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.

With knowledge of his ancestors, young leader looks to ANCSA’s future

Aaron Tolen has tribal and ANCSA regional corporation affiliations across the state. He aims to balance a modern education with the values and traditions of his people, so he can continue to feel grounded in his culture and also experience success in a contemporary way.

Redistricting could reshape the Alaska Legislature. Here’s how.

Every ten years, a State board redraws the boundaries of Alaska’s legislative districts. The process is long and technical, but there’s a lot at stake. It can determine which party controls the state legislature. Alaska Public Media’s Annie Feidt explains.

Breaking Down the Governor’s 2021 Budget | Alaska Insight

Governor Mike Dunleavy released his budget proposal in mid-December, and it looks starkly different from the fiscal plan he put forward...

A new generation of women in the trades are being trained in Anchorage | Alaska Insight

When you picture a carpenter, a man likely comes to mind. But women are increasingly attracted to the field’s high wages and the opportunity...
sign wrote in foreign language

Escaping conflict abroad, arrivals in Alaska seek stability and opportunity

https://youtu.be/bItA0ChP5yw War and political upheaval are driving a major increase in the number of refugees and other immigrants arriving in Alaska from overseas. Whatever the...

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...
Closeup of a child using an ulu to clean a salmon.

With the salmon collapse on the Yukon River, families are losing a vital food source and way of life

During the second year of a sudden salmon collapse on the Yukon River, residents of traditional villages are facing food insecurity and a loss of culture.
Lt. Gen. David Krumm sitting in a chair in an office

The military sharpens its focus on the Arctic

As the Arctic warms, it increasingly has the potential to become an arena where world powers compete for dominance. While Russia and China are beefing up their Arctic presence, the Pentagon has been slow to make the Arctic a priority. Alaska Public Media’s Liz Ruskin reports that may be changing.

How are Alaska malls and small businesses affected by COVID-19 shutdowns? | Alaska Insight

As Alaska moves through phases of reopening its economy, retail stores in Anchorage have been open for more than three weeks now....
Nurses wear PPE at Providence Hospital in Anchorage

Fighting COVID-19 at home and in Alaska’s largest hospital | Alaska Insight

The number of coronavirus infections in Alaska is growing. And as the disease continues its spread across the state, it’s impacting more and more Alaskans.
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...
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.

Bringing Water to Lower Kalskag

Imagine living in a town where only some of the residents have running water. Everyone else has to fetch...

ANCSA at 50: Who will be included in the next generation of shareholders?

Video: Corporations formed under ANCSA are slowly opening up to new generations of shareholders, allowing younger Alaska Native people to have a voice in shaping the future.

The Challenge of Teacher Retention in Alaska | Alaska Insight

Across the country, states, including Alaska have difficulty keeping good teachers, principals and superintendents in their positions. Especially in remote parts of the state....
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.

ANWR on hold: Decades-long uncertainty over Arctic refuge drilling continues

When Joe Biden took office, he immediately slammed the brakes on oil drilling in the Arctic refuge. So how did we get here? And, what’s next?

After vandalism, museum continues to share Jewish life in Alaska

https://youtu.be/v3z0j-sBtWA Incidents of antisemitism have been on the rise nationally and worldwide. Here in Alaska, a series of events last year highlighted the need for...

Kivalina on the Coast: how an Arctic community is responding to climate change

https://youtu.be/3QI7SplPviM The rapid pace of climate change is affecting the arctic region at a more accelerated pace than anywhere else in the world. In 2003,...