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Good afternoon. It's Wednesday, March 25.

In today's newsletter:

A recent audit turned up major financial problems in the private management of the Sullivan Arena and two other publicly owned Anchorage sports facilities. The situation now appears to be worse than was initially understood.
The House Finance Committee introduced a new operating budget draft that, if adopted, would guarantee a $158 million increase in funding for Alaska public schools the next fiscal year.
The governor's office has hired former Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Begich to pitch for the Alaska LNG megaproject, aligning two former political foes on a plan that has long stymied state leaders trying to get it built.

The late author Alootook Ipellie blends traditional storytelling with modern-day references in this reissue of "Arctic Dreams and Nightmares." The book originally published in 1993 showcases an Inuit culture both ancient and fully a part of the contemporary world.

Anchorage weather

It's sunny again today with a high around 29 degrees. We can expect sunny conditions through the rest of this week, with daytime highs hovering in the high 20s.

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

— Megan Pacer, mpacer@adn.com

Contract dispute over Anchorage ice arenas costs taxpayers thousands each day, Assembly finds →

An audit found the company managing three sports facilities has failed to honor a number of contract terms, including collecting surcharge fees, disbursing revenues to the city and paying utility costs. Between December and mid-March, the city has paid $270,000 in utility costs alone, since the company has declined to assume responsibility for them.

Alaska House majority seeks to guarantee $158M increase in public school funding →

School districts across the state have said that, in effect, state education spending has not kept up with inflation during Gov. Mike Dunleavy's tenure.

Dunleavy's office hires former Sen. Mark Begich to aid push for Alaska LNG megaproject →

Begich is doing work for the governor's office under a one-year, $100,000 contract. He said his support for the project allows him to set aside political differences.

Anchorage School Board candidate mails opponent's inflammatory social media posts to voters →

Before Anchorage voters elect two new school board members next month, one candidate for Seat C sent screenshots of their opponent's social media posts out to voters last week.

What 3 longtime Anchorage coaches see as the benefits of high school sports →

West's Rob Larkey, East's Gary Snyder and Dimond's Scott Campbell have learned — and taught — plenty of lessons as some of Anchorage's most deep-rooted coaches.