Some lawmakers have argued the state is benefitting from high oil prices and can afford to help Alaskans who are struggling. But critics of the higher payments to residents say oil prices are volatile and the oil price in the state revenue forecast can’t be assured.

Republicans denounced the decision as harmful to consumers and U.S. national security.

Legislative leaders have said they see resolving the divisive debate as critical. But lawmakers have yet to agree on what a new formula should look like or on what other elements should accompany it, such as taxes.

The airline also plans to resume nonstop service from Anchorage to Maui and Anchorage to Kailua-Kona on the Big Island in the fall. The airline doesn’t operate these routes during the summer.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — A federal judge in Florida has voided the national mask mandate covering airplanes and other public transportation as exceeding the authority of U.S. health officials in the coronavirus pandemic.

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Alaska Legislature is not on track to finish its work within a voter-approved session limit of 90 days. The 90-day mark will be reached Sunday.

When pleading that her husband be released from jail while the legal case proceeded, his wife stated, “My husband is an old man, and he gets very angry listening to politics on the news.”

TORONTO (AP) — Canada will no longer require a pre-arrival COVID-19 test for vaccinated travelers as of April 1.

A panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sent the decision back to U.S. District Judge John Sedwick in Alaska for further consideration.