People & Culture
RSSAlaska News coverage of people and culture topics including community events, arts funding, local businesses, and cultural institutions.
Alaska Senate panel considers banning synthetic food dyes from school meals
The Alaska Senate Health and Social Services Committee heard testimony on legislation that would prohibit six synthetic food dyes linked to health problems from public school breakfast and lunch programs.
by Alaska News5mo ago2 min readHouse panel considers expanding early intervention for Alaska children
The House Health and Social Services Committee heard testimony on legislation that would lower developmental delay thresholds for infant learning programs from 50% to 25%, potentially saving the state millions in future special education costs.
by Alaska News5mo ago2 min readAlaska Scholarship Funding Projections Show Potential Shortfalls Through 2029
State education officials warned lawmakers that increased scholarship usage under expanded eligibility rules could lead to funding gaps in multiple years through 2029.
by Alaska News5mo ago2 min readHouse Education Committee Advances Bill to Boost Residential School Funding
The committee heard testimony on HB 380, which would increase funding for Alaska's nine residential school programs for the first time since 2015.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago2 min readAlaska Special Education Crisis: 200 Teaching Positions Unfilled Statewide
Education officials testified about a severe special education staffing crisis with 200 unfilled positions and a 14% increase in students with disabilities despite steady enrollment.
by Alaska Newsadded 5mo ago1 min readPanel Calls for Standardized Child Abuse Reporting Training Across Alaska
The Citizens Review Panel presented recommendations to standardize mandatory reporting training and improve early intervention services for at-risk families.
by Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago1 min readAlaska Senate Panel Weighs Naturopathic Doctors' Prescription Authority
The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 193, which would allow licensed naturopathic doctors to prescribe certain medications under physician supervision.
by Alaska Newsadded 6mo ago2 min read
