LND topic: alaska-idaho page 1

alaska idaho

Anchorage Schools Face Tough Choices, Voters Hold the Key

March 11, 2026

The Anchorage School District finished its spring break with a balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2027, but the path to that balance was paved with hard cuts. Facing a $90 million shortfall at the start of this cycle, leaders had to make decisions none wanted. They trimmed administrative costs and cut

opinion

Oil: Alaska’s Lifeline – Don’t Let It Fade Like Timber

March 6, 2026

The timber boom that once kept Alaskan towns alive has slipped into history, a slow decline driven by layers of rules and dwindling money. That story shows how easy it is for a vital industry to disappear when policy turns heavy and investment dries up. Oil, however, is the engine that keeps Alas

politics

Alaska’s Energy Future: Why a Pipeline Beats Quick LNG Export

March 6, 2026

The idea of sending gas straight from the North Slope to overseas markets without a pipeline raises serious concerns. First, it would bring huge ships close to fragile Arctic communities, disturbing traditional whaling that sustains both food and culture. Hunters rely on clear waters; large tankers

politics

Alaska Voters’ Privacy: A Big Question

March 3, 2026

The state of Alaska has long been known for its reliable elections, with both parties’ leaders keeping the process safe and honest. Yet recent events have shaken that trust. In December 2025, the lieutenant governor gave the federal Department of Justice access to private voter data—names, birth dat

opinion

Who Will Get the Money From Alaska’s New Willow Oil Field?

February 28, 2026

The upcoming oil run at Alaska’s Willow field has sparked a debate over who should receive the royalties. The federal law that covers oil on the National Petroleum Reserve‑Alaska splits the revenue 50/50 between the U. S. government and the state. But Alaska has not taken its half, because a 1976 ag

lifestyle

Dog Walks Revealed: Which Breeds Take the Fewest Steps

February 27, 2026

Recent data from smart collars shows that some dog breeds walk far less than expected. The study tracked millions of steps over 90 days across the U. S. , using GPS collars that now include smaller dogs thanks to a new model. The results reveal a wide range: the most active pups can reach over 20, 0

politics

Alaska’s Privacy Leak: A Big Mistake with Big Consequences

February 26, 2026

The state of Alaska has a rule that says the details people give when they sign up to vote are private. That means ages, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and even the places people were born should not be shared without a good reason. The law also lets voters keep their home address

crime

Lost Women of Alaska: Bringing Quiet Cases into the Light

February 25, 2026

The new season on Investigation Discovery focuses on two tragic murders in Alaska, highlighting the broader issue of missing Indigenous women. The series examines the 2018 killing of Veronica Abouchuk and the 2019 death of Kathleen Jo Henry, both victims of a suspected serial killer named Brian S

politics

Healthcare Costs and Insurance Rules: A Fresh Look

February 25, 2026

In the United States, health care spending is huge—about one‑fifth of all money made in the country. Prices for hospitals, doctors and drugs are far higher than in other rich nations. Simple changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will not fix this. Before the ACA, insurance rules were chaotic. So

opinion

Alaska Foster Parents Fight a Funding Cut

February 24, 2026

The state’s plan to end extra child‑care payments for foster families on Jan. 1, 2026 has sparked a fierce response from those who care for children in crisis. When the pandemic hit, Alaska covered every dollar of foster child‑care costs. Now it will pay only a small state rate that falls far below