JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska lawmakers have convened the special session called by Gov. Bill Walker to complete work on a state budget and plan for addressing Alaska's multibillion-dollar budget deficit.
The session opened late Thursday morning.
It comes one day after lawmakers ended a drawn-out regular session in which they were unable to come to terms on a budget, state fiscal plan and changes to state oil tax and credit policy.
The special session will run for up to 30 days.
House committee gets blowback to dividend proposal
Juneau, Alaska (AP) - House lawmakers heard angry reactions to a bill that would pay residents a full Alaska Permanent Fund dividend this year but seek to change the dividend formula going forward.
Non-profit matches grant from mine operator for New JACC
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Partnership, Inc., the non-profit that raises funds to build the New Juneau Arts & Culture Center, or New JACC, has announced the completion of efforts to match a major donation from Coeur Alaska – Kensington Mine.
Tribal officials blame state for stalled child welfare talks
Fairbanks, Alaska (AP) - Alaska Native officials have criticized the state for backing out of negotiations over the Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact.
Second brown bear spotted on Salmon Creek Trail
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - For the second time in recent days, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game received a report of a brown bear in the Salmon Creek Trail area.
Rep. Sullivan-Leonard speaks out against HB 1005
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Rep. Coleen Sullivan-Leonard is speaking out about a PFD bill currently before the House Finance Committee.
Fishing boat captain fined for polluting Southeast waters
Anchorage, Alaska (AP) - A fishing boat captain who dumped sandblast waste into southeast Alaska waters was ordered to pay $10,000 and perform 40 hours of community service.
Juneau trails to get $2.3 million in grant money for upgrades
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Kaxdigoowu Héen Dei, or Brotherhood Bridge Trail in the Mendenhall Valley, and the Treadwell Ditch Trail on Douglas Island, will receive extensive improvements thanks to sizable award grants from the federal government, the State of Alaska, and local matching funds.
CBJ talks revenue, new city hall
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - City Manager Rorie Watt and Finance Director Bob Bartholomew were the featured speakers at the weekly luncheon of the Greater Juneau Chamber of Commerce.
Weiss reflects on her first school year as superintendent
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - Thursday is the last day of school for Juneau public school students.
Dead gray whale found on island is Alaska's third this year
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A third gray whale has been found dead in Alaska.
Anchorage votes to adopt climate action plan for Alaska city
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The Anchorage Assembly has adopted a climate action plan which sets goals for the Alaska city.
Douglas Highway resurface project discussed at meeting
Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities held a public informational meeting Wednesday regarding improvements and a resurface of approximately 2.5 miles of Douglas Highway from St. Ann's Avenue to Egan Drive.