Email not displaying correctly? View the web version

Today's sponsor:

Good afternoon. It’s Friday, Sept. 12.

In today's newsletter:

A group of Alaska Republicans has filed a ballot initiative seeking to clarify a requirement that only U.S. citizens be allowed to vote in Alaska elections.

It’s already prohibited by state statute.
New statewide standardized test results show minor growth in reading and math scores overall for Alaska third to ninth graders. The scores rekindled a debate over school funding from lawmakers and education department officials.
The Alaska Legislative Council voted to approve litigation against the administration of Gov. Mike Dunleavy over an executive order he issued to establish an agriculture department.

There's plenty to do this weekend, including theater, a pirate festival, live comedy and the final show of the Sundown Summer Concert Series. Plus, the Sitka Music Festival comes to Anchorage. Check out our full events listing here.

Anchorage weather

It's overcast and raining again today, with a high around 52 degrees. Looking ahead, the forecast calls for a continued chance of rain heading into the weekend, though we could see partly sunny skies early next week. Daytime highs will range from the mid-50s to the low 60s over the next few days.

Here’s what else is making headlines in Alaska today.

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Ballot initiative organizers want to ban noncitizen voting in Alaska. It’s already prohibited →

The ballot initiative would amend the statute to add a single word: “only.” Reports from the Division of Elections indicate that noncitizen voting is exceedingly rare.

Statewide testing scores show minor growth for Alaska students →

STAR results show an increase of slightly over 1% in proficient math scores for all assessed grades statewide, and a similarly slight increase for English language arts scores.

Alaska Legislature moves to sue governor over executive order creating agriculture department →

The legal action is intended to resolve a dispute between the Legislature and the governor over whether Gov. Mike Dunleavy can create an agriculture department by executive order.

Murkowski, Sullivan vote with GOP colleagues against measure seeking release of Epstein files →

All of the Senate’s Democrats voted in favor of the amendment, as did Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Rand Paul of Kentucky. (via Alaska Beacon)

Can a lawsuit force real reform for Alaska’s foster care system? →

A national organization brought the class-action lawsuit hoping to force court-mandated reforms to a system it says is failing Alaska kids. It’s a strategy the group says has worked in other states. (via Alaska Public Media)

Developer of proposed trans-Alaska gas pipeline signs deal with South Korean steel company →

One day after announcing a deal with Japan’s largest electrical producer, the lead developer of the proposed trans-Alaska gas pipeline has revealed a second agreement, this time with POSCO International Corp., a South Korean steel manufacturer. (via Alaska Beacon)

More from the ADN

Wasilla woman hit and killed by school bus, Palmer police say →

Father of suspect in Kirk killing recognized him in photos released by FBI, authorities say →

Alaska gardening: Tempted by hydrangeas? Not all are suitable for Alaska. →

Reloaded Anchorage Wolverines aim to build on their winning culture →

Trump officials to link child deaths to COVID shots, alarming career scientists →

Click here to unsubscribe and manage your email subscriptions.

Anchorage Daily News, 300 W 31st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503, United States