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.
the front of a building

Two more Alaska ballot measures pass legal muster, but another is disqualified

The approved measures would impose new financial restrictions on political campaigns and grant an array of rights to workers.
a man in a suit

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy replaces budget director

Neil Steininger was replaced by Lacey Sanders, formerly administrative services director for the state education department.
the Willow project

ConocoPhillips says court case is likely do-or-die for Alaska’s Willow oil project

Willow would be the first large project constructed in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.
a building outside

Alaska Legislature’s new apartment building is on budget and on schedule

The joint House-Senate Legislative Council has agreed to spend almost $9 million turning the building into 33 apartments. 
the Alaska State Capitol

Dunleavy vetoes statewide ban on pollution-causing firefighting foam

PFAS, a chemical used in many forms of firefighting foam, has already contaminated drinking water sources throughout Alaska.
a ferry

After a false start, Alaska prepares to solicit bids for new mainline ferry

The Alaska Department of Transportation expects to issue a new request for proposals from American shipyards next month to replace the Tustumena.
the Boney Courthouse

Alaska Judicial Council nominates 2 for job as Alaska’s top public defender

Judge Terrence Haas of Bethel and assistant Anchorage public defender Gary Soberay have been nominated to replace Samantha Cherot.
Kelly Tshibaka

Report from Alaska campaign regulator says Tshibaka-linked group violated state law

Alaska Public Offices Commission staff have recommended a $16,450 fine against former U.S. Senate candidate Kelly Tshibaka's Preserve Democracy.
Nancy Dahlstrom

Alaska lieutenant governor disqualifies legislative term-limits ballot measure

The Alaska Supreme Court ruled in 1994 that legislative term limits would require a constitutional amendment, not a ballot measure.
a man in a suit speaks behind a podium

Alaska appeals to U.S. Supreme Court in four-year-old union dues dispute

Judges have repeatedly ruled against the state’s effort to require union members to opt-in annually.
two wolves in the trees

Southeast Alaska wolves are not threatened or endangered, federal agency concludes

Putting the wolves on the Endangered Species List likely would have resulted in new restrictions on development, logging and construction in the region.
a portrait of a building with mountains in the background

Alaska state payroll department ‘one crisis away’ from workers going unpaid

Almost half of payroll processing jobs are unfilled, causing errors and delays.
the University of Alaska Fairbanks

Former University of Alaska Fairbanks student sues school, alleging injuries from hot sauce

Ariel Lamp, who left the University of Alaska Fairbanks after the incident, filed suit for more than $100,000 in damages, plus costs.
a gavel

Alaska alleges ‘widespread fraud’ by Anchorage ATM business serving villages, small businesses

James Dainis, who owns the business, says the state is mistaken and dissatisfied customers will be refunded.
a man

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg ends Alaska visit with emphasis on ferries

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, traveled with Buttigieg on the ferry Hubbard and said the last-minute switch in travel plans “was a typical Alaska jump ball.”
a sign

Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. plans to open Anchorage office by year’s end

The Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. intends to open an office in Anchorage by the end of the year.
the Odess Theater

Sitka Fine Arts Camp withdraws immigration lawsuit after feds reconsider issue

Sitka Fine Arts Camp is withdrawing its federal immigration lawsuit after immigration officials approved the visa needed for its technical theater director.
Solomon Atkinson

U.S. Navy to name ship after Metlakatla veteran Solomon Atkinson

The decision was announced last week by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro on Metlakatla’s Founders’ Day holiday, Aug. 7.
Mike Dunleavy

Alaska pays $350K to settle last wrongful-firing lawsuit from loyalty-pledge scheme

The case by former state attorney Elizabeth Bakalar against Gov. Mike Dunleavy and his former chief of staff will not go to a trial over damages.