Alaska has seen significant developments recently, including a landmark $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc., and continued improvements in early literacy among K-3 students for the third consecutive year. These announcements highlight efforts to protect children online and enhance educational outcomes across the state.
Acting Alaska Attorney General Cori Mills announced the historic settlement with Meta, resolving claims that Instagram was designed with addictive features and knowingly exposed young users to mental harms. Alaska is set to receive approximately $16 million from the agreement, which also mandates sweeping safety features for children on Instagram and Facebook. Governor Mike Dunleavy said, "This settlement was a necessary and imperative step to protect our children. This is a good first step towards protecting our children from online dangers, and I hope we see more actions like this in the future."
In education, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) reported strong gains in reading proficiency for students in grades K-3 during the 2025-26 school year. Data from mCLASS DIBELS 8 Composite Scores show 60 percent of students achieved "At or Above Benchmark," the highest level recorded. The percentage of students "Well Below Benchmark" decreased from 39 to 26 percent, while those "At Benchmark" rose from 24 to 28 percent, and "Above Benchmark" increased from 21 to 32 percent.
Further reports from the Department of Public Safety indicated a 7.2% increase in total reported offenses in 2025 compared to 2024, though overall crime has decreased by 36.9% since 2018. This recent rise was primarily driven by increases in violent and property crime within the Municipality of Anchorage, while Alaska State Troopers reported decreases. Governor Dunleavy emphasized, "Public safety has been job number one for my administration... this data demonstrates that Anchorage policy makers must continue to make public safety a higher priority."
Additionally, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order on July 31, 2025, reestablishing the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, a national initiative supported by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development and the Alaska Department of Health to promote student health and academic success.