James Brooks Alaska Beacon

Anchorage, AK
April 25, 2024

Alaska Senate plans fast action on correspondence problem, but House is ‘fundamentally divided’

A state judge is considering whether to delay a ruling that struck down a program used by more than 22,000 students….

Anchorage, AK
April 24, 2024

Alaska House panel removes proposal to raise the state’s age of sexual consent to 18

Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage and the author of the idea, says he will introduce a revised and updated version….

Anchorage, AK
April 23, 2024

Alaska Senate considers plan that would allow teens to independently seek mental health care

An amendment from Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, would lower the age for obtaining behavioral health care to 16….

Anchorage, AK
April 8, 2024

Alaska House prepares to consider budget changes, including money for homeless shelter and ferries

The $12.3 billion spending plan includes funding for Permanent Fund dividend of more than $2,700, but lawmakers expect changes….

Anchorage, AK
April 2, 2024

Alaska House lawmakers continue budget work, with few changes so far to draft spending plan

Committee votes to increase public radio funding, cut gas pipeline salaries and add money for a youth detox program….

Anchorage, AK
March 29, 2024

After revisions, Federal Highway Administration approves most of Alaska’s transportation plan

In an extraordinary action, the agency rejected the state’s first submission, citing 24 pages of flaws with the $5.6 billion plan. …

Anchorage, AK
March 28, 2024

Dunleavy signs bill increasing internet speeds at many Alaska public schools

House Bill 193 increases the state funding match for a federal grant program that pays for internet access….

Anchorage, AK
March 21, 2024

Alaska House passes rural-school internet bill on fast-track timeline after education veto

Legislators must act quickly: March 27 is the federal deadline for rural school districts to apply for funding that pays for nine in every…

Anchorage, AK
March 21, 2024

Anchorage Democrat alleges governor threatened Republicans before veto vote, prompting denials

Fairbanks’ school board president amplifies a version of the claims, but targets say the allegations are baseless….

Anchorage, AK
March 15, 2024

New Department of Interior opinion promises to recognize expanded tribal jurisdiction in Alaska

Tribes can exert jurisdiction over allotments granted to individual Natives, the department’s head attorney said on Feb. 1….

Anchorage, AK
March 14, 2024

Experts bump Alaska oil price estimates slightly, boosting Permanent Fund dividend and budget

Oil is the state’s No. 2 source of general-purpose revenue, behind an annual transfer from the Alaska Permanent Fund….

Anchorage, AK
March 13, 2024

Alaska House debuts new first-draft budget, but PFD and school funding are question marks

Members of the House Finance Committee are awaiting new revenue estimates for the coming year before finishing their draft….