Government & Politics
U.S. House vote to expand federal firefighters benefits seen as step toward parity
WASHINGTON – Years after firefighters extinguish a blaze, after the smoke has lifted and ashes have cooled, the people who risked their lives to contain the fire face another danger: cancer and cardiovascular disease resulting from exposure to smoke and heat. Government and academic studies have shown firefighters are 9% more likely to develop cancer […]
Alaska House approves major update to alcohol laws, including changes for breweries
The president of the Alaska Brewers Guild held his head in his hands, the Senate president laughed and smiled, and the head of Alaska’s largest alcohol trade organization exchanged high-fives with lawmakers as the Alaska House decisively ended 10 years of struggle by passing a sweeping reform of the state’s alcohol laws. “I think we’re […]
Alaska House rejects $5,500 payout, sends budget to negotiating committee
After three days of delay and doubt about the outcome, the Alaska House of Representatives turned down a Senate-written budget containing $5,500 payments for eligible Alaskans. Those opposed to the budget cited concerns about spending exceeding revenue. The House’s 18-22 vote against the Senate proposal means two different plans will now go to a six-member […]
Alaska lawmakers want to modernize outdated state definition of consent
When Rebecca Farrell discusses healthy relationships with her students, she describes consent as something that is freely given, reversible, informed and enthusiastic. This grouping of words is also known as FRIES. Farrell is a physical science and health teacher at Thunder Mountain High School in Juneau. “If somebody says, ‘Hey, you want to go upstairs?’ […]
Alaska House proposes naming new bridge after Don Young
Alaska’s longest single-span bridge would be named after former Congressman Don Young under legislation passed Wednesday by the Alaska House of Representatives. The House voted 36-2 to name the planned Juneau Creek bridge on the Sterling Highway after Young, who died earlier this year after 49 years in office. Reps. Ron Gillham, R-Kenai, and David […]
Alaska Senate approves bill formally recognizing Native tribes
Alaska’s state government would formally recognize all of Alaska’s 229 federally recognized tribes under legislation passed Friday by the state Senate in a 15-0 vote. If signed into law by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the measure will be mostly ceremonial. Lawmakers said it nonetheless represents an opportunity to respect Alaska Natives and tribal organizations that have […]
Misinformation is deadly. What are we going to do about it?
Misinformation kills humans and democracy. All of us have some responsibility for this serious threat to society. All of us are affected by it, regardless of whether we use social media. And all of us need to do something about it.
Congress explores creation of truth commission for U.S. Indian Boarding Schools
WASHINGTON — Survivors of a U.S. policy that forced Indigenous children to attend boarding schools where they were abused, or went missing, detailed to members of a U.S. House Natural Resources panel during a Thursday hearing the need for Congress to establish a truth commission dedicated to unveiling the traumas Indigenous children experienced at the […]
Attorney asks judge to throw out Republican-supported map of Anchorage state Senate districts
A group of Girdwood residents seeking to overturn a proposed map of state Senate districts in Anchorage has presented new evidence of possible collusion among Republican-appointed members of the Alaska Redistricting Board. Citing text messages and emails obtained from board members, the group’s attorney told a state judge on Thursday that the board had an […]
U.S. Senate Democrats fail to enshrine nationwide abortion protections, vow more action
WASHINGTON — Efforts to secure the nationwide right to an abortion stalled for a second time Wednesday when U.S. Senate Democrats failed to get enough votes to overcome the legislative filibuster. Republicans, including Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins, voted uniformly against limiting debate on the bill while Democrats, save West Virginia’s […]
Alaska House contemplates a multibillion-dollar gamble on oil prices to pay $5,500 per Alaskan
Leading members of the Alaska House of Representatives said on Thursday that the House appears ready to approve a Senate-passed budget that would pay $5,500 this year to eligible Alaskans. They cautioned that the situation remains in flux and could change quickly. On Wednesday and Thursday, Speaker of the House Louise Stutes canceled scheduled votes […]
Alaska U.S. House candidates use industry forum to try to stand out in crowded field
The nine candidates at the forum, seated in alphabetical order, faced their own common challenge: distinguishing themselves from other contenders in the very crowded field.