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Why the U.S. still has no Arctic ambassador, a year after this Alaskan was nominated for the job

Republicans on a Senate panel accuse Michael Sfraga of being too close to Russia and China.
a smiling woman in an apron holds a baby reaching for doughs on a kitchen counter

Home bakers in Alaska find sweet success on Instagram

A growing group of Alaska home bakers can legally sell their goods, thanks to the state's cottage food laws.

Poll shows Peltola is well known and liked but that Begich is just as likely to win Alaska’s seat in Congress

Data for Progress found Mary Peltola would win the first round, but Nick Begich would pull even after ranked choices are counted.

Under a new executive director, Alaska’s LGBTQ+ health clinic is researching what queer Alaskans need

Alaska’s only health clinic centered on the needs of LGBTQ+ people has a new executive director. Identity Alaska in Anchorage serves patients in person and statewide through telehealth.

State investigation reveals social service gaps that left an elder to die alone in the cold

A new report from the state ombudsman says Adult Protective Services failed to prioritize and follow up on the case of an elder in danger.
a harbor full of docked boats on a cloudy day

Alaska’s harbors grapple with rusty pilings and rising costs

The climbing price of docking a boat in harbors across the state has Alaskans questioning their future on the water.
A sign that reads "UAA, UNIVERSITY of ALASKA ANCHORAGE." There are flowers in planters in front of it.

New legislation aims to address $1.5B University of Alaska maintenance backlog

University leaders say the bill, which would provide $35 million this year, would help shore up and modernize aging facilities.
A group of bees in the snow

Alaska beekeepers kill their colonies every fall, but an Anchorage man has another way

An Anchorage beekeeper has learned how to help his honeybee colonies survive to see spring, and he’s teaching others to do the same.
the Alaska State Capitol

From natural gas to psychedelic medicine, a look at some of the bills filed ahead of Alaska’s legislative session

Ahead of their return to the Capitol, lawmakers are using pre-session bill filings to lay out priorities for the months to come.
the Alaska State Capitol

Alaska’s Capitol among U.S. statehouses targeted by wave of ‘hoax’ bomb threats

The Alaska State Capitol received bomb threats Wednesday believed to be related to similar threats reported across the country, officials say.
the Willow project

State labor department forecasts modest job growth in 2024 fueled by infrastructure and energy spending

A new report predicts the state will add 5,400 jobs in 2024, a 1.7% increase, with bright spots in construction, mining and oil and gas.

After Wrangell’s deadly landslide, dogs helped the search and rescue team

After Wrangell’s deadly landslide last month, search and rescue teams worked around the clock for days looking through debris for six missing people. Teams of dogs assisted.
photo: news conference

A suit over federal emissions rules caps an active year for Alaska in federal court

Attorney General Treg Taylor has cast the growing volume of litigation as a response to threats from the federal government and outside groups.
a person speaks into a microphone

400 military officers were just promoted. Sen. Sullivan says the confirmation blockade shouldn’t have lasted so long.

Sen. Tuberville has blocked every military confirmation vote since February to protest an abortion policy. He finally relented.

Abortions in Alaska can only be performed by doctors. Is that about to change?

Only doctors can perform abortions in Alaska, according to a 50-year-old law. Planned Parenthood’s Alaska chapter argues that this limits access to abortion. So, the chapter filed a lawsuit against the state.
A white man and woman on a boat wearing waders. The woman is holding up a rope laden with strings of kelp.

Cordova kelp farmers need to process their harvest. A scientist is piloting a solution.

Alysha Cypher with the Prince William Sound Science Center has a $400,000 EPA grant to use waste heat from the local electric co-op to dry Cordova seaweed. 

Trust land auctions fund mental health care in Alaska

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is selling some of the 1 million acres of federal land it received under the Mental Health Act of 1956.

PrEP prevents HIV transmission and it’s free. Why can’t some Alaskans get it?

Robin Lutz, executive director at the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, or 4-As, said the organization has been talking with people newly diagnosed with HIV. She said Alaskans face many barriers to accessing PrEP.
A close up of a skeleton sculpture with traditional Mexican attire for Día de Muertos on an altar.

Día de los Muertos celebration offers comfort and community connection

Día de los Muertos is a Mexican and Mexican-diaspora celebration of people who have died and Anchorage is celebrating it for the 19th year.
Several syringes on a table

Alaska sees fast increase in early flu cases; experts urge vaccination

Alaska’s chief medical officer, Anne Zink, is urging people to get the flu vaccine this month to protect themselves against an early season.