Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Wesley Early covers Anchorage life and city politics for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at wearly@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @wesley_early. Read more about Wesley here.
Dunleavy administration being sued for withholding $20M in education funding
The Dunleavy administration is being sued by education nonprofit Coalition for Education Equity over his refusal to release $20 million in funds that were delegated to public schools last year by the Legislature.
MTA announces fiber optic network from Alaska to Lower 48
Alaska-based communications company MTA announced today it is constructing a terrestrial fiber optic network that would connect from Alaska to the Lower 48.
49 Voices: Levi Samuel of Anchorage
This week we're hearing from Levi Samuel in Anchorage. Samuel is a lifelong Anchorage resident who attends East Anchorage High School. He was part of this year's Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute.
Anchorage School District to allow for tribal, cultural attire at graduation
During graduation in the Anchorage School District, some of the students' attire will be a little more meaningful this year. The school district recently made a change allowing students to express their cultures as they celebrate their achievement.
49 Voices: Leena Tarar of Anchorage
This week we're hearing from Leena Tarar in Anchorage. Tarar is an exchange student at Bartlett High School, originally from Pakistan. She was part of this year's Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute.
State-sponsored raffle for public schools generates almost $1M in first year
Last year, the state established the program, allowing Alaskans to donate a portion of their Permanent Fund Dividends to the raffle. The raffle generated $976,400, and 75 percent of that -- $732,300 -- will go to schools.
UA Board of Regents begins process to eliminate UAA Education department
The University of Alaska Board of Regents took the first step today in phasing out the Education Department on the Anchorage campus. The regents voted to eliminate seven initial licensure programs.
UA President Johnsen recommends closing UAA College of Education, amid accreditation debacle
University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen recommends discontinuing the seven initial licensure programs for the University of Alaska Anchorage's education department, effective September of this year.
49 Voices: Eli Pelletier of Anchorage
This week we're hearing from Eli Pelletier in Anchorage. Pelletier was born in Canada and just moved to Alaska from Denmark a few months ago. He attends South Anchorage High and was part of this year's Points of Light Leadership Institute program.
Dunleavy gives budget pitch as hundreds rally outside in Anchorage
As the governor made his case for drastic changes to the state's budget, a crowd outside railed against cuts to services like education, healthcare, and the ferry system.
Lower Yukon School District partners with Anchorage to bring rural students to CTE classes
The Lower Yukon School District doesn't have many courses to help students prepare for hands-on technical careers. A new partnership with the Anchorage School District hopes to change that.
Three decades after Exxon Valdez oil disaster, Prince William watchdog group remains on alert
On March 24th, 1989, 11 million gallons of crude oil spilled into Prince William Sound when the Exxon Valdez tanker ran aground. Three decades later, the Prince William Sound Regional Citizen's Advisory Council has an important role in making sure a disaster of that magnitude doesn't happen again.
Anchorage School Board votes to repair two quake-damaged Eagle River schools
The Anchorage School Board voted unanimously Monday night to repair two schools damaged by last November's earthquake.
Lead facilitator of Anchorage youth leadership program to retire after 22 years
For 22 years, the Points of Light Youth Leadership Institute, or PYLI, has worked to add in an important skill set for children: leadership.
49 Voices: Geneva Luteria of Anchorage
This we we're hearing from Geneva Luteria in Anchorage. Luteria is a student at Dimond High School whose parents moved to Alaska from the Phillipines. She was part of this year's Points of Light Leadership Institute program.
Over 100 people rally in Anchorage as part of Global Climate Strike
More than 100 people rallied in Anchorage today in solidarity with an international effort for a Global Climate Strike to raise awareness of climate change.
Ahead of 2022 Olympics, APU skiers get an early preview of Beijing courses
China will be hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics for the first time. Skiers from 21 different countries got the opportunity to test the trails at a race hosted by Swix China at the start of March. Alaska Pacific University skier Forrest Mahlen was one of 13 representing the U.S. in the race.
Von Imhof to Anchorage School Board: Dunleavy ‘budget bomb’ unlikely, but expect cuts
Anchorage Republican Senator Natasha von Imhof told the Anchorage School Board Monday night that districts should expect less funding next year, but not at the level proposed by Governor Mike Dunleavy.
Anchorage School District says Dunleavy budget could cut programs to the bare minimum
In the Anchorage School District, the largest in the state, officials say they're used to going through budget negotiations with lawmakers. But they say this year's proposed cuts are on a different scale.
Senate bill would require UA regents to keep Legislature up to date on program accreditation
Senate Bill 53 would require the University of Alaska Board of Regents to prepare a report for the legislature outlining the accreditation status for university programs.