Podcasts about alaskans

A state task force in Alaska released recommendations last month for making psychedelic therapy available, if treatments are approved at the federal level. Alaska Public Media's Rachel Cassandra has the story. The Alaska state legislature established a task force in 2024 to examine psychedelic therapies, which hold a lot of promise but are still considered experimental. Jennie Armstrong is a former state representative who was on the task force. She says the group tackled questions like how to make therapy accessible and how to offer safe and culturally competent care. “The whole point of the task force was to bring up these types of questions so we’re not scratching our heads when this becomes medicalized and scrambling and being reactive, but we’re actually being proactive.” The task force did not take a stance on whether psychedelic therapies are good or bad, but recommends Alaska incorporate them as they are legalized nationally. None of the task force's recommendations are binding, but Armstrong says they are meant to guide legislators on the types of laws the state would need to offer access. Armstrong says the task force recommends incorporating a training program for therapists and healthcare providers who want to guide therapy. “Everyone needs to go through this type of training, because just being a doctor doesn’t make you qualified to facilitate this type of care.” And she says the aim is to make training accessible so a diversity of people can become certified. She says that would ensure people getting treated are a good fit with the person who guides them. Armstrong says Alaskans could benefit a lot from psychedelic therapies if they are legalized. That is because the state has such high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and other mental illnesses. Psychedelic therapies are being studied to treat those disorders and Armstrong says some of the research is promising. “There are so many folks who, through these trials, went from being suicidal and having treatment resistant depression, unable to work, unable to function, to being in remission within months.” She says that can change how people and communities can thrive. There is a new career pathway for tribal students looking at wildland firefighting jobs. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has more on the partnership between the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Highschoolers across six BIE-run schools are participating, including Northwest High School in Shiprock, Ariz. on the Navajo Nation. Carmelia Becenti (Diné) is chief academic officer for BIE. She credits President Donald Trump's executive order on “expanding educational freedom”. “This just happened to occur organically.” They are also pitching the curriculum to colleges. Garth Fisher is with the BIA Division of Wildland Fire Management. “We are trying to somewhat steer them towards being stewards of our lands. That doesn't always happen.” Fisher says they are teaching coursework about leadership, fire suppression, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) readiness. Once done, students put their training to the test during a field day. “They get to put the gear on, how it feels. They get to look like a firefighter.” That equipment is expensive, says Becenti, which is why the BIE is buying it now. “And that way, year after year, as we recruit more students at these schools and across the bureau, you know, we have this {#[Personal Protective Equipment] PPE that we can use over and over and over.” Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, March 2, 2026 — Native crews help solve the growing marine trash problem

Today we start off with our normal visit with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks Top 3 topics: the overreach in Senate Resources; how regressive IS the income tax; how much do some hate the PFD? Then in hour two we'll be joined by candidate for Governor Bernadette Wilson for the whole hour.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is severely restricting, and in some cases closing outright, sport king salmon fishing on the central Kenai Peninsula this year – again. With the Friday, February 13th deadline for public comment looming, hundreds of Alaskans are rushing to weigh in on the U.S. Interior Department's review of federal subsistence management.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is severely restricting, and in some cases closing outright, sport king salmon fishing on the central Kenai Peninsula this year – again. With the Friday, February 13th deadline for public comment looming, hundreds of Alaskans are rushing to weigh in on the U.S. Interior Department's review of federal subsistence management.

In this newscast:  The Juneau School District is returning over $1 million earmarked for child care back to the city; The Alaska Department of Transportation has faced intense scrutiny in recent months over its plan to build a new ferry terminal between Juneau and Haines. Now, the agency is drawing fire from a panel of lawmakers charged with overseeing it; For the Alaska Survival Kit series, Alaska Public Media's Wesley Early set out to learn how Alaskans can increase their chances of finding a date and falling in love; Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Carney highlighted efforts to reduce case backlogs and asked lawmakers to fund new judges and long-delayed courthouse maintenance during the annual State of the Judiciary address today

Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection is holding an overdose awareness and Naloxone training this Friday in Homer; and for Alaska Public Media's Alaska Survival Kit series, Wesley Early set out to learn how Alaskans can increase their chances of finding a date and falling in love.

Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection is holding an overdose awareness and Naloxone training this Friday in Homer; and for Alaska Public Media's Alaska Survival Kit series, Wesley Early set out to learn how Alaskans can increase their chances of finding a date and falling in love.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a docket Wednesday of over 3,000 pages worth of investigative information on the crash of a commuter plane near Nome last year that killed 10 Alaskans. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) United Service Organization (USO) celebrated 10 years on base on Wednesday. The organization arrived on base in 2016 and has been focusing on providing service members a home away from home ever since. Alaska Chief Justice Susan Carney asked lawmakers Wednesday for $775,000 to hire a new judge in Palmer, citing progress on court backlogs as proof the judiciary deserves more funding during tight budget times.

Full show today as we start in hour one with Brad Keithley of Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets and the Weekly Top 3. This weeks topics: HFIN embarrasses themselves; letting 'perfect' become the enemy of good; what out of state data really says. In hour two I'll recap with my thoughts and then we'll finish up with Chris Story's weekly life coaching.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines: Sen. Lisa Murkowski returned from a three-day trip to Greenland yesterday. Kipnuk residents are starting to vote on whether they want to rebuild their community, or relocate to higher ground. And how Alaskans can increase their chances of finding a date and falling in love.Photo: U.S. senators visited Pituffik Space Base on a three-day trip to Greenland that ended Feb. 9, 2026. From right: Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., Angus King, I-Maine, Gary Peters, D-Mich., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. They met with U.S. Space Force Col. Shawn Lee, left, the base commander. (Matt Felling/U.S. Senate)

From a Black Business Expo in downtown Anchorage to Alaskans representing the state at the Super Bowl, we have the latest headlines from Alaska's News Source. 

Today we'll dig into the latest in state government with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This week 3 topics: What the new ISER study actually shows about diversifying our economy; the latest from the Binkley Family Blog; what betting on oil tax reforms and AKLNG brings us. Then in hour two I'll recap with some of my thoughts and then we'll finish up with Chris Story who'll bring us our weekly life coaching lesson.

A rally in downtown Ketchikan protests Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns around the country. Plus, the Alaska House of Representatives pass a bill that would tighten residency requirements for Alaskans buying hunting or fishing licenses, and new public art is coming to downtown Juneau.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines: Leaders of the North Slope village of Nuiqsut sued the U.S. Department of Interior last week for canceling a key subsistence protection for the Willow project. The Alaska House of Representatives passed a bill that would tighten residency requirements for Alaskans buying hunting or fishing licenses. Some storefront owners in Juneau are speaking out against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by participating in the nationwide general strike on Friday. Alaska Robotics Gallery closed Jan. 30, 2026 as part of the nationwide general strike. (Photo by Alix Soliman/KTOO)

There was a hung jury in Rapid City, S.D. Wednesday in a case against Nick Tilsen, the founder and CEO of the Native-led organization NDN Collective. After three days of hearings, a mistrial was declared. Tilsen is accused of assaulting a police officer in 2022. He is facing charges for aggravated and simple assault on a law enforcement officer and obstruction of a law enforcement officer – which could lead to a sentence of up to 26 years in prison. In a statement, Tilsen said he's grateful for everyone who stood with him, adding the fight’s not over. The state has 45 days to notify the judge of intentions to retry the case. Parts of an opioid overdose reversal kit including Naloxone. The state distributed 45,000 naloxone kits in 2024, with fentanyl test strips, in an effort to reduce opioid overdose deaths. (Photo: Matt Faubion / Alaska Public Media) The rate of Alaskans dying from drug overdoses declined by 5% in 2024 compared to the year before, including a decline for Indigenous Alaskans, according to a recent state report. That's a welcome reduction after the state saw its highest number of overdose deaths on record in 2023. Alaska Public Media's Rachel Cassandra reports. The U.S. has seen significant declines in overdose death rates over the past two years – and now Alaska could be seeing the start of a similar reduction, according to experts. Theresa Welton is a manager for Alaska's Office of substance misuse and addiction prevention. She says the decline is good news for the state, even though the state's reduction is much smaller than the national one. “I think we’re on the right track.” And she says the decline is likely partly due to state efforts. The report notes the state distributed 45,000 naloxone kits in 2024, with fentanyl test strips. The state has mobile crisis teams in Anchorage, Mat-Su, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, and Juneau. And Alaska has expanded access to medication assisted treatment, recovery housing, and therapeutic courts. But Welton says there's more work to do and it will require a collaborative effort among the state, tribal organizations, and local communities. “Even nationally, everybody is trying to look for that magic fix to start decreasing these deaths, and I think it’s just a combination of supporting communities to address these issues at a community level and emphasizing prevention.” She says it is expensive to build treatment facilities, so increasing access to buprenorphine and other medications for substance use disorders could help prevent overdose deaths. She says Alaska struggles with having enough resources to provide treatment for substance use disorders, partly because of geography which means rural residents must travel for treatment. According to the report, fentanyl is Alaska's deadliest drug. It contributed to more than 70% of overdose deaths in 2024. But Welton says it's crucial to note that many of the overdoses with fentanyl also included one or more other substances. The U.S. Mint released its 2026 Native American $1 Coin featuring Polly Cooper. The Oneida Indian Nation says she is an Oneida heroine, recognized for bringing food and supplies to her homelands in Upstate New York to Army troops at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-78. The tribe says recognizing Cooper and the tribe as allies is timely as the U.S. prepares to observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The coin depicts Polly Copper with General George Washington as she holds a basket of corn. Cooper stayed at the camp through the winter, and taught soldiers how to prepare corn, and cooked for them in harsh conditions to help ensure their survival. Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter says the Oneida people became “America's First Allies” on some of the bloodiest battlefields of the Revolutionary War. According to the tribe, Nation Members continue the legacy of military service, serving in every major American conflict since then. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Thursday, January 29, 2026 — The Menu: Federal food guidelines, seals and treaty rights, and buffalo for city dwellers

A third defendant in a Klawock murder case is sentenced. Plus, Juneau residents call on the Alaska Legislature and the governor to suspend the state's push for a natural gas pipeline, and the rate of Alaskans dying from drug overdoses declined by 5%, compared to the year before.

Improving health outcomes for Alaskans is at the heart of a multi-billion dollar federal plan aimed at improving rural healthcare systems. Alaska is in line to receive as much as 1.3 billion dollars over 5 years. What will the funding support-- and what do state health officials think Alaska's healthcare system needs to help all Alaskans have healthier lives? We'll learn about the Rural Health Transformation program on this Talk of Alaska.

Today we're gonna jump into the Weekly Top 3 with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics include: Dunleavy's Fiscal Plan; how far along is the AKLNG project...really?; The PFC board pats itself hard on the back. Then in hour two I'll recap with some of my thoughts and then we'll finish up with a dose of positivity with our friend Chris Story.

Today on the Morning Edition, a lot of Alaskans are wondering what the Governor's going to do to address the budget shortfall, what he plans to do with the PFD and a lot more. We'll take you to the State of the State address and fill you in on what you need to know. Later, a decision has been reached about Halibut fishing limits. We'll tell you how the International Pacific Halibut Commission is handling the situation and how the decision could impact your next fishing trip.

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is pulling out all the stops to block a Safari Club International proposal to reform the federal subsistence board. As KNBA's Rhonda McBride reports, AFN says it is a direct threat to the Alaska Native subsistence way of life. Last year, Safari Club International, a sport hunting and fishing group, petitioned two Trump cabinet members for the review. It asked Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to address what it calls “federal overreach” in subsistence management. In mid-December, the Interior Department granted the request and announced a 60-day review, called a “scoping process”. During this period, it will consider the Safari Club's recommendations, which includes a proposal to limit the size of the federal subsistence board to only the heads of five federal agencies. AFN President Ben Mallott says this would eliminate public seats, including three held by tribal representatives. “We've been working for that for a very long time, so we are concerned that any rollback in public member seats would just weaken our voices. And so for us, that is a major threat.” The petition also seeks to change the make-up of Regional Advisory Councils, the volunteers who recommend policies to the Federal Subsistence Board. The Safari Club says sport and commercial hunters and fishers are not adequately represented on these councils. But beyond changing the leadership structure of subsistence management, the Safari Club calls on federal agency heads, when setting regulations, to defer to state managers – a move that opponents say would undermine the Alaskan National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), legislation Congress passed 45 years ago to protect Alaska's rural subsistence lifestyle. The Safari Club says it is stepping in to protect the state's rights, because federal managers have repeatedly overstepped the bounds of ANILCA. John Sturgeon, a leading advocate for the Alaska Safari Club says, says this is a fight about fish and game management, not about the rights of rural Alaskans to subsist. “We have no problem with subsistence. We support it, so it's kind of a perceived conflict. We just think the state of Alaska should be in charge of subsistence.” The problem is, the state's constitution does not allow for a rural subsistence priority, which federal law mandates. Public comment on the Safari Club proposals closes on February 13. The campus of Spokane Falls Community College. (Photo: T85cr1ft19m1n / Wikimedia) Indigenous-knowledge focused centers are on their way to Spokane Falls Community College and the Spokane Community College campus on the Spokane reservation in Washington. As Steve Jackson reports, a grant from Avista Utilities is providing the seed money. Indigenous Healing Environments Across Lifeways (I-HEAL) centers will hold workshops on skills and concepts related to sustainability of water, land, animals, and climate. They will also include studies related to using plants for food and medicine. Spokane Colleges Tribal Relations Director Naomi Bender says she will seek out Indigenous presenters from tribes in the region, but she says instructors will be careful in what they present. “Traditional knowledge of plants and medicines, for example, was illegal in the U.S. And to this day, we're very careful about what's shared and what's not because people want to monetize and they want to harm what knowledge they gain at times.” Bender says both Indigenous and non-Native students will be welcome at the I-HEAL centers. She anticipates they will begin holding workshops in about a year. (Courtesy IAIA) Congress recently approved more than $13 million in federal funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, N.M. for Fiscal Year 2026. This comes after the Trump administration's proposal to eliminate IAIA's federal appropriation. The funding maintains the institute's current funding level to support academic programs, student services, and general operations. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Thursday, January 22, 2026 – A tribal mining development agreement: a path forward or a one-time anomaly?

Tonight on the KRBD Evening Report….An interview with gubernatorial candidate Dave Bronson. Plus, how some southeast Alaskans are protesting against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Today on the Morning Edition, the annual tax assessment for homeowners in Anchorage has seen a spike in values that some say is too high. We asked why and what's being done about it. Later, the Legislature is back in session, with a lot on the table, from the state budget to matters of the PFD, that could impact Alaskans for years. We'll take a look at that.

Cook Inlet offshore oil drilling is being pushed forward through new federal lease plans, but the people who live closest to these waters are asking a hard question: who really benefits, and who takes the risk. In this episode, we unpack why Cook Inlet matters so deeply for salmon, beluga whales, and coastal communities, and why offshore drilling decisions made far from Alaska can have permanent local consequences. Alaska offshore oil and gas leasing has shaped the state's economy, politics, and identity for decades, and that history still influences how people talk about jobs, revenue, and energy security today. Our guests from Cook Inletkeeper explain how past promises of prosperity created long-term dependence, and why many Alaskans are now questioning whether repeating that model makes sense in a changing climate and economy. Community opposition to offshore drilling emerges as one of the most emotional and surprising themes of this conversation. Despite assumptions that Alaskans broadly support expansion, many residents, including fishers and families tied to the water, are worried about spill risk, wildlife impacts, and being locked into fossil fuels just as the rest of the world starts to move on. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube    

Today on the Morning Edition, Martin Luther King Day gave Alaskans everywhere reason to stop and remember his work and look ahead to the work yet to be done. We'll highlight some of the local celebrations that took place. Later, a small business in Fairbanks is beginning an effort ot help the Hunter Elementary School's lunch program. We'll show you how they're lending a hand to students who need it.

Photo: Dr. Jennifer Pierce with an Anchorage Fire Department vehicle on January 9, 2026. Pierce and the vehicle are part of a new program that will offer addiction treatment to those who overdose. (Matt Faubion / Alaska Public Media) Alaska is launching pilot programs in Anchorage and Juneau to offer addiction treatment in mobile care units. Emergency responders will give people medication to help them survive after an overdose. Indigenous Alaskans die of overdose at about three times the rate of white Alaskans. Alaska Public Media's health reporter Rachel Cassandra has more. Dr. Jennifer Pierce shows off a new SUV for the Anchorage fire department's pilot program. “We want people to see us as a beacon of help.” Pierce has a simple mission: to treat Anchorage residents who overdose and connect them with care afterwards. For the first time in a mobile unit in Alaska, responders can give patients the medication buprenorphine, which reduces withdrawals and can get patients on the road to recovery. “We don’t want people to fall through the cracks.” Narcan, or naloxone, is used to reverse overdoses, but it puts people into withdrawal. And research shows that offering that second medication, buprenorphine, makes it more likely patients will enter long-term recovery. But Pierce says even if people don't continue treatment, the medication reduces the risk of a second overdose in the days immediately following – a dangerous window, according to research. She hopes the program saves lives. “Even if it’s just one life. Right? We’re saving lives out there and preventing individuals, maybe from overdosing the next day or overdosing again later and dying.” Pierce visited successful programs in Texas and Washington for ideas and best practices to replicate in Alaska. Dr. Quigley Peterson says he's also seen the healing benefits of buprenorphine. He's an emergency room physician heading Juneau's mobile pilot program. He says he's confident it will do well partly because he's seen how helpful the medication can be in the emergency room. “We have something that can help engage people, that’s super safe and it’s cheap, and that it works.” He says they'll collect data over the year to see what happens to patients after they're given buprenorphine for an overdose. His hope is that it reduces emergency room visits and calls for emergency medical care. If the pilots are successful, Peterson's goal is to inspire similar programs in more communities across Alaska. Three-year-old Karson Apodaca. (Courtesy Sayetsitty Family / GoFundMe) A Navajo man was facing the tribe's criminal justice system after allegedly driving drunk and killing a three-year-old boy at a Christmas parade on the reservation. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, U.S. authorities are now stepping in to prosecute him in federal court. 67-year-old Stanley Begay Jr. was charged with vehicular manslaughter and could have faced up to a year in prison and a $500,000 fine.  Now a grand jury in Arizona is handing him three counts, including second-degree murder, stemming from the death of three-year-old Karson Apodoca. Begay was taken into federal custody by FBI agents last week. The agency's Phoenix Field Office is seeking photos and videos from that incident that can be used in the case against Begay, who has been assigned a Flagstaff attorney. Dignity of Earth and Sky is a sculpture on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River near Chamberlain, S.D. (Courtesy SDPB) Following the 2026 State of the Tribes address in South Dakota, Gov. Larry Rhoden (R-SD) met with over 50 dignitaries from eight of the state’s nine tribes. SDPB’s C.J. Keene reports. Gov. Rhoden says he left the private meeting feeling optimistic about the future of state-tribal relations. “There were things that we were palms up with them as far as some of the concerns, some of the areas we disagreed on. We agreed to disagree, and we had more conversation. As we walked out of the room, we had built a relationship, and I think that we'll continue to build on that. It was a product of open, honest conversation.” State-tribal relations effectively collapsed during the administration of former Gov. Kristi Noem (R-SD), who was at one point banned from every single reservation in the state. That came following tribal sovereignty disputes during the pandemic and Gov. Noem commenting that Native children “had no hope”. @nativevoiceoneRosebud Sioux Tribe President Kathleen Wooden Knife delivered South Dakota’s annual State of the Tribes address to lawmakers. The tribal leader discussed working with the state government on health care and law enforcement during her speech Wednesday, as South Dakota Searchlight's Meghan O'Brien reports in the latest edition of National Native News with Antonia Gonzales. https://www.nativenews.net/thursday-january-15-2026 Video courtesy SDPB Network♬ original sound – Native Voice One Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Monday, January 19, 2026 – Maintaining Martin Luther King, Jr's vision for civil rights

Send us a textBolts Magazine Journalist Alex Burness discusses his article from January 8, 2026, “Americans by Name, Punished for Believing it.” The story is an in-depth look at the case of Tupe Smith, an American Samoan woman living in Whittier who was persuaded to run for school board in 2023 and was elected only to learn afterwards that she was unqualified and had actually committed a crime. Then, ten other American Samoans in Whittier were charged with voter fraud. American Samoa is the only U.S. territory where residents are not automatically granted citizenship by being born on American soil and instead are considered U.S. nationals. Paths to citizenship exist, such as naturalization, though that process can be expensive and cumbersome.The American Samoans in this story are charged with felonies and face up to ten years in prison even though very few Alaskans understand American Samoans' status.Just a few days ago, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Alaska Court of Appeals heard arguments in the case against Tupe Smith. There's a chance that the court might dismiss the charges against Ms Smith; however, the state could then bring different charges or could appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court.  

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is in China for the first visit by a Canadian leader in almost a decade. Already, he's signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing that could result in more Canadian oil, natural gas, and clear energy exported to China. But as Dan Karpenchuk reports, before he left, PM Carney made a stop over in British Columbia to talk with Coastal First Nations about his plans for energy exports. The meeting was held in Prince Rupert, and on the agenda – Ottawa's major projects. The Coastal First Nations, made up of nine First Nations, try to ensure that they have a say in how resources and waters are managed.  They also work to protect the Great Bear Rainforest and the British Columbia (BC) coastline. And they have strongly opposed the idea  of a new pipeline or the end of a ban on the moratorium on oil tankers. Both are major components of Ottawa's plans to diversity Canada's trade in energy, and move away from dependency on U.S. trade, especially now in the era of uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump. But Coastal First Nations remain opposed to any new pipeline to the BC coast. Carney played down expectations, saying that the meeting was more about dialogue to explore ways they could work together, but the coastal chiefs are not budging on their opposition, according to the group's president, Maily Slett. “We reiterated that there is no technology that can clean up an oil spill at sea. And that it would take just one spill to destroy our way of life. We shared our reliance on a healthy and intact ocean and our determination to protect the ocean and the ecosystem that we rely upon.” Without their support, Carney's government appears to be in a lose-lose situation. Coastal chiefs say they will use every tool available to stop construction if Ottawa pushes ahead with a North Coast pipeline. The St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral choir performs hymns during a Christmas celebration on January 7 at the Yagheli Shesh Qenq’a Anchorage Native Primary Care Center. (Photo: Matt Faubion / Alaska Public Media) The holidays may be over, but Alaskans across the state recently celebrated Russian Orthodox Christmas and New Year. Celebrations often include hymns, feasts, and a tradition called Starring, or Slaviq. One celebration in Anchorage brought together people who could not celebrate the holiday with their families or in church. The Alaska Desk’s Alena Naiden from our flagship station KNBA was there and has the story. Singers in kuspuks and head scarfs chant Christmas hymns in English, Yup’ik, Russian, and Church Slavonic. Next to them, three young men spin sparkling pinwheel-shaped stars on wooden poles, each with an Orthodox icon of a Nativity scene in the center. The group is gathered for a Russian Christmas celebration hosted by the Alaska Native Medical Center at their primary care clinic. The singers are from St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral choir in Anchorage, though most of them are originally from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Alaska Orthodox Archbishop Alexei was a part of the opening of Slaviq, a custom he says originated in the Carpathian Mountains in Eastern Europe. “This wonderful, beautiful tradition that has been in Alaska for over 100 years.” Okalena Patricia Lekanoff-Gregory is from Unalaska and grew up singing hymns in Aleut and Russian. Her family always gathered around Slaviq to decorate stars for the celebration. Now she makes them herself. Gregory says she wants to pass down the tradition to the next generation. “It’s our history. It’s been going, coming over from Ukraine, from Russia, and and still being sung today. To me, it’s powerful.” The best part of the night for Gregory is having a big feast, sometimes until two in the morning. And she loves it when the songs make people move. She remembers one song from her childhood, similar to @Joy to the World@, that shifted between fast and slow tempo. “You could see the people kind of dance or move to it. You're not supposed to dance in church, right? But this song, they always did. All the elders, you can see them tapping their feet, and their head bop. I miss that.” Gregory says she was happy to attend Slaviq at the primary care center, to bring comfort and healing to patients. After the performance, the group crossed the street from the primary care center and continued the procession at the patient housing. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling

It’s a wintry mess Friday across Southcentral and areas of the Interior. A few avalanches occurred overnight across the state, with the avalanche danger remaining high in Southcentral. While rain, freezing rain and snow are still impacting Alaskans, the bigger impacts are shifting to the roads into Friday night. Numerous school districts across Southcentral Alaska, including in Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and the Mat-Su, closed their doors on Friday due to ongoing weather conditions that have created hazardous and icy roads. After a weeks-long cold snap, warmer weather has reached Interior Alaska, with temperatures approaching freezing.  

The U.S. Supreme Court has once again declined to take up challenges to a federal law that protects subsistence hunting and fishing in Alaska. The court rejected the state of Alaska's petition to review a federal lawsuit against the state over salmon management on the Kuskokwim River in Southwest Alaska. KNBA's Rhonda McBride has reaction from Native leaders. The state had argued the federal government was misinterpreting a law Congress passed to protect a rural priority for subsistence. Last year, after the 9th Circuit Court of appeals sided with federal fishery managers, the state asked the court to take up the case, but in a docket on Monday, the court denied the state's petition. The Alaska Federation of Natives hailed the decision. Its president, Ben Mallott, says decades of hard-won protections under the landmark Katie John lawsuits were also on the line. “I feel relieved that we don't have to spend our limited resources and efforts, fighting for what we know is right, hopefully our final time protecting what Katie John fought for.” John was an Ahtna Athabascan elder who fought for the right to fish on rivers that flow through federal lands. This is the third time the court has decided to let the Katie John litigation stand untouched. The federal government's Kuskokwim lawsuit, which the court has left intact, now affirms similar protections. Michelle Anderson knew the late Katie John when she was little girl. Today, she is president of the Ahtna Native Coporation. She says the Athabascan elder taught her people well to stand up for what's right. “During our history here is that you can’t sit back and rest on your laurels and you must always be vigilant and looking out for what’s coming next. No. I don’t think anyone is jubilant and celebrating and thinking this is it. We’re just waiting for the next time.” Alaska Fish and Game Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang said in a statement that the state will respect the decision of the court to not address the legal issues regarding fish and game management authorities over navigable waters belonging to the state of Alaska, but the commissioner also said the state will continue to work with the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to ensure state rights are safeguarded. Mary Peltola, left, applaudes during a speech by former First Lady Jill Biden in Bethel, Alaska. Democrat Mary Peltola (Yup’ik), the first Alaska Native person elected to Congress, announced Monday that she's running for U.S. Senate, taking on incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Alaska Public Media Washington correspondent Liz Ruskin reports interest in whether Peltola would run has been high for months. Her announcement Monday came with a video portraying her salmon-centered family life on the Kuskokwim River. She repeats her previous campaign slogan: “Fish, family, freedom.” She also hearkens back to Alaska senators who served in less partisan times. “(Former U.S. Sen.) Ted Stevens (R-AK) often said, ‘To hell with politics. Put Alaska first.’ It's about time Alaskans teach the rest of the country what Alaska first and, really, America first looks like.” Nationally, Democrats believe that with Peltola on the ballot, Alaska presents one of their best hopes of flipping a seat. Political analyst and statistician Nate Silver said in a social media post last week that Democrats still have an uphill battle to win back the Senate majority, but that Peltola's candidacy moves their chances in Alaska from a long-shot to plausible. Sen. Sullivan has already raised $6 million this election cycle. He has President Donald Trump's endorsement and maintains a strong alignment with Trump. But, in what Democrats took to be a sign that he's feeling the political heat, Sullivan last month unexpectedly voted to extend health insurance subsidies. He's also touting a new bill that targets one of Peltola's primary issues: Bycatch, or the accidental catch of salmon by the pollock fleet. Within minutes of Peltola’s announcement, the National Republican Senatorial Committee and other groups supporting Sullivan issued a string of press releases, previewing the campaign issues they plan to use against Peltola. They link her to President Joe Biden and national figures on the left, as well as transgender rights and policies that restrict drilling on federal land in Alaska. Some Republican messages jabbed at her effectiveness in Congress, and at her high rate of missed House votes. Peltola tried to head off that last point. “D.C. people were shocked that I prioritized going back to Alaska in July to help put up fish for our family, but Alaskans understand.” For U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Peltola's candidacy presents a dilemma. They're both moderates, and Murkowski endorsed Peltola in the past, despite their party differences. Sen. Murkowski declined to pick a side when a reporter asked before Christmas, but Thursday, she said she'd made a decision: she is endorsing her Republican colleague. “We’ve had a pretty solid team here in the Senate for the past 12 years, so we want to figure out how we’re going to keep in the majority. And Dan delivers that.” Both sides are expected to pour tens of millions of dollars into the race. Sullivan's last race in 2020 was one of the most expensive elections in state history, with spending by the campaigns and outside groups totaling more than $57 million. Sullivan was outspent, but beat independent candidate Al Gross by a substantial margin. Peltola lost her House seat to U.S. Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK). After ranked ballots were tallied in 2024, she had almost 49% of the vote to his 51%. The rankings had little impact on the final result in that race. Before voters' second- and third- choices were counted, Begich's lead was slightly smaller. Sullivan and Peltola will face off first in a nonpartisan primary in August. The top four candidates will advance to a ranked-choice ballot in November. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – String of new affordable housing options offer hope for struggling urban Native Americans

Today we'll dive into the Weekly Top 3 from Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This week we'll focus on the Brad's legislative priorities. What should our reps be focused on? Find out! Then I'll recap and we'll finish up with Chris Story who'll bring us our lifecoaching lesson.

A plan for a more affordable and efficient electric system is at the heart of an effort to build a grid that meets the future needs for Alaskans. Nearly 75% of Alaska's residents live along the 700 mile railbelt system from Homer to Fairbanks. The utilities, consumer groups and energy experts are all in the mix to solicit ideas to make the power grid more efficient and resilient. What do you need to know about how you can weigh in? We discuss it on this Talk of Alaska.

Today is the first Weekly Top 3 of the year from Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: the MOST important fiscal issue in front of the legislature; the potential impact of Venezuela on Alaska; the continued performance of the PFC board. Then we'll recap with some of my thoughts in hour two and then finish up with our first PMA uplift of the year with our positivity guru Chris Story from Homer.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:The federal government gave up its claim to ownership of the North Fork of the Fortymile River in Alaska's eastern Interior. Juneau residents are still digging out from four feet of snow that fell earlier this week. Flu cases are spiking in Alaska, and at least three Alaskans have died from complications of influenza so far this season. Photo: The Kink on North Fork Fortymile River. The federal government acknowledged that the North Fork's navigable and the submerged lands belong to the state of Alaska on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025.(U.S. Geological Survey photo)

In this newscast: It's a new year, but Juneau residents are still digging out from four feet of snow that fell earlier this week; Thane Road is now open after being closed for two days due to avalanche risk; Two Juneau artists spent this snowy Friday framing and mounting 18 block prints that correlate with myths — ones they wrote themselves; In 2025 Alaskans experienced record-breaking heat on the North Slope, over 7 inches of rain in a single day in Ketchikan, and other extreme weather in recent weeks; Pelican has been without seaplane and ferry access since November

Clear skies mark the start of the new year as cold air moves across the Kenai Peninsula; Alaska Public Media health reporter Rachel Cassandra talked to one man whose experience with addiction and recovery mirrors that of so many others in the state; and for many, the New Year signals a fresh start. But for Alaskans, it also means it's time to apply for the Permanent Fund dividend.

In this newscast: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has landed on a solution to put an end to glacial outburst floods that have grown more destructive in Juneau's Mendenhall Valley neighborhoods over the past few summers; Juneau Animal Rescue might soon have a location in the Mendenhall Valley for its proposed new animal shelter; A group of 14 student athletes from Angoon finally returned home from Juneau Friday morning after a cancelled ferry left them stuck in the capital city for four extra days; Gov. Mike Dunleavy released his proposed budget, setting the stage for months of debate in his final legislative session as governor. His proposal leans on drawing more than a billion dollars from savings to fund a budget that includes paying Alaskans a $3,600 Permanent Fund dividend; Both of Alaska's U.S senators crossed the aisle Thursday to support a Democratic bill that would've extended health insurance subsidies for three years. The Alaskans and two others were the only Republicans to back the plan, so it failed to get the 60 votes needed

Today we'll diving into the Weekly Top 3 with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: what does the Constitution say about our share of resources; Persiley sees the effect but not the cause; there's no 'there' there. Then I'll recap with some of my thoughts and then we'll finish up in hour two with our weekly lifecoaching lesson from Chris Story out of Homer.

Tonight on the KRBD Evening Report….A Tlingit clan has been reunited with a sacred item, and how some Alaskans fight the winter blues. All that and more coming up.

Many young people have been inspired to venture to the 49th state by the book Coming into the Country, by John McPhee. Nearly 50 years later, a student of McPhee's followed in his footsteps and wrote about his life changing travels through Alaska's vast wilderness. The author and Alaskans who helped him learn about the state, and how climate change is reshaping the Arctic, join us to discuss his book, North to the Future, on this Talk of Alaska.

Roz is fired up that no one noticed his fresh haircut, Maurie calls Alaskans living in weeks of darkness, and the team dives into the five most Googled relationship questions. Plus, Mocha admits his candy obsession, Jag tops Spotify Wrapped with 149,000 minutes of listening, and we hear wild stories from VIP club nights to a nurse framing her late husband's tattoo. Add in interviews with the cast of Canada Shore and George Springer, and this episode is packed with laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments!

In this newscast:  Next week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a closed-door, three-day meeting in Juneau to discuss long-term solution options for glacial outburst floods in the Mendenhall Valley. Federal agencies, local officials and researchers will participate; The City and Borough of Juneau is seeking ideas from Juneau residents about how to spend the fees paid by cruise ship passengers this coming year. More than $20 million is expected to be available for tourism-related projects; The Sitka Tribe of Alaska's CEO is stepping down; Ten years ago the state of Alaska signed an agreement with British Columbia that sought to give Alaskans a say  in the development of mines upstream of Southeast Alaska. But environmental advocates say Gov. Mike Dunleavy's administration has walked away from key pillars of that agreement; Tongass Voices: Svitlana Bell on quilting for Ukrainian pride and independence

Today its the Weekly Top 3 from Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: The challenge facing the Fall Forecast; Is Lt Gov Dahlstrom duplicitous or just dumb; Ralph Samuels is a nice guy....but.... Then in hour two we'll recap with some of my thoughts and then we'll finish up with Christ Story from Homer who'll give us a self help moment.

In this chilling episode, Fred from Alaska—shares powerful firsthand accounts of the mysterious being known locally as the “Hairy Man.” Speaking with calm certainty and cultural grounding, Fred explains that these encounters aren't isolated legends or personal oddities; they're a long-standing reality for many First Nations families across the region, passed down through lived experience as much as oral tradition.Fred recounts his own unnerving experiences alongside stories from relatives who have faced the Hairy Man in remote stretches of Alaska. One standout moment takes place near a quiet pond, where what begins as an ordinary day turns deeply unsettling when the creature reveals itself—displaying awareness, strategy, and an intelligence that feels deliberate rather than animalistic.The episode then shifts to an even more harrowing hunting camp encounter: nighttime disturbances, unseen movement in the treeline, and a mounting sense of being watched culminate in a terrifying confrontation that leaves no doubt the group was being targeted and tested.Throughout the conversation, Fred emphasizes respect for the land, the people who live closest to it, and the beings that may share it. He calls on more Alaskans—especially Indigenous voices who have kept these stories quietly within families—to come forward. By gathering and comparing accounts, Fred believes we can better understand the patterns, behavior, and purpose of these encounters, and maybe finally bring clarity to one of Alaska's most enduring mysteries.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.

Host John Quick sits down with Governor Mike Dunleavy for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation on Stories Worth Hearing.In this episode, Governor Dunleavy opens up about his genuine friendship with President Donald Trump, why Trump has such a deep love for Alaska, and how their relationship continues to deliver meaningful benefits for Alaskans.John and the Governor also dig into the legacy of Charlie Kirk, the impact he has had on young people across the country, and why Governor Dunleavy issued an official proclamation declaring Charlie Kirk Day in Alaska.The conversation goes even deeper as they discuss what keeps the Governor grounded, a question he says no one has ever asked him before. His answer reveals a humble and thoughtful side of his leadership.They also cover the future of the Alaska LNG project, including how Governor Dunleavy's private-sector-driven approach differs from previous administrations that pushed for a state-led model. The Governor explains why he believes private leadership gives Alaska the best chance to finally bring this massive project to life.Governor Dunleavy is a humble and kind leader, and this episode highlights exactly why so many Alaskans respect him. You won't want to miss it.

In this newscast: Alaska's state government is increasingly failing to keep up with requirements in state and federal law, according to the state's nonpartisan auditor; Thousands of Alaskans who rely on the federal marketplace for health insurance are experiencing sticker shock as they apply for coverage for the coming year; Earlier this month, the Juneau School District unilaterally announced it was entering arbitration with its teacher's union after more than nine months of contract negotiations; An Alaska Marine Lines barge that was taking on water off the coast of British Columbia has continued its journey south to Seattle.

Health car premiums are expected to skyrocket for Alaskans as Congress promises a vote that doesn't seem to be coming.

Today we'll start in hour one with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This Weeks Top 3 include: what's missing in the Governor's Race so far; the irritating thing about the top 20% support of taxes; what the PFC first quarter returns tell us. Then in hour two we'll recap and highlight and then finish up with Chris Story for our PMA and uplift segment.

President Trump's former National Security Adviser-turned-nemesis John Bolton is indicted by a federal grand jury. Pressure builds to reach a ceasefire in Ukraine. And hundreds of Alaskans are airlifted out of flood zones.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's show, Alaska Public Media reporter Ava White joins Kimberly to make us smarter about Fat Bear Week and the issues that are top of mind for Alaskans right now. Alaska residents receive an annual check funded by the state's oil royalties. But its purchasing power is lower than ever. We'll get into it. Plus, we'll weigh in on AI live translations and a rise in Hamburger Helper sales during a round of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"Meet the superfans going wild for Alaska's fattest bears" from Alaska Public Media"Alaska ignored warning signs of a budget crisis. Now it doesn't have money to fix crumbling schools" from KYUK”The 2025 Alaska Permanent Fund dividend will be $1,000” from Alaska Public Media"North Slope leaders applaud tax breaks for whalers in the GOP megabill” from KNBA"Why are restaurant chains opening beverage-focused spinoffs?" from Marketplace"AI is taking on live translations. But jobs and meaning are getting lost." from The Washington Post"Touchscreens in cars are finally on their way out. Good riddance" from Fast Company"Hamburger Helper Sales Rise as Americans Try to Stretch Their Food Dollars" from The New York TimesIt's Half-Priced Hoodie Weekend! Give $10 a month to support our journalism today, and we'll thank you with a cozy Marketplace zip-up hoodie: https://support.marketplace.org/smart-sn

Two Alaskans relocate to Melbourne with their adolescent son who dreams of someday playing major league baseball. Can they find a three bedroom house with two bathrooms, a big yard, room for drums, and proximity to baseball and work? All for $2k a month? This is House Hunters Season 200 Episode 2: Alaskans Play Ball Down Under, and we watched it on HBO Max. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.