News

All news stories, regardless of topic (local, statewide + national news stories, as well as Talk of Alaska, Alaska News Nightly, Alaska Insight, Alaska Economic Report). Some news stories may also have other categories marked, which will also put them on a subpage. Not all news stories will fall into a subpage.

Unalaska weighs energy options as geothermal project requests new terms

Unalaska is closer than ever to building a geothermal power plant on Makushin Volcano, but the project is facing investment challenges and the city is weighing its options.
A person in a black sweater stands in front of a sign.

American Library Association president hears about struggles and successes from Alaska librarians

While the state faces unique logistical challenges, Emily Drabinski says that many problems facing Alaska librarians are happening across the country.

Man found guilty of murder in Alaska Native woman’s killing that was captured on stolen memory card

The Anchorage jury returned a unanimous verdict against Brian Steven Smith after deliberating for less than two hours.

USDA boosts energy grants to help rural businesses, farmers, others

The federal Department of Agriculture is offering grants to help people who live and work in Alaska’s rural areas reduce their energy costs.

Juneau School Board votes to consolidate schools

The plan will put seventh and eighth grades at Thunder Mountain High School and ninth through 12th grades at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. 

Federal education officials say Alaska owes millions to Juneau, Kenai and North Slope school districts

Rules attached to the funding prevented states from disproportionately reducing their funding to high-need districts.
Happy lawmakers

Alaska House passes bipartisan education compromise bill with funding boost

The $246 million bill would permanently increase state education funding, boost internet speeds in some rural schools, and provide new support to charter schools.
a woman talks into a microphone at a podium on stage

Rep. Peltola’s staff turnover is the 2nd highest in the U.S. House

Her chief of staff calls it a reflection of her special election and transition, but political adversaries say it could indicate trouble.

Heavy winds and wet snow lead to icy streets and power outages in Anchorage

The city saw gusts as high as 82 mph in the Potter Marsh area, leading to power outages for thousands of residents.
a credit card-style Alaska Quest Card on fresh produce

Alaska lawmaker says systemic changes to food stamps program will reduce backlog, save money

Alaska Beacon reporter Claire Stremple discusses proposed processing and eligibility changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Cuvier’s beaked whale found dead on Kodiak Island

Beaked whales are a rare sight and spend most of their lives deep in the ocean. But one was found dead on a beach near Kodiak last week.

Dunleavy moves to control appointments to Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board

Right now, the Legislature appoints four of the board’s nine members. The executive order would allow the governor to appoint all nine.

‘We will sink your navy’: Sen. Sullivan advocates more aggressive stance to deter Iran

Sen. Dan Sullivan later said the U.S. should threaten to sink only Iran's spy ships — not the whole navy.
Alaska Native Cultural Charter School Principal Sheila Sweetsir asks a student a question during the morning assembly on Feb. 20, 2024.

6 things to know about Alaska charter schools and why they’re No. 1 in the nation

Principals from Alaska’s top-ranked charter school point to a variety of reasons for their success.
A woman with a black jacket on speaks into a megaphone, held by a person in a yellow shirt.

Dunleavy introduces bill to crack down on protests blocking public spaces

The bill would create the new crime of “obstruction of free passage in public places" and stiffen penalties for blocking highways.
People dressed in red watch a school board meeting.

Anchorage School District restores elementary art classes in budget proposal

The school board will vote on the final budget proposal next week.
A woman smiles at the camera

Dr. Anne Zink to leave position as Alaska chief medical officer

In an interview, Alaska’s ‘top doc’ reflects on nearly five years of work, and the ebb and flow of public attention from the pandemic.

Climate change is making it harder to survey pollock in the Gulf of Alaska

Between 2017 and 2019, pollock surveys in the Gulf of Alaska produced wildly different estimates.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School board hears about impending school closures

Members heard about the closures of Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High School and Ticasuk Brown Elementary School, as well as the possibility of closing two more elementary schools.
two kids color at a table

Advocates finalizing plan to use Anchorage marijuana tax revenue on child care

Some of the funding could be distributed as early as this fall, with much of it getting sent out by January of next year.