Evan Erickson
News DirectorEvan Erickson is KYUK's news director. He has previously worked as a copy editor, audio engineer and freelance journalist. He was born in Seattle and moved to Alaska in Grade 6. He received his undergraduate degree in Journalism at the University of Alaska Anchorage in 2014 and has been roaming the world hunting for compelling stories ever since.
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Across the region, wind chills hovered around 50 degrees below zero for multiple days, reaching -58 at Bethel’s airport. Now the region is beginning to thaw out, thanks to a massive high-pressure system over the Gulf of Alaska. -
The Yute Commuter Service pilot was the sole occupant on board the Cessna 207 bound for Bethel. The pilot was rescued by Aniak locals after engine issues prompted a precautionary landing minutes into the flight. -
The state has issued a second arrest warrant for 44-year-old Adrian Kailukiak, who has been at large since allegedly assaulting and kidnapping a tribal police officer at gunpoint on Nov. 29, 2025. -
The St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Church choir kicked off Orthodox Christmas celebrations in Bethel by honoring Elders first. The spinning star at the center of Slaviq will be working its way through a dozen homes in the community through Sunday, Jan. 11, accompanied by hours of feasting and singing. -
A spokesperson confirmed that some, but not all, Club 49 members have been incorrectly charged bag fees since a new baggage policy went into effect on Jan. 3. -
Darren Hootch, 39, was sentenced for manslaughter and felony burglary after Brian Agwiak was found beaten to death in his home on Jan. 2, 2021. Another man, Rudolf Waska, received a nearly identical sentence in the case. -
The Lady Warriors gave Selawik a run for their money at the Mountain City Christian Academy Invitational. The Warriors boys beat out Selawik and Homer to take third. -
Today, Dec. 31, marks the end of 2025. Here’s a look at some highlights of 359 stories reported on by KYUK this year. -
In separate incidents in 2023 captured on police body cameras, Bernard Mael and Nicholas Kerr claimed that Bethel police caused them serious harm. A criminal trial is pending for a former officer involved in both incidents. -
The Alaska Court System says a lack of accommodations has created unnecessary burdens for prospective jurors from a dozen nearby villages. Beginning in January 2026, trial jury service will be limited to Bethel residents.
