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to escape the dark, chilly winters that conquer the final months of each year. The politics and popularity of film, comic, game, and novel franchises have brought folks together in ways we did not know possible, bringing a sense of irony to the isolated Last Frontier.

Thousands of black brants nest each spring on a piece of marshy tundra near Chevak, in Western Alaska. And for nearly three decades, the small geese have been the research focus of biologist Jim Sedinger. In 1984, the University of Nevada Reno professor decided the brants would be good subjects for a long term study on a bird population. This summer, he brought an audio recorder out into the field.

No major cruise lines will return to the state in 2021. How will tourist-dependent communities weather this extended dry season? When federal relief does arrive, will it be enough for businesses to survive?

Whittier police arrest two men with 33-pound bag of meth; Six suspects in custody in connection with North Pole murder; Construction company says its truck didn't drop deadly rock; Alaska House primary has the most candidates in 22 years; Taixtsalda Hill wildfire likely human-caused, officials say; After deadly bear attack, hikers in Eagle River weigh risks; Value of Bristol Bay salmon rises, even as the fish shrink; Halibut dock prices rebound, but upswing may not last; ALASKAbuds signs lease to house Bethel's first cannabis shop; International journalist exchange brings Pakistani reporters to Anchorage TV station Listen now

Until the late Nineties, Adak was a bustling military base. It had a bowling alley, a movie theatre, and housing for thousands. Now, with the Navy gone, the Aleutian town sits mostly empty. There’s a chance Arctic drilling could turn it into a boom town, but right now, the place feels like a collection of modern ruins. KUCB’s Alexandra Gutierrez traveled Adak to find out what it’s like to live among them.

Over the last two weekends of January, the Anchorage Folk Festival presents an explosion of music and dance in many venues around town. It's a fun opportunity for families to get out of the house in the winter, hear music and dance. And if you play, there are few better times to carry your instrument around for the chance of an impromptu jam session. On this edition of Hometown Alaska, we'll try to capture the fun of the folk fest through conversation and live music from Cold Country in the studio. KSKA: Wednesday, January 13, at 2 and 8pm LISTEN HERE

The market for Alaska's seafood becomes more unpredictable as the salmon season starts. And, Alaska's tourism industry turns to in-state customers during the pandemic. Plus: Bars throughout the state can start to reopen, but will they?

Anchorage's acting mayor tightens restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. And, Native communities around the country react to a nationally televised election graphic. Plus, how a pet cat from Washington State ended up in Kenai and the effort to get him back home.

This week on State of Art we're diving into what's been happening at Cyrano's this month. We hear from the theater's Producing Artistic Director Teresa K. Pond about the play "5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche" and how social repression and dread of nuclear war in the 1950s helps influence the period comedy. We also hear from painter Elizabeth Belanger about her work on display in the theater's gallery and how a cancer diagnosis helped her start painting again.

Strong opposition to the governor's parental rights bill. Plus, Alaska providers welcome fewer restrictions on overdose reversing drug.