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.
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.
As proposed Dunleavy cuts loom, Anchorage School Board passes larger budget
Late Tuesday night, the Anchorage School Board voted to approve a revised budget for the district’s next fiscal year. But even with proposed state budget cuts, board members added several amendments that increased their request.
Anchorage elementary student brings loaded handgun to school, police say
The weapon was found at Rogers Park Elementary School at around 9 a.m. just about when school would be starting.
‘Devastating’ and ‘significant’: Educators react to Dunleavy’s budget proposal
Education leaders are deeply worried about how the cuts will affect schools.
‘Do something about it.’ UA Board of Regents hears angry testimony from education students stung by accreditation loss
"We're getting screwed. So now what?" one student said. "I think our message is pretty clear: Do something about it."
Anchorage and Mat-Su school districts report millions in post-quake repair costs, with millions more to come
The two school districts affected by last November's magnitude 7.0 earthquake are reporting they've spent millions of dollars on repairs to schools.
With cultural advisers and Indigenous writers, Molly of Denali creators work to make the show authentic
This summer, PBS and WGBH are launching the brand new program, Molly of Denali, which they're calling the first nationally distributed kids show to feature an Alaska Native main character. The show's producers are working to make sure that the show is as authentic to the Alaska Native experience as possible.
Alaska’s Danielle Riha is one of 4 finalists for National Teacher of the Year
Danielle Riha, 2019 Alaska Teacher of the Year, is one of four finalists for the National Teacher of the Year competition.
Two Eagle River schools to remain closed next school year due to Nov. 30 quake damage
Two schools in Eagle River will be closed next school year due to damage sustained during November's magnitude 7.0 earthquake.
Students remain frustrated while UAA works to resolve education accreditation debacle
This week, UAA officials are meeting with the state Department of Education to determine the next steps for UAA's education department, leaving roughly 250 students affected by the loss of accreditation waiting for the university to address their concerns.
The 2019 Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race
The 40th annual Kuskokwim 300 Sled Dog Race kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on January 18th. Keep track of updates along the trail.
State says it will temporarily recognize teaching license recommendations from UAA, amid accreditation loss
The state says it will recognize the UAA students who meet licensure requirements during 2019 Spring and Summer semesters.
Loss of accreditation leaves UAA students unsure about getting teaching licenses
Two-hundred-fifty students in teaching programs at the University of Alaska Anchorage are wondering if they'll qualify for teaching licenses when they graduate. That's because UAA's education program lost it's national accreditation late last week.
Anchorage School Board member Dave Donley appointed to Dunleavy administration, remains on board
A spokesman for the governor says that since January 2nd, Donley has been deputy commissioner of the Department of Administration. According to the school board, it isn't unprecedented for someone to serve on a school board in Alaska and also work for the Governor.
Over 5,000 people have signed a petition, asking for longer lunch and recess in Anchorage elementary schools
An online petition asking the Anchorage School District to require no less than 30 minutes a day for lunch and equal time for recess.
Magnitude 4.9 aftershock rattles Southcentral
A magnitude 4.9 aftershock struck near Anchorage at 5:21 a.m Thursday.
49 Voices: Tribute to Dave Waldron
This week on 49 Voices, we managed to surprise our long-serving audio engineer Dave Waldron on his last day with testimonials from around the station about how beloved he is, and how much we'll miss him when he's gone.
Anchorage School District teacher contracts include updates for ‘academic freedom.’ What does that mean?
Anchorage School District teachers have a new contract after months of negotiation. While there's been a lot of focus on the salary increases, many teachers are just as interested in a change that allows for more flexibility in developing lessons.
After months of negotiation, Anchorage teachers officially have contracts
After months of discussion and negotiation, Anchorage teachers officially have three-year contracts.