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 polling place

Ahead of withdrawal deadline, some Alaska legislative candidates call it quits

Ahead of the withdrawal deadline, an Anchorage House race is down to two Republicans, and the race to replace Click Bishop lost a candidate.
an office

After email leak, some Alaska legislators say they’re skeptical of Permanent Fund’s direction

The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee has oversight authority over the Permanent Fund. A performance audit could be in the offing.
pins

State judge upholds most fines against group seeking repeal of Alaska ranked choice voting

A measure seeking to eliminate ranked choice voting and the state’s open primary is on the November ballot.
the Supreme Court

U.S. Supreme Court may consider Alaska’s ‘dark money’ disclosure rules

Under Alaska law, donors are required to disclose the “true source” of large contributions from nonprofits to local candidates.
a group of people gather outside

Federal judge considers lawsuit that could decide Alaska tribes’ ability to put land into trust

The case could allow tribal governments, rather than Alaska Native corporations, to take authority over significant amounts of Alaska land.
a voter in a polling booth

Want to run for president in Alaska? You’ll need a few thousand friends.

Supporters of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have turned in more than 5,900 signatures, hoping to get the independent presidential candidate on this fall’s ballot.
Peter Maassen

Dunleavy will be asked to pick fourth Alaska Supreme Court justice

By February, Gov. Mike Dunleavy will have appointed four of the five Supreme Court justices, and the next opening isn't for years.
a courthouse

Alaska state judge considers fine against backers of ranked choice repeal measure

Judge Laura Hartz said she intends to issue a decision by June 21, though it may not be until the following Monday.
Click Bishop

At candidate filing deadline, 7 Alaska legislators decline to seek re-election

Sen. Click Bishop has indicated that he may run for governor in 2026, after Gov. Mike Dunleavy leaves office.
a sign says "Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation"

Permanent Fund bosses vote to defy Alaska Legislature, keep Anchorage office

One dissenting member of the board of trustees warned that the vote could cause "a fight" with the Legislature.
two buildings

Judicial Council recommends Alaskans keep all judges, including jurist behind correspondence ruling

Adolf Zeman is only one of 19 judges that will be on the November general election ballot, but he’s received the lion’s share of attention.
the Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska Supreme Court confirms: ‘Hoverboard dentist’ is banned from dentistry in Alaska

In a separate criminal case, former dentist Seth Lookhart was sentenced to 20 years in prison with eight suspended.
a sperm whale

Alaska fisherman pleads guilty to federal charges after ordering crew to shoot whale

It isn't clear whether the whale survived the encounter, which federal prosecutors have labeled a misdemeanor.
an office

8 young Alaskans sue to block proposed trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline

The plaintiffs say the pipeline will contribute to climate change that harms their ability to access fish, wildlife and natural resources.
Jesse Bjorkman

Alaska Legislature passes bill enabling employers to use saliva tests for drugs, alcohol

If Gov. Mike Dunleavy signs SB 196 or allows it to become law, employers using saliva tests would be legally protected.
Andi Story

After several deadly drownings, Alaska Legislature votes to require harbor safety ladders

House Bill 345 is aimed at reducing drownings. It was one of more than 60 bills that the Legislature passed in its final hours.
lawmakers

A look at some of the bills that failed to pass the Alaska Legislature this year

Parts of a long-term plan to bring state revenue and expenses into line again failed to advance through the Capitol.
a group of people in a meeting room

Alaska House passes trans sports ban after extended filibuster by opponents

The bill now heads to the state Senate, where it is expected to die without becoming law.
the Alaska Supreme Court

Alaska Supreme Court upholds Valdez ordinance that limited fur trapping

The court's ruling indicated that municipal rules that restrict trapping are legal under public safety and land-use rules.
the Alaska Capitol

Brinksmanship and compromise emerge in Alaska’s Capitol as legislative session nears an end

Legislators are combining varied pieces of legislation to get them across the finish line in the state Capitol.