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Alaska Public Media

@alaskapublic.org
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News from Alaska Public Media and our partner stations across the state. Alaska Public Media is a NPR and PBS station. Sign up for our daily newsletter: alaskapublic.org/newsletters.

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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 8h
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: Voters say they'll stick with Mary Peltola despite reports of her short temper and use of slurs. Plus, heavy rain in Interior and Western Alaska could leave sections of thin ice come winter. Listen here: akpub.io/4xRAP5y
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Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Voters say they'll stick with Mary Peltola, a Democrat, for U.S. Senate despite reports of her short temper and use of slurs.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 9h
Meet Backpack, your 2026 Fat Bear Week champion. Backpack is 20 years old, weighs about 1,000 pounds and got his nickname because, as a cub, he loved riding on his mom's back across the Brooks River.
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Meet Backpack, Fat Bear Week’s chunky champ
Backpack went from hitching a ride on his mom’s back to cross the Brooks River to winning the hearts of fat bear fans around the world.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 10h
A dead adult beluga whale was pulled onto a small boat launch near downtown Anchorage Tuesday after it was spotted floating in the water. NOAA Fisheries marine biologists are conducting a necropsy on the 11-foot whale to determine its cause of death.
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Dead beluga whale found at Anchorage’s Ship Creek boat launch
Another adult beluga whale was reported dead in Knik Arm Monday but had not floated ashore.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 10h
Heavy autumn rains have rivers running unusually high across Interior and Western Alaska, with some approaching water volume records set during the catastrophic 1967 Tanana Valley Flood.
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An unusually wet autumn has pushed some Alaska rivers to near-record volumes
A UAF climatologist said they could cause problems heading into winter.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 11h
The Anchorage Assembly is considering a proposal to loosen rules on home-building in some parts of the city in response to a housing shortage. Supporters of the proposal say it’s a critical step toward boosting housing supply, though it has also drawn plenty of criticism. Here’s what to know.
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How would MMHOP change Anchorage housing? Here’s what to know
The city needs more housing, and some say fewer restrictions will help.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 13h
Come for trivia, leave with fabulous prizes. Join us for News and Brews Trivia--Saturday, Oct. 3, noon at 907 Alehouse. This time, we’re talking Alaska political history with AKPM's Juneau and Washington, D.C. political reporters, Eric Stone and Liz Ruskin. More at alaskapublic.org/events.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 14h
Mine opponents said the new analysis vindicates their arguments that the mine poses unacceptable dangers in a region in which communities are dependent on salmon and healthy fish habitat. (Via Alaska Beacon)
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Donlin dam failure could put lives at risk and harm fish habitat, study says
New analysis of the Alaska mine, which was ordered by a federal judge, considers larger releases from potential breaks in the dam planned to hold mining waste.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 15h
Women earn nearly 97% of what men earn in Juneau. That makes the gender wage gap there significantly smaller than in Alaska and the rest of the nation, according to data from the Juneau Economic Development Council.
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Juneau’s gender pay gap is significantly smaller than the state and nation
According to data, the median income for a woman working year-round in Juneau in 2024 was about $71,000 compared to men who earn about $73,000 — a roughly 3% gap.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 16h
An Anchorage Superior Court judge may rule by mid-October on whether or not Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom acted correctly when she restored Republican state House candidate Jose Tagle to November’s general election ballot. (Via Alaska Beacon)
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Judge considers whether to overrule Alaska’s lieutenant governor on candidate’s eligibility
Alaska Democratic Party continues to challenge decision involving House candidate but doesn’t question action affecting Treg Taylor.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 29/09/2026
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: Anchorage police launch a program to help get people into drug treatment. Plus, the state considers changing how millions in disaster relief will reach communities recovering from ex-Typhoon Merbok. Listen here: akpub.io/4heA55C
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Alaska News Nightly: Monday, September 28, 2026
Anchorage police launch a program to help get people into drug treatment instead of arresting them.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 29/09/2026
Petersburg fisherman Bob Martin said that within minutes of putting out his net in Neets Bay, he had filled tote after tote with fish. It was the first year the hatchery had opened the fishery since 2018.
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Neets Bay Hatchery in Southeast Alaska opens first chum fishery in nearly a decade
Despite the uncertainty, fishermen said the Neets Bay opening was one of the highlights of the summer.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 29/09/2026
This episode of Addressing Alaskans, moderated by AKPM's Lori Townsend, features all four Alaskan gubernatorial candidates discussing how they would help shape the state’s energy future. Listen to past episodes wherever you get your podcasts. akpub.io/4ADNVG6
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Alaska gubernatorial candidates discuss the state's energy future | Addressing Alaskans
Candidates Dave Bronson, Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Tregg Taylor and Bernadette Wilson discuss how they would help shape energy policy if elected governor.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 28/09/2026
Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan lumps Democrat Mary Peltola in with “Lower 48 liberals” who've opposed expanded oil and gas drilling. Peltola says she'll take on "anyone in the Lower 48 who doesn’t understand what Alaska needs.” (Via The Associated Press)
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'Lower 48' is a phrase to fight over in Alaska. It's a fixture in the state's U.S. Senate race.
Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan lumps Democrat Mary Peltola in with “Lower 48 liberals” who've opposed expanded oil and gas drilling. Peltola says she'll take on "anyone in the Lower 48 who doesn’t understand what Alaska needs.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 28/09/2026
Many people incarcerated in Alaska can vote. Almost half, actually, are eligible, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska. And, for those who can, the deadline to apply for a by-mail ballot for the general election is fast approaching.
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ACLU Alaska sheds light on voting rights for incarcerated people
Thousands of people in or recently out of Department of Corrections custody can vote in this year’s general election, according to the organization.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 28/09/2026
Incorrect information provided by a Google AI overview caused a Kodiak woman to hunt snipe illegally, according to a citation filed this week at the Kodiak district court. (Via Alaska Beacon)
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Misleading Google AI instructions cause Kodiak woman to be cited for illegal snipe hunt
“I expect we’ll see more of this type of thing in the future,” said a spokesman for the Alaska Department of Public Safety,
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 28/09/2026
The film, called “Anchorage Welcomes You,” weaves together narratives of several people currently or formerly living on Anchorage streets. It explores themes of drug use and recovery, housing insecurity, sexual assault, poverty and violence.
akpub.io
Norwegian filmmakers debut full-length documentary on Anchorage homelessness
"Anchorage Welcomes You" follows currently and formerly unhoused people in the city. The film will be shown in Anchorage, Juneau and Homer.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 28/09/2026
An Alaska journalist interviewed an AI agent that was developed by humans to report on Alaska state news. Night host Casey Grove sat down with Anchorage Press Executive Editor Nat Herz to talk about the interview with the AI agent, named Walter.
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This Alaska journalist interviewed an AI 'news reporter,' and he didn't run away screaming
Anchorage Press Executive Editor Nat Herz "spoke" with Walter, one of Alaska News' AI agents.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 26/09/2026
This time, we’re talking Alaska political history. Join AKPM Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon for News & Brews Trivia at 907 Alehouse. Meet Juneau and Washington, D.C. political reporters, Eric Stone and Liz Ruskin, then dive into trivia. More at alaskapublic.org/events.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 26/09/2026
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: A journalist reflects on his interview with the AI agent behind thousands of Alaska news articles. Plus, civil rights advocates aim to clear up misconceptions about incarcerated people voting. Listen here: akpub.io/4AzPiFY
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Alaska News Nightly: Friday, September 25, 2026
A journalist reflects on his interview with the AI agent behind thousands of Alaska news articles.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 26/09/2026
Instead of facing arrest, people who have committed misdemeanors like assault, vandalism or shoplifting can choose to participate in the drug treatment program.
akpub.io
Anchorage police to ‘deflect’ some with substance use issues, rather than arrest
Police officials say the goal is to help people get out of the cycle of addiction.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 26/09/2026
Giant, gleaming yachts make their way to Southeast Alaska every summer. Small family yacht businesses are facing growing competition from new entrants they accuse of skirting a 140-year-old federal law meant to protect U.S. shipbuilders, vessel owners and mariners.
akpub.io
A dispute over the passenger Jones Act has Southeast Alaska yacht captains crying foul
Captains and vessel owners say some yacht operators in Alaska are skirting the law and that enforcement is lacking.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
Peltola is in a close race against Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan for one of Alaska’s two U.S. Senate seats. Ivan Moore of Alaska Survey Research, a political polling firm said he doesn’t know whether the New York Times article will affect the eventual result. (Via Alaska Beacon)
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A New York Times article claimed hostility by Mary Peltola. Will it affect Alaska’s Senate race?
Additional reporting shows conflicts between Alaskans and East Coast staff during Peltola’s term in Congress.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
On this episode of Outdoor Explorer, we'll hear from two Nordic skiing athletes about their experiences, their careers and their plans for the future. 🔊 Listen wherever you get podcasts. Catch Outdoor Explorer on-air Thursdays at 10 a.m. on KSKA 91.1 FM. akpub.io/4rP6Jyx
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After the Olympics | Outdoor Explorer
What does it take to ski at a professional level? Physically, mentally and emotionally? What happens in the off-season for these elite athletes and what do they do when their competitive skiing ends?
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
In the 2025-2026 season, 22 Alaskans, including one child, died with COVID-19 listed as an underlying or contributing cause of death, according to a bulletin issued Wednesday. (Via Alaska Beacon)
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COVID still sickens Alaskans, but effects are muted and the death toll continues to drop
Years after the pandemic peak, the virus is considered endemic, still circulating but causing less harm than before.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
Despite rising political anxiety over the Iran war, senators on Thursday narrowly rejected a war powers resolution seeking to halt President Donald Trump 's military action. The Senate outcome fell short, with four GOP senators joining most Democrats in favor of the resolution.
alaskapublic.org
Murkowski votes with 3 other GOP senators in latest failed resolution to stop Iran war
More Republicans are breaking with the president over the war, which has largely been blamed for a spike in fuel prices.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
Alaska childcare providers, families and employers are under intense strain with the lack of childcare availability and funding, according to advocates. They are calling for major state investment in the industry and seeking policy changes under the next governor. (Via Alaska Beacon)
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Alaska childcare advocates press for major state investment, policy changes to fill growing gaps
Advocates are calling on elected officials and state candidates for the Legislature and governor to make childcare a priority in the next administration.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
The changing weather is no reason to stay home. The Anchorage Weekender has you covered. Coming up: ⛷️“Kikkan” documentary and storytelling 🏃🏻UAA Spirit Run: Run against hunger 🍬Trunk or Treat Find all 9 local events here: akpub.io/4h9nBfA
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
ChalyeeÉesh Richard Peterson will remain the president of Southeast Alaska’s largest tribal government for the next two years.
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Tlingit and Haida’s president will serve another term
Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson won re-election with 68% of the vote. Clinton Cook will take over as first vice president. He unseated Pata, who has been in the position since 2021.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
Bus stops in Anchorage and Eagle River are getting new artwork and signage and, in some cases, upgraded metal shelters, benches and trashcans.
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Anchorage bus stops to get upgrades as ridership grows
Select stops will see new metal shelters, benches and trash cans. Plus, more than 600 bus signs will feature art by a local artist.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: Local and foreign yacht operators clash in Southeast Alaska. Plus, a new study finds El Niño events can boost nutrients in the Gulf of Alaska. Listen here: akpub.io/3T13Spe
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Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Local and foreign yacht operators clash in Southeast Alaska.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
“Some of the people who come and do this will be like, ‘I could never imagine myself doing anything like this, and I can't believe that I did that,’” lifelong climber Kevin Forster said. “I think it’s rad, because it exposes people to this type of environment.”
akpub.io
Haines family builds a via ferrata, Alaska’s second, above the Lynn Canal
Starting next spring, they hope to provide something different from existing tours in Haines and Skagway, which mostly revolve around large-scale cruise recreation.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
On this episode of Line One, we'll speak with medical experts to discuss navigating healthcare coverage and what you should look for in a primary care relationship. 🔊Listen wherever you get podcasts. Catch Line One live on-air Wednesdays at 10 a.m. on KSKA 91.1 FM. akpub.io/4cXvy56
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What you need to know about Medicaid changes and how to find care | Line One
With upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility, learn how to navigate your healthcare coverage and cash pay options.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 25/09/2026
The closures have been a blow to the hundreds of fishing guides who have historically relied on the world-famous king run for their livelihood. The yearslong decline of Kenai River kings has forced guides to change how they do business. Read or listen to this weeks Alaska Economic Report:
alaskapublic.org
Kenai king guides diversify to stay afloat
Four consecutive seasons of fishing closures have hit guides who rely on the world-famous king run for their livelihoods.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
The federal government’s programs for tribal water services are hampered by a lack of follow-up to support operation and maintenance, along with overly specific qualification rules and other administrative hurdles, a new federal report says. (Via Alaska Beacon)
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A focus on maintenance and administrative fixes would improve tribal water service, report says
A GAO report makes recommendations about ways to help ensure dependable access to water for tribal residents in Alaska and elsewhere.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
A new study published by UAF last week highlights how Indigenous knowledge can inform and improve computer modeling that analyzes and predicts changes in the Arctic Ocean.
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Indigenous observations improve computer modeling of changes in the Arctic, UAF study says
Researchers have been working with a network of local observers to better track and predict changes in things like sea ice and marine life.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
The changing weather is no reason to stay home. If anything, it’s an excuse to wear that favorite sweater. The Anchorage Weekender has you covered with nine events in and outside of Anchorage:
akpub.io
The Anchorage Weekender: a homegrown hero documentary, an orchard festival and 7 more events
The changing weather is no reason to stay home.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Sept. 16 that construction could continue on the first 2.8 miles of a road that would cross the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
akpub.io
Construction begins on first section of controversial road from King Cove to Cold Bay
A court denied an environmental group's request to halt construction on a section of road that lies outside the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
Under the proposal most offshore seafood processors would no longer have to keep track of their pollution release. However, an EPA spokesperson said in an email that other federal rules would still apply to offshore processors.
akpub.io
Proposed EPA rule would exempt most offshore seafood processors from reporting pollution discharge
About 80 permit holders in Alaska, Washington and Oregon would be affected if the proposal is enacted.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
The New York Times published an article Wednesday portraying U.S. Senate challenger Mary Peltola as a hothead prone to yelling at staff, name-calling and, in one case, shoving an aide in her congressional office two years ago.
akpub.io
New York Times reports Peltola has repeatedly blown up at aides and campaign staff
The Peltola campaign says some of the allegations are based on lies and others exaggerated.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: Construction crews crush gravel for the King Cove road as a lawsuit winds through the courts Plus, researchers at UAF say they'll work to tap mine tailings for critical minerals. Listen here: akpub.io/4rrTy6n
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Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Construction crews crush gravel for the King Cove road as a lawsuit winds through the courts.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 24/09/2026
In the past week, Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff have killed three bears in South Anchorage that officials say were damaging property and getting into unsecured trash cans.
akpub.io
Fish and Game kills 3 brown bears in South Anchorage after reports of property damage, trash can feedings
Fish and Game officials killed a male brown bear in the Rabbit Creek neighborhood Tuesday morning after reports of a bear breaking into garages, vehicles and even pushing in the door of a house. A week prior, officials killed a sow and her cub after they got into unsecured trash cans.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks say work is already underway on a project to reduce the nation's dependence on imported critical minerals.
akpub.io
UAF project aims to reduce US dependence on imported critical minerals
A new line of federal funding will help researchers find new ways to extract critical minerals from existing mines.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
Longtime resident Janet Goetz left more than $7 million in her will, specifically to pay for a library in downtown Anchorage. That library is expected to open this winter.
akpub.io
One woman’s donation is bringing a new library to downtown Anchorage
Longtime resident Janet Goetz left more than $7 million in her will, specifically to pay for a library in part of the city’s historic downtown.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Monday lifted a statewide executive branch hiring freeze, removing restrictions on managers who had been required since May 2025 to obtain special permission before hiring new state employees. (Via Alaska Beacon)
akpub.io
Gov. Dunleavy lifts freeze on state government hiring, new regulations and worker travel
A new administrative order reversed freezes imposed in May 2025 amid fiscal concerns.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
Apartment rents in Alaska rose 2.1% over the past year, the most modest increase in five years, according to analysis by the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (Via Alaska Beacon)
akpub.io
Mixed signals for housing costs across Alaska
Renters have faced modest price increases, while conflicting factors affect homebuyers.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
Republican Bernadette Wilson is again calling on fellow Republicans Dave Bronson and Treg Taylor to drop out of the race to be Alaska’s next governor. That’s after an AARP-sponsored poll showed Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins winning the race by 10 percentage points after ranked choice tabulation.
akpub.io
Poll shows Democrat with lead in Alaska governor’s race, but large swaths remain undecided
Democrats are optimistic that they can win the governor's race for the first time since 1998. But 18% of voters surveyed were undecided — and they voted for Trump by a wide margin.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
The money comes from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, which was funded by President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The legislation made major cuts to federal healthcare spending, including Medicaid, while also setting aside $50 billion for rural healthcare projects.
akpub.io
Haines to get $2.4M for community wellness initiative
The largest share of the funding will go toward improvements at the local pool.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: Alaska Democrats are hopeful the governor's race could tip blue, but pollsters are seeing many undecided voters. Plus, a Lingít clan raises questions about ownership of the story in a new opera. Listen here: akpub.io/4xKeAi7
akpub.io
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Alaska Democrats are hopeful the governor's race could tip blue, but pollsters are seeing many undecided voters.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
A hunting guide and his teenage employee died in a plane crash after taking off Thursday from a dirt airstrip in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
akpub.io
Alaska hunting guide and teen employee named as victims in fatal plane crash east of Nabesna
The crash killed Palmer resident Cabot Pitts, 42, and Connor Helsel, 18, of Michigan, according to Alaska State Troopers, who released their names Tuesday.
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Alaska Public Media @alaskapublic.org · 23/09/2026
Our Debate for the State is back next month. Join us to hear from Alaska's candidates for governor and Congress. Here's how to watch (and how to submit a question!)
akpub.io
8 candidates, 3 debates: Tune into Debate for the State this October
Alaska Public Media’s Lori Townsend will moderate a series of live debates called Debate for the State to help Alaskans choose who will represent them in the governor’s office and in Congress.
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