Claire Stremple - Alaska Beacon
Alaska judge strikes down state’s cash payments to families using correspondence school programs
The decision on correspondence programs will become a "hot-button legislative item" in the final weeks of session, lawmakers said.
Alaska school year could start in September under new proposal
The later start date would allow students to spend more time on subsistence activities and working in construction or tourism jobs.
In fundraising pitch, Iditarod planners say financial woes could jeopardize epic sled dog race
The message comes at a time when major Iditarod sponsors have dropped out, and inflation has increased the cost of participation.
Bills targeting trans people are on the rise nationwide and in Alaska — most focus on children
A state House committee has advanced legislation that would restrict the rights of Alaska trans kids.
Missteps from Alaska’s education department could cost the state millions in grants, feds say
A federal “high risk” designation could cost the state grant funding because it did not comply with requirements for pandemic relief funds.
Senator seeks makeover for Alaska parole board
Civil rights advocates say the new board, with more members, representation and clarity, could also send more rehabilitated Alaskans home.
No compromise between Alaska legislators and Gov. Dunleavy on day before education veto deadline
Legislators could convene for a joint session to consider an override as soon as next Monday if Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoes the education bill on Thursday.
Proposal to define a fetus as a person in Alaska’s criminal code faces pushback
Opponents testified that the bill would threaten Alaskans’ abortion rights.
Alaska prison failed to provide adequate dental care to inmates, state investigator finds
Goose Creek Correctional Center has gone years without a hygienist, forcing patients to wait for treatment.
As Alaska pays millions to fix food stamp backlog, lawmakers suggest systemic fixes
“Not doing this will cost us millions, and will leave people without food,” said Sen. Cathy Giessel.
Alaska’s courts are mired in cases, with gradual progress on pandemic backlog
The backlog has persisted, in part because of attorney shortages.
Alaska must face food stamp litigation after a year of stays, court says
U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason's court order said further delays would be “inefficient” after the state had a year to resolve its backlog.
Alaska’s federal food stamp funding at risk, USDA letter warns
The state may lose funding if it continues to break federal rules, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
High job vacancies in Alaska state agencies can reduce services and lead to burnout
An average of about 14% of Alaska state jobs are unfilled.
Alaska’s schools have among the highest rates of chronic absenteeism
Most schools in the state experience “extreme” levels of absenteeism, which can harm student outcomes.
Alaska’s Division of Public Assistance makes progress on food stamp backlog
Earlier this month, food aid was delayed by more than a month for more than 12,000 Alaskans. That number is down to 10,074.
Plan for Alaska’s first tribally operated public schools inches closer to completion
Alaska's Board of Education has approved a Department of Education and Early Development report on the State Tribal Education Compact.
Alaska Native leaders bring light to state-specific challenges in federal MMIP report
“The federal government must act now; not tomorrow; not next week; not next month; and not next year,” the commission said.
Funding gap looms for Alaska’s domestic violence programs, but need for services is as high as ever
Domestic violence advocates are scrambling to adequately fund the groups that keep one of the state’s most vulnerable populations safe.
Alaska Police Standards Council turns down plan to lower hiring age of corrections officers — for now
The Department of Corrections floated the proposal as a tool to combat its staff shortage, decreased applicant pool and high vacancy rate.