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.


a debate

At U.S. House debate in Kodiak, candidates differ on future of Alaska fisheries

Nick Begich emphasized fighting for the state, Mary Peltola focused on support in Congress and John Howe called himself a "third wheel."
Tom McKay

Anchorage legislator submitted resignation to get state job, then reversed course

A possible legal snag has put Rep. Tom McKay’s plans on hold, at least temporarily.
a voting station

Alaska records show no evidence of widespread noncitizen voting or registration

Donald Trump, as well as in-state Republicans, have falsely claimed that noncitizens are voting in large numbers.
a protest

Alaska legislative panel bans large signs in the state Capitol after education protest

Signs will be limited to 11 inches by 17 inches and can’t be attached to posts or sticks, according to a new visitor policy.
the Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska Supreme Court says most business insurance doesn’t cover COVID-19 damages

Alaska was the last state to decide whether common commercial insurer policies would cover harm businesses suffered in the COVID-19 pandemic.
a forum

Alaska Federation of Natives will not hold a U.S. House candidate forum

The event is normally a key part of statewide political campaigns but was squeezed out by other priorities, a top organizer said.
a coal-fired plant with mountains in the background

Alaska natural gas crunch is increasing demand for a traditional fuel — coal

With cheap gas-fired power now unavailable, the biggest utility in Fairbanks has shelved plans to shut down one of its coal-fired plants.
businesses line water

A three-way race is on to replace five-term House Rep. Dan Ortiz in Ketchikan

In the coastal district — Alaska’s farthest south — the candidates say they want to support education, fishing and energy, but differ on how.
a person looks over papers

What would a statewide hand-count election look like in Alaska?

As Georgia plans to implement a partial hand count, a small Alaska experiment shows that it could be time-consuming here.
stickers on a table

Alaska’s presidential election allows voters to rank up to 8 candidates

Because Alaska’s top-four primary election doesn’t apply to the presidential race, voters will be able to rank all eight options if they choose to do so.
the Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska Supreme Court rejects Democrats’ attempt to remove candidate from U.S. House ballot

Eric Hafner will appear on the ballot alongside Democrat Mary Peltola, Republican Nick Begich and the Alaskan Independence Party’s John Wayne Howe.
a case file

Alaska Supreme Court considers legal challenge to imprisoned out-of-state Democrat’s U.S. House run

A lower court dismissed the Alaska Democratic Party's lawsuit on Tuesday, but the party was granted an emergency appeal.
a voting station

Anchorage judge rules that imprisoned Democrat will remain on Alaska’s U.S. House ballot

The decision, which will be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court, said Eric Hafner is qualified to run but not to take office.
Fairbanks

In Fairbanks, Dibert and LeBon are rematched for state House election

A race in the Golden Heart City may have big consequences and decide who controls the Alaska House of Representatives.
George Rauscher

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy vetoes work quota rules for Amazon-like warehouses

House Bill 88 would have kept companies from instituting work quotas that discourage employees from using the bathroom.
a sheet

Alaska’s primary election turnout is on pace to be third-lowest in 50 years

Historical trends indicate the cause may be a boring ballot and a growing voter roll.
a man

Progressive drops out of West Anchorage state House race, leaving Democrat uncontested

Nick Moe had challenged Democrat Carolyn Hall for the House District 16 seat that was left vacant by Jennie Armstrong.
a woman holding a sign that says "Nancy Dahlstrom U.S. Congress"

Why are some Republican candidates quitting Alaska’s general election? Strategy.

With Republican voters reluctant to use ranked choice voting, candidates are seeking to avoid a split in the electorate.
a screenshot

Public records lawsuit seeks video of alleged assault by Alaska state troopers

The state has said that the video of the troopers will not be made public until the end of criminal proceedings — or until a criminal trial.
Alaska National Guardsmen

U.S. Air National Guard reverses staff changes at Alaska National Guard after warnings

About 80 people would have been affected by the changes, and many said they would quit rather than take a pay and benefit cut.