Corinne Smith | Alaska Beacon

Kitty Sopow, a former social scientist with the National Weather Service based in Nome, stands in front of a structure where weather balloons are released into the atmosphere twice a day to send back vital weather data, including atmospheric pressure, humidity and wind. Part of her duties was maintaining these structures and ensuring the balloons were released properly. This photo was taken moments after Sopow heard from a friend she was on the list to be fired in February 2025.

Politics

Fired federal workers in Alaska speak out about chaos of losing jobs, housing, research, and more

Three former employees with the National Weather Service, U.S. Forest Service and NOAA Fisheries share their stories.

The Alaska State Troopers Statewide Drug Enforcement Unit seized illicit drugs and alcohol destined for Utqiagvik and the North Slope Borough in Dec. 2023. During the multi-day effort, 259 grams of methamphetamine, 48 grams of fentanyl powder, 600 counterfeit fentanyl pills, and 100 bottles of illicit alcohol were seized. The Utqiagvik street value of the seized narcotics and alcohol is over $220,000.

Public Safety

Alaska law enforcement seizures of illegal alcohol quadrupled last year

Corinne Smith | Alaska Beacon

State authorities identified and intercepted large and small alcohol imports headed for communities that have opted to prohibit alcohol, known as “local option” communities.

Voters at Anchorage City Hall wait in line to cast their ballots on Nov. 4, 2024, the day before Election Day. City Hall, in downtown Anchorage, was one of the designated early voting sites in the state's largest city. The director of the Alaska Division of Election answered some pointed questions at a legislative hearing last week.

Politics

Alaska legislators, citing some citizen complaints, probe management of 2024 election

Corinne Smith | Alaska Beacon

Alaska Division of Elections Director Carol Beecher defended Alaska's election as secure, trustworthy, and fair, despite some glitches.