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Current Topics
National report finds that children in Alaska are struggling. Alaska Beacon
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 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 Trust.
What are auroras and why do they come in different shapes and colors? Alaska Beacon
Auroras are caused by charged particles from Earth’s magnetosphere and the solar wind colliding with other particles in Earth’s upper atmosphere. Those collisions excite the atmospheric particles, which then release light as they “relax” back to their unexcited state.
Texting and Driving. Healthday
Texting and driving can be deadly. Holding your phone in your hand to talk and surfing the internet while behind the wheel is dangerous, too.
Hands-free devices. Pluribus
Traffic safety advocates are urging more states to pass laws that require drivers to put down their devices and focus on the road, as fatal distracted driving crashes increase.
Finland joins NATO in major blow to Russia over Ukraine war. ADN
Finland joined the NATO military alliance Tuesday, dealing a major blow to Russian President Vladimir Putin with a historic realignment of Europe's post-Cold War security landscape triggered by Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
Fisheries
Alaska officials prepare for possible commercial fishing expansion into Arctic waters. Alaska Beacon
Bans on commercial fishing in U.S. and international Arctic waters have been lauded as admirable preemptive actions that protect vulnerable resources before they are damaged by exploitation.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game releases Kuskokwim Bay salmon fishery announcement. KYUK
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) released an announcement on March 29, 2023. The advisory announcement notes that ADF&G does not expect to open any commercial gillnet fishing in Districts 4 and 5 of Kuskokwim Bay.
Politics
Alaska's child care crisis is too costly to ignore. Alaska Beacon
Member's of Alaska House Finance Committee struggled with a vote to pass a budget amendment that would go far to improve the historically low wages child care providers earn in Alaska. Members of the full body will likely have one more opportunity to make things right next week when floor votes are held on amendments to the state's operating budget.
Alaskans overwhelmingly oppose governor's 'parental rights' bill in first hearing. ADN
More than 100 Alaskans spoke out against a "parental rights" bill proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, in a wave of opposition to the legislation many said would harm already vulnerable transgender youths.
Economy News
School staff eye retirement reform. Peninsula Clarion
Nearly three in four staff members employed by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District would be given the opportunity to transition to a defined benefit retirement plan under a bill currently being considered by the Alaska Legislature.
Governor signs bill fast-tracking relief for SNAP benefits. Alaska's News Source
Governor Mike Dunleavy signed a fast-track bill on Friday that could accelerate the processing of thousands of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cases.
A massive state-funded food shipment is expected to bring only temporary relief amid Alaska's ongoing food stamp crisis. ADN
Nearly $1.7 million worth of state-funded bulk food is headed to communities around Alaska- 45 tons of canned goods intended to make up for a backlog in federal food stamps that's left thousands still waiting on benefits.
Dimon's sunny forecast. Axios
Market volatility notwithstanding, writes Dimon, consumers are spending 23% more than they were pre-COVID, and are sitting on $1.2 trillion of "excess cash" in their checking accounts.
Healthcare News
Alaska House advances bill to tackle fentanyl crisis with longer drug sentences. ADN
An Alaska House committee advanced legislation last week to address the state's fentanyl crisis with longer sentences for opioid convictions.
Energy News
Nuclear Energy developments. NCSL
Arctic Alternatives: Multiple roads to Alaska's energy future. AK BizMag
What would a more diverse, multi-faceted energy industry in Alaska look like?
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