James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
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Alaska Beacon is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alaska Beacon maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Andrew Kitchenman for questions: info@alaskabeacon.com. Follow Alaska Beacon on Facebook and X.


Facing lawsuits, Alaska lawmakers consider new social media policy

The draft included an ‘everything or nothing’ approach toward public comments.
A map of the Willow development on Alaska's North Slope

After lawsuit, a major Alaska North Slope oil project is again moving forward

The public has until Aug. 29 to offer public comment on whether the project should move forward, and if so, under what conditions.
a group of people on a fish wheel on a river on an overcast day

As Kuskokwim fishing lawsuit grows, lawyers say subsistence could be affected across Alaska

Attorneys from Ahtna Inc. believe state arguments may overturn Katie John precedent.

Despite federal warning, Alaska alcohol board says distilleries can keep selling kegged cocktails

Federal regulations limit the size of containers that a distillery can produce, but Alaska has no limits in law.
a blue sign on the side of a building says "State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services"

Seeking efficiency, Alaska breaks its health agency into two new departments

The Department of Health and Social Services has been split into separate organizations.
a woman in a meeting room talks into a microphone

Legislative aides call Anchorage Democratic Rep. Tarr’s behavior troubling

In a series of interviews, they describe a decade-old pattern of behavior.
ballots go into a scanner

In Alaska’s first statewide by-mail vote, turnout was highest for a primary since 2014

Final preliminary results posted Tuesday night by the Alaska Division of Elections show 161,614 people voted in the special election for U.S. House, Alaska’s first statewide election by mail.
A woman standing and speaking in the Alaska House

August trial set for former Alaska legislator Gabrielle LeDoux, accused of elections misdeeds

State prosecutors have accused LeDoux and two other people of encouraging illegal votes in the 2014 and 2018 state legislative elections.

Alaska DNR commissioner is third cabinet official to quit in two months

During Feige's term, DNR launched an initiative to assert state ownership and control of lands and waters from the federal government. 
Lora Reinbold stands in a courtroom

Alaska senator faces civil trial after blocking a constituent on Facebook

The verdict could set a precedent for actions online by Alaska’s elected officials.
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Alaska Human Rights Commission sues to pause special US House election certification

According to plaintiff Robert Corbisier, the entirely by-mail election discriminates against visually impaired voters.
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Ahead of filing deadline, almost a third of the Alaska Legislature isn’t seeking reelection

Turnover could dampen momentum on a long-awaited fiscal plan, some lawmakers say.
a courthouse building

Special prosecutor charges former Alaska attorney general nominee with sexual abuse of a minor

Ed Sniffen has been charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor.
A sign outside an Anchorage courthouse

Alaska Supreme Court finds Republican gerrymander in Anchorage districts, orders new map

The decision almost certainly ends Alaska’s redistricting process for 2022.

Legislature approves budget with $3,200 payout per Alaskan after House balks at bigger figure

Budget finishes as second-largest in state history by one measure, but Dunleavy could make cuts.
a group of men at a conference table

After larger deal fails, state lawmakers propose payout of up to $3,850 per Alaskan

A six-member committee completed work on the compromise budget late Tuesday, three days after the Alaska House failed to agree with a budget proposal passed by the Senate.
people in a meeting room

Alaska Legislature OKs increase to rural power subsidy

Legislators are warned that community assistance grants may become unreliable.
a group of people smiling and laughing in a meeting room

Alaska House approves major update to alcohol laws, including changes for breweries

Brewery and distillery taprooms will be able to stay open until 9 p.m.
A woman walks out of the house of representatives to a small crowd

Alaska House rejects $5,500 payout, sends budget to negotiating committee

The cost of $3.6 billion for dividends and energy payments was too large for a majority of lawmakers