Skiers test snow

Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, April 18, 2023

The state House passes a budget that would pull nearly $600 million from savings. Plus, after adapting to fishing for more rockfish, charters will see new limits this summer.
A middle school musician plays violin.

A gifted Anchorage middle school pianist finds a new instrument and rediscovers his love for music

With instruction from his mother and encouragement from his father, Han Keum has become one of the most talented young musicians in Anchorage. 
cruise ship passengers in Juneau

Juneau is bracing for its busiest cruise season ever

Alaska's capital city is expecting 1.5 million tourists this summer, 30% more than pre-pandemic levels.
a woman talks to people outside in a crowded space

Peltola braces for Supreme Court to undermine Indian Child Welfare Act

House Democrats defend ICWA and the "terrifying" historical context that brought Congress to pass it.
Anchorage City Hall

Former Anchorage employee who recorded Judy Eledge’s racist comments sues city for discrimination 

The former executive assistant also alleges discrimination against women among fire department leaders.
A line coming up to a boat attached to some buoys with kelp hanging down

Two Native-led green banks are starting up in Alaska

The Valdez Native Tribe and Spruce Root are both establishing lending institutions to fund renewable energy and environmental infrastructure.

Chugach Front Linkup 2023: New Peak, New Record

In March, Ben Americus accomplished many firsts on the Chugach Front Linkup: the first late winter completion, the first to ski off the peaks and the first to complete the Linkup since Ptarmigan Peak was added as the 13th summit over 5000 feet. This week on Outdoor Explorer Ben joins host Lisa Keller to talk about how he added his name to Chugach Front Linkup history.
three people getting off an airplane

Anchorage now has the third busiest cargo airport in the world, with plans for growth

Geographic advantage helped Anchorage's airport claim its new title. To keep growing, it needs to market the shape of the Earth.
The Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska facility

Alaska’s natural gas shortage: How did we get here and what comes next?

Southcentral Alaska is facing a looming energy crisis as natural gas contracts are set to run out. Utilities aren’t sure how to replace it, but foreign imports seem likely.

Dunleavy says Alaska can boost fossil fuels and renewables. Clean energy advocates disagree.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy says Alaska is "going to be all-in" on developing energy, from oil to wind. Critics say that plan ignores climate impacts.
A bear cub holding the bars of a cage.

With 7 new arrivals, Alaska Zoo nears capacity for orphaned animals

In recent weeks, the zoo in Anchorage has taken in an orphaned brown bear cub, as well as six moose calves from across the state.
Coast Guard officers shake hands

Alaska News Nightly: Friday, June 9, 2023

Fentanyl is showing up in pills that look like prescription drugs, contributing to a rise in overdose deaths. Plus, remembering artist Joe Senungetuk.
A Russian Orthodox Bishop stands in Atka

Alaska News Nightly: Monday, June 12, 2023

The Seattle cargo shipping shutdown could bring delays to goods headed for Alaska. Plus, Cooper Landing considers taxes to help pay for emergency services. 
multiple people standing, smiling, and clapping

Ukrainian entrepreneurs start anew as refugees in Anchorage

A training program graduated 11 Ukrainian refugees this week, helping the new arrivals learn the ropes of business in Alaska.
three windmills on top of a hill at sunset

Alaska renewable energy advocate expects green bank bill to pass next session

The bill stalled in the legislature this year, but Chris Rose of REAP says it and a bill mandating increased clean energy use both have strong support from lawmakers.
A stink bug crawls up a girl's arm

Alaska Botanical Garden summer camp teaches kids about insects

Parents in Anchorage have dozens of camps to choose from. The Alaska Botanical Garden has been sponsoring summer day camps for about 20 years. One new option on the schedule this year is an insect safari camp.
A woman in a grey shirt describing clothes on a rack.

Anchorage outdoor apparel company Alpine Fit wins small business award

Alpine Fit was recently named women-owned business of the year - the owner credits the accolade to their contributions to domestic apparel manufacturing.
Douglas Bridge

Plans for second Juneau-Douglas crossing gain momentum with new federal funding

The proposed crossing would create a new northern route between Juneau and Douglas to supplement the existing bridge.

Anton McParland: The backstory of the tall guy behind Mary Peltola

McParland is Rep. Mary Peltola's chief of staff and campaign manager. No aide is closer to her.
a town can be seen from an aerial view out of a plane

In the wake of canceled cruise stops, Valdez official says businesses should focus on in-state tourism

A local official said cruise lines have a history of abrupt cancellations, so tourism companies should cater to more reliable Alaskan visitors.