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Lawmakers eye lower health care cost as way of lowering budget
Andrew Kitchenman, KTOO – Juneau
The amount Alaska’s state government spends on health care is one of the biggest drivers of state spending. That’s why the legislature is looking at ways to reduce health care costs.
Dillingham and schools around Alaska roll out new PEAKS test
Avery Lill, KDLG – Dillingham
The Dillingham City School District started its annual statewide assessment in English language arts, math and science today. The testing window for schools around the state opened Monday and runs through April 28. This year schools are using PEAKS (Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools).
Super Tour skiathlon kicks off Fairbanks Spring Series
Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks
Alaska skiers turned in strong performances Monday night as the Super Tour finals got underway in Fairbanks. The first of this week’s spring series races at the Birch Hill Recreation Area were skiathlon events, which include both classic and skate technique legs.
Popular program puts STEM in kids’ hands
Casey Grove, Alaska Public Media – Anchorage
Dozens of middle school students are in Anchorage from the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District for hands-on learning at the Alaska Native Science and Engineering program (ANSEP).
Should Sitka’s two hospitals become one?
Emily Kwong, KCAW – Sitka
The fate of Sitka’s city-owned hospital hangs in the balance. An outside consultant says it’s time to merge with SEARHC – the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium – while hospital leadership wants to remain independent.
Labor and business at odds over Walker’s worker’s compensation reform
Caroline Halter, KTOO – Juneau
Governor Bill Walker is sponsoring legislation he said would make it easier to determine if someone is an employee or an independent contractor.
Kake resident remembers ’64 earthquake as state recognizes disaster saftety
Emily Russell, KCAW – Sitka
It’s Tsunami Preparedness Week in Alaska this week. Wednesday morning (March 29) a tsunami warning test message will broadcast over radios and TVs in at-risk communities across the state. The drill takes place once a year, and one village in Southeast has not forgotten the importance of being ready when disaster strikes.
