Claire Stremple - Alaska Beacon

Claire Stremple - Alaska Beacon
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a basketball hoop

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.
a school

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.
a legislative hearing

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.
Mike Dunleavy

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.
Kevin McCabe

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.
Two people walk through a prison.

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.
cans of food

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.
A sparsely attended public hearing on applicants for two judge positions

Alaska’s courts are mired in cases, with gradual progress on pandemic backlog

The backlog has persisted, in part because of attorney shortages.
an EBT sign

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.
food pallets

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.
the State Office Building

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.
a classroom

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.
a sign

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.
a classroom

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.
a protest

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.
the Alaska State Capitol

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.
a logo

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.
boats

With law enforcement sparse, Alaska villages build network of safety for survivors

Advocates for domestic violence victims are seeking solutions as federal money goes to small Tribes with limited access to law enforcement.
a homeless camp

Domestic violence is feeding Alaska’s homelessness crisis

Some Alaska shelters are building long-term housing to keep women safe.
toys

Alaska does not have enough housing to keep survivors of domestic violence safe

Advocates say they have the money to house survivors, but no place to put them.