James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
In fundraising pitch, Iditarod planners say financial woes could jeopardize epic sled dog race
The message comes at a time when major Iditarod sponsors have dropped out, and inflation has increased the cost of participation.
After revisions Federal Highway Administration approves most of Alaska’s transportation plan
Federal officials still rejected six transportation projects, including $68.7 million toward the Port of Alaska repair project in Anchorage.
Alaska House votes to broaden membership of injury, death review panels
Alaska operates medical committees examining maternal and child mortality, overdose deaths, and cases where a child was born with syphilis.
Alaska House votes to give police warrantless emergency access to cellphone location data
Lawmakers have also passed other bills on storage rentals, fireworks rules, telemedicine and federal lands.
Anchorage Democrat alleges governor threatened Republicans before veto vote, prompting denials
Fairbanks’ school board president amplified a version of the claims, but targets say the allegations are baseless.
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Notices of water reservations, commonly used by mining projects, would not be published in local newspapers anymore.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.