How immigration transformed the 49th state

Over the course of little more than a century, Alaska communities transformed from primarily Indigenous to some of the...
A man in a dark green jacket sits on a cot alone inside a building that has been converted into a shelter.

A look at Anchorage’s emergency cold weather shelter plan

Anchorage opened a 150-bed cold-weather shelter on Oct. 31. But less than a month into winter shelter season, it has a 1,000-person waitlist.

Two restaurants shed light on challenges facing the community of Houston, Alaska | Alaska Insight

This time of year, In the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, communities along the Parks highway are usually teeming with tourists looking to camp in...

In Tanana, Alaska, ‘a way of life’ comes to a bittersweet close

The team narrowly missed the state title, and it will be years before the village sees another team step onto a court.

Bringing Water to Lower Kalskag

Imagine living in a town where only some of the residents have running water. Everyone else has to fetch...
Allen Lavont Jefferson sits in a camp chair in front of a tent

As Anchorage debates shelter solutions, these campers propose an outdoor alternative

VIDEO: Anchorage policymakers are debating options for building more shelter space in the city. But there are still people who prefer camping in the open air.
A woman reporter stands in front of a graph of Alaska.

2020 Census: How has Alaska’s population changed in the last decade?

The results of the 2020 U.S. Census paint a picture of shifting demographics throughout the nation and in Alaska. Alaska Public Media’s Adelyn Baxter breaks down the data.

What is the CARES Act and how can it help you and your small business? | Alaska Insight

Congress has now passed three coronavirus response bills that President Trump has signed, each bigger than the last. The largest and most far-reaching is...

After four special sessions, Alaska’s budget solutions remain elusive

As Lawmakers prepare for this year’s session, Alaska Public Media’s Adelyn Baxter looks back and reports that, despite the lengthy process, lawmakers didn’t make much progress in 2021.

How Port Lions is increasing local food production

https://youtu.be/2mEWnN1uRKM A local food hub has spouted Port Lions on Kodiak Island, bringing with it increased food security. The archipelago is now home to six...
A person holding a silver vape pen

How vape shop owners are responding to the rise of e-cigarette use among teens | Alaska Insight

While the youth tobacco rate has declined, one in four teenagers are now ingesting nicotine through a new, stylish product. E-cigarettes, or vapes, are...
Three young Chinese men hold a fish in front of an Alaskan Cannery

Cannery workers document the Chinese history of Alaska’s fishing industry

Chinese immigrants arrived before statehood and helped grow Alaska's wild salmon industry into the international, multi-billion-dollar economy that it is today.

Her son’s death sparked a mission to save others from fentanyl overdose

Alaska experienced a nearly 70% increase in the number of drug overdose deaths between 2020 and 2021, according to preliminary data from the state health department. That means 245 Alaskans died from an overdose in 2021, including Anchorage resident Bruce Snodgrass. Alaska Public Media’s Jeff Chen brings us a story of his mother who wants to make sure her son is more than a statistic.

Healing together: Alaskans share experiences overcoming trauma

Here's how these Alaskans are confronting intergenerational traumas with different ways of healing.
Youth dance at AFN conference in Anchorage.

Tribes aim to ask voters for state recognition

Across the US, only 10% of Indigenous tribes with federal recognition also have recognition from their respective state governments. In Alaska, tribal members aim to change that. Last year, they organized to collect tens of thousands signatures in support of a ballot initiative that would ask voters to decide. Supporters say the recognition opens up doors for more resources and symbolizes a respectful government-to-government relationship.
Dr. Elizabeth Bates runs through protocol with a YKHC employee at the COVID-19 drive-thru test site in Bethel.

How Bethel and other rural Alaska villages are preparing for COVID-19 | Alaska Insight

With the first case of COVID-19 confirmed in Southwest Alaska, state and tribal health officials are working to provide adequate supplies for...

Researchers and city officials work to inform Hillside communities of wildfire risks

Experts say it's not a matter of if but when a large blaze impacts the Hillside neighborhood in Anchorage.
a whale

Kodiak humpback whale necropsy indicates poor health before death

Brian Venua joined researchers performing a necropsy on a humpback whale that died near Kodiak. Recently, locals have observed fewer whales in the area.

Alaska legislature returns with COVID-19 precautions, but no clear enforcement for lawmakers

https://youtu.be/qnV9kV2-enE There are more than 130 legislators and staff in Juneau for the legislative session. The legislature is taking steps to limit the spread of...
A teacher in a gray sweater leans over to assist a student wearing a black shirt in an elementary school classroom.

Anchorage school communities grapple with potential closures

Birchwood ABC is one of Anchorage School District's top performing schools, but it's also one of six schools the district may close due to a budget deficit.