Summer fires caused Alaska state expenses to surge this year, diminishing budget cut
Health care spending is also running higher than budgeted.
Politics
Fighting Alaska’s wildfires cost over $300 million this year
The state of Alaska will pay about half.
Supporters suspend push for ballot measure on education ‘bill of rights’
The ballot measure sought to put goals for the state’s public education system into state law.
Alaska’s U.S. senators criticize House impeachment process
Sen. Dan Sullivan said there are legitimate reasons for delaying $400 million in military aid to Ukraine, including a history of corruption in that country.
Alaska Department of Revenue drops oil revenue forecast by $200 million
The 2021 forecast is also lower than previously expected.
Gov. Dunleavy to host holiday open house in Juneau
The holiday-season tradition dates to 1913 and has been held every year since then, except for two years during World War II, according to Dunleavy’s office.
University of Alaska regents reject consolidation plan
The board wants to stick with three separately accredited universities until UAF secures accreditation for 2021, Chair Sherri Buretta said.
Confirmation hearing uneventful for Trump-nominated Alaska judge
Josh Kindred has been picked to become the state’s next federal district court official.
Alaska Permanent Fund spending may be unsustainable, corporation warns
Traditional dividend, government expenses and inflation-proofing are competing for limited resources.
State settles Alaska-hire lawsuit brought by contractor
The settlement means the true constitutionality of the Alaska-hire law remains unsettled.
Trump’s choice for Alaska federal judge faces Congress Wednesday
Josh Kindred is an Interior Department attorney who formerly worked for Alaska’s top pro-oil group.
Alaska legislative redistricting committee set to begin once-a-decade process
Final decisions about where district lines are drawn will be made by a separate redistricting board authorized by the Alaska Constitution.
Gov. Dunleavy names interim Revenue Department chief
Mike Barnhill will replace Bruce Tangeman ahead of new revenue forecast.
Republicans confirm hunting guide Mel Gillis to vacant Alaska House seat
Gillis will replace Josh Revak as a representative for South Anchorage.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy marks 1st year in office amid turmoil
Whether Dunleavy can repair strained relationships with legislators and calm the public anger over budget cuts that fueled a recall effort will be telling.
State settles lawsuit over Alaska Hire employment statute
The state has agreed to pay $50,000 in a settlement with a company that sued to have the Alaska Hire employment law declared unconstitutional.
Dunleavy recall group claims Alaska’s attorney general acted unlawfully
The group seeking to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy alleges that Attorney General Kevin Clarkson acted unlawfully when he recommended the recall application be denied.
Attorney for same-sex military spouse disputes state’s characterization of PFD denial as a mistake
A state employee indicated there have been other similar cases, the attorney said in a court filing.
US Supreme Court justices question Alaska’s $500-a-year campaign contribution limit
The justices are ordering a lower court to take a new look at the issue.
Judge declines to dismiss challenge to Alaska Legislature session location law
A judge has declined the state’s request to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s authority to call a special session outside the capital of Juneau.