In this newscast: A sunken tugboat in Juneau reveals a costly problem as the state’s fleet ages; The Iditarod trail sled dog race started this weekend with fanfare — and fewer mushers than ever; Longtime Interior musher Jacques Philip was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident last week.
Claire Stremple
"I support KTOO reporters and guide coverage that informs our community and reflects its diverse perspectives."
When she's not editing stories or coaching reporters, you can find Claire outside with her dog Maya.
Department behind Alaska’s food stamp backlog will soon be processing 260k Medicaid reapplications
In April, the state’s Division of Public Assistance will begin the year-long process of reviewing every Medicaid recipient in the state.
Rural Alaskans will be disproportionately affected by abortion pill lawsuit, say doctors and advocates
Alaska joined a lawsuit that could further limit rural residents’ access to abortion services, even though they’re legal here.
Gov. Dunleavy adds $9M to budget to address food stamp, Medicaid backlog
The money will be spent on hiring contract workers to help state employees get through the backlog so they are prepared for upcoming Medicaid recertifications.
Alaska joins lawsuit that would take the abortion pill off the market
Alaska joined a coalition of states and anti-abortion groups in a lawsuit that aims to revoke the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the abortion pill.
At Juneau rally, state workers call for more resources to fix food stamp backlog
The state has blamed the backlog on aging technology and a cyber attack in May of 2021, but employees say chronic understaffing is the cause. The union has also filed a grievance over the division hiring contract workers to help.
Thousands of Alaskans are still waiting for food stamps as state scrambles for solutions
Even Alaskans who have now gotten their benefits say that the months they went without left them with debt and fears for the future.
SEARHC acquires Juneau Youth Services and Juneau Obstetrics and Gynecology
The addition of Juneau Obstetrics and Gynecology will expand SEARHC’s women’s health care significantly in Juneau. Previously its only board-certified OB/GYN was in Sitka.
Grant offers some Alaskans unconventional but stable housing for a year
Usually federal housing money can’t be used to rent non-traditional housing like boats, hotel rooms or rooms in a home. This program side-steps these requirements.
Juneau’s hospital is losing more than $1M a month
There haven’t been any layoffs yet, but they haven’t been ruled out either.