Katie Anastas, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Gov. Dunleavy, lawmakers celebrate passage of Alaska Reads Act
The act aims to improve student reading outcomes across the state by third grade. Some rural legislators are skeptical about the bill’s requirements for school districts.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, June 7, 2022
The state is reviewing whether it’s legal for families to use homeschool funds to pay for private school. Also, Anchorage plans to close its main homeless shelter by the end of the month. Today is Walter Harper Day, and a group wants to honor the first person to set foot atop North America's highest peak.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, June 6, 2022
A special election candidate loans hundreds of thousands of dollars to his campaign. Also, foster children get support in their lawsuit over the state using their social security benefits. The Anchorage Assembly wants answers from the mayor about working conditions at the library.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, June 3, 2022
Alaskans are spending more at the gas pump and could be for a while. Also, Alaskan mothers ask Senator Lisa Murkowski to support gun safety legislation. And candidates running for the new Anchorage Assembly seat share why they're running.
Alaska chapter of gun safety group delivers petition to Sen. Murkowski
The group is asking senators to expand background checks for all gun sales, pass a federal "red flag" law and confirm President Biden's nominee to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, June 2, 2022
Candidates finish filing their paperwork ahead of crowded statewide elections. After hours of public testimony, the Anchorage Assembly postpones its vote on a process to remove the mayor. A possum walks into a New York City bar, and an Alaskan carries it out.
Mat-Su school board considers banning transgender athletes from girls’ sports
Just before the end of the legislative session, state senators voted to table a bill that would have enacted similar restrictions statewide.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, June 1, 2022
School officials assess the damage after multiple school facilities burn in Kasigluk. One woman's effort to find care for her husband with memory loss. Alaska had one of its wettest winters on record, so why is it so hot out?
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Controversy and complaints about the top library administrator in Anchorage. Also, honoring an Unangax soldier killed in World War II. And two beluga whales swim up the Kuskokwim River, all the way to Bethel.
Alaska prepares to roll out new 988 suicide prevention hotline on July 16
It’s part of a national effort to establish one suicide hotline number across the country.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, May 27, 2022
The new strain of bird flu is detected in a fox in the Aleutian Islands. Also, a bill awaiting Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s signature could help seafood processors grow. And high school students in Petersburg travel by helicopter to study a nearby glacier.
In-person voting is underway in Alaska’s special primary election. Here’s what to know.
Ballots have been mailed out to registered voters, but if you’d rather vote in person, you can go to one of 170 voting sites.
Anchorage School District officials prioritize security upgrades at elementary schools
The district says increasing security at school entrances is a high priority after a high school student in Uvalde, Texas, killed 19 students and two teachers at an elementary school on Tuesday.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, May 26, 2022
The Anchorage School District prioritizes security upgrades after Tuesday's school shooting in Texas. Also, where candidates in the special election for U.S. House stand on abortion. And the Sitka resident behind the musical skills of one Spongebob Squarepants character.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, May 25, 2022
The EPA proposes vetoing development of the Pebble Mine. As COVID case numbers rise, health officials urge older Alaskans to take extra precautions. And low Yukon River salmon runs could mean a season without subsistence salmon fishing.
As COVID cases and hospitalizations increase in Alaska, health officials urge caution for older adults
The state department of health reported 1,911 cases on Wednesday. That’s a 14% increase from the previous week, and a 34% increase from this time last month.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, May 24, 2022
The state's redistricting board must use a new map for this year's elections. Also, Alaska parents and pediatricians face the nationwide shortage of baby formula. And a new program uses artificial intelligence to identify humpback whales.
Alaska parents look desperately for baby formula as nationwide shortage persists
Alaskan parents are taking to Facebook to help each other find baby formula, which is in limited supply nationwide after a recall by a major brand.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, May 23, 2022
Gov. Mike Dunleavy picks a running mate for this year's election. Also, a structure fire spreads into nearby trees amid warm and windy weather in Anchorage. And a new community fridge could help address food insecurity in Anchorage.
University of Alaska Anchorage receives federal funds to expand state health care workforce
The grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will fund the construction of new laboratories and classrooms. That expansion will allow the university to graduate an additional 100 healthcare workers annually.