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The iconic Alaskan Salmon Thirty Salmon takes its last flight
Early Monday morning, passengers in Seattle sat awaiting their flight to Ketchikan where their plane, a Boeing 737 with an enormous salmon painted on the side, would make its final run as Alaska’s most well-known flight. The iconic Salmon Thirty Salmon was ready to board passengers for the final flight of its 18-year tenure serving […]
Bill proposing carbon offsets meets lukewarm reaction in key committee
A bill that is part of Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposal to raise state revenue by storing carbon was met with skepticism by the House Finance Committee on Monday. The bill would authorize the Department of Natural Resources to lease state land for carbon management and establish a program to offset the effect of carbon […]
EVs face many barriers in Alaska, but experts say the time to act is now
As the electric vehicle market is booming nationally, Alaska is struggling to keep up. The lack of infrastructure to charge vehicle batteries is one of the biggest barriers to creating a long-lasting and effective system for EVs to run in the state, according to those working to expand their use. However, with the remoteness of […]
National report finds that children in Alaska are struggling
New data shows that Alaska’s children are struggling in key areas such as education and health, according to an analysis of data recently presented to state lawmakers. Alaska ranked 41st among the states for overall child well-being, in data gathered by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in partnership with state nonprofits, including the Alaska Children’s […]
Juneau artist Crystal Worl takes Tlingit culture to the national level — through a postage stamp
There’s a new addition to the United States Postal Service, and it’s a stamp by Alaska Native artist Crystal Worl. It is one of a set of four stamps in a collection titled “The Art of the Skateboard”, which will be officially launched on March 24. The stamps are part of an effort to celebrate […]
New legislation could clear up confusion surrounding e-bikes in Alaska
Alaska legislators are considering a bill that would set basic rules for how electric bikes may be used in the state. Despite e-bikes becoming more popular in Alaska, legislators have struggled to define what constitutes an electric bike. House Bill 8 seeks to change that by adding a clear legal definition of what an e-bike […]
Alaska state school board supports barring transgender female students from participating in girls’ sports
On Thursday, the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development approved a resolution that supports barring transgender female students from participating in girls’ sports. The resolution supported regulations that would prohibit students whose sex at birth wasn’t female from participating in girls’ sports. It also stated that regulation should offer a sports division for […]
Alaska public health officials, child welfare advocates support bill to extend care for new mothers
On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee heard testimony from public health officials expressing their support for Senate Bill 58, a bill that would increase postpartum Medicaid coverage for new mothers. SB 58 was introduced by Gov. Mike Dunleavy and comes at a time when maternal death rates are rising across the nation and the state. […]
Anchorage residents call on legislators to increase funding for schools
On Sunday, Anchorage residents called upon legislators to increase the funding for public education. State legislators, parents, educators and students gathered in Rasmuson Hall at the University of Alaska Anchorage for the annual legislative town hall hosted by the Anchorage caucus. While other pressing state issues such as climate change, better benefits for caregivers and […]
Newly diagnosed HIV cases rise in Alaska; health care providers call for precautions, not alarm
A recent public health advisory warned of an increase in newly diagnosed HIV cases in Fairbanks and the Interior. The announcement comes at a time when Alaska is experiencing higher rates of sexually transmitted infections. However, health care providers say that the public shouldn’t be too concerned about the increase, but still take necessary precautions […]
Experts want focus to remain on Alaska children after legislator’s controversial comments
Protesters gather in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, Feb. 23, 2023, in support of children facing abuse and to demand the removal of Rep. David Eastman, R-Wasilla, from the Legislature. Experts in adverse childhood trauma are encouraging the public to focus on the impacts that adverse childhood trauma has on individuals rather than Eastman's comments. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)
Food banks in Alaska are struggling amid nutrition assistance crisis
Food banks in Alaska are struggling to provide food to people who aren’t receiving food assistance due to a months-long backlog in applications for food stamps. An anti-hunger coalition asked legislators on Tuesday to take action against the problems they face as a result of the crisis. Speakers from across the state who work together […]