Alaska politicians eye sacred oil checks amid budget deficit

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) —Alaska is facing multibillion-dollar deficits amid chronically low oil prices and relying on savings to help balance the budget.

That's not sustainable, and is leaving first-term Gov. Bill Walker with some tough choices as he drafts the next budget.

One of those decisions could reduce the amount of the yearly check nearly every Alaskan receives just for living in the state.

The dividend, long seen as political dynamite to anyone who tries to tinker with it, could be affected as state leaders look for ways to close the gaping budget hole. Here's a look at the dividend, and...