‘Schools have been waiting’: Alaska House passes public school funding boost
The bill’s sponsor called it a “wonderful compromise.” It boosts the largest part of the state’s public school funding formula by $1,000.
‘Losing from uncertainty’: Experts say chaotic federal funding freezes are disrupting rural Alaska projects
Alaska-based organizations say some project funds are getting frozen and unfrozen irregularly, stalling efforts to lower energy costs and protect homes in villages.
Alaska volcano’s eruption ‘likely,’ could send ash to state’s population centers within weeks
Researchers predict the most likely outcome of the unrest at Mt. Spurr is “one or more explosive events” that could last as long as a few hours and produce ash clouds carried for hundreds of miles.
Former Dunleavy aide files libel lawsuit against news organizations, reporters
Jeremy Cubas, representing himself in the suit, resigned from the governor’s office in 2023.
Alaska fisher gets six months in federal prison for attempting to kill endangered whale
A federal judge in Juneau has sentenced a Southeast Alaska fisher to six months in federal prison after pleading guilty last year to directing his crew to kill a sperm whale.
Once again, Alaska will study building a road to Juneau
The state has repeatedly studied and pitched such proposals before, including in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.
No injuries following fire at Juneau’s Dzantik’i Heeni school that left students stuck outside
Students at the Dzantik’i Heeni campus evacuated to the Dimond Park Field House after a fire made it unsafe to reenter the building.
This Iditarod musher is racing with mostly rescue dogs from Alaska shelters
Justin Olnes’ team isn’t leading the pack this year, but the musher says he’s on a mission to showcase all the talent and potential that was previously hidden away in Alaska’s shelters.
How major cuts to Medicaid could be ‘catastrophic,’ even for Alaskans with private insurance
Experts say Medicaid cuts would drive more Alaskans to emergency care, increase healthcare costs for all, and could harm the state economy.
Firings prompt concerns that science supporting Alaska seafood industry could be undermined
NOAA Fisheries biologists working on key surveys were cut, and more firings are expected, while restrictions on new rules create challenges for timely opening of March harvests.
Skagway mayor causes ‘consternation’ with refusal to sign Assembly correspondence
Mayor Sam Bass announced he had not – and would not – sign correspondence that was approved at the previous Assembly meeting, including letters concerning recent federal firings and tariffs with Canada.
University of Alaska Southeast begins reviewing uses of DEI online
UAS Chancellor Aparna Palmer says the campus will continue to be a welcoming place to all despite updating webpages that mention “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion” and other related terms.
Juneau turns out to support queer and trans people in the wake of Trump policies
Over 200 people gathered at the Alaska State Capitol steps on Sunday to show their support for Juneau’s LGBTQ+ community.
Alaska woman submits Guinness bid for world’s largest mouth
Marie Pearl Zellmer Robinson of Ketchikan can easily fit a 12-oz. aluminum can between her teeth.
Anchorage senator proposes ‘homeless bill of rights’ for Alaskans
The bill from Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, would prevent discrimination against the homeless on the grounds of their homelessness.
Lingít Word of the Week: Kaklahéen — Slush or Sleet
This week’s word is kaklahéen, which means slush or sleet.
Family, ACLU sue Alaska Department of Corrections for man’s death due to untreated ear infection
The lawsuit alleges DOC staff showed “deliberate indifference” to Lewis Jordan Jr., 53, as he suffered an untreated acute ear infection that developed into fatal meningitis.
Permanent Fund leaders again call to restructure fund as spendable cash dwindles
The issue is not with the $80-plus billion fund itself, managers say. Lawmakers could eliminate the problem by combining the fund’s two accounts and capping the annual draw.
Juneau School District proposed budget continues to rely on $400 BSA increase, despite board concern
The Juneau School District Board of Education budget for next year is projected to have $1.36 million in unallocated funds, but it relies on a $400 increase in state per-student spending.
Protesters in Juneau ‘Stand Up for Science’ amid federal firings and research funding cuts
A small crowd of about 20 protesters clad in raincoats raised their voices in front of the marble pillars of Juneau’s Capitol Building on Friday.