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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Jordan Brand Basketball Enters a New Era of Design and Innovation With the Air Jordan 41 — NIKE, Inc.

Welcome to a new chapter of Jordan greatness.

Jordan Brand is introducing the Air Jordan 41: a game shoe inspired by Michael Jordan’s legendary versatility and style, built with a future-forward philosophy that pushes the boundaries of technology and expression.

The silhouette’s introduction marks an evolution of Jordan Brand heritage design, blazing a new path to greatness that prioritizes performance innovation and modern style — redefining what it means to be a leader in basketball footwear and challenging opponents to keep pace.

“The Air Jordan 41 is a statement about where Jordan Brand is headed. It carries forward a legacy built on greatness, but it was created for the athletes, whose culture and style of play are defining the future of the game,” says Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand. “This silhouette reflects our commitment to pushing performance innovation with purpose — delivering bold design, elite function and a point of view that only Jordan Brand can bring. It is more than the next Air Jordan. It is a signal of the next chapter of Jordan performance.”

The 41 is a testament to innovation, dominance and driving the future of the game — engineered for end-to-end dominance on the court, just like MJ himself.

Feedback from athletes at every level of the game, including MJ, Jordan Brand’s professional and collegiate roster, and players from Nike’s Elite Youth Basketball League, informed the design of a lighter and more responsive Air Jordan silhouette.

At the foundation of the Air Jordan 41 is the new-to-Jordan nano print mesh upper, engineered to deliver the lightweight containment and breathability demanded by today’s game.

The advanced woven construction helps reduce weight while creating targeted structure throughout the shoe, allowing athletes to move with confidence, precision and speed. By balancing airflow with support, the nano print mesh upper provides a secure, adaptive fit that helps players stay locked in through every cut, drive and defensive possession, reinforcing the Air Jordan 41’s focus on modern performance without compromising comfort.

“With the 41, we wanted to create an upper that could move with the athlete and feel lighter without sacrificing the containment and confidence they need to play at their best,” says Leo Chang, Senior Creative Director, Basketball & Sport, Jordan Brand.

“The nano-printed mesh allows us to engineer that balance, creating a material that feels light on the foot while providing targeted structure and support where players need it most. It’s a solution that reflects our ongoing pursuit of performance innovation, helping athletes move freely, react instinctively and stay locked into the game from tip-off to the final possession.”

The upper material also responds to a variety of graphic and color treatments. The cross-hatch print, with its two contrasting directions of lines, can each receive a color independently or cohesively. This allows for a number of different looks for the 41, both through graphic approaches and when in motion.

The 41 also features a full-length Zoom Strobel for underfoot responsiveness; a ZoomX midsole for industry-leading lightness and speed; and, in an evolution from the 40, adds an Air Zoom heel unit for enhanced impact protection. The addition of the Zoom air bag in the heel was inspired by Michael Jordan’s insights on the importance of defense and staying on your toes, and its cushioning ensures players can stay prepared to rock forward.

“The Air Jordan 41 prepares me for every movement; it gives me confidence in every cut, read and possession,” says Jordan Brand athlete Napheesa Collier. “When you trust your shoes like that, it makes all the difference.”

A carbon fiber and TPU shank provides stability, working in tandem with a full-length HART rubber herringbone traction pattern to enable rapid changes in direction. These features collectively modernize the shoe’s construction and ensure optimal comfort and performance for all hoopers.

The design evolution from the Air Jordan 40 to the 41 takes shape through both material choices and technological advancements. The new silhouette eschews the leather traditional to the Air Jordan lineage, opting for nanoprinting and thin textiles that create a lighter, nimbler feel. Details like a TPU window that exposes the shoe’s internal technology are reminiscent of a high-performance car, and while the shoe’s tech is sleek and understated on the surface, its sophistication is revealed upon closer inspection.

Each design element, from the asymmetrical collar to the metallic Jumpman hardware, signals Jordan Brand’s commitment to advancing the legacy of the Air Jordan lineage, setting the stage for the next generation.

“What I love about 41 is that it lets me play my game without thinking about what’s on my feet. It’s light and responsive, and it gives me the confidence to move how I want,” says Jordan Brand athlete Paolo Banchero. “When you’re competing at the highest level, those details matter, and the 41 delivers.”

This move beyond nostalgia and heritage is brought to life through colorways that follow a gemstone theme, each reflecting MJ’s mentality and personal symbolism, such as the Ruby launch colorway that calls to mind his legendary three-peats in Chicago. Upcoming colorways include an Amethyst style modeled on MJ’s birthstone, and Opal, which nods to his alma mater.

This seasonal color approach coupled with the performance-driven design positions the Air Jordan 41 as a true evolution for Jordan Brand, setting a new standard for basketball footwear.

“The 41 matches the way I like to compete. It’s built for players who impact the game on both ends,” says Jordan Brand athlete Stephon Castle. “I trust it every possession because it keeps me feeling quick, connected and ready to react. When you’re playing with confidence, you can focus on being aggressive and letting your game take over.”

The Air Jordan 41 debuts with a limited release in China on August 28, with a global release to follow.

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Peters-Berger pleads guilty in homicide of Lily Peters, sentenced to life in prison

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. (WEAU) – A major development in the criminal case against the man accused of killing 10-year-old Lily Peters is taking place in Chippewa County Court.

“I think this tragedy opened up a lot of eyes to just how fragile things are for all of us,” Dana Whitcome, a stepmother of two of Lily’s siblings, said.

18-year-old Carson Peters-Berger appeared in person for the first time when he pleaded guilty to the charge of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Lily Peters. Chippewa County Judge Steven Gibbs accepted the plea and convicted Peters-Berger of the crime. The other two charges of sexual assault were dismissed but read in. Judge Gibbs then sentenced Peters-Berger to life in prison with the possibility of extended supervision after 25 years.

“I believe in giving people a second chance after you paid your debt to society,” Judge Gibbs said. “While you were a minor when you committed it, it is still a very serious offense, and it shook this community.”

While going through the proceedings, Judge Gibbs asked Peters-Berger if he understood that by pleading guilty to first-degree intentional homicide, he would be admitting to killing Lily Peters and planning to do so. Peters-Berger said he did understand.

“I don’t think you get closure in the criminal justice system. It’s not set up for that sort of thing,” Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell said. “It’s one point in time that is now over with, but it doesn’t give you closure regarding what occurred because nothing that’s done here will erase what happened to the poor young girl.”

Family members of Lily Peters spoke in the hearing. They discussed the impact the loss had on their families in the community and shared how much they missed her.

“She was my light,” Kiara Stevens, a friend of Lily Peters, said. “There were times where I just didn’t want to do it anymore, but Lily was that kind of person that made you want to keep going.”

Those connected to the family also shared concerns about the possibility of Peters-Berger being eligible for release and the worries that another crime may be committed.

Peters-Berger did not wish to speak in the hearing

Lily Peters disappeared the evening of April 24, 2022, after leaving her aunt’s home in Chippewa Falls. Her family reported her missing that night. The following morning, volunteers searching the area found the 10-year-old’s body in a wooded area near a walking trail.

Peters-Berger previously pleaded not guilty in December 2024 to adult charges of first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault causing great bodily harm and first-degree child sexual assault. A jury trial was initially scheduled for this November, but because of that hearing, that will no longer take place.

Newell was asked why the case was no longer going to trial. He said trials always present some risk as you don’t know how a jury will respond. He also said trials can be very traumatic for the family. Those close to Lily said they are relieved this chapter is over and are ready to continue healing

“We just look forward to moving forward in healing and sharing that spirit of kindness with everyone in Lily’s memory,” Whitcome said.

“Lily was an amazing person and what I hung onto the most was the happy memories instead of that last bad one I had of her,” Stevens said. “I just want to say it does get better. We do heal.”

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