The brewing political battle over critical race theory
Republicans, who are fighting the teaching of critical race theory in schools, contend it divides Americans. Democrats and their allies maintain that progress is unlikely without examining the root causes of disparity in the country. The issue is shaping up to be a major cultural battle ahead of next year's midterm elections.
‘Send rescue now’: National Guard helicopter hoists two plane crash victims off frigid Alaska peak
"Send rescue now. We will not make it through the night," read a text message one of the pilots sent to his wife after his plane crashed on a peak in Wrangell -St. Elias National Park.
Biden administration puts Arctic refuge leases on ice as it asks for new environmental reviews
The leases were issued to Alaska’s state-owned economic development corporation and two smaller companies in the final days of Donald Trump’s presidency. The Interior Department says it could reaffirm or void the leases, or require more environmental protections.
Independent travelers pour into Anchorage as summer tourism season begins
Big cruise ships recently got the green light to sail to the state again. At the same time, independent travelers are showing up in force in Southcentral.
Alaska lawmakers set a limit on spending from the Permanent Fund. Now, many want to break it.
Alaska lawmakers are closer than ever to blowing past the cap they set as the maximum sustainable spending level from the Permanent Fund. The money would help fill short-term deficits and pay larger dividends.
Friends, colleagues remember Tlingit leader Kookesh as a man “of the people”
Albert Kookesh, the Tlingit leader, Indigenous rights advocate, culture bearer, politician and basketball player, died Friday at 72, and his death is reverberating across the state and his home region of Southeast Alaska.
Alaska settles lawsuit that alleged wrongful firing
The case was one of three filed after the Dunleavy administration, as part of its 2018 transition into office, asked at-will employees to submit resignation letters and reapply for their jobs.
CEO of clinics in Talkeetna, Willow and Wasilla let go after testimony from former employees
The only clinics in Talkeetna and Wasilla have seen their CEO fired and their medical director place on administrative leave after former employees testified to bullying and mismanagement that significantly affected the health of patients.
Murkowski votes yes, Sullivan no on establishing a Jan. 6 commission
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski says democratic principles are at stake: “Something bad happened. And it's important to lay that out.”
The week that shook big oil
A set of events shook the oil world this week: A tiny shareholder won a battle with Exxon, investors put pressure on Chevron and a Dutch court ordered Shell to slash emissions.
How Anchorage high school yearbooks documented a pandemic year
From screenshots of Zoom classes to requesting student selfies, these two yearbook staffs got creative to capture an unusual year.
Norwegian Cruise Line signs agreement to return to Alaska
In a step toward a limited, late summer cruise season, Norwegian Cruise Line has signed an agreement with the state of Alaska and several of Alaska’s port operators.
After swastika sticker incident, Anchorage rabbi calls for acts of kindness
The director and curator of the Alaska Jewish Museum say they’ve beefed up security after several stickers with swastikas were found plastered on their building. But they say community support shows that there’s a lot more good than hate in Anchorage.
Anchorage clerk reports ‘unprecedented harassment’ of election workers during mayoral runoff
The municipal clerk also says there was "intense scrutiny of the election (and) the dissemination of disinformation to sow distrust among voters."
Anchorage’s largest soup kitchen looks to temporarily move food prep downtown
Bean’s Cafe Director Lisa Sauder said the kitchen identified the site of the Platinum Jaxx and LED Ultra Lounge on 6th Avenue as a building it could purchase and use to make meals.
Biden administration throws support behind massive Willow oil project in NPR-A
Alaska’s congressional delegation cheered the news, while environmental groups feel betrayed.
Hilcorp gets more time to replace leaky pipeline in Cook Inlet
Hilcorp’s line, which delivers fuel gas to a system of oil platforms in the inlet, sprung a leak last month.
Sullivan breaks with Republican senators to champion trails
Trail advocates applaud U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan for crossing the aisle on a bill to fund trails.
Earth is barreling toward 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, scientists warn
Scientists say humans must keep global temperatures from increasing more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. The World Meteorological Organization warns that number is looming.
Bill protecting Unangax̂ cemetery in Southeast Alaska passes Legislature, awaits Dunleavy’s signature
When the Japanese military invaded the Aleutians during World War II, the U.S. government forced Unangax̂ people to live in two internment camps in Southeast Alaska. They were held there for two years and were not provided with basic necessities like clean water.