James Brooks Cascade
@alaska.bsky.social
Statehouse and politics reporter for the Alaska Beacon. Juneauite. Formerly with the Anchorage Daily News, Juneau Empire, Kodiak Daily Mirror and the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Official data is in this week, and US solar continues to grow rapidly, with generation up 30% compared to last year!
November 29, 2025 at 12:05 AM
Official data is in this week, and US solar continues to grow rapidly, with generation up 30% compared to last year!
Wow — Nome's Polar Cub Café is closing after 50 years in business: www.nomenugget.net/news/polar-c... #alaska
Polar Cub Café to close after 50 years of operation
The Polar Cub Café’s 50-year run has come to an end. On Friday, November 28, the storied restaurant will close for meal service. 
On the morning of Sunday, November 23, ...
www.nomenugget.net
November 28, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Wow — Nome's Polar Cub Café is closing after 50 years in business: www.nomenugget.net/news/polar-c... #alaska
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Each power wire out there has a certain tune to which it responds, known as a resonant frequency. In his latest column, science writer Ned Rozell delves into the mystery of dancing power wires.
Solving the mystery of the dancing power wires
Each power wire out there has a certain tune to which it responds, known as a resonant frequency.
www.adn.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Each power wire out there has a certain tune to which it responds, known as a resonant frequency. In his latest column, science writer Ned Rozell delves into the mystery of dancing power wires.
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Here's a serving of earthquake science about this morning's magnitude 6.0 to go with your holiday meal:
Magnitude 6 Susitna Earthquake Shakes Up Thanksgiving | Alaska Earthquake Center
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake beneath Susitna, Alaska, was felt by thousands of Alaskans at about 8:12 am on Thanksgiving morning.
bit.ly
November 27, 2025 at 11:25 PM
Here's a serving of earthquake science about this morning's magnitude 6.0 to go with your holiday meal:
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Australia recorded ZERO cases of cervical cancer in women under 25 for the first time since they started tracking the cancer in the 80s.
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!
newsGP - Australia set for world-first cervical cancer elimination
Vaccination programs have played a key role, and GPs remain ‘instrumental’ in boosting screening rates to reach the 2035 target.
www1.racgp.org.au
November 27, 2025 at 3:45 AM
Australia recorded ZERO cases of cervical cancer in women under 25 for the first time since they started tracking the cancer in the 80s.
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!
This is the power of vaccines.
The HPV vaccine is extremely effective at preventing cancer.
Viruses can be oncogenic. Get your vaccines and protect yourself!
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 rattled Southcentral Alaska on Thanksgiving morning, though there were no immediate reports of major damage. www.adn.com/alaska-news/...
6.0 earthquake shakes Southcentral Alaska
The earthquake was centered northwest of Anchorage, in the Susitna Valley.
www.adn.com
November 27, 2025 at 5:36 PM
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 rattled Southcentral Alaska on Thanksgiving morning, though there were no immediate reports of major damage. www.adn.com/alaska-news/...
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
a white rainbow (fogbow?) appeared over town today
i’ve never seen one before and it tripped me out because it was a mostly cloudless sky with no rain, yet this shimmery white arch appeared out of no where and stretched across town
i’ve never seen one before and it tripped me out because it was a mostly cloudless sky with no rain, yet this shimmery white arch appeared out of no where and stretched across town
November 27, 2025 at 1:09 AM
a white rainbow (fogbow?) appeared over town today
i’ve never seen one before and it tripped me out because it was a mostly cloudless sky with no rain, yet this shimmery white arch appeared out of no where and stretched across town
i’ve never seen one before and it tripped me out because it was a mostly cloudless sky with no rain, yet this shimmery white arch appeared out of no where and stretched across town
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
you know, what if they aren't actually a commentary on journalism or the state of media. what if these people are just extremely weird
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM
you know, what if they aren't actually a commentary on journalism or the state of media. what if these people are just extremely weird
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Starbard was nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series for an episode called “Thanks-for-giving," that aired last November and follows Molly and her friends as they learn why some Alaska Native people don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.
Juneau's Vera Starbard earns Emmy nomination for ‘Molly of Denali’ Thanksgiving episode
The Alaska State Writer Laureate wrote an episode about the show’s titular character navigating the complex history of Thanksgiving to create a celebration that honors Alaska Native culture.
www.ktoo.org
November 26, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Starbard was nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Series for an episode called “Thanks-for-giving," that aired last November and follows Molly and her friends as they learn why some Alaska Native people don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Alaska appeals federal court decision with implications for Arctic Refuge oil drilling, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
Alaska appeals federal court decision with implications for Arctic Refuge oil drilling | Alaska Beacon
The state is continuing to contest the western boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with implications for oil and gas drilling.
alaskabeacon.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Alaska appeals federal court decision with implications for Arctic Refuge oil drilling, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
Given the closure of the Carrs in Anchorage, seems like something that city should be considering. After all, the city went so far as to fund buses to other supermarkets for local residents. #Alaska
Turns out Mamdani's controversial proposal for government-run supermarkets isn't so novel. Other cities also are toying with the idea to bring fresh, affordable food to communities that do not have easy access to it. Good WSJ read (gift link)
www.wsj.com/real-estate/...
www.wsj.com/real-estate/...
Inside Atlanta’s First Government-Funded Supermarket
The goal is for the store to become profitable without any government subsidy within three years.
www.wsj.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Given the closure of the Carrs in Anchorage, seems like something that city should be considering. After all, the city went so far as to fund buses to other supermarkets for local residents. #Alaska
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
NEW: State officials announced a "draw down" or most emergency crews supporting the Typhoon Halong relief effort in Western Alaska will be departing the region, as winter sets in.
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
Disaster relief crews begin to depart Western Alaska as winter sets in, officials say | Alaska Beacon
Some work on critical infrastructure projects will continue, but the state’s focus will transition to supporting storm-impacted communities and evacuated residents through the winter, officials said.
alaskabeacon.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 PM
NEW: State officials announced a "draw down" or most emergency crews supporting the Typhoon Halong relief effort in Western Alaska will be departing the region, as winter sets in.
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
Nebraska governor says his state got its butts kicked by a meat processing plant's closure: nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
State hunts way forward after Nebraska got ‘butts kicked’ by Tyson plant closure • Nebraska Examiner
Nebraska is hunting a way forward after getting "our butts kicked" by the announced closure of a Tyson plant, Gov. Jim Pillen says.
nebraskaexaminer.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:46 AM
Nebraska governor says his state got its butts kicked by a meat processing plant's closure: nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/11/24/s...
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Remember last year when we said we would drop The Tribune's paywall if we raised enough money to support the transition to free? About that… 😁
The Salt Lake Tribune will drop its paywall next year, CEO tells donors at NewsMakers gala
After years of requiring people to pay for online news content, The Tribune announced an upcoming change during its 2025 annual NewsMakers Gala.
www.sltrib.com
November 23, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Remember last year when we said we would drop The Tribune's paywall if we raised enough money to support the transition to free? About that… 😁
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Marc Wheeler has worn a lot of hats in Juneau – from serving on the Juneau Assembly, to founding a beloved Juneau coffee shop and working with youth at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, he’s no stranger to public service.
LISTEN: Juneau’s new Parks and Rec director says fee increases, service reductions likely
Marc Wheeler takes on the role as the city faces potential budget cuts following this year's local election.
www.ktoo.org
November 24, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Marc Wheeler has worn a lot of hats in Juneau – from serving on the Juneau Assembly, to founding a beloved Juneau coffee shop and working with youth at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska, he’s no stranger to public service.
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
KYUK plays a singular role in the media landscape of the United States. over the coming weeks, we'll go from 10 full time staff down to 4. this is my last week at KYUK. listen here →
First, an earthquake hit Alaska. Then it was a typhoon. People turned to public radio for lifesaving information. Sen. Lisa Murkowski tried to get her colleagues to understand the importance of stations.
They voted to defund public media anyway.
They voted to defund public media anyway.
In rural America, public radio saves lives
In remote Alaska, public radio station KYUK is crucial during natural disasters. Without federal funding, how will it survive?
revealnews.org
November 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
KYUK plays a singular role in the media landscape of the United States. over the coming weeks, we'll go from 10 full time staff down to 4. this is my last week at KYUK. listen here →
Wait, a company can refuse a recall? Tell me more, @cpsc.gov
The importer, Rad Power Bikes Inc., of Seattle, Washington has refused to agree to an acceptable recall. Given its financial situation, Rad Power Bikes has indicated to CPSC that it is unable to offer replacement batteries or refunds to all consumers.
November 24, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Wait, a company can refuse a recall? Tell me more, @cpsc.gov
This is a big story, and it's going to get bigger in coming years ... the Coast Guard has funding for eight new icebreakers and plans for even more. Many may be based in Alaska, and ports across the state are likely to be expanded as a result. #akleg #Alaska
As the Arctic heats up, the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet is preparing for boom times, write James Brooks (@alaska.bsky.social) and Tom Banse for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/24/a...
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/24/a...
As the Arctic heats up, the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet is preparing for boom times | Alaska Beacon
After years of underfunding, the Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet is undergoing a massive expansion, with almost $9 billion for new ships.
alaskabeacon.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Today, we make the case why you should support Court Watch. Here’s our deeply transparent look at what it takes to make news.
www.courtwatch.news/p/help-us-tu...
www.courtwatch.news/p/help-us-tu...
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Today, we make the case why you should support Court Watch. Here’s our deeply transparent look at what it takes to make news.
www.courtwatch.news/p/help-us-tu...
www.courtwatch.news/p/help-us-tu...
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
The Alaska State Medical Board, with multiple vacant seats left unfilled by the governor, canceled its meeting Friday for the second consecutive month because it lacked the quorum to operate. www.adn.com/politics/202...
Alaska medical board cancels meetings as board seats remain unfilled
Three seats on the eight-member board have been vacant for several months.
www.adn.com
November 23, 2025 at 9:45 PM
The Alaska State Medical Board, with multiple vacant seats left unfilled by the governor, canceled its meeting Friday for the second consecutive month because it lacked the quorum to operate. www.adn.com/politics/202...
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Russian ‘combat icebreaker’ raises US Arctic security questions
“This move risks raising tensions in the Arctic, a region that’s already becoming more strategically contested as sea ice recedes and maritime activity increases,”
www.stripes.com/theaters/eur...
“This move risks raising tensions in the Arctic, a region that’s already becoming more strategically contested as sea ice recedes and maritime activity increases,”
www.stripes.com/theaters/eur...
Russian ‘combat icebreaker’ raises US Arctic security questions
Commissioned on Sept. 8 in Severomorsk, the ship is the first of two new vessels that combine icebreaking capability with significant firepower.
www.stripes.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Russian ‘combat icebreaker’ raises US Arctic security questions
“This move risks raising tensions in the Arctic, a region that’s already becoming more strategically contested as sea ice recedes and maritime activity increases,”
www.stripes.com/theaters/eur...
“This move risks raising tensions in the Arctic, a region that’s already becoming more strategically contested as sea ice recedes and maritime activity increases,”
www.stripes.com/theaters/eur...
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Last week, the Superior Court of Alaska consolidated two separate cases involving disputes between the hydroelectric companies.
Juneau’s sole electricity provider appeals state approval for second one
The appeal follows decades of disputes between the hydroelectric companies.
www.ktoo.org
November 22, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Last week, the Superior Court of Alaska consolidated two separate cases involving disputes between the hydroelectric companies.
Reposted by James Brooks Cascade
Notable policy shifts at the federal government’s lead housing agency could create obstacles for Anchorage providers serving residents experiencing homelessness.
Dramatic federal policy changes could disrupt Anchorage’s homelessness response
Money tied to a long-standing grant program will become more competitive and give preference to projects reflecting Trump’s priorities.
www.adn.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:07 AM
Notable policy shifts at the federal government’s lead housing agency could create obstacles for Anchorage providers serving residents experiencing homelessness.