Alaska's Political Pipeline

Latest Episodes:

A conversation with Senate Minority Leader Mike Cronk Apr 15, 2026

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Political Reporter Wil Courtney sits down with Senate Minority Leader Mike Cronk who talks about cutting energy costs, keeping the state's budget in check and life outside of Juneau.

Lawmakers return from break, $3,800 PFD and Iran latest Apr 06, 2026

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JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) -- On this edition of Alaska's Political Pipeline: as lawmakers return from their Easter and Passover break, much waits for their return including the operating budget which has made it's way to the House Floor and includes a full statutory $3,800 PFD. That amount, though, may not be what Alaskans ultimately receive. Join John Thompson and Wil Courtney as they break down the latest headlines in national, state and local politics.

Education funding, vetoed tax bill is back, LNG impasse - Important topics of the week Apr 04, 2026

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It's Passover and Easter weekend, lawmakers are out of Juneau as the Legislature is roughly halfway through the session.
Wil Courtney is in Alaska's capital city to highlight the week that was, including the firing of former United States Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Education funding is discussed as Wil explains base student allocation, or BSA.

The LNG impasse continues and a vetoed tax bill makes a return, passing the House via tight margin.

Sen. Dan Sullivan on the State of the Union Feb 26, 2026

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Pres. Donald Trump said the state of the union is strong - but what does Alaska's congressional delegation think? Investigative reporter Augusta McDonnell breaks down the statements from those leaders and interviews Sen. Dan Sullivan on what he thinks.
Read more on this story: https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/02/26/sotu-sullivan-acknowledges-some-heart-wrenching-deportation-cases-praises-trump-admins-immigration-enforcement-efforts/

Lawmakers investigate ICE activity after Soldotna family, two minors, deported Feb 25, 2026

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After a Soldotna woman and two of her children, the youngest five, were deported from the country, lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee investigate ICE activity in Alaska. Political reporter Wil Courtney breaks down the situation and speaks to the committee chair and other lawmakers on what they want to see next.
Read more at: ICE activity in Alaska: State lawmakers investigate after Soldotna family deportation

House Speaker Bryce Edgmon on Rural Healthcare Fund, PFD temporarily zeroed, Halong Feb 17, 2026

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On this edition of Alaska's Political Pipeline, political reporter Wil Courtney speaks with House Speaker Bryce Edgmon the day before a resolution is introduced into the House focusing on the Rural Health Transportation Fund. In the conversation, he also comments on the recent temporary cut of the Permanent Fund Dividend by the House Finance committee and where former Typhoon Halong recovery stands.

One month in...A legislative update Feb 17, 2026

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We are a little more than a month into the legislative session. We check in with Political Reporter Wil Courtney on what's happened so far and what's on the agenda for the busy week ahead.

Armed Service Committee Leaders react to stand down orders for Minneapolis deployment Feb 11, 2026

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On this week's edition of Alaska's Political Pipeline, host Wil Courtney breaks down the latest developments that 1,500 members of Alaska's 11th Airborne Division have been told to stand down from a deployment to Minneapolis, and speaks with co-chairs of the Joint Armed Services Committee after they were told the division's commander turned down the chance to testify before the committee.

Halong survivors unlikely to return home by summer, state leaders tell lawmakers Feb 04, 2026

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Emergency officials told committee members Tuesday they’re prioritizing infrastructure repairs and cleanup over relocation efforts in the aftermath of ex-Typhoon Halong, the October storm that devastated two villages in Western Alaska: Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.

Lawmakers react to Minnesota protester death, Alaska troops on standby Jan 27, 2026

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Political reporter Wil Courtney speaks with Alaska lawmakers in Juneau on what could happen with Alaskan troops regarding deployment to Minnesota following immigration raids that have resulted in American deaths.

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