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Monday, Jun 22

Matanuska Electric wants members to go renewable without a rooftop, but it hasn't said what it costs

Matanuska Electric wants you to go renewable without the rooftop. What it'll cost, and whether non-subscribers help pay, is the part nobody's said yet.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago1 min read
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Cover image for article: Matanuska Electric wants members to go renewable without a rooftop, but it hasn't said what it costs

Starry Fire forces Anderson evacuations; 75 personnel battle 688-acre blaze

The Starry Fire forced Anderson evacuations Saturday and burned 688 acres 80 miles south of Fairbanks; 75 personnel are holding lines to push it toward the river.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Anderson, Alaska
Cover image for article: Starry Fire forces Anderson evacuations; 75 personnel battle 688-acre blaze

This Juneau utility filing won't change your bill, but the rate case behind it could

Alaska Electric Light & Power filed some "housekeeping" for Juneau bills. Boring, sure, but don't confuse it with the separate case where it actually wants more money.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: This Juneau utility filing won't change your bill, but the rate case behind it could

The $16 Gas Promise Comes With Fine Print

The gas line's headline $16 price is firm — until you notice it's quoted in the wrong unit, climbs with inflation before any gas arrives, and gets policed by a commission missing half its top staff.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: The $16 Gas Promise Comes With Fine Print

Sunday, Jun 21

A Chugach e-bike rule became a fight over who belongs in the backcountry

The Chugach reminded everyone e-bikes can't use hiking trails. The comment section promptly declared war.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Chugach National Forest, Alaska
Cover image for article: A Chugach e-bike rule became a fight over who belongs in the backcountry

Alaska's legal cannabis growers say tax-free synthetic THC is sinking them

Alaska's legal weed growers pay the nation's highest pot tax, then get undercut by tax-free THC from the mailbox. They'd like a word.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska's legal cannabis growers say tax-free synthetic THC is sinking them

Interior's First Big Smoke Event Drifts Toward Fairbanks

The season's first real smoke has arrived in the Interior, and the borough's advice is blunt: if it's hazy and smells like smoke, don't wait for the monitor's permission to head indoors.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Interior Alaska
Cover image for article: Interior's First Big Smoke Event Drifts Toward Fairbanks

Alaska's LNG tax break now hinges on a gas line to Fairbanks

Alaska's LNG tax break now has a price: $80M, a labor deal, and a Fairbanks spur line before Glenfarne sees any relief.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska's LNG tax break now hinges on a gas line to Fairbanks

More from Alaska

What the Senate Changed in the Gas-Line Deal

The Senate's gas-line rewrite caps your gas price, leashes the state's pipeline agency, and lets the boroughs pocket most of the tax money for decades before the state takes its cut.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: What the Senate Changed in the Gas-Line Deal

Chukchi Campus is getting ADA and fire-safety upgrades after 14 years on the master plan

Chukchi Campus in Kotzebue is finally getting ADA upgrades. The needs were identified in a UAF master plan back in 2011-2012.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Chukchi Campus is getting ADA and fire-safety upgrades after 14 years on the master plan

Nalukataq season carries Alaska whaling traditions into summer

Nalukataq celebrations honoring bowhead whale hunts move across five northern Alaska communities from mid-June through early July, distributing whale meat and muktuk to mark the tradition.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
North Slope
Cover image for article: Nalukataq season carries Alaska whaling traditions into summer

New Medicaid work-reporting rule puts Alaska's paperwork system in the middle of health coverage

Alaska must implement a federal Medicaid work-reporting rule by January 2027, requiring most adults 19 to 64 to prove 80 hours monthly of work or qualifying activity.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: New Medicaid work-reporting rule puts Alaska's paperwork system in the middle of health coverage

Federal SNAP changes could put Alaska food aid and state budget under new pressure

Federal rules will expand work requirements for Alaska SNAP recipients and tie state costs to payment errors, potentially costing Alaska $42 million to $53 million annually starting in late 2027.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Federal SNAP changes could put Alaska food aid and state budget under new pressure

Alaska's liquor-license office is buried — and says it's worse than the numbers show

Alaska's liquor-license office has a 59-deep backlog, a 1,200-renewal pile, and a memo basically saying it's worse than that. Cheers.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska's liquor-license office is buried — and says it's worse than the numbers show

Homer Holds Ocean Drive Loop Tax Steady at 1 Mill

Homer's Ocean Drive Loop district keeps its tax rate exactly where it was — a rare local-government act of leaving well enough alone.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Homer Holds Ocean Drive Loop Tax Steady at 1 Mill

APD awards $1.66M opioid settlement contract for deflection program

Anchorage Police Department recommends a $1.66 million four-year contract with True North Recovery to hire a navigator who steers people in substance use crises toward treatment instead of arrest.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: APD awards $1.66M opioid settlement contract for deflection program

About Alaska

Alaska is a United States state spanning Arctic, subarctic and coastal regions. Its communities range from Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau to Kodiak, the North Slope and villages such as McGrath and Adak that sit off the road system.

The Legislature, the governor's office and state agencies set policy on oil and gas, fisheries, transportation and public lands, and state boards such as the Board of Fisheries and the AIDEA board decide on catch rules, loans and investments. Cities and boroughs keep their own budgets, taxes, liquor licenses and planning decisions.

Questions that recur across the state include local budgets and tax rates, fishery catch limits, air service and ports for remote communities, and decisions on state land. Federal agencies and courts also shape life in Alaska, from air service contracts for rural towns to the certification of statewide election results.

More from Alaska

Alaska Municipal League wants federal government to withdraw proposed grant overhaul

Alaska gets $11 billion in federal grants. Proposed federal rules would let agencies cancel them at will. AML wants the rule withdrawn.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska Municipal League wants federal government to withdraw proposed grant overhaul

A union-labor fight is breaking out over who builds Alaska's gas line

Alaska's forever-promised gas line finally has a fight worth watching — a union-labor mandate, a governor hopeful crying foul, and no one's seen the actual text.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: A union-labor fight is breaking out over who builds Alaska's gas line

AIDEA authorized $190 million for ANWR — backed by Kaktovik, the residents

AIDEA put $190M behind ANWR seismic and lease bidding. Kaktovik — the only community inside the refuge — strongly supported it.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska
Cover image for article: AIDEA authorized $190 million for ANWR — backed by Kaktovik, the residents

Beluga Fire reaches 65 acres in Mat-Su, 25% contained

Beluga Fire west of Susitna has grown to 65 acres and is 25 percent contained as of Saturday, with hot, dry conditions and evening lightning expected to keep fire danger high through the weekend.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Beluga Fire reaches 65 acres in Mat-Su, 25% contained

Anderson residents ordered to evacuate as Star Fire hits 100 acres

Anderson residents evacuated Saturday as the Star Fire burned 100 acres south of town, with two smaller fires igniting nearby under a Red Flag Warning through Sunday.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Anderson, Alaska
Cover image for article: Anderson residents ordered to evacuate as Star Fire hits 100 acres

Two separate Wasilla shootings Saturday — one suspect was a felon with three warrants

State Troopers arrested Christian Schaffer, 25, after a shooting in Wasilla early Saturday; he was a convicted felon with three active warrants found with a 9mm handgun and faces felony assault and weapons charges. • In a separate incident, Michael Melland, 46, was arrested after his brother was shot in the head; Melland faces assault charges.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Two separate Wasilla shootings Saturday — one suspect was a felon with three warrants

Saturday, Jun 20

Anchorage Assembly to consider AMEA-ASEA merger recognition June 23

Anchorage Assembly votes June 23 on recognizing ASEA as the bargaining representative for municipal employees after a union merger took effect in April.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly to consider AMEA-ASEA merger recognition June 23

Anchorage Assembly to vote on downtown sidewalk and ADA repairs

Anchorage Assembly votes Monday on a $1.77 million contract to repair crumbling downtown sidewalks and fix curb ramps that don't meet federal accessibility rules.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly to vote on downtown sidewalk and ADA repairs

Kodiak Set Its Taxes — Now It Has to Send the Bills

Kodiak Island Borough must send property tax bills by July 1 but its new Tyler Technologies system may not be ready, leaving staff ready to fall back to the old one.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Kodiak Set Its Taxes — Now It Has to Send the Bills

Alaska DFFP battles 4 wildfires across Interior, Southcentral, Southwest

Twin Bear Fire near Fairbanks drew 23 firefighters and helitack crews to a lightning-caused blaze in black spruce with cabins nearby. • Joaquin Fire southwest of McGrath and Vanderpool Fire east of McGrath prompted aerial response due to native allotment and private property. • Matanuska Fire on Glenn Highway was contained within two hours at under half an acre. • Red Flag Warning through Sunday evening cited 30 percent humidity and 40 mph wind gusts near thunderstorms across Central Interior.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Alaska
Cover image for article: Alaska DFFP battles 4 wildfires across Interior, Southcentral, Southwest

Alaska Senate digs in on gas tax bill, sends it to conference

Alaska Senate refused to back down on HB 381, sending the natural gas pipeline tax bill to a conference committee to resolve how to tax the Alaska LNG Project and fund municipalities and schools.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska Senate digs in on gas tax bill, sends it to conference

Fairbanks man arrested for DUI after crash injures three passengers

A 20-year-old Fairbanks man was arrested for DUI after a crash near Steese Highway injured three passengers early Saturday, with a breath test showing more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Fairbanks man arrested for DUI after crash injures three passengers

Alaska House recesses 10 days as gas line conference committee begins

We all know they're trying, but they very well may be intending for different outcomes when it comes to Alaska's LNG.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago4 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska House recesses 10 days as gas line conference committee begins

NOAA says dead pregnant fin whale arrived in Seward on cruise ship bow

NOAA confirmed the Seward whale was a 61-foot pregnant fin whale found on a cruise ship's bow. A necropsy is underway, and federal law enforcement is investigating.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: NOAA says dead pregnant fin whale arrived in Seward on cruise ship bow

Coeur Alaska's Berners Bay dock got federal approval for pile driving

Coeur Alaska got federal approval to disturb marine mammals during dock repairs at Berners Bay — one of Southeast Alaska's richest bays.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Berners Bay, Alaska
Cover image for article: Coeur Alaska's Berners Bay dock got federal approval for pile driving

Anchorage Assembly to vote on $76M Eagle River road deal with sole bidder

Anchorage Assembly votes Tuesday on a $76 million road maintenance contract for Eagle River, Chugiak, and Birchwood with McKenna Brothers, the only bidder.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly to vote on $76M Eagle River road deal with sole bidder

Anchorage Assembly takes up wipes ban in city sewers June 23

Anchorage Assembly takes a first reading June 23 on an ordinance banning all disposable wipes from city sewers, with fines up to $1,000 per violation.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly takes up wipes ban in city sewers June 23

Girdwood pot shop, Bird Creek grow op seek Anchorage license renewals

Two marijuana licenses in Girdwood and Bird Creek are up for renewal, with Anchorage having until early July to formally object.

Alaska Newsby Alaska Newsadded 4mo ago1 min read
Girdwood and Bird Creek, Anchorage
Cover image for article: Girdwood pot shop, Bird Creek grow op seek Anchorage license renewals

Kodiak Island artifacts set to leave Maine museum under NAGPRA

Ten Alaska Native cultural objects held at a Maine museum must be claimed by July 4, 2026, or transfer to Alaska tribes may proceed under federal repatriation law.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Kodiak Island artifacts set to leave Maine museum under NAGPRA

Anchorage Assembly considers $1.75M federal grant to replace port's 1960s electrical system

The Anchorage Assembly will consider a $1.75 million federal grant to replace the Port of Alaska's 1960s electrical system, but the port must find $33.25 million more for the $35 million project that serves more than 100 Alaska communities.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly considers $1.75M federal grant to replace port's 1960s electrical system

Pilot killed in Piper Pacer crash 40 miles southeast of Cordova

A pilot flying solo between Yakutat and Fairbanks was found dead Friday after an Alaska Air National Guard helicopter located the crashed Piper Pacer near Kanak Island, about 40 miles southeast of Cordova.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Pilot killed in Piper Pacer crash 40 miles southeast of Cordova

GVEA seats new District 2 director, adopts nine bylaw changes

Philip Wight won a Golden Valley Electric Association board seat with 76% of the vote, and members approved nine bylaw changes, both taking effect at the June 23 board meeting.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min readFrom
Cover image for article: GVEA seats new District 2 director, adopts nine bylaw changes

Alaska Senate passes S-corp LNG tax with 2028 effective date

Alaska Senate passed a tax on oil and gas pass-through entities, effective 2028, after rejecting an immediate start date. The state estimates the tax will recover more than $400 million annually once the LNG project reaches full production.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska Senate passes S-corp LNG tax with 2028 effective date

Silver Bay applies for a dock right in front of competitor Snug Harbor

Silver Bay is putting a dock right in front of Snug Harbor's waterfront on the Kasilof. Competition is the substance.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Kasilof River, Alaska
Cover image for article: Silver Bay applies for a dock right in front of competitor Snug Harbor