James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
359 POSTS 0 COMMENTS



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.


badges

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.
the Alaska State Capitol

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.
a woman

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.
the Alaska State Capitol

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.
the Alaska Supreme Court

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.
Tom McKay

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.
a van on a road

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.
a portrait of a man smiling

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.
Lora Reinbold stands in a courtroom

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.
two men pose for a photograph, sitting in chairs

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.
a small group of people sit around a meeting table indoors

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.
Mike Dunleavy

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.
woven booties next to two bags

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.
Sarah Vance

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.
lawmakers

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.
a woman speaks to a crowd in a meeting room

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.
a ferry ramp

Proposal to put slot machines aboard Alaska ferries gets rough first reception

Gambling would be allowed only when ships are more than three miles off Alaska’s coasts, something already allowed aboard cruise ships.
Donald Trump

Federal judge dismisses lawsuit seeking to bar Trump from Alaska election ballots

The ruling from U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred, appointed by Donald Trump, cited technical issues with the lawsuit's filing.
Mike Dunleavy

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy: No VP inquiry from Trump

Dunleavy met Trump nine times during his presidency and offered an early endorsement in Trump's second presidential campaign.