Alaska’s new election system, featuring open primaries and ranked-choice voting, debuted in 2022, helping elect the first Alaska Native to Congress. However, this system faces legal challenges from opponents aiming to repeal it. We'll explore how this change is inspiring other states like Oregon, Nevada, and Idaho, where voters are considering similar reforms to combat political polarization and enhance voter choice.
Alaska lawmakers are set to nearly double funding for early childhood programs to tackle the state's child care crisis. This increase, essential for supporting low-income families, needs the governor's approval. We talk with Mark Lackey from a Wasilla Head Start program about the potential impact of this funding on staffing and services, especially in rural areas.
Residents in the Crow Hill Drive area will experience a water service interruption today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. due to maintenance work. This segment provides crucial information for affected residents on how to prepare for the outage and who to contact for more details.
A new study shows a decrease in certain contaminants in the Arctic over the past 30 years, thanks to effective regulations. However, unregulated 'forever chemicals' are on the rise, posing new health risks. We discuss the study’s findings and legislative efforts in Alaska to phase out these harmful substances.
Thunder Mountain High School held its last graduation ceremony before merging with Juneau Douglas High School. We celebrate the achievements of the class of 2024 and highlight an interview with standout graduate Elizabeth who’s heading to Harvard.
The City and Borough of Juneau is auctioning off a foreclosed property at 520 Sixth Street. We provide details on the bidding process, what prospective buyers need to know, and where to find more information.
Louisiana State University is developing a promising new drug for chronic pain sufferers. Although it's still in early stages, this segment offers a glimpse into its potential future impact.
Tune in for these stories and more on this week's episode of our news podcast.
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In the heart of Juneau and across Southeast Alaska, Local First News stands as the leading source of news and information. Dedicated to bringing you the most current and impactful stories, we delve deep into the events that shape our communities. From breaking news in Juneau to transformative developments across Southeast Alaska, our commitment is to keep you informed with precise and timely details.
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