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Day: April 16, 2026
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Rep. Alyse Galvin, I-Anchorage, speaks on the House floor on Apr. 13, 2026. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
The Alaska House of Representatives on Monday rejected a bill passed by the Senate that would have applied state corporate income taxes to privately owned oil and gas companies that currently do not pay them. Supporters said the bill would have generated up to $100 million in new revenue for Alaska.
The proposal would have required companies licensed as S corporations or as limited liability companies to pay state corporate income taxes for profits earned in the state, which they currently do not pay. The largest company affected would have been Hilcorp, a privately run Texas-based company that operates the Prudhoe Bay oil fields as well as most of the oil and gas operations in Cook Inlet.
The state does not levy a tax on income earned by S corporations and LLCs because their profits go to owners or shareholders. In many states, those people would pay personal income tax on the money, but Alaska does not have a personal income tax, so such companies avoid taxation on profits. Traditional corporations, or C corporations, are publicly traded and already subject to existing state tax law.
Four members of the multipartisan House majority caucus objected to the proposal, and split to join the all-Republican minority members to reject the Senate’s version of House Bill 194 by a 23 to 17 vote.
House Majority Leader Rep. Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, was among those to oppose the bill.
“This policy creates uncertainty at the exact moment Alaska needs more energy development,” Kopp said on Monday on the House floor. “These are the people that are actually keeping our energy crisis at bay right now.”
Kopp argued the change would potentially hamper new oil and gas development. “It’s been a cold winter in Southcentral and along the Railbelt, and this is at the same time we’re asking these folks to drill more, to produce and store more gas, to explore more and to sign long term gas contracts. So it seems shortsighted to hamstring gas producers when we need them to invest a lot more right now, just to keep our schools warm, our homes heated and our businesses going,” he said.
Anchorage Independent Rep. Alyse Galvin, and Democratic Reps. Carolyn Hall of Anchorage and Robyn Frier of Utqiagvik also joined the minority caucus to oppose the bill on Monday.
Anchorage Democrat Sen. Forrest Dunbar sponsored the amendment to levy the corporate tax on privately owned oil and gas companies on a bill that would have been a routine renewal of a state oil royalty lease agreement, which passed the Senate last month.
Dunbar criticized the House decision in a Wednesday interview, saying it was a missed opportunity to bring in revenues for Alaska.
“They took potentially $100 million or more and rather than put it towards schools or the state of Alaska, they hand it to a billionaire in Texas. I think that was a mistake,” Dunbar said. “This is some of the lowest of low hanging fruit.”
“So I’m very disappointed in their actions,” he added. “And frankly, I’m surprised that some of the members of my party voted the way they did.”
On Monday, Big Lake Republican Rep. Kevin McCabe argued against the bill saying a tax focused on specific corporations that could result in lawsuits against the state. “I would suspect that this will lead directly to the courts,” he said. “This is just plain wrong. We shouldn’t be doing this.”
Galvin, a member of the multipartisan majority caucus, said she opposed that the measure was added to the underlying bill, but said she sees the need for more revenue. “I do think that it’s confusing when we add one bill to another, and haven’t properly vetted (it),” she said.
Galvin said she has proposed legislation, House Bill 152, which would include the corporate income tax provision, as well as a 4% state income tax on individuals earning more than $150,000 and an annual $150 tax per Alaskan to help pay for state services like education. It’s now being considered by the House Finance Committee.
“In a bill that I’m working on, I’m certainly careful to not call out one company,” she said. “But we do need to look at fairness also in all of our taxation. And I think that there is a place for us to address this.”
Galvin also requested to be excused from the vote citing a conflict of interest, but there was an objection on the House floor and she was required to vote. She told the Anchorage Daily News her husband works for Great Bear Pantheon, an Alaska subsidiary of Pantheon Resources, a Texas-based oil and gas exploration company.
Several members argued in support of strengthening corporate income taxes to provide much-needed revenues for Alaska.
Rep. Ky Holland, I-Anchorage, supported the provision saying it was a defining moment for the Legislature to take action to address what he called the “Alaska disconnect” — being a resource rich state without capturing the economic value and benefits for residents.
“I believe this is a defining question for many of us, who I think, recognize that our state has moved past looking for the fiscal cliff and is now out beyond it,” he said. “And it’s now time for us to decide, are we willing to take some difficult votes and take some difficult action?”
Holland said failing to change the tax code could create a scenario where other businesses incorporate as S corporations or LLCs to avoid corporate income taxes. “This bill offers a way to address a point of fairness in the taxation that we have,” he said.
The amended bill now returns to the Senate, which can remove or change the provision. Those acts could result in a conference committee made up of representatives from both chambers to reach agreement on the bill.
The original legislation was introduced by the governor and passed the Alaska House last year. It would renew a three-year oil royalty agreement between the state and Marathon Petroleum Corporation, for state owned oil to be processed at its refinery in Nikiski, on the Kenai Peninsula, valued at between $4 million and $18 million in state revenue.
Several lawmakers in the House, including Kopp, said the company was no longer interested in the state contract, voiding the need for the legislation. A spokesperson for Marathon declined to comment on Wednesday, saying the company does not comment on its crude oil sourcing.
Darius Rucker is stepping into a new arena, trading musical notes for wrestling tees — and it’s more exciting than you might think. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
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In the weeks since Joseph Duggar was arrested for child molestation, he and wife Kendra Caldwell have kept a low profile for obvious reasons.
But details about their family situation and mounting legal woes have still leaked to the public.
Some of those details come from Joseph and Kendra’s recorded jailhouse phone calls.
One of those calls revealed that Joe and Kendra are evicting her parents from a property they own after some sort of falling out.
Now, a Christian influencer named Amy Paul has revealed the nature of that falling out:
She claims that the Caldwells are the ones who alerted the authorities to Joseph’s alleged crimes.
In a new Instagram post, Amy reports that she traveled to Arkansas to help the Caldwells move out after they were evicted by Joe:
“Why did I decide to drive 14 hrs to help the Caldwells? The answer is simple…there was a need and as Christians we are called to be ‘the hands and feet of Jesus’,” she wrote, adding:
“I was also appalled at the lack of Christian charity that is being shown to this precious family that is in crisis.
“Not only were they put in the awful situation of turning their son-in-law into the police because he wasn’t man enough to take accountability himself, but he’s also kicking them out of their house and giving them 30 days to get out!
“The power and the water was turned off with 8 other kids living in the house!”
Amy went on to reveal that she suspects the Duggars of trying to take additional revenge on the Caldwells as they were being forced out of their home:
“While I was there DHS was called on them for abuse…wonder who called? I will tell you that not one Duggar is reaching out to the Caldwells,” she wrote, adding:
“Not one Duggar is helping them move or asking how they can help! The Caldwells share 4grandkids with Jimbob and Michelle.
“Joe Duggar is 100% not the victim. Pray for their daughter, Kendra to choose her kids and leave the (alleged) pedophile and have a relationship with her family.
“The only emotion I have right now for the Duggars is disgust and disbelief. Do the right thing and HELP your extended family from the abuse and trauma your son has caused.
“Your piddly statement wasn’t enough. Where are the actions?! Even if you don’t “like” someone, the truth is you raised a son and he touched a prepubescent child and you are choosing to poison the daughter against her family.”
Amy concluded her statement by calling on the Duggars not to repeat the mistakes they made with Josh Duggar and his wife:
“Encourage Kendra to divorce Joe, focus on her kids and give her half the money, real estate etc. Don’t make her dependent on you, JimBob…like she’s not a grown woman! Don’t make her another Anna,” she wrote.
Amy ended by saying she would “prob be arrested” if she wrote what she really wanted to say.
Yes, it sounds like the Duggars have made yet another influential enemy. But the mounting public pressure probably will not convince Jim Bob and Michelle to do the right thing,
Joseph Duggar’s In-Laws Turned Him In For Child Molestation, Family Friend Claims was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
The 2026 NFL Draft lacks multiple QB1 candidates, but the league’s desperation for franchise quarterbacks could lead to some early-round gambles. With a collection of wild cards in this draft, some of those gambles could pay off, with teams transforming a few hidden gems into starters down the road. After taking some time to analyze the 2026 quarterback class, here are my top 10 prospects: 10. Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt The 5-foot-10, 207-pound Pavia lacks the prototypical dimensions and tools to merit serious consideration as a QB1, but his production and big-game performance make him a worthwhile gamble as a late-round draft pick or undrafted free agent. The mobile playmaker puts immense pressure on the defense with his improvisational skills, leading to splash plays that will make him a fan favorite in the preseason. Given how Pavia’s competitiveness transformed the Vanderbilt program, do not dismiss his chances of beating the odds as an outlier in the quarterback room. 9. Cade Klubnik, Clemson Despite his individual and team struggles last season, Klubnik will get a chance to make amends in the NFL as a Day 3 prospect. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder has shown QB1 potential in the past (3,639 passing yards with 36 touchdowns and six interceptions in 2024), but he’s coming off a disappointing campaign that leads to questions about his readiness for a starter’s role at the next level. While his previous success, arm talent and athleticism will likely lead a team to roll the dice on his potential, the Clemson product must show more consistency to carve out a long-term role as a QB2. 8. Luke Altmyer, Illinois Teams looking for a long-term QB2 candidate could value the three-year Illinois starter. Altmyer’s instincts, intelligence and awareness show in the way he manages the game like a seasoned field general. As a quick-rhythm passer with a keen understanding of the passing game, he excels at connecting the dots at intermediate range. Considering the importance of operating the offense efficiently as a backup, Altmyer has a chance to make his mark as a Day 3 prospect. 7. Cole Payton, North Dakota State Despite the rugged lefty entering the league as a one-year starter, the football world is buzzing about his potential as a developmental prospect. Payton impressed scouts with his toughness and intangibles at the Senior Bowl, with the 6-foot-3, 233-pounder steadily improving throughout the practice week. With his inexperience and inconsistency as a passer limiting his immediate impact, Payton should be on the radar for scouts as a Day 3 consideration with QB2/QB3 potential. 6. Taylen Green, Arkansas As a dynamic athlete who shattered records at the NFL Scouting Combine, Green is an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a developmental quarterback to add to the roster. As a four-year starter at Boise State and Arkansas, the 6-foot-6, 227-pound dual-threat QB passed for 9,662 yards with 59 touchdowns and 35 interceptions, while also amassing 2,403 rushing yards and 35 scores. Although his dazzling athleticism would make him a potential “slash” candidate (quarterback/wide receiver) as a pro, Green’s preference to only play quarterback could force coaches to weigh the pros and cons of taking on a QB with several fundamental flaws as a passer. 5. Drew Allar, Penn State The maddeningly inconsistent passer possesses all the traits old-school coaches covet in a franchise quarterback. From his size (6-foot-5, 228 pounds) and arm talent to his intangibles and leadership skills, Allar is the traditional prototype at the position. While questions persist about his clutch performance, the Penn State product’s traits and tools could entice a team to make him a Day 2/Day 3 gamble. 4. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU The son of veteran NFL offensive wizard Doug Nussmeier, the LSU product plays the game like a 10-year veteran playing in slow motion. Although his slender frame (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) and a disappointing, injury-marred 2025 campaign have diminished his draft stock, Nussmeier flashes the kind of command that would make an offensive coordinator comfortable handing him the keys to the offense. While Nussmeier’s substandard measurements could ding his draft status, his high-quality play in 2024 — 4,052 passing yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions — makes it easy to envision him thriving as a pro. 3. Carson Beck, Miami Beck’s toughness and tenacity make it easy for scouts to fall in love with his potential as a game manager-plus for a winning team. While his limitations as a passer (arm strength) could shrink the field for the offense, his winning pedigree from guiding championship-caliber teams at Miami and Georgia could help him lead a competitive squad to wins as a substitute QB1. Given the recent success of experienced young quarterbacks, the 23-year-old Beck is an intriguing Day 2 prospect in the 2026 class. [2026 NFL Draft Confidential: Unfiltered Scouting Takes On Top 5 QBs] 2. Ty Simpson, Alabama As an undersized quarterback with only 15 career starts on his résumé, the 6-foot-1, 211-pound Simpson is attempting to defy the odds as a potential first-round pick. Despite his flawless footwork and picture-perfect mechanics, the Alabama standout has not played enough to quickly transition into a QB1 role. While teams with a veteran starter or “bridge” quarterback in place could patiently develop Simpson, the uncertainty over his NFL readiness makes him the biggest boom-or-bust prospect on the list. [Inside Ty Simpson’s Rise from Alabama Backup to Likely First-Round Pick] 1. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana The presumptive No. 1 overall pick impressed evaluators with his toughness, intangibles and clutch performance as the leader of the national champs. With Mendoza also displaying pinpoint accuracy on intermediate and vertical throws, the playbook is wide open for a play designer building around the Heisman Trophy winner’s talents. Although some scouts will suggest his skills do not match up with previous No. 1 overall picks, Mendoza’s intangibles and intelligence separate him from the rest of the class.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports
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In the turn of the Millennium, Shannon Elizabeth was one of the hottest names in Hollywood.
The actress, now 52, dazzled in American Pie, and has some of the most iconic lines from Scary Movie.
Now, she’s excited to announce that she’s joining OnlyFans.
She didn’t touch on this particular topic, but fans wonder if the news is related to her recent divorce filing.
She’s launching an OnlyFans!
On Wednesday, April 15, Elizabeth shared the news that she is joining the adult media subscription platform, OnlyFans.
“I’ve spent my entire career working in Hollywood,” she explained to People. “Where other people controlled the narrative and the outcome of my career.”
She teased: “This new chapter is about changing that, showing off a more sexy side no one has seen, and being closer to my fans.”
According to the actress, she’s been reminded of how meaningful fan interactions can be by making appearances at conventions and through interviews.
“Reconnecting with my fans through appearances has reminded me just how much their support has meant to me throughout my career,” Elizabeth expressed. “And how much I’ve missed that energy.”
“OnlyFans gives me the opportunity to offer something more,” Elizabeth explained.
She shared that OnlyFans will let her offer “a behind the scenes, unfiltered look at my life and a genuine connection that no other platform allows.”
The actress teased: “This is also where I’ll be sharing exclusive content that you simply won’t find anywhere else.”
She pitched: “This isn’t just content to watch from a distance. This is for the people who have always shown up for me, and I want them to feel that.”
Elizabeth also gushed about her excitement, and added that she remains committed to her charitable foundation and also continues to live and work in South Africa.
This comes on the heels of her very quiet divorce
Page Six reports that Elizabeth’s OnlyFans news comes right after she quietly filed to divorce her husband, Simon Borchert.
“The divorce is fresh,” an inside source reported.
“She is freshly single,” the insider detailed.
“And,” the source added, Elizabeth will be “launching her OnlyFans tomorrow morning.”
By fresh, they weren’t kidding. Page Six says that she filed the documents to end her marriage on Tuesday.
Officially, Elizabeth has not announced the divorce. Not in a public capacity, at any rate.
However, her Wednesday Facebook post did seem to at least hint at big changes.
“There’s something about the ocean that resets everything,” she pondered.
She wrote about how the ocean “slows the noise, softens the edges, and brings you right back to what matters.”
Elizabeth expressed: “Grateful for these quiet moments, sandy paws, and unconditional love.”
What’s behind the OnlyFans move?
Streaming has all but killed residuals, tearing the entertainment industry apart as massive companies seem reluctant to pay the workers who made them billions. And divorce is expensive.
Some might cynically say that Elizabeth is joining OnlyFans because she’d like an infusion of money.
That seems likely. This is also the reason for taking just about any other paying job on the planet.
We should note that Denise Richards has also spoken about connecting with fans. She once did it on forums, but social media has done lasting harm to forum sites. Only on OnlyFans, she’s said, does she feel that connection with fans again.
Let’s hope that Elizabeth has as good — and profitable — of an experience on the platform!
Shannon Elizabeth is Joining OnlyFans on Heels of Divorce Filing was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.
The Hollywood Gossip
Prince Harry recently made a candid admission about his feelings during his wife’s pregnancy — a predicament that is surprisingly common among new fathers.
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You’d expect a Hollywood star as famous as Marlon Brando to prefer refined desserts, but some of the actor’s favorite sweets were store-bought, everyday treats.
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