Mass testing can keep COVID out of schools. But none of Alaska’s largest districts are doing it.
A few small districts have instituted mass screening testing programs, to pick up COVID-19 cases in people without symptoms. But Anchorage, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula and Mat-Su districts have not followed suit.
Anchorage Mayor Bronson revokes paid parental leave for city workers
Mayor Dave Bronson’s predecessor had granted non-unionized city employees four weeks of paid parental leave on her last day on the job. Bronson also revoked a policy allowing new parents to bring infants into the office.
Evolving COVID policies for state, Anchorage workforces leave public employees anxious
State workers are worried about catching the virus in offices with unmasked colleagues, while the Anchorage Police Department is allowing unvaccinated officers to return to work after a COVID-19 exposure — as long as they wear N95 masks and social distance when possible.
Prosecutors vet US Senate candidate’s fishing license case
Law enforcement officials have completed their investigation into whether a U.S. Senate candidate and former State of Alaska official illegally obtained a fishing license for a sportfishing event two years ago. They have turned it over to a special prosecutorial branch of the Department of Law, an official said Thursday.
Federal judge reverses Trump environmental approval for major Alaska oil project
The Willow project, if it's built, could produce 160,000 barrels of oil a day — roughly a third of Alaska's current total production. But the judge faulted the Trump administration's analysis of the project's potential greenhouse gas pollution and effects on polar bears.
Dunleavy’s per diem veto over PFD situation raises concerns for Legislature
Some lawmakers say Gov. Mike Dunleavy's veto of nearly $300 per day of living expenses for legislators over a PFD fight sets a dangerous precedent that could limit the number of Alaskans who could afford to be legislators.
Alaska lawmakers voted to avert a shutdown this week, but it almost didn’t happen
And legislators have said successful communication will be important this summer. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has charged the Legislature with coming up with a long-term solution for the state budget. But the vote on the shutdown didn’t go smoothly. It almost didn’t happen.
Alaska House passes budget, $525 dividends, but leaves important programs in doubt
The Alaska House late Tuesday passed a state budget that would result in a $525 dividend to residents this year and leave in doubt funding for a number of programs and infrastructure projects after it failed to garner sufficient support on a key vote.
Credit rating agencies see improved outlook for Alaska, but note risks from budget uncertainty
As Alaska lawmakers decide what to do about the budget, one group that’s keeping an eye on the outcome are the agencies that rate the state’s ability to pay off its debts. And they say Alaska's rating is actually showing positive signs.
Email records: Little contact between Alaska Gov. Dunleavy’s former aide and oil company that hired him
Interest groups and some Alaska lawmakers have been scrutinizing Stevens’ move from state service to the private sector, saying the quick transition between them raises questions about whether Stevens is complying with state ethics laws.
This year’s Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends would be $1,100 under budget compromise
This year’s permanent fund dividend would be $1,100 under a compromise budget proposal that the Legislature will vote on this week.
It’s masks off at the Alaska Capitol — but the public is still barred
The ban is keeping out summer tourists, forcing lobbyists to do business by Zoom and stopping Alaskans from witnessing key committee meetings and floor sessions in-person.
Mat-Su senator introduces bill to bar transgender girls from school sports
An advocate for transgender rights called the bill "horrific".
House passes budget, leaving potential gap from federal relief rules
The budget includes most of what Gov. Mike Dunleavy proposed for state agencies. But it doesn’t include funding for permanent fund dividends.
Alaska House bill would fund schools ahead of time, prevent pink slips
House Bill 169 would fund education ahead of the rest of the state budget, to avoid teachers and other school staff receiving layoff notices next month. This happens when the Legislature goes deep into May without passing a budget, triggering notices required under teachers’ contracts.
With help from Alaska’s Murkowski, Vanita Gupta is confirmed as associate attorney general
"I am going to give the benefit of the doubt to a woman who I believe has demonstrated throughout her professional career to be deeply, deeply committed to matters of justice," Murkowski said.
Senators unveil bill to extend, limit Alaska disaster declaration as deadline for food aid looms
Some Alaska state senators are aiming to pass a bill that would extend Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s disaster declaration, but with more limited powers than were in place until mid-February in order to continue providing food aid and assist in other COVID-19 response areas.
Alaska legislators apologize after breaking COVID rules by bringing friends for ping-pong, basketball at Capitol gym
Members of the public who are barred from the state Capitol complex due to pandemic safety rules attended a social gathering with legislators in a complex building last week.
Tshibaka resigns from Dunleavy administration and announces run for Murkowski’s US Senate seat
Kelly Tshibaka, who has led the sprawling Alaska Department of Administration since early 2019, in a statement said she is running “for the Alaskans who believe government is of the people, by the people and for the people. The D.C. insiders need to be held accountable to us.”
New attorney general targets Alaska’s high rate of sex crimes at confirmation hearing
During his confirmation hearing on Monday, Treg Taylor said his first priority as Alaska’s attorney general is to end the state’s position as the worst for sex crimes.