Stowers quoted the Star Wars character Yoda in encouraging the Legislature to address the state’s ongoing budget crisis.
State Government
Ferry Malaspina out of service for an extra month
Nine Southeast Alaska communities will see reduced ferry service in April. That’s because the Malaspina’s overhaul will start about a month late.
25-year-old Bethel man picked to lead replacement of state Rep. Fansler
House District 38 Democrats selected Ben Anderson-Agimuk, 25, from Tununak and Bethel and Fansler’s former aide, to chair their local party. It’s the caucus’ first step toward replacing Rep. Zach Fansler, who resigned last week amidst assault allegations.
Alaska Permanent Fund reports strong returns, value of $64B
The Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. has reported strong returns and a total value of $64 billion in the first half of the 2018 fiscal year.
Watch Chief Justice Craig Stowers’ State of the Judiciary address live
Alaska Chief Justice Craig Stowers delivers the annual State of the Judiciary Address at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7. Come back to this post at 11 a.m. for a live stream of Gavel Alaska coverage. Or watch on 360 North television, which is available in Juneau over the air on channel 3.3, or on cable and satellite.
Legislators hope to fix uncertainty plaguing school budgets this session
This session, some state legislators hope to put an end to the uncertainty school districts across the state face when it comes to their budgets. House Bill 287 and Senate Bill 131 both address K-12 school funding, but in different ways.
Alaska Sen. Dennis Egan won’t seek re-election
Alaska Sen. Dennis Egan won’t seek re-election this year due to poor health. Early contenders to seek his seat include Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association CEO Larry Cotter and possibly Juneau Assemblyman Jesse Kiehl.
Lt. Gov. Mallot and Sen. Sullivan talk transboundary mining with Canadian officials
Alaska Lt. Gov. Byron Mallot and U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan met with Canadian officials to press for more U.S. input on transboundary mines.
As staffers break silence, a #MeToo moment for Alaska’s Capitol
In the weeks since the state legislature convened, there’s been a workplace training, proposed changes to the legislature’s sexual harassment policy and allegations made against one lawmaker — Bethel Democrat Rep. Zach Fansler — who has now resigned.
Distillery cocktail debate continues after weekend hearing on House Bill 269
The House Community and Regional Affairs Committee met Saturday in the state Capitol to hear public testimony on House Bill 269. The bill would settle a debate over whether distilleries can serve mixed cocktails in their tasting rooms.