“Everything’s on the table right now to try and figure out how we get through it, and ultimately, what matters is — and it’s the biggest unknown — what’s the weather going to be?” - John Sims, President of gas utility Enstar, on how local production isn’t meeting demand for Southcentral’s natural gas grid.
Enstar Natural Gas Co.’s office in Anchorage is seen on May 22, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
By James Brooks
Larry Jorgensen is hoping for a warm winter.
As the head of power production for Homer Electric Association, he’s the man responsible for keeping the lights on in most of the Kenai Peninsula. As winter approaches in Southcentral Alaska, his job is about to become tougher.
Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher listen to testimony at a July 27, 2026, in Anchorage hearing on Ballot Measure 2. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
By Corinne Smith
Alaskans will decide whether to overhaul the state’s elections system with a ballot measure that would repeal ranked choice voting, reinstate closed primaries and repeal campaign disclosure rules established in 2020.
Ballot Measure 2, which will appear on the ballots as 24ESEG, is one of two ballot measures that will appear on the general election ballot in November. Ballot Measure 1, which would impose campaign contribution limits, will be on the primary ballot on Aug. 18.
The gate to the John M. Asplund Wastewater Treatment Facility is seen on July 29, 2026. The plant serves most o the residents of Alaska's largest city. Wastewater samples taken in early and mid-July revealed genetic material from measles. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
By Yereth Rosen
At least one person in Anchorage had measles in early and mid-July, creating a risk that the highly infectious disease could spread through the state’s largest city, state health officials are warning.
The proof is in the sewage.
The 2026 NCSL Legislative Summit will bring together state lawmakers and legislative staff from the 50 states and U.S. territories from July 27-29 in Chicago. (Photo by Leontura/Getty Images)
COMMENTARY
By Tim Storey and Sue Urahn
Like two sides of a coin imprinted with the nation’s motto, “e pluribus unum” — out of many, one — America’s political factions are cast in opposition, but they are intrinsically bound together as parts of a larger whole.
Do you have questions for candidates?
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Alaska Legislature opens third gasline special session with no fanfare and even less optimism | James Brooks and Corinne Smith
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