Becky Bohrer - The Associated Press
The Mat-Su Borough is suing over Alaska’s new redistricting maps
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough says the recently drawn legislative boundaries dilutes the votes of borough residents.
Biden administration launches series on Arctic energy
Separately, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced the Department of Defense had selected Anchorage as the location for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies.
Critics raise concerns with new Alaska political boundaries
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough, known as a hotbed of conservatism, gained the most population since the 2010 Census and will keep the same number of seats in the Alaska Legislature under a new map of state political boundaries that some critics say short-changes the area.
State elections commission suggests campaign caps to replace those struck down
A draft opinion prepared by Alaska Public Offices Commission staff proposes imposing campaign contribution limits in the place of some of the caps that were struck down by a panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this year.
Alaska state-owned agency sues over Arctic refuge leases
The Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority alleges federal officials overstepped in suspending lease-related activities, among other actions.
‘It’s not just all TVs from Costco’: Alaskans use their PFDs in many different ways
People use the money in different ways, including for vacations, electronics, savings or college funds or necessities. In places like rural Alaska, the money can help with the high costs of fuel and food.
Rural Alaska at risk as COVID surge swamps faraway hospitals
The battle against the coronavirus isn’t over. The highly contagious delta variant is spreading across Alaska, driving one of the nation’s sharpest upticks in infections and posing risks for remote outposts like Tanacross where the closest hospital is hours away.
Alaska governor will let PFD stand that lawmakers passed
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who has advocated for a roughly $2,350 check, late Tuesday said he would not veto the dividend approved by lawmakers, though he considered it a “partial” dividend. He said Alaskans “need help now.”
Alaska Senate passes $1,100 dividend, now the governor must approve it
The Alaska Senate approved a roughly $1,100 dividend on the last day of a special session Tuesday, after the House canceled its floor and left the Senate with what amounted to a take-it-or-leave-it decision on the check for residents that the House had previously passed.
Alaska Senate to weigh dividend bill after House maneuver
The Alaska House canceled its floor session Tuesday, the last day of the special session, leaving the Senate with what amounted to a take-it-or-leave-it decision on the roughly $1,100 the House had previously passed.
Alaska PFD unsettled as special session nears end
Alaska lawmakers have yet to agree on a dividend payout to residents this year though legislative leaders say they hope to do so by the end of this special session, which is Tuesday.
COVID-19 hospitalizations rise to new high in Alaska
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The number of Alaskans hospitalized with COVID-19 has risen, worrying health care providers who are facing staffing issues and fatigue and wondering when the latest wave of cases might peak.
Dispute over funds casts doubt on Alaska dividend amount
The Alaska House passed legislation Tuesday calling for a $1,100 dividend to residents but there are different interpretations as to whether much of the money that would be used for the checks is available.
Alaska lawmakers face crunch to pay PFDs
Alaska residents don’t know how much money they might get from the state’s oil wealth this year — or even when they might get the unique payout just for living in the state — and many are upset.
Alaska legislative leaders to weigh Capitol mask mandate
The city of Juneau requires masks in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status, though the Capitol doesn’t fall under the city jurisdiction.
Georgia mom and daughter among 6 killed in plane crash near Ketchikan
Davis McArthur said his mother, Andrea McArthur, and sister, Rachel McArthur, were on a “girls’ trip” before his sister returned to college. They were among the six people killed in a plane crash last week near Ketchikan.
‘Sophisticated group’ behind Alaska cyberattack, agency says
The state department said the group had “exploited a vulnerable website and spread from there.”
Interior Secretary hasn’t made decision on Izembek refuge road issue
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland plans to review the record and visit King Cove, the community at the heart of the dispute, before making a decision, says a Justice Department attorney.
Court nixes some caps for Alaska campaign contributions
A divided federal appeals court panel has struck down several campaign contribution caps in Alaska, including a $500-a-year limit on what an individual can give a candidate.
Alaska lawmakers seek delay in August special session start
Alaska legislative leaders have asked Gov. Mike Dunleavy to delay the upcoming special session, which is set to begin Monday.