Many Alaskans have faced long waits for food over the last year as the state Division of Public Assistance worked through a lengthy application backlog for SNAP, the supplemental nutrition assistance program, formerly called food stamps. The current backlog is about 7,000 applications, according to Deb Etheridge, the division’s director. During a discussion Oct. 31…
Health
Domestic Violence in Alaska: A crisis at home
Survivors and advocates shed light on how far the state has come and the work yet to be done.
Thanks, Neanderthals: How our ancient relatives could help find new antibiotics
No, this isn’t Jurassic Park level de-extinction. Yes, scientists are using machine learning to mine therapeutic molecules from our extinct relatives.
Teal Street Center gathers many of Juneau’s social services under one roof
Providers say it helps clients access services more efficiently and helps nonprofits save on overhead costs.
How many friends do Americans have? A survey crunched the numbers
About 8% of Americans said they had no close friends.
Later frosts could make new crops possible in Alaska, but climate change brings challenges, too
Shifting seasons and hotter temperatures could allow Alaska farmers to grow more abundant and diverse produce. But climate change can also bring drought, pests and permafrost thaw.
Alaska foster kids were a ‘gold mine’ for North Star Behavioral Health’s owners, reporter finds
The company that owns one of Alaska’s main psychiatric hospitals for children made over $13 billion last year, profiting greatly from states placing foster children in their care.
A seasonal viral stew is brewing with flu, RSV, COVID and more
National data shows COVID-19 levels are moderate. In most of the U.S., levels of other respiratory viruses are low, although RSV is ticking up in some southeastern states.
Free flu shots available at Juneau public health clinic on Saturday
Last year’s flu season started earlier than usual, and rates were especially high in Southeast Alaska.
Alaska vital statistics show declines in both deaths and births in 2022
There are signs that the worst COVID-19 effects may be easing, while fertility continues its years-long decline.