Final Juneau election results show seasonal sales tax fails, tax cut measures pass Propositions 1 and 2 passed while Proposition 3 failed and District 2 Assembly candidate Nano Brooks ousted longtime incumbent Wade Bryson from his seat.

City officials say the final election results mean the city is now estimated to face upwards of a $12 million revenue shortfall this year — and every year moving forward.

Large-scale evacuations underway from storm-battered Western Alaska villages The University of Alaska Anchorage will shelter 400 displaced residents in the Alaska Airlines Center arena with the help of the American Red Cross as soon as Wednesday evening, university officials s...

Hundreds of people are being evacuated from Kipnuk after being told to pack a single bag and leave the village, one of the hardest hit by a catastrophic storm that hit Western Alaska over the weekend.

Alaskans along hundreds of miles of coastline brace for massive storm Forecasters say the powerful storm, potentially historic in strength, is expected to slam into the Y-K Delta early Sunday and then race up the coastline, bringing destructive winds and surging seas.

Forecasters say a powerful storm, potentially historic in strength, is expected to slam into the Y-K Delta overnight and then race up the coastline, bringing destructive winds and surging seas.

Alaskans across hundreds of miles of coastline are bracing for impact.

Nonprofit coordinating Arctic research will shut down as federal funding dries up The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States, which brings together academics from universities and government agencies, plans to close its doors.

A nonprofit coordinating academic research on the Arctic plans to shut down as its federal funding dries up.

The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States says it plans to wind down operations at the end of this month.

'We got a tired Tustumena': State to open bids for long-awaited ferry replacement The Alaska Marine Highway's director says a requirement to buy American-made parts has been a major stumbling block.

The Tustumena is more than just a ferry: it’s a lifeline for Aleutian communities. A $350 ferry ticket is often the only way people in the Aleutians can afford to travel out of their communities.

(From KUCB - Unalaska)

Mat-Su to distribute millions in opioid help under new borough-city partnerships | Alaska Beacon Mat-Su officials will distribute millions in opioid addiction relief funding under a new partnership between the region’s cities and the borough approved by the Assembly last week.

Mat-Su to distribute millions in opioid help under new borough-city partnerships, reports Amy Bushatz for @matsusentinel.bsky.social via @alaskabeacon.com

State leaders brace for ‘heavy lift’ from Medicaid, food stamp changes | Alaska Beacon The new law provided states money to check Medicaid paperwork, but experts question whether it will be enough for changes by the end of 2026.

State leaders brace for ‘heavy lift’ from Medicaid, food stamp changes, reports Kevin Hardy of @stateline.org, via @alaskabeacon.com: alaskabeacon.com/2025/08/14/s...

Dunleavy administration eyes grants to NGOs for possible cuts in Alaska budget | Alaska Beacon Two administrative orders are seeking "efficiency" and cost cuts in Alaska's executive branch, including possible outsourcing.

Dunleavy administration eyes grants to NGOs for possible cuts in Alaska budget, reports James Brooks @alaska.bsky.social for @alaskabeacon.com

$28M state contract kickstarts Cascade Point ferry terminal despite local pushback Communities that depend on the route say they need more information, and they’re worried the plan could make it even harder to get to Juneau.

The state of Alaska is pressing forward with a controversial plan to build a ferry terminal it says will streamline service in the Upper Lynn canal.

But communities in the area that depend on the ferry system aren’t on board.

Millions in Mat-Su school funding at risk under federal freeze The money pays for programs including after-school activites, student supplies and preschools, Mat-Su district officials said.

A national pause to some federal education grants could reduce Mat-Su school funding by millions for the coming year, potentially shutting down a bevy of programs. (via @matsusentinel.bsky.social)

Health care takes big toll on cost of living in Alaska’s cities, report shows | Alaska Beacon Alaska's three biggest cities had the highest health care costs among cities and metro areas around the nation, analysis shows.

Health care takes big toll on cost of living in Alaska’s cities, report shows alaskabeacon.com/briefs/healt...

Shelves are bare on St. Paul Island as 10 tons of food sit stranded in Anchorage The Bering Sea community has been without staples like milk and eggs for more than a month.

It's been more than a month since St. Paul Island had a full shipment of groceries. Foggy weather and a lack of reliable transportation have left the Bering Sea community waiting on thousands of pounds of food from Anchorage.

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy forces early vote on education veto override with special session in August  | Alaska Beacon The special session means that lawmakers cannot wait until January to vote on whether to override vetoes of the budget and other bills.

Alaska Gov. Dunleavy forces early vote on education veto override with special session in August, reports @corinne-smith.bsky.social and @alaska.bsky.social of @alaskabeacon.com:  alaskabeacon.com/2025/07/02/a... #akleg

Most state services will see no new funding in final Alaska state budget draft | Alaska Beacon Flat funding, combined with inflation, will mean the Alaska state budget includes many service cuts, as lawmakers grapple with low revenue.

Most state services will see no new funding in final Alaska state budget draft, reports James Brooks, @alaska.bsky.social, of @alaskabeacon.com: alaskabeacon.com/2025/05/17/m... #akleg

Amid budget struggle, Alaska has little money for new construction or renovation | Alaska Beacon The Legislature is about to pass the state's capital budget with no projects for individual legislators' districts.

Amid budget struggle, Alaska has little money for new construction or renovation, reports James Brooks, @alaska.bsky.social, of @alaskabeacon.com: alaskabeacon.com/2025/05/14/a... #akleg

Cost estimates rising for permafrost-related damage to Alaska roads and buildings | Alaska Beacon Better knowledge about infrastructure on permafrost has led to a new estimate of future thaw costs under varying climate scenarios.

Cost estimates rising for permafrost-related damage to Alaska roads and buildings alaskabeacon.com/2025/05/09/c...

Trump-proposed cut to federal Essential Air Service would fall on rural Alaska | Alaska Beacon The White House proposed slashing Essential Air Service funding by about 52%, or $308 million. EAS serves locations throughout Alaska.

Trump-proposed cut to federal Essential Air Service would fall on rural Alaska alaskabeacon.com/2025/05/08/t...

Between vows against taxes and using savings, the 2025 PFD and Alaska state services are in a vise | Alaska Beacon Legislators are expected to reduce this year's proposed Permanent Fund dividend in order to resolve a looming deficit.

Thanks to opposing positions between the state House and Senate, the Alaska Legislature is going to cut things you like in order to fix the state’s deficit: alaskabeacon.com/2025/04/30/b... #akleg

Alaska Senate committee’s draft budget cuts $206 million from House plan but still has deficit | Alaska Beacon The new Alaska state budget proposal eliminates proposals for new troopers, help for education, and would cut prison space.

Alaska Senate committee’s draft budget cuts $206 million from House plan but still has deficit, reports James Brooks, @alaska.bsky.social, of @alaskabeacon.com: alaskabeacon.com/2025/04/24/a... #akleg

Sen. Murkowski makes pitch for renewable energy’s value in Alaska communities | Alaska Beacon While the Trump administration favors fossil fuels, Sen. Murkowski describes renewable projects as key to communities' energy independence.

Sen. Murkowski makes pitch for renewable energy’s value in Alaska communities, reports Yereth Rosen, @yjrosen.bsky.social, of @alaskabeacon.com: alaskabeacon.com/2025/04/23/s...

Skagway likely to lose nearly $20M in FEMA rockslide mitigation funds Skagway was slated to be Alaska’s first recipient of Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant funding.

It’s a lot of money to lose for a community that hoped to use the funding to fix its unstable mountainside.

(From KHNS - Haines)

Alaska Department of Health cuts 30 positions, dissolves public health program after federal funding cuts The cuts came after the Trump administration axed $50 million in previously awarded grant funding to the state.

The Alaska Department of Health is cutting 30 positions and shuttering a program meant to improve public health access across the state after the Trump administration cut more than $50 million in previously awarded federal funding. www.adn.com/politics/202...

Alaska’s draft 20-year ferry plan depends on steady federal funds The state plans to build new hybrid ferries, hire more workers to run them and improve port infrastructure. With regular maintenance, it's set to cost about $3 billion.

A draft of the 20-year plan for Alaska’s state ferry system is open for public comment. Officials are asking residents to weigh in on the plan that will guide the Alaska Marine Highway System through the year 2045.

Only three states raise enough revenue to fully cover their highway spending. With most states unable fund their roadways using existing user fees, road funding is in dire need of a better system.

Alaska legislators ask feds to reinstate program that sent money to rural schools • Alaska Beacon The Alaska House is asking Congress to reinstate the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.

Alaska legislators ask feds to reinstate program that sent money to rural schools, reports James Brooks of @alaskabeacon.com: alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask... #akleg

‘Serious condition of dilapidation’: Alaska lawmakers show renewed interest in school maintenance funding Gov. Mike Dunleavy included no spending for school facility upkeep in this year’s budget draft.

Alaska lawmakers are showing renewed interest in addressing a backlog in school building maintenance in the wake of a KYUK/@propublica.org report detailing the costly ramifications of years of underfunding school infrastructure in rural Alaska. www.adn.com/politics/ala...

Alaska insurance director warns of health premium increases with federal funding in jeopardy A reinsurance program pioneered by Alaska is on President Donald Trump’s chopping block.

A reinsurance program pioneered by Alaska to lower the state’s marketplace insurance rates is on the chopping block, having been identified for scrutiny by the Trump administration, according to Alaska’s insurance director.

🚨 Public Testimony Alert for Fairbanks, Bethel, Kenai, and others 🚨 Share your thoughts on Alaska's operating budget with the House Finance Committee today at 4:30 pm.

Visit your LIO or call (844) 586-9085 by 6 pm to be heard. Testimonies are limited to 2 minutes #akleg

Federal funding freeze chills Angoon hydro project Construction was slated to start on the hydroelectric project this May. Now, it's on hold indefinitely.

“How would you feel if you were pushing forward and things started to happen for you, and then somebody took that all away from you?” said Angoon Mayor Peter Duncan.

(From KCAW - Sitka)

What a great description of municipal elections - www.adn.com/opinions/202...