Federal court ruling likely allows unlimited cash in Alaska political campaigns
Three major limits were overturned Friday by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Politics
Murkowski touts money for Alaska projects in bipartisan infrastructure bill
The measure includes more than $4 billion for Alaska highways, plus funding for water and water systems, electrifying ferries, and other measures.
Judge says Alaska’s new ranked-choice voting system is legal
Superior Court Judge Gregory Miller’s decision is likely to be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court.
Rep. Don Young urges Alaskans to get the COVID-19 vaccine: ‘They’ll help us fight this virus and get done with it’
Alaska’s sole congressman was hospitalized for several days in November after testing positive for COVID-19. In the video, the congressman emphasized that he has gotten the vaccine and said, “I know it works.”
Constitution bars Alaska attorney general from suing legislative agency, judge says
A lawsuit by Alaska’s attorney general against the Legislative Affairs Agency is really an action by the governor against the Legislature that is barred by the Alaska Constitution, a state court judge ruled Thursday.
Alaska Legislature’s next special session will begin Aug. 16
Gov. Mike Dunleavy approved a two-week postponement requested by most legislators.
Dunleavy administration maintains silence on plan to change Alaska’s water rights system
Department of Natural Resources representatives declined to attend a July 27 legislative hearing on the proposed changes because they are in a “quiet period” while they respond to public comments, said House Fisheries Committee chair Geran Tarr.
Anchorage Assembly agrees to negotiation plan on homelessness after rejecting shelter proposed by mayor
Tuesday night’s meeting was marked by acrimony and sharp exchanges between the Assembly members and members of the Bronson administration.
US Senate candidate under investigation for improperly receiving resident sportfish license
Kelly Tshibaka is challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
Assistant Alaska attorney general investigated for racist social media posts leaves job
The Department of Law declined to say whether Matthias Cicotte quit or was fired.
Alaska Legislature will take public testimony on the future of the state budget and Permanent Fund dividend this week
A multipartisan working group has been debating different proposals ahead of an Aug. 2 special session.
Ruling expected next week in Alaska lawsuit over state budget effective date
A state court judge heard arguments Friday in a lawsuit filed by Alaska’s attorney general that raised questions about when the state budget takes effect.
Assistant attorney general under investigation for racist posts removed from state’s legal cases
Matthias Cicotte had represented Alaska’s prison system on behalf of the Department of Law.
Report: Alaska assistant attorney general espoused racist and antisemitic views on social media
The Alaska Department of Law is investigating an assistant attorney general after The Guardian published a story alleging he has espoused racist and antisemitic views on social media for years under a pseudonym.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to visit Alaska amid fight over Izembek road, court filing says
Haaland committed during her confirmation process to meeting with residents of King Cove, a community at the center of the dispute, according to the filing from a Justice Department attorney.
Alaska Federation of Natives and other groups sue Dunleavy administration over fund that subsidizes rural energy
The Legislature created the Power Cost Equalization fund in 2000 to help equalize high power prices in rural areas.
Supreme Court decision allowing recall against Gov. Dunleavy to proceed focuses on voter discretion, vetoes
The ruling from the state’s highest court drew a dissent from its former chief justice, who called findings regarding the governor’s veto power “an egregious error.”
Fundraising reports show Murkowski with big cash lead over GOP rival Tshibaka
U.S. Sen. Murkowski, a Republican who has not officially announced plans for reelection next year, has $2.3 million available in her campaign coffers as of June 30, her report shows.
Biden administration ends large-scale logging of old-growth timber in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest
Smaller timber sales, including some old-growth trees, will still be offered for local communities and cultural uses such as totem poles, canoes and tribal artisan use, the Forest Service said.
Gov. Dunleavy fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Alaska chief medical officer says
A spokesperson for the governor says his vaccination “was a private decision, which is what he has always advocated for in dealing with this virus.”