Politics

Alaska’s 33rd legislative session convenes on Tuesday. And while the state Senate is organized, the House is not. The midterm elections left Republicans with a narrow majority in the 40-person chamber, but it’s still unclear whether those members will toe the party line or join a multi-party coalition.

Each year, members of the Alaska Legislature introduce hundreds of bills. But from the time bills are first introduced to the time they’re heard in committee, there’s no simple explanation of what a bill actually does. Here’s the Alaska Beacon’s effort to fix that gap.

House District 37 Rep. Bryce Edgmon is running unopposed this election. But he says the races for governor and other seats in Alaska's Legislature will determine policy priorities next session.

Voters will decide whether to hold the first convention since statehood on Nov. 8. Questions about the PFD, Alaska’s fiscal woes, and abortion access have some saying now is the time to vote yes, while others say the document continues to serve the state well.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Mary Peltola spent Halloween in Dillingham meeting with local leaders in the run-up to next week’s midterm elections. They also spent some time giving advice to the next generation of leaders in Bristol Bay.

Peltola, a Democrat, beat Republican Sarah Palin by three percentage points to win the seat. KYUK’s Nina Kravinsky spoke with Peltola by phone shortly after the election results were announced on Aug. 31.

Les Gara, the lone Democrat in the race for governor, visited Dillingham on Tuesday and Wednesday. Gara spoke with KDLG’s Katherine Moncure about his views on education, the Pebble Mine, affordable housing, and the opioid crisis.

In late July, Northern Dynasty Minerals received $12 million from a new, unnamed investor. This would seem to be an unusual time for a big investment, since the proposed Pebble Mine has faced significant setbacks recently.

The Special General Election is Aug. 16. Voters will choose who fills the late Congressman Don Young’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and which primary candidates move forward to the November 8th midterm elections. Check out who is on the ballot and where to vote.

Robert Mawson initially withdrew his application in the fall, citing personal reasons. Mayor Alice Ruby said that situation was resolved. Mawson starts as manager on March 1.