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Today's sponsor:

Today's Sponsor: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

Good afternoon. It's Friday, Feb. 20.

In today's newsletter:

  • An Alaska Senate committee adopted a new version of a tax bill this week that could, in the view of one lawmaker, double the amount of revenue the state brings in from existing oil production.

  • Six of the 12 Assembly seats will be decided in the upcoming April election. According to campaign finance reports, many of the candidates are close in terms of fundraising, with some exceptions.

  • A legislative aide for a Mat-Su lawmaker has been has been charged with sex trafficking and other federal crimes involving a minor. 

Sunny skies will likely lure many Anchorage residents outside this weekend. If you're looking for something to do when you're not soaking up some vitamin D, there are plenty of things happening around Anchorage this weekend. From a salsa dance festival to hockey and pro wrestling, check out some of the highlights here.

Anchorage weather


It's sunny and cold today, with a high around 13 degrees. Daytime highs are forecast to stay in the mid-teens for the next several days. We should see mostly sunny skies through the weekend before increasing clouds and a chance of snow early next week.

Here's what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Alaska Senate committee overhauls revenue bill to include sweeping changes to oil taxes →

This version of the bill would move the state from its existing profits-based oil production tax structure, which lawmakers and analysts have repeatedly called one of the most complex in the world, to a "gross tax" model.

Campaign finance data shows most Anchorage Assembly races are close on fundraising →

Several of this cycle's candidates appear to have held off on major spending. But a number of challengers seeking to unseat incumbents have made significant expenditures already.


Related: Sign up for Anchorage municipal election text updates from the Daily News

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Photos and results: South and Service skiers rule Day 1 of Division I state championships →

Both of the top overall times in boys and girls divisions came courtesy of a pair of upperclassmen from schools located in South Anchorage. At the Division II level, Kenai Central claimed both freestyle titles.

Aide to Alaska lawmaker charged with sex trafficking, other federal sex crimes involving a minor →

The aide for Sutton Republican Sen. George Rauscher was arrested today in Juneau. He has been terminated, according to a Senate minority spokesperson.

Survivor of 2024 boat sinking near Sitka that killed 2 charged with manslaughter →

Officials alleged that James Sturm was intoxicated while operating the vessel when it capsized near Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska. Two 18-year-olds from Sitka were lost in the boat sinking.

Former Anchorage elections administrator charged with possession of child sexual abuse material →

Municipal officials said this week that the charges were unrelated to William Northrop's departure last March at the height of the city's mail-based election.

Bill would bar on-duty law enforcement in Alaska from wearing masks →

The bill would make it a crime for peace officers to wear face coverings while performing official duties. It would include Village Public Safety Officers and city and state law enforcement officers, as well as federal law enforcement acting in Alaska.

Anchorage Assembly strengthens public records access, wrapping up multi-year project →

The project, which began in 2023, decreases fees and establishes clear deadlines for the municipality to uphold based on the type of documents or material requested.

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More from the ADN

Alaska Senate passes bill aimed at addressing Mt. Edgecumbe school maintenance →

What the Supreme Court throwing out Trump's tariffs means for you →

Mountain City girls are again on the rise as a basketball force to be reckoned with →

Trump administration eases limits on coal plants for emitting mercury and other toxins →

Alysa Liu wins figure skating gold, ending a 24-year Olympic drought for the U.S. women →

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