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New mapping efforts seek to expand knowledge of Alaska’s waters
Recent efforts are pushing the boundaries of ocean mapping in Alaska’s waters with the help of automated vessels and collaborative mapping efforts. Experts say these unmanned vessels and ambitious mapping missions can help create safer and more economic expeditions while shedding light on unexplored areas of the oceans. Meredith Westington, a chief geographer at the […]
Alaska’s TBI-related mortality rate was the highest in the nation between 2016 and 2021
Afternoon traffic builds on the Parks Highway in Wasilla on May 3. Motor vehicle crashes caused some of Alaska's traumatic brain injuries between 2016-2021. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
The former Salmon Thirty Salmon gets an authentic Alaska redesign
On Thursday, Alaska Airlines unveiled a new design that replaced the Salmon Thirty Salmon art known by many Alaskans. The new art still features salmon, but this time from an Indigenous perspective. Crystal Worl, Tlingit artist and business owner from Juneau, created the new design in the style of formline art. Worl said she hopes […]
Fisheries rehabilitation bill advances with support of Alaska House committee
The House Fisheries Committee advanced a bill on Monday aimed at rehabilitating Alaska fisheries. The bill would allow Alaskans to remove fish like salmon in state waters, incubate them and then release them in those same waters. Not everyone agreed on the bill, but most in the hearing did share something in common: concern for […]
Senators seek to increase support for Alaska student transportation costs as part of school funding bill
An empty hallway at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé in Juneau, Alaska, on July 20, 2022. On Monday, the Senate Finance Committee advanced support for student transportation. (Photo by Lisa Phu/Alaska Beacon)
New Alaska partnership plans to increase education surrounding maternal mental health
A new partnership between Alaska organizations and a recently founded initiative, Moms Matter Now, wants to help pregnant people and mothers of young children at risk of mental health struggles. The partnership is offering a series of online courses for expecting and existing mothers to teach them how to be better equipped for the challenges […]
Public testimony on proposed rule shows support for trans girls in Alaska sports
During public testimony before the Alaska School Activities Association board on Monday, some Alaskans staunchly opposed a proposed rule that would prohibit transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. The testimony was in response to a proposed change in ASAA’s current bylaws, which allow transgender girls to play on a team that aligns with their […]
New initiative aims to connect more Alaskans with the internet
A new initiative by the Rasmuson Foundation and Alaska’s state government is working to expand broadband internet access across the state over the next decade to the people who need it most. The initiative, also known as the digital equity plan, began two years ago with Congress passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The […]
Alaska Native leaders call for action on the state and federal levels during Anchorage hearing
Alaska Native leaders advocated for greater action to combat the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous people in an emotional hearing on Tuesday. The Anchorage hearing, one of seven across the country, was held by a subcommittee of the Not Invisible Act Commission, which aims to address the problem of violent crime on Native lands […]
Alaska had a quieter year for earthquakes in 2022, new report says
A new report released by the Alaska Earthquake Center shows a quiet year for earthquakes in 2022. Last year alone, there were over 47,000 earthquakes in Alaska and surrounding regions. The number, while large, is actually a slight decrease in seismic activity compared to recent years, when activity has been high. “The 2022 year was […]
Research aims to better understand the threat of Augustine Volcano
Researchers are looking to the past of Alaska’s Augustine Volcano to find answers about its future. An ongoing research collaboration between the Alaska Volcano Observatory and scientists at Western Washington University seeks to broaden existing knowledge about the volcano to understand the true threat that it poses to Alaskans living in the Cook Inlet region. […]
New report highlights low vaccination rates among children in Alaska
A new report released by the Alaska Department of Health puts a spotlight on low vaccination rates for young children in the state. The report indicates that in 2022, just over half of Alaska’s children aged 19 to 24 months were up to date with the recommended vaccine series. Sarah Aho, who was an author […]