An update on the coronavirus in Alaska | Alaska Insight

The coronavirus pandemic has triggered national and state emergency declarations. Hospitals and local governments across the state are working to prevent the spread of the virus.

Gov. Dunleavy has new PFD ideas and questions the feasibility of an income tax | Alaska Insight

Gov. Mike Dunleavy released his budget plan in December. It included paying out a full Permanent Fund dividend, but also left a $1.5 billion deficit on the table for legislators to grapple with.

How educators and officials are dealing with the rise in teen vaping | Alaska Insight

While the youth tobacco rate has declined, one in four teenagers is now ingesting nicotine through a new, stylish product. E-cigarettes, or vapes, are a growing problem in secondary schools across the United States. But what's inside the liquid being vaporized? And how will it affect this generation's health?
A person holding a silver vape pen

How vape shop owners are responding to the rise of e-cigarette use among teens | Alaska Insight

While the youth tobacco rate has declined, one in four teenagers are now ingesting nicotine through a new, stylish product. E-cigarettes, or vapes, are...

Novel Coronavirus 101: What you need to know

First detected in December in Wuhan, China, the novel coronavirus has infected thousands of people in China and has spread to other...

Preparing for and preventing the spread of the novel Coronavirus | Alaska Insight

The novel coronavirus is a global public health emergency according to the World Health Organization and many countries, including the U.S., have restricted travel from China or closed their borders. But questions still remain about how lethal the virus is. How likely are you to contract the virus?

Fighting teacher turnover in Alaska’s schools | Alaska Insight

Teacher recruitment and retention has long been a challenge for Alaska. A recent study shows that teachers trained outside of the state are the most likely to leave positions here.

The Challenge of Teacher Retention in Alaska | Alaska Insight

Across the country, states, including Alaska have difficulty keeping good teachers, principals and superintendents in their positions. Especially in remote parts of the state....

A new academy trains nurses in forensic evidence collection| Alaska Insight

When cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence go to court, thorough documentation of a victim’s personal account and physical injuries can mean the...

A new generation of women in the trades are being trained in Anchorage | Alaska Insight

When you picture a carpenter, a man likely comes to mind. But women are increasingly attracted to the field’s high wages and the opportunity...

Why forensic nursing is critical for fighting interpersonal violence | Alaska Insight

Proper evidence collection and documentation after domestic violence or sexual assault is an important step to help women who have been traumatized. A unique forensic training academy at UAA is teaching nurses how to conduct these exams and is helping grow the network of forensic nurses across the state.

Training the next generation of women in the trades | Alaska Insight

Skilled trades -- jobs like welding, plumbing, heavy equipment operation and construction -- are attractive jobs for people looking for non-traditional career fields with competitive pay. While the trades continue to be male-dominated fields, more and more women are entering the workforce as training becomes more readily available.

How State Senate leadership is preparing for the next legislative session | Alaska Insight

Governor Mike Dunleavy released his budget proposal for the next fiscal year in December, but the legislature will have their work cut out for them when they return to Juneau on January 21 to begin the next session. How will lawmakers on both sides of the aisle come together to balance the state budget?

Breaking Down the Governor’s 2021 Budget | Alaska Insight

Governor Mike Dunleavy released his budget proposal in mid-December, and it looks starkly different from the fiscal plan he put forward...

When drought came to the rainforest, Metlakatla adapted | Alaska Insight

Alaska’s vast geography features dramatic precipitation variation from the relatively dry arctic to the rainforests of the southeast, but a changing climate is causing problems in some unexpected ways.

Metlakatla adapts to drought with grassroots conservation efforts

When you think of extremely dry conditions, California wildfires probably come to mind. But in 2018, some parts of...

Opportunities for Agriculture in Rural Alaska | Alaska Insight

Climate change is changing what Alaskans can expect during the growing season, presenting both new challenges and opportunities for fresh food in rural Alaska. Will residents, even in the arctic, be able to grow enough food for their winter use and sell extra produce to others?

Community Gardening in Anaktuvuk Pass

When most people think of the Arctic, agriculture isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But north of...

What piped water means for residents in rural Alaska | Alaska Insight

Water and sewer infrastructure, something most Americans take for granted as a basic utility service, is lacking in many communities in rural Alaska. Why, more than 60 years after statehood, are there still villages without piped systems?

Bringing Water to Lower Kalskag

Imagine living in a town where only some of the residents have running water. Everyone else has to fetch...