was at the center of the effort. But whether Pebble found a silver bullet with EPA's once 'missing man' remains to be seen Download Audio
Alaska Airlines buys Virgin America for $2.6B
Alaska Airlines is acquiring West Coast-based airline Virgin America for $2.6 billion dollars - around $57 dollars per share.
House passes foster care improvement bill, says more needs to be done
The state House passed a foster care improvement bill Friday afternoon. Under the new legislation, the state would put a stronger focus on finding foster kids permanent homes and prioritize placing them with relatives when possible.
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Study evaluates economic impact of ‘quiet recreation’ on BLM lands
Normally when we hear about the value of territory managed by the Bureau of Land Management, it's in the context of how the land can be used for oil and gas development, mineral extraction, or ranching. But, a recent study by an outside group takes a look at other economic benefits of the land. Download Audio
Alaska’s unusual oil tax credit system poses daunting budget challenge
The state's refundable credit program is unusual - and huge. In recent years, refundable credits have become the third-largest line item in the general fund budget. Download Audio
Economist urges lawmakers to address deficit uncertainty
What the Legislature does in response to the state government’s $4 billion deficit could have big effects on Alaska’s economy, according to a leading economist. Download Audio
UAA women prepare for national title game against Lubbock Christian
The University of Alaska Anchorage's women's basketball team is playing in the program's first-ever NCAA Division II national championship game on Monday, where the Seawolves will face off against Lubbock Christian in Indianapolis. Download Audio
Murkowski holds hearings to discuss public lands handling
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski is in Alaska holding field hearings as the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Monday, she invited leaders from the state’s energy, mining and labor sectors to offer their perspectives on how the federal government is doing its job managing public lands. Most of the testimony expressed frustration with federal regulations and how they are implemented.
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‘Huge anomaly’: warm winter limits sea-ice formation, experts say
Scientists say warm winter weather around the circumpolar north has led to another record-setting year of decreasing sea-ice coverage of the Arctic Ocean. The extent of sea ice formed over this past winter fell short of the previous record-low extent set last year.
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Four bills aimed at cutting state costs raise local concerns
Senators introduced four new bills Monday that would require local governments and schools to pay more for pensions, end two college scholarship programs, and cut the amount that municipalities receive in state funding. Download Audio
US-Russian exchange discusses spring breakup flooding solutions
A delegation from Russia recently visited Galena, as part of a state department-funded cultural exchange. The program allowed civic leaders from two riverside villages to share ideas about how to prepare for, respond to, and maybe even prevent, spring breakup flooding.
Pavlof eruption triggers ash cloud advisory
A volcano in southwest Alaska erupted Sunday, sending an ash cloud up to 30,000 feet into the atmosphere. Pavlof Volcano, located at the southern end of the Alaska Peninsula, suddenly began issuing black ash and fountains of lava around 4 p.m.
LIVEBLOG: 2016 Alaska Democratic Caucus
Liveblog of the 2016 Alaska Democratic Caucus from Alaska Public Media.
Alaska Dems gather across state to pick party’s presidential nominee
By 9:30 a.m. the parking-lot at Anchorage's West High school was overflowing onto side-streets, with cheerful lines of Democratic caucus-goers formed outside of multiple entrances. Inside, dense crowds formed at district tables.
Senator’s bill to draw from Permanent Fund earnings advances
A proposal to allow state government to dip into Permanent Fund earnings is advancing in the Legislature. The Senate Finance Committee heard details Tuesday from Anchorage Republican Senator Lesil McGuire.
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Defense expert: Senators blocked JBER cut with logic
The Army’s decision this week not to proceed with a planned troop cut at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson is unusual. A Brookings Institution analyst credits the Alaska congressional delegation, saying they had a good argument to make and they made it.
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Supreme Court sides with Sturgeon in case challenging NPS authority
In a decision released Tuesday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court sided unanimously with moose hunter John Sturgeon in his case against the National Park Service, overturning a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision. Download Audio
JBER cuts put on hold
Cuts to Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson's 4-2-5 infantry brigade combat team in Anchorage have officially been put on hold. Alaska's congressional delegation is celebrating today's announcement by the army. Download Audio
Low oil prices not ideal for state budget
The Department of Revenue released a forecast today showing the state will bring in 800 million dollars less in oil revenue this year and next than the department projected in the fall. Download Audio