Articles written by Corinne Smith


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  • University drops 'affirmative action' and 'diversity' from website, job titles

    Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon|Mar 5, 2025

    The University of Alaska Board of Regents has voted to comply with recent executive orders by President Donald Trump, including removing the words “diversity,” “equity,” “inclusion,” “DEI” and “affirmative action” from university websites, publications, job titles and office names. “We don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying that everyone at the university, faculty, staff, students, has equal opportunity, and is free from discrimination,” said Board Chair Ralph Seekins in a phone interview Feb. 26 explaining the action. The regents vot... Full story

  • Federal worker firings in Alaska could total close to 1,400

    Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon|Feb 26, 2025

    A federal workers union expects a total of at least 1,378 federal employees in Alaska with probationary status to be fired by the Trump administration. David Owens, a national representative with the American Federation of Government Employees, said the union did not have current numbers of those already fired as of Thursday, Feb. 20, but expects the Trump administration to fire all probationary employees. Out of the 1,378 employees, 331 are veterans, he said. He cited an Office of Personnel Management database in giving the following... Full story

  • Students, parents, school board members plead for more state funding

    Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon|Feb 19, 2025

    Dozens of Alaska students, parents and school board members from across the state visited the Legislature on Feb. 10, painting a picture of crowded classrooms, teacher shortages, agonizing school closures, loss of learning opportunities and uncertainty about the future. "We have cut and cut and cut, year after year after year, due to stagnant funding from the state," said Bobby Burgess, a school board member from Fairbanks. "We have trimmed the fat. We have cut into the flesh, and we are... Full story

  • State seized 8,500 liters of contraband alcohol last year

    Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon|Feb 5, 2025

    Alaska law enforcement officials say statewide drug enforcement actions focused on the U.S. Mail resulted in the seizure of more than four times as much alcohol in 2024 than in 2023. Officials seized more than 8,500 liters of distilled spirits, malted beverages and wine, according to new data by the Alaska Department of Public Safety released in an annual report for the state’s drug enforcement unit. State authorities identified and intercepted large and small alcohol imports headed for communities that have opted to prohibit alcohol, known a... Full story

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