James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Alaska state school board advances proposal to ban trans girls from girls high school sports teams
An almost-unanimous decision will open a 30-day public comment period on the idea.
Some GOP states depart, but Alaska will stay with voter fraud prevention network ERIC
The state will stay with the Electronic Registration Information Center, a network that helps states track registered voters and reduce fraud.
Saudi Arabia’s oil production cut could affect Alaska’s state finances
Federal officials raised estimates for oil prices in the second half of this year and in 2024, two days after Saudi Arabia announced oil production cuts.
Here’s what passed and what didn’t in Alaska’s legislative session
Thirty-one bills passed the House and Senate this year, the third fewest of any first-year session since statehood.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy appoints figure behind illegal loyalty-pledge scheme to university board
Several sitting legislators said they believe Tuckerman Babcock is unlikely to be confirmed by the Legislature when it meets next spring.
Alaska Airlines asks federal judge to dismiss mask lawsuit brought by former senator
Alaska Airlines banned Lora Reinbold in 2021, after arguments with employees and passenger complaints about her removing her mask in flight.
Alaska state school board considers rule that would limit transgender athletes
The proposed regulation would limit students to a multi-gender team or a team "based on a student’s sex assigned at birth."
Alaska justices rule against Dunleavy administration in long-running union-dues lawsuit
The state claimed the case was about the First Amendment; justices said the facts showed the state was hostile toward unions.
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy signs bill granting free fur-trapping licenses to disabled veterans
The proposal had universal support from veterans organizations and hunting/fishing groups within the state.
What happens in Alaska if the United States defaults on its debt next month?
Social Security checks, pensions, government paychecks and many basic services could be affected, and that’s before any economic recession.
America’s farthest-north state representative is planning to leave the Alaska Capitol
Rep. Josiah Patkotak says he’s running to be the next mayor of the North Slope Borough in an Oct. 3 local election.
Provision of Alaska budget bill would boost 2024 dividend, depending on oil price
If oil prices reach an average of $83 per barrel during Alaska's next fiscal year, 2024 Permanent Fund dividends would increase by $500.
Alaska’s legislators and top executive-branch officials will receive pay increases by 2024
The state House and Senate failed to pass a bill that would have blocked the pay hikes from coming into effect.
Bruised feelings and fiscal trouble leave Alaska on the verge of another budget deadlock
The state Senate is planning to present a take-it-or-leave-it budget option to the House on Wednesday.
Alaska senators approve permanent increase to public school funding, with House support in question
If approved by the Alaska House and governor, it would be the largest-ever funding increase for Alaska public schools.
Alaska Senate prepares ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ budget in attempt to finish session on time
If the situation is not resolved by Wednesday, the Legislature or Gov. Mike Dunleavy will be forced to call a special session to continue talks.
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy reappoints Bethany Marcum to state redistricting board
A day after lawmakers declined to confirm Bethany Marcum to the University of Alaska Board of Regents, she was reappointed to her former job.
State-owned corporation asks for $5.6M to keep Alaska gas pipeline quest alive
Without the money, the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. will shut down, said its president, Frank Richards.
With public testimony phone lines clogged, Alaska legislators consider different options
Careful scheduling and greater use of Alaska’s 22 auxiliary legislative offices could fix the problem.
Alaska health department pledges to halve 10,000-person food-stamp backlog within six months
The pledge is the result of a class-action lawsuit against the department; the lawsuit is on hold until at least Oct. 31.