News

Regulators to take applications for pot businesses

JUNEAU — A regulatory board in Alaska today will begin accepting applications for marijuana business licenses — the next step in setting up the state’s… Continue reading

Legislative Information Office teleconference schedule for Feb. 22

Monday 1:00 p.m.The House Resources Committee will sponsor a public hearing to discuss HB 247 Tax; Credits; Interest; Refunds; Oil & Gas with Continuation of… Continue reading

Bill would reduce penalty for texting while driving

JUNEAU — The Senate Judiciary Committee examined legislation Monday aimed at boosting enforcement of Alaska’s ban on texting while driving. It would reduce the penalty… Continue reading

UA prepares to lose millions in state funding

JUNEAU (AP) — A slump in oil prices has officials looking at the amount and impact of a deep cut in the University of Alaska… Continue reading

In this Feb. 4, 2016, photo, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker bowls with fellow legislators and staff in Juneau, Alaska. It was his first night of bowling with the legislative bowling leagues. Bipartisan, bicameral bowling has been a staple of Alaska's legislative session for nearly 30 years. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Bipartisan bowling: Alaska politicians roll off steam

JUNEAU, Alaska — Alaska lawmakers gather each week in the state capital ready to rumble, but it’s not to continue their already tense and rocky… Continue reading

In this Feb. 4, 2016, photo, Alaska Gov. Bill Walker bowls with fellow legislators and staff in Juneau, Alaska. It was his first night of bowling with the legislative bowling leagues. Bipartisan, bicameral bowling has been a staple of Alaska's legislative session for nearly 30 years. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, gives her annual address to Alaska lawmakers on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. Murkowski cautioned lawmakers against federal encroachment during the final months of President Barack Obama's presidency. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Murkowski points to federal gains, overreach during address

JUNEAU — U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski began her annual address to Alaska lawmakers with accolades about federal progress on issues that could bring economic growth… Continue reading

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, gives her annual address to Alaska lawmakers on Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, in Juneau, Alaska. Murkowski cautioned lawmakers against federal encroachment during the final months of President Barack Obama's presidency. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Mallott rejects Democrats’ proposed primary change

JUNEAU — Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott on Wednesday declined a request by Alaska Democrats to allow candidates not affiliated with a political party to run… Continue reading

DNR commissioner resigns

One of the leading figures behind the development of a trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline has announced his resignation. In an email to employees of the… Continue reading

In this Feb. 5, 2016 photo, Bernadette Wilson, daughter Penelope Grace Tuck and partner Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, pose for a photo in Tuck's office in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of wielding limited influence, with their support expected to be critical to passing a budget this session. Their leader is Tuck, whom colleagues see as well-suited for the job: a union organizer with a disarming laugh and a willingness to hear people out. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Colleagues say House Democratic leader fits his role well

JUNEAU — Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of limited influence, with their support expected to be critical in passing a budget this… Continue reading

In this Feb. 5, 2016 photo, Bernadette Wilson, daughter Penelope Grace Tuck and partner Rep. Chris Tuck, D-Anchorage, pose for a photo in Tuck's office in Juneau, Alaska. Alaska House Democrats have regained prominence after years of wielding limited influence, with their support expected to be critical to passing a budget this session. Their leader is Tuck, whom colleagues see as well-suited for the job: a union organizer with a disarming laugh and a willingness to hear people out. (AP Photo/Rashah McChesney)

Legislator’s plan promises to halve state’s swelling deficit

For 13 months, Sen. Lesil McGuire, R-Anchorage, has been working on a plan to use Permanent Fund earnings to partially balance Alaska’s state budget.On Tuesday,… Continue reading

Bill would require some Alaska students to repay grants

JUNEAU — Lawmakers are considering a bill that would require students to repay state scholarships and grants if they fail to graduate within six years… Continue reading

Alaska House to focus on budget-related bills

JUNEAU — The Alaska House passed a resolution Monday aimed at focusing committee work on the state’s budget deficit, while minority Democrats pushed for a… Continue reading

Alaska, Oregon lift suspension of insurance carrier

JUNEAU — Insurance regulators in Alaska and Oregon announced Monday that a company that had been suspended from offering health insurance policies in the states… Continue reading

LIO teleconference schedule for Feb. 8

Tuesday 1:00 p.m.The Senate Transportation Committee will sponsor public hearing to discuss SB 132 Electronic Tax Returns & Motor Fuel Tax. Testimony will be taken.Wednesday… Continue reading

For lawmakers, 3 options to tap permanent fund earnings

If there’s one thing Alaska’s lawmakers agree on, it’s this: No single trick or approach will solve the state’s annual deficit, now approaching $4 billion.Most… Continue reading

Hanley: No ‘sour grapes’ over resigning as education chief

JUNEAU — Outgoing state education commissioner Mike Hanley said Friday that he had some professional disagreements with the state board of education. But he said… Continue reading

Judge hears arguments in Medicaid expansion case

JUNEAU — A state court judge in Anchorage heard arguments Thursday in a lawsuit challenging Alaska Gov. Bill Walker’s authority to expand Medicaid without legislative… Continue reading

Legislators discuss animals in domestic violence situations

JUNEAU — A state House committee heard testimony Monday on legislation spelling out protections for animals caught in domestic violence situations or in messy break-ups… Continue reading

Bill would restrict attorney general’s appointment to boards

JUNEAU — A bill introduced in the Alaska House on Monday seeks to restrict the attorney general from serving on the governing body of a… Continue reading

Mumford resigns from fish board

Bob Mumford tendered a letter of resignation to Gov. Bill Walker’s office on Friday resigning from his seat on the Alaska Board of Fisheries, according… Continue reading