House Resources Committee revises governor’s Alaska LNG bill, seeking more revenue

An Alaska House committee has made significant changes to Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s bill for the Alaska LNG megaproject, proposing a smaller tax break designed to generate more revenue for local communities and the state.

The new measure in the House Resources Committee, which passed Monday without objection, comes after the Senate Resources Committee last week adopted its own substitute bill that seeks to raise the most revenue of the three proposals.

Dunleavy introduced his measure in March, seeking to support the project by replacing state and local property taxes with a much smaller “alternative volumetric tax” based on the amount of gas flow.

Resources committees in both chambers have spent weeks studying Dunleavy’s bill before presenting their substitutes, with the idea that a break on property taxes could help quickly bring the project to fruition. Project officials have said they could start laying pipe this year, though there has no been final investment decision approving construction.

Alaska LNG is the latest version of several projects that over the last half-century have tried to tap the state’s vast stores of natural gas on the remote North Slope.

The project’s high cost has always been a barrier. It’s currently estimated at $46 billion, though critics believe it will be far more expensive.

The project proposes shipping natural gas in an 800-mile pipeline for use in Southcentral Alaska starting in 2029.

Project backers say a gas treatment plant and a gas liquefaction plant would be built next so gas can also be exported overseas to big Asian buyers, starting in 2031.

Alaska leaders consider the project important for the state’s future economic growth.

Lawmakers are grappling with finding the right balance to support the project while still ensuring that Alaska communities can earn enough revenue to deal with impacts from the potential influx of thousands of workers.

Jeff Turner, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, said the project could save Alaska households $1,450 per year on energy bills, versus anticipated costs for imported gas. The administration and House Resources are “working productively on streamlining the bill,” he said.

“There are only three weeks left for lawmakers to pass a clean, straightforward LNG volumetric tax bill that incentivizes the project’s finances,” he said. “Weighing the bill down with conditions and additional taxes make the pipeline far less likely to happen. If lawmakers want the project to go forward they need to focus on fixing the state’s existing property tax which has some of the highest rates in the world.”

Larry Persily, an oil and gas analyst and former Alaska deputy commissioner of revenue, said the House and Senate versions are similar enough that even with just three weeks left in the session, lawmakers have time to pass a single version.

“It’s a lot of work, but they are on a similar path in that the governor’s proposal is inadequate in the eyes of the Legislature and the communities,” he said. “But three weeks is an eternity when you want to accomplish something.”

The committee’s co-chair, Rep. Robyn Niayuq Frier, D-Utqiagvik, said during the hearing that the substitute is a “working document” that will receive its next hearing on Wednesday, and possible amendments.

Like the proposal in the Senate, the new House substitute would retain the governor’s proposed volumetric tax.

Dunleavy had proposed taxing the gas flowing through the full project at 6 cents for every 1,000 cubic feet, which would bring in about $75 million annually for state and local revenues. That’s far below the $1 billion annually the project could receive in property taxes under existing state law.

The House substitute proposes taxing gas flowing through the pipe at 5 cents for every 1,000 cubic feet, generating about $65 million a year for local and state revenues.

But separately, it also would tax the gas flow through the gas treatment plant at 5 cents per 1,000 cubic feet, and the liquefied natural gas plant at 10 cents per 1,000 cubic feet, generating more revenue to Alaska communities, according to a summary of the bill.

The House substitute sets a quicker timeline for that revenue to start, compared to the governor’s bill.

The House substitute also gives the North Slope and Kenai Peninsula boroughs the option to replace the volumetric tax with an equity stake in the project.

The North Slope Borough would be home to the gas treatment plant.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough would be home to the large plant that makes liquefied natural gas, or LNG, so the gas could be exported overseas to large Asian buyers.

In addition to those significant additions, both those boroughs would also have a portion of the pipeline in their backyard.

The amount of revenue the substitute might generate for the state and local communities was not presented in the hearing Monday.

Officials with the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., a minority partner in the project alongside 75% owner Glenfarne, said in the hearing that the substitute bill has some positive attributes for the project and represents progress toward a final investment decision.

But they added that it poses some challenges due to its higher take on the project than the governor has proposed.

“It will create more of a challenge in terms of the economics of the project as more taxes are placed on project,” said Frank Richards, head of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., at the hearing.

Richards also urged the Legislature to act quickly, saying the state faces an energy crisis as locally produced gas from Cook Inlet wanes.

“The timeline is very, very short,” he said.

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Avs’ Cale Makar worth every cent, but pressure is on to deliver Stanley Cup

The contract extension, increasingly inevitable, will not be about the term.

It will be about making the Avs’ Cale Makar’s team.

This will be disputed because of the presence of captain Gabe Landeskog and former MVP Nathan MacKinnon.

But a long-term agreement, which is inching closer according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, makes this part of Makar’s legacy. And burden.

He will be here long after Landeskog retires and MacKinnon fades from superstardom.

When you sign a monster contract in your prime and are headed to the Hall of Fame, the pressure is on to deliver another championship.

Two would be even better. But Makar is too great to only hold one Cup.

After a flameout of historical proportions against the Vegas Golden Knights, the Avs reacted with more complacency than urgency.

Operating general manager Joe Sakic made tweaks to the roster, but the heaviest lift involved clearing salary cap space by trading Valeri Nichushkin, Ross Colton and Jack Drury.

The moves made it easier to accommodate Makar. And if you still don’t understand why he is the biggest of deals, follow the money.

Even if he does not finish with the NHL’s highest average annual value for any player — not just a defenseman — the floor should be $17 million. Whether it runs for eight years — a possibility if signed before Sept. 15 — or a shorter period, the financial commitment will explain his significance.

At 27, he is the present and the future.

Makar has never put the Avs in a difficult position, always playing nice, playing well and playing hurt. He has all the leverage and could be demanding, cackling to the armored truck as he boxes in the organization.

He would never do that. The only thing Makar regularly features more than ability is humility.

But a new deal means he can never just be one of the guys again. No blending into the curtains. If healthy, no forgettable postseasons.

Like Makar, several Avs players were hurt against the Golden Knights, which provides a reason, not an excuse for their elimination.

It does not make it any less embarrassing. The Knights suffocated and frustrated the Avs, turning the middle of the ice into a barnyard for pigs to slop.

After Las Vegas completed its Legion of Broom, MacKinnon could not be bothered to meet the press despite multiple requests. He was injured, but it was not his larynx. He should have talked. It is part of the responsibility that comes with his stature.

Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche looks for space as Jack Eichel (9) and Pavel Dorofeyev (16) of the Vegas Golden Knights defend during the third period of the Golden Knights' 5-3 win in Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) — Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche looks for space as Jack Eichel (9) and Pavel Dorofeyev (16) of the Vegas Golden Knights defend during the third period of the Golden Knights’ 5-3 win in Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference Final at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Makar waited at his locker, taking questions. He expressed disappointment about the exit, about not doing more, even though he looked like he had one working shoulder in his limited participation.

He was hardly why the Avs came up snake eyes. Brock Nelson, Nichushkin, Scott Wedgewood, MacKinnon and Brent Burns all deserved blame for the collapse. And, of course, so did the coach.

But when Makar addressed the media, it signaled something important. He took responsibility for the mess and vouched for Jared Bednar when I asked him about the possibility of the boss getting fired.

When Sakic held the season-ending press conference several days later, he admitted Bednar wasn’t going anywhere because the players had his back.

We know Makar wanted him back.

Makar’s defense.

Makar’s power play.

Makar’s pressure.

Don’t get lost in the minutiae. The term will not be the issue with any Makar contract.

We all assume that Makar is going to retire as a member of the Avalanche. The organization wants this, and Sakic declared it, saying, “Cale is going to finish his career here.”

This is the likely outcome because of his talent, leadership and performance.

Makar has earned every cent of his money. But when you reach his level, the conversation shifts to debates about greatness.

It would be a shame if what is happening to the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic were to become Makar’s fate. Jokic will not be considered among the top 10 all-time players without another title. And he does not feel close as the Nuggets are trapped by unmovable contracts, age and injuries.

Makar could be kind and give the Avs some breathing room on his extension. The only reason to do that is to help win a championship. Stan Kroenke doesn’t need a charitable act to run the franchise, given his $26 billion portfolio valuation of his sports franchises.

Unlike the Nuggets, the Avs are right there.

Colorado is considered a favorite to win the Stanley Cup by several sportsbooks, and no worse than third behind the reigning champion Hurricanes and the former champion Panthers.

We know the Avs will play well during the regular season. They always do. No team was better a year ago, and the President’s Trophy got them a great seed and broken dreams.

The referendum will not arrive until the postseason.

Defenseman Cale Makar (8) of the Colorado Avalanche celebrates his goal on goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) of the Minnesota Wild during the third period of Game 1 of the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Ball Arena in Denver. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/The Denver Post)

Makar has performed his best when it matters most, leading the Avs to the 2022 Stanley Cup. He delivered 29 points in 20 games to net the Conn Smythe Trophy.

That seems like a long time ago.

Bruins legendary defenseman Bobby Orr won two Stanley Cups.

It is a reasonable ask of Makar.

We know he can do it. The difference moving forward with an eventual new contract is that we will expect him to.

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RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series 8 celebrity judges and special guests revealed

Halle-ru-iah! Thursday nights are back with a glitter-filled bang as award-winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK returns to BBC iPlayer and BBC Three this Autumn on Thursday 3 September. This time the engines will be revving and available from 7pm on BBC iPlayer and 9pm on BBC Three and the season promises to serve appointment viewing and appointment judging.

The internationally runowned RuPaul, will be regaling the fandom with a dazzling array of celebrity guests as they swoon, critique and deliberate over the fate of a fresh batch of crown thirsty queens in their bid to become the UK’s Next Drag Race Superstar.

Resident Drag Race judges Alan Carr, Graham Norton, and Michelle Visage will return alongside a stellar list of guest judges aka Drag Race Superfans:

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton brings Hollywood glamour to the judging panel and separates the sashays from the shantays. When asked what her drag queen name would be Thandiwe Newton said: “If I were…well let’s face it, I am a drag queen – my drag name would be Hannibal Trewartha, Hannibal was the name of my first pet, and Trewartha was the name of my first street and that apparently is your drag name”

Anne-Marie

The multi-platinum singer, songwriter Anne-Marie fulfils a lifelong ambition of serving judgement with elegance at Drag Race UK. When asked to describe her Drag Race UK experience, Anne-Marie said: “What a dream to be a part of Ru’s Drag Race. Surrounded by beautiful people all day! I loved it and I can’t wait to watch the whole season.”

Cat Burns

The singer-songwriter Cat Burns reunites with fellow traitor Alan Carr for a very different kind of judging. When asked what her drag name would be Cat said: “If I were on Drag Race UK my drag queen name would be Kitty Kat First Degree Burns.”

Kadiff Kirwan

The Slow Horses actor, Kadiff Kirwan swerves into the Drag Race lane for even more high stakes drama. When asked about his experience on Drag Race UK Kadiff Kirwan said: “Still floating and never want to come down from the queer fever dream that was being a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 8. It was everything one could want and more. RuPaul’s beauty, wicked humour and energy confirmed why SHE is the only queen I bow to.”

Michèle Lamy

Category is: fashion anarchist. Style icon Michèle Lamy arrives ready to celebrate queens who dare to be different. When asked what talent she would show off on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Michèle Lamy said: “I would dance with all my bracelets, and covered in powder all over, then I’d roll myself on the floor in front of RuPaul.”

Michelle de Swarte

Back by popular demand, comedian, actor, supermodel Michelle de Swarte returns to serve up her trademark unfiltered commentary with a hint of duplicitous charm. When asked what her drag queen name would be Michelle de Swarte said “My drag queen name would be Michelle de Barge.”

Rick Astley

He’s never gonna give up serving, Pop icon Rick Astley sashays onto the mainstage for some Rickroll mischief and camparaderie. When asked what his drag queen name would be Rick Astley said: “If I were a drag queen, my name would be Miss Rickety Splits.”

Erin O’Connor

Supermodel Erin O’Connor arrives with unrivalled fashion credentials and an eye for a killer runway. When asked what she loves about Drag Race UK Erin said: “What I love about Drag Race UK is the design challenge, I love to see all the queens getting stuck in and then putting their creations on a runway and bringing it all to life – it’s the moment!”

Layton Williams

The West End sensation, Layton Williams sashays on to the judging panel ready to turn the spotlight on to the queens. When asked what one of his favourite Drag Race UK moments is he said: “One of my favourite Drag Race UK moments was with La Voix and her dad. It’s a dynamic we don’t see enough on telly. Queen’s and their supportive dads… It was so heartwarming.”

Martin Fry

By ru-yal invitation from Mama Ru, eighties frontman Martin Fry sashays onto the Main Stage. When asked what he would excel in, in Drag Race UK he said: “I’d like to excel in singing, that’s my trade, but if you asked me to tap dance I would bomb, no tap dancing!”

The Drag Race fandom can also look forward to cheeky cameo appearances from: Heartthrob-ing actor, Arian Nik who stars in BBC’s Daddy Issues and The Split Up; popstar superstar from Blue – Duncan James; Supermodel and Drag Race darling, Kristen McMenamy; Musical theatre royalty, Mazz Murray; Dance Pop duo – Booty Luv and beloved queen-whipping choreographer Claudimar Neto!

With a highly ambitious new cast, the brand-new series promises to serve up one of Drag Race UK’s most spicy seasons in recent herstory.

These queens are hungry, and ready to eat, and may the best queen win!

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK is a World of Wonder production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer commissioned by Fiona Campbell, in her capacity as Controller, BBC iPlayer and Youth Audiences and Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producers for World of Wonder are Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, RuPaul Charles, Bruce McCoy, Matt Green, and Johnni Javier and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Ruby Kuraishe.

SH3

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Tadej Pogacar battles back from scare on descent to win stage six of Vuelta a España | Vuelta a España

Tadej Pogacar outsprinted Enric Mas to claim victory in stage six of the Vuelta a España on Thursday, his third stage win of the race.

The Slovenian and Mas outshone their rivals on the gravel in the stage’s final climb, and Pogacar held off the Spaniard when arriving in Castellón de la Plana to extend his general classification lead. The five-time Tour de France winner Pogacar, the overwhelming favourite for the Vuelta, is aiming to complete a Grand Tour grand slam.

Ramses Debruyne grabbed the third spot on the podium, finishing in a group including Primoz Roglic, Richard Carapaz and Felix Gall, 46 seconds behind the leaders. UAE Team Emirates’ Pogacar, who had a brief scare as he came off the road on the final descent, now leads Movistar’s Mas by 3min 34sec and his compatriot Roglic by 4min 21sec overall.

There was a big battle to get into the break but it took a long time for an escape to form. Finally 15 riders moved clear and established a two-and-a-half minute gap on the peloton with 40km remaining. The final climb of Puerto El Bartolo split up the break and then peeled on to a gravel road, where Pogacar attacked and picked off the riders ahead of him. Mas was hot on his tail and the Spaniard dug deep to charge past Pogacar and come over the top of the climb ahead. Pogacar came off the road and into a grassy section after misjudging a corner, but he swiftly recovered to get back on Mas’s trail. The four-time Vuelta winner Roglic, Gall and Debruyne were chasing the front two, but Pogacar and Mas worked well together to keep their advantage. Pogacar led out towards the finish line and Mas could not catch him.

It was a bad day for Oscar Onley, who lost more than a minute and a half on his general classification rivals.

Earlier in the day, the Netcompany Ineos rider Josh Tarling abandoned the race with around 120km of the stage left, with his team not giving a reason. The Briton’s brother Finlay Tarling died in the Tour of Portugal after a crash with a vehicle, but Josh decided to race in Spain in honour of his sibling. “Josh Tarling’s brave La Vuelta has come to an end and he’s decided to stop. We couldn’t be prouder,” said Netcompany Ineos on social media.

Tarling produced a strong display in the first stage individual time trial, coming third behind Pogacar and Ethan Hayter.

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