James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Federal appeals court declines to ‘criminalize’ Beaufort Sea oil and gas work
A divided three-judge panel concluded that a federal agency failed to justify a regulation that allows some oil and gas work.
Alaska newspaper publishers worry about bill ending some public notice requirements
Notices of water reservations, commonly used by mining projects, would not be published in local newspapers anymore.
Disagreements between Alaska House Republicans stalled education work for 3 weeks
The House Education Committee didn't meet for three weeks starting Feb. 14, denying Gov. Mike Dunleavy a channel of support for his ideas.
Ranked choice supporters ask judge for pre-election ruling on repeal group’s misdeeds
Ranked choice backers asked Judge Laura Hartz to issue a verdict in Alaskans for Honest Elections' appeal of its APOC fine this campaign season.
Legislative budgeters say Dunleavy’s proposed 2024 Permanent Fund dividend is a no-go
Gov. Mike Dunleavy included a $3,500 payout in his initial budget proposal, but paying it would require spending from savings.
2 years after Russia invaded Ukraine, Alaska’s refugee picture looks wildly different
Alaska has welcomed more than 1,000 refugees from Ukraine since the war began.
Alaska Legislature plans March 12 vote on Gov. Dunleavy’s executive orders
According to a draft plan shared with reporters Friday, the votes will take place March 12, during a joint session of the House and Senate.
Alaska Supreme Court decides key question: Who is an Alaskan?
Justices were asked to consider the question as part of a 2022 lawsuit challenging the eligibility of a legislative candidate in Anchorage.
Alaska House approves relaxed environmental rules for ‘advanced recycling’
Rep. Tom McKay, R-Anchorage and House Bill 143’s prime sponsor, said the bill now headed to the state Senate would keep plastic out of landfills.
Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. leaders approve proposal to borrow up to $4 billion for investments
The idea would have to be approved by state legislators and Gov. Mike Dunleavy, because it requires changes to state law.
Federal highway officials reject Alaska transportation plan, citing 24 pages of flaws
Alaska’s summer construction season would be disrupted unless the state can fix the flaws before the end of the month.
College price transparency bill advances toward final vote in Alaska Legislature
If the bill becomes law, the state university system will be required to list the cost of course materials, including textbooks, in its course catalog.
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit brought by former Alaska Sen. Reinbold against Alaska Airlines
Reinbold, a Republican from Eagle River, had challenged Alaska Airlines’ decision to ban her from its flights.
Dunleavy makes first official Yukon visit, signs Alaska Highway maintenance agreement
Gov. Dunleavy has committed more than $31 million to repair a damaged section of the highway that is mostly used by Americans traveling to and from Alaska.
Alaska politicians contemplate first statewide borrowing request since 2012
A bond package hasn’t been formally introduced, but the Dunleavy administration is considering the possibility.
Alaska governor says he’d like to send troops south to aid Texas, but cost is a hurdle
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said that sending 100 additional Alaska National Guard soldiers to Texas would cost about $1 million a month.
Mythical animal costs Denali-area clothing shop $53,000 in fines
A clothing shop near Denali National Park told an undercover investigator it was selling items made from Yakutat alpacas, which do not exist.
Alaska House votes to advance bill that would trim state voter rolls more quickly
Statistics show that Alaska has 108% of its 20-and-older population registered to vote on state rolls.
Alaska senator proposes more armed staff or volunteers in schools
Senate Bill 173, from Republican Shelley Hughes, received its first hearing last week and has received a tide of opposition.
Alaska Senate passes new pension program for state employees, but final approval is in question
The legislation could bring new benefits to as many as 37,000 Alaskans.