Anchorage
RSSNews from Anchorage, Alaska
Roundup: Alaska energy conference closes with pipeline financing, record lease sale, and economic freedom debate
Glenfarne secured financing for Alaska LNG pipeline, targeting 2027 construction and 2029 delivery to Cook Inlet, pending tax legislation. • National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska lease sale drew $163 million in bids for 1.3 million acres, though one block faces court challenge. • Dunleavy and economist Wade argued regulatory streamlining and energy access drive economic growth.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago4 min read
Alaska energy conference closes with call to protect economic freedom
Dunleavy and business author Wade say Alaska must cut regulations to compete for investment and jobs. • Wade argued over-regulation keeps poor nations poor, citing special economic zones as a model. • Dunleavy said a major energy project awaits legislature approval and could create thousands of jobs. • Wade told energy industry reliable, affordable power is essential to human flourishing.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Alaska LNG Project Shifts Focus to In-State Gas, Delays Export Phase
Alaska LNG delays exports, focuses first on supplying in-state gas from North Slope to Cook Inlet. • Lawmakers debate tying tax breaks to a required gas line serving Fairbanks. • Company warns narrow financial window and limited pipeline capacity pose challenges. • Governor says tax breaks are needed to compete with cheaper energy projects elsewhere.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago3 min read
Begich cites $163M Alaska oil lease sale as proof federal certainty drives investment
Rep. Nick Begich cited a record $163 million Alaska oil lease sale as evidence that federal policy certainty drives energy investment, and called for faster permitting to unlock Alaska's oil, gas, and geothermal resources for national security.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Aspect Holdings addresses $100B Alaska projection, contested Teshekpuk lease
Aspect Holdings won eight Alaska lease blocks projecting $100 billion in state revenue. • One contested block near Teshekpuk Lake faces a lawsuit from a Native organization. • Seven uncontested blocks expected to be finalized soon. • Company estimates 20 billion barrels of recoverable oil remain on North Slope.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Alaska's Off-Grid Communities Face Rising Diesel Costs as Governor Promotes Solar Alternative
Alaska Governor Dunleavy urged the state's 220-plus off-grid communities to adopt solar power paired with batteries and diesel backup to cut fuel costs as diesel prices rise for winter orders.
by Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
National Lab, University of Alaska Fairbanks sign energy partnership
National Renewable Energy Laboratory and University of Alaska Fairbanks expanded their partnership Wednesday to focus on critical minerals, energy infrastructure, and workforce development for Alaska's energy sector.
by Melinda Communities.News4mo ago2 min read
Alaska hydropower projects to receive millions in federal funding
Four Alaska hydropower projects will share millions in federal funding for upgrades, with tax credits covering 30 to 50 percent of new construction costs through 2033.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago4 min read
Alaska Energy Conference Highlights Gas Pipeline Progress Amid Legislative Tax Debate
Alaska LNG pipeline signed contracts, targets 2029 delivery, but governor and legislature split on tax framework. • Southcentral consumers could pay $22.96 per thousand cubic feet if exports fail, double current rates. • Federal officials highlighted critical minerals and $1 billion in funding, but permitting takes 15 to 18 years. • Rural Alaska pays $6.63 per gallon with no pipeline relief in sight.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago4 min read
Lake Hood tenant secures 55-year lease at 12 cents per square foot
Alaska DOT&PF proposes a 55-year lease to Lake Hood Air Harbor, Inc. for 60,037 square feet at 12 cents per square foot annually, with public comments accepted through June 18, 2026.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min readCrews battle South Anchorage vegetation fire near 100th Avenue and C Street
Firefighters responded to a vegetation fire in South Anchorage near 100th Avenue and C Street on Tuesday afternoon, with the fire growing from 2 to 5 acres and threatening one trailer.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Alaska's environmental chief calls EPA partnership under Trump the best of his career
Alaska's environmental chief says the Trump administration EPA is the most collaborative federal partner he has seen in 25 years, citing streamlined permitting and respect for state expertise over federal review.
by Bill AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Seven Anchorage patients develop rare heart infection from gonorrhea
Alaska health officials reported seven cases of gonococcal endocarditis in Anchorage between December 2024 and March 2026, with one death, linked to homelessness and drug use.
by Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Urban Design Commission splits on apartment buffer variance
The Anchorage Urban Design Commission approved a landscaping variance for the west boundary of a 36-unit apartment expansion but denied the same relief for the south boundary, where neighbors have spent over $20,000 fighting water damage from the property.
by Alaska News4mo ago4 min read
Downtown library to be named for Anchorage's original townsite
Anchorage's Public Naming Commission scheduled a June 10 public hearing on naming a new downtown library the Anchorage Original Townsite Downtown Library, honoring donor Janet Goetz's wishes and the city's historic core.
by Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Anchorage zoning board approves deck variance despite staff concerns
The Anchorage Zoning Board of Examiners and Appeals voted 9-0 Friday to allow a deck to remain 3 feet from a property line instead of the required 5 feet, overriding a staff recommendation that found one variance standard only partially met.
by Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Stone Soup Group finale teaches families IEP advocacy for disabled youth
Stone Soup Group hosts its final Transitions Series event on May 30, 2026, teaching families of disabled youth how to advocate at IEP meetings and navigate disability policy in Alaska.
by Alaska News4mo ago2 min readAlaska launches new online system to report elder abuse, harm
Alaska's Division of Senior and Disabilities Services has launched a new federally compliant online reporting system for vulnerable adult harm, critical incidents, and assisted living complaints, with the old system redirecting until May 22, 2026.
by Alaska News4mo ago2 min readInterior Secretary Burgum to address Alaska energy conference
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum will address the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference while holding dual federal roles overseeing both regulatory authority and energy production advocacy.
by Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Upper Copper River king salmon fishery requires new permit in 2026
Alaska Department of Fish and Game now requires a free individual permit for all anglers targeting king salmon in the Upper Copper River drainage, with mandatory harvest reporting by August 31, 2026.
by Alaska News4mo ago2 min readAnchorage treatment facility debate exposes gaps in public process
The Housing and Homelessness Action Commission meeting became a forum for community concerns about a proposed True North Recovery treatment facility in Fairview, highlighting tensions between municipal funding requirements and neighborhood engagement.
by Alaska News4mo ago4 min read
Planning commission postpones wetlands plan update over staffing gaps
The Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission voted Monday to postpone Phase 1 updates to the city's wetlands management plan indefinitely after staff acknowledged no qualified wetlands expert is currently designated to oversee the program.
by Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Alaska Native Women Face Trafficking Risks Across Rural and Urban Areas
Alaska Native women and girls face trafficking and missing persons risks from rural villages to urban areas, with federal reports documenting foster care failures and recent arrests in Anchorage.
by Alaska News4mo ago3 min readTrue North Recovery proposes Fairview behavioral health center
The Anchorage Assembly Public Health and Safety Committee heard a presentation from True North Recovery on a proposed peer-led behavioral health navigation center in Fairview, sparking debate over location and community impact.
by Alaska News4mo ago5 min read
AG nominee Cox faces criticism over grand jury access policies
Multiple citizens testified against Attorney General nominee Stephen Cox at a House Judiciary Committee hearing Monday, alleging he commissioned academic research supporting direct citizen access to investigative grand juries but then implemented policies blocking that access.
by Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Anchorage budget crisis mirrors national school funding squeeze
The Anchorage School District's $90 million deficit and proposed cuts reflect broader national trends of flat state funding, rising costs, and structural budget pressures facing urban districts.
by Alaska Newsadded 4mo ago4 min read
Anchorage faces mobile home park crisis as South Park Estates closes
Municipality officials presented proposals for resident-owned communities and modular cottage developments to address the closure of South Park Estates mobile home park and the broader crisis of aging parks across Anchorage.
by Alaska Newsadded 4mo ago4 min read
Anchorage Park Foundation opens $300,000 challenge grant program
The Anchorage Park Foundation announced its annual challenge grant program offering up to $300,000 in matching funds for community-driven park and trail projects, with applications now open and a grantee kickoff scheduled for May 15.
by Alaska Newsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Assembly considers smart taxi meters, $6 fare cap for Anchorage cabs
The Anchorage Assembly reviewed proposed changes to vehicle-for-hire rules that would require all taxi dispatchers to use GPS-based smart meters and raise the maximum fare cap from $3 to $6 per mile.
by Alaska Newsadded 4mo ago3 min read
Anchorage to transfer Nordstrom building to development authority
The Anchorage Assembly introduced a proposal to transfer the vacant former Nordstrom building to ACDA for redevelopment as mixed-use housing and commercial space, with a public hearing scheduled for March 24.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago2 min read
Anchorage Urban Design Commission to sunset after May meeting
The Anchorage Assembly voted to eliminate the Urban Design Commission, with the final regular meeting scheduled for May 2026 and responsibilities transferring to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
by Alaska News5mo ago2 min read
Platting Board Denies Shawn Street Vacation Amid Gaming Hall Concerns
The Platting Board rejected a request to vacate Shawn Street right-of-way in Birchwood, citing concerns about future residential access despite neighbors' fears of commercial traffic from an adjacent gaming hall.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago4 min read
Urban Design Commission votes to recommend its own dissolution
The Anchorage Urban Design Commission voted 5-1 to recommend the Assembly dissolve the commission and transfer its duties to the Planning and Zoning Commission, citing efficiency concerns and a thin caseload.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago3 min read
Planning Commission accepts DOT concept for Tudor Road interchange redesign
The Anchorage Planning and Zoning Commission accepted a concept report for the Alaska Department of Transportation's plan to rebuild the Seward Highway and Tudor Road interchange with improved pedestrian safety features and a tight diamond design.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago2 min read
School Board Reverses Course on Calendar After Community Backlash
The Anchorage School Board voted 7-0 to restore the original August 19 start date for the 2026-27 school year after community outcry over an earlier proposal that moved the first day of school to mid-August, conflicting with subsistence activities and family traditions.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago3 min read
Assembly postpones developer's land deadline amid mobile home park dispute
The Anchorage Assembly voted 7-3 to postpone a decision on extending a developer's land deadline until May 12 after emotional testimony from South Park Estates residents facing displacement.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago3 min read
Wild ice skating grows from isolated hobby to organized Alaska community
A legislative lunch-and-learn session highlighted the rapid growth of wild ice skating in Alaska, from isolated individual experiences to an organized community activity attracting international media attention and supporting local manufacturing.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago4 min read
Governor's appointee questioned on Holocaust views, residency qualifications
The Senate Judiciary Committee forwarded Veronica Lambertson's appointment to the Alaska Police Standards Council to a joint session despite concerns about her residency qualifications and social media posts questioning the Holocaust.
by Alaska News5mo ago3 min read
Wild ice skating draws global attention as Alaska outdoor recreation scene grows
A legislative lunch-and-learn session highlighted the rapid growth of wild ice skating in Alaska, from isolated individual experiences to an organized community activity attracting international media attention and supporting local manufacturing.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago4 min read
Assembly rejects resolution seeking larger Basher Trailhead parking lot
The Anchorage Assembly voted 5-6 to reject a resolution that would have required the administration to increase parking capacity at the Basher Trailhead from the planned 45 spaces to 60 spaces.
by Walter AlaskaNews5mo ago3 min read