Claire Stremple - Alaska Beacon
Alaska school districts got a one-time funding boost. It came too late for many teachers.
Many school boards opted for conservative budgets that included layoffs of teachers before the governor signed the budget this year.
Alaska invested millions to fix food stamp backlogs. Some users still can’t get through.
The state has not finished its tech rollout and officials say they are still working to reopen offices and get benefits to Alaskans.
Alaska officials echo federal push to promote healing after boarding schools report
Sen. Lisa Murkowski and state lawmakers have pushed for a Native-led documentation effort, saying the report underscores the need.
Alaska adds millions to address domestic violence and sexual assault; advocates say more is needed
Service providers say the state’s programs need significant investment to make inroads on reduction.
Ranked choice voting repeal effort survived legal challenges, qualifies for the ballot in November
Officials with the state’s Division of Elections confirmed the repeal effort gathered enough signatures in the requisite number of districts.
National Republican group fights for Alaska’s House seat with attack ads targeting Mary Peltola
Congresswoman Peltola said Alaskans will “see through that baloney” and affirms that her campaign will be friendly.
U.S. District judge hears food stamp backlog case against Alaska’s health department
Plaintiffs say they waited unlawfully long for food aid and asked the court to order the health department to obey federal deadlines.
Long-term boost to Alaska’s Head Start early childhood program trimmed by veto
Care providers say the money is going to salaries to retain teachers and keep centers open.
Former Houston treasurer sentenced in federal embezzlement case
Jess Adams received a 30-month prison sentence for embezzling from the city of Houston and a Wasilla-based company, then dodging taxes.
Goals for new Alaska crime law range from harsher penalties for drug dealers to reducing recidivism
Some celebrate major progress on the state’s thorniest crime issues while others criticize the methods.
Alaska foster families get another year of fully funded child care
With the clock ticking on pandemic-era grants, state officials decided to foot the bill.
Alaska faces consequences as federal education funding equity dispute continues
State officials offered the feds a $300,000 compromise instead of $17 million adjustment.
Alaska has a new nonprofit newsroom in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Mat-Su Sentinel founder, editor and reporter Amy Bushatz has worked in news for more than two decades and said she aims to fill a local news void.
Alaska lawmakers pass child care legislation to buoy sector ‘in crisis’
The policy changes are accompanied by $7.5 million for child care center grants.
Last-ditch attempt to return Alaska teacher, public employee pensions fails on Senate floor
The pension proposal would have piggybacked on a bill that aims to remedy the state’s teacher staffing crisis.
Alaska lawmakers support push to investigate, document forced assimilation in boarding schools
The widely supported resolution supports a bill championed by U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski in Congress.
Alaska Senate OKs increased access to birth control
Alaskans may access up to 12 months worth of contraceptives at a time and without a co-pay from the state’s pharmacies if the bill becomes law.
Southeast Alaska air carrier adopts new tech to make travel safer, more reliable
More precise GPS technology and FAA approval for Alaska Seaplanes to fly new routes is expected to lead to fewer cancellations and increased safety.
Alaska Native languages at crucial juncture, biennial report says
The call to action urges systemic reforms to the state’s support and integration of Native languages.
University of Alaska student workers union members protest for contract, after judge bars strike
Union members say time is running out for a contract to be approved by the Legislature before the end of session.