The state’s annual vital statistics report and the latest cancer report show some positive signs about lifespans, maternal health and disease reduction.
State Government
Legislators question federal directive for Alaska National Guard to prepare for ‘civil disturbance’
Alaska National Guard officials say the Pentagon’s order to prepare for “civil disturbance operations” will not interfere with disaster relief efforts.
One month after Halong, here’s what rebuilding looks like in six Y-K Delta communities
The storm destroyed or severely damaged nearly 700 homes, killed one person and left two more missing. Here’s where things stand in some communities hit by the mid-October storm.
Alaska owns dozens of crumbling schools. It wants underfunded districts to take them on
Rural school district superintendents are trying to find the best use of limited resources. Taking on the state’s unmaintained buildings, they say, will only increase their burden.
Alaska Republican Senator Shelley Hughes resigns to pursue gubernatorial campaign
Her resignation follows that of fellow Senate minority caucus member Mike Shower, who represented Wasilla and resigned at the end of last month to focus on his run for lieutenant governor.
New lawsuit seeks to block revived bear-culling program in Western Alaska
The new Mulchatna predator control program, aimed at boosting caribou numbers, has the same flaw that caused judges to overturn the earlier program, plaintiffs claim.
Anchorage state Sen. Matt Claman is second Democrat in Alaska governor’s race
Claman cites experience working across the aisle on a variety of issues. Claman and former state Sen. Tom Begich are the only Democrats in a large field.
Alaska Division of Elections begins reviewing petition to repeal election reform law
If voters approve the measure in 2026, all three components of the 2020 ballot measure would be repealed.
Alaska’s public schools serve as emergency shelters. Those buildings are also in crisis
Across hundreds of Alaska communities, public schools are often the safest buildings where people can take shelter during disasters. After decades of state neglect, however, some have become emergencies themselves.
Alaska aims to regulate its own hazardous waste
If the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency authorizes the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s new hazardous waste program, Alaska will no longer be one of two states without it’s own program.