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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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago3 min read
Anchorage, AK
Cover image for article: Alaska LNG Project Shifts Focus to In-State Gas, Delays Export Phase

Ice Flows Delay Miles Lake Sonar, Chitina Dipnet Season in Limbo

Ice flows are delaying Miles Lake sonar equipment, pushing the Chitina dipnet season opening to a tentative June 10 noon start pending sonar data on salmon passage.

Bill AlaskaNewsby Bill AlaskaNews4mo ago3 min read
Upper Copper/Upper Susitna Management Area
Cover image for article: Ice Flows Delay Miles Lake Sonar, Chitina Dipnet Season in Limbo

Alaska LNG project secures financing proposals, targets 2027 construction start

Alaska LNG secured private financing to build 800-mile pipeline from North Slope to Cook Inlet, targeting 2027 construction start and 2029 gas delivery. • Needs tax stabilization law and utility regulator approval to proceed. • Export facility would sell 20 million tonnes of LNG yearly, mostly to Asia. • Project addresses Cook Inlet gas shortage and aims to lower Alaska energy costs.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Alaska LNG project secures financing proposals, targets 2027 construction start

Senate Republicans link Cook Inlet gas decline to rural power costs

Senate Republicans warn Cook Inlet gas decline will raise rural power costs through state subsidy program. • Caucus calls energy shortage an existential crisis and pushes Legislature to build gasline instead of importing liquefied gas. • Three priorities set for special session: cut energy costs, create jobs from pipeline, manage resources for public benefit.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
JUNEAU
Cover image for article: Senate Republicans link Cook Inlet gas decline to rural power costs

Alaska Senate passes special education funding and Palmer judge bills

Alaska Senate unanimously passed bill increasing special education funding by 16 percent per student. • Senate also approved adding a fifth Superior Court judge in Palmer to reduce case backlog from 680 to 540 cases per judge.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Palmer
Cover image for article: Alaska Senate passes special education funding and Palmer judge bills

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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage, Alaska
Cover image for article: Begich cites $163M Alaska oil lease sale as proof federal certainty drives investment

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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Aspect Holdings addresses $100B Alaska projection, contested Teshekpuk lease

Alaska Senate passes special education funding and Palmer judge bills

Alaska Senate unanimously passed bill raising special education funding by 16 percent per student. • Senate also unanimously approved adding a fifth Superior Court judge in Palmer to cut case backlogs from 680 to 540 cases per judge.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska Senate passes special education funding and Palmer judge bills

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.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Dena'ina Center in downtown Anchorage
Cover image for article: Alaska's Off-Grid Communities Face Rising Diesel Costs as Governor Promotes Solar Alternative

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.

Melinda Communities.Newsby Melinda Communities.News4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: National Lab, University of Alaska Fairbanks sign energy partnership

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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago4 min read
Juneau, Alaska
Cover image for article: Alaska hydropower projects to receive millions in federal funding

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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago4 min read
Alaska
Cover image for article: Alaska Energy Conference Highlights Gas Pipeline Progress Amid Legislative Tax Debate

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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, 5000 W. International Airport Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99502

Crews 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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
100th Avenue and C Street, Anchorage
Cover image for article: Crews battle South Anchorage vegetation fire near 100th Avenue and C Street

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.

Bill AlaskaNewsby Bill AlaskaNewsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Alaska's environmental chief calls EPA partnership under Trump the best of his career

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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage, Alaska
Cover image for article: Seven Anchorage patients develop rare heart infection from gonorrhea

Chiniak Highway hit with 50% weight limit, toughest in Kodiak area

A six-mile section of Chiniak Highway faces a 50% weight restriction starting May 15, 2026, the most severe seasonal limit in the Kodiak road system.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Kodiak

8-Year Boundary Error in Jonesville PUA Finally Corrected

An eight-year-old boundary error in legislation creating the Jonesville Public Use Area is being corrected after unanimous legislative approval, allowing DNR to finally complete regulations for the area.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Jonesville Public Use Area, Sutton, Alaska

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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago4 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Urban Design Commission splits on apartment buffer variance

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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Downtown library to be named for Anchorage's original townsite

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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Anchorage zoning board approves deck variance despite staff concerns

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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99504

Alaska 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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage, Alaska

Interior 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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Anchorage, AK
Cover image for article: Interior Secretary Burgum to address Alaska energy conference

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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Alaska

State to use fish pesticide in Sucker Lake to kill invasive pike

Alaska Department of Fish and Game will apply Rotenone fish pesticide to Sucker Lake in August 2026 to kill invasive northern pike, expanding a suppression program that has been limited to side sloughs since 2011.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Palmer, Alaska

McCarthy Road opens for season with difficult conditions, 35 mph advisory

The McCarthy Road opened May 8 for the season with fair to difficult conditions including soft shoulders and wet roadway, prompting a 35 mph advisory speed limit on the 60-mile gravel route that provides sole access to McCarthy, Kennicott, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
McCarthy, Alaska

Senate panel advances Whittier land transfer bill without objection

The Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee unanimously moved House Bill 216 forward Tuesday, advancing legislation that would transfer Alaska Railroad Corporation land to the City of Whittier.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Whittier, Alaska
Cover image for article: Senate panel advances Whittier land transfer bill without objection

Alaska House panel advances penny-rounding bill to standardize cash transactions

The Alaska House State Affairs Committee unanimously advanced legislation requiring retailers to round cash transactions to the nearest nickel, addressing inconsistent business practices as pennies disappear from circulation.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Juneau, Alaska

Anchorage 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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago4 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Anchorage treatment facility debate exposes gaps in public process

Cordova Seeks Rock Extraction Deal to Fund New Public Safety Building

Cordova is accepting proposals for exploratory excavation that could lead to a rock-for-site-preparation trade arrangement to fund a new Public Safety Building outside the tsunami-inundation zone.

Alaska Newsby Alaska Newsadded 4mo ago2 min read
Cordova, Alaska

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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Planning commission postpones wetlands plan update over staffing gaps

U.S. Education Secretary Tours Mat-Su Career and Charter Schools

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited two Mat-Su schools on May 7 as part of a 50-state tour celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago1 min read
Wasilla, AK

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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Rural Alaska

Alaska House Finance Rejects Cemetery, School, Energy Amendments

The House Finance Committee rejected multiple capital budget amendments Friday, including funding for an Eagle River cemetery, Galena school repairs, Arctic Winter Games, and the West Susitna Access Road, citing budget constraints despite acknowledging merit in the proposals.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago4 min read
Juneau, Alaska
Cover image for article: Alaska House Finance Rejects Cemetery, School, Energy Amendments

Anchor River Chinook Peak Shifts Two Weeks Later, Data Shows

Anchor River Chinook salmon runs now peak approximately 12 days later than historical patterns, shifting from mid-June to late June and early July according to ADFG data analyzed by local residents.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Kenai Peninsula

Karluk River Chinook Collapse Triggers First Subsistence Closure

Alaska Department of Fish and Game closed Karluk River subsistence Chinook salmon fishing through December 2026 after escapement fell to 93 fish in 2025, 98 percent below the 3,000 to 6,000 fish goal.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago2 min read
Karluk River

Bank of America Files Four Debt Suits Against Kenai Residents in One Day

Bank of America filed four debt collection lawsuits against Kenai Peninsula residents on May 5, 2026, part of a pattern of collection activity that raises questions about whether the bank is pursuing debts it may have already sold.

Alaska Newsby Alaska Newsadded 4mo ago1 min read
Kenai

True 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.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago5 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: True North Recovery proposes Fairview behavioral health center

Shoulder-to-Shoulder Anglers Pack Kenai River as Salmon Runs Peak

Heavy crowds of anglers are packing the Kenai River in combat fishing conditions as late-run sockeye and coho salmon runs peak through September.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News4mo ago3 min read
Homer