Science and Environment

David Csepp

/

National Marine Fisheries Service

Trawl allies fire back as Alaska candidates' anti-industry rhetoric heats up

Nathaniel Herz, Northern Journal

Gubernatorial hopefuls are blasting Alaska's trawlers for catching salmon. Now, industry allies have launched a radio ad campaign.
F. Jimenez

/

National Park Service

Critics of Alaska bear-culling program seek court order to block its resumption

Yereth Rosen, Alaska Beacon

The motion stems from a lawsuit filed by the groups in November after the Alaska Board of Game reauthorized a Mulchatna predator control program that had previously been overturned by state court rulings.

Public Safety

Deep snow drives moose into Bethel, increasing public safety incidents

Evan Erickson

Deeper than normal snow held in place by a monthslong cold snap in Western Alaska has driven large numbers of moose into communities across the region. For several moose, Bethel was their last stop.
Public Safety

Y-K Delta sees uptick in foxes testing positive for rabies

Evan Erickson

According to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, 13 foxes from across the region have tested positive for the viral disease this winter. The health care provider says residents should be extra vigilant about vaccinating pets and seeking immediate medical treatment if you or someone you know may have come into contact with a rabid animal.
Science and Environment

Early report predicts above average breakup flood risk for Western Alaska

Evan Erickson

Higher than normal snowpack and ice thickness, among other factors, have created heightened risks in 2026 for much of the Yukon River, the Tanana River, and the lower Kuskokwim River, according to the Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center.
Economy

Research looks at economic impacts of Bethel’s ice road, barge, and air traffic

Evan Erickson

Researchers from the University of Alaska Anchorage are combining machine learning and community feedback to understand the ties between income and transportation accessibility in the regional hub.
Science and Environment

Y-K Delta sees longest, coldest cold snap in nearly 15 years

Evan Erickson

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.
Politics

Newly proposed federal legislation aims to curb Alaska bycatch

Maggie Nelson, KUCB - Unalaska

Alaska's congressional delegation introduced legislation on Wednesday, Jan. 14 that aims to reduce bycatch in parts of southwest Alaska using better marine data, technology, and gear.
Politics

AFN alarmed by proposed review of Alaska’s system of subsistence hunting and fishing

James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

According to a notice published Dec. 15 in the Federal Register, the Interior Department is conducting “a targeted review” of the program mandated by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).
Economy

Donlin Gold tells City of Bethel that mine could be 5 years away

Evan Erickson

Amid ongoing legal battles and opposition among tribes in the region, Donlin Gold's general manager, Todd Dahlman, offered a bold timeline for potential completion of the proposed massive open-pit mine.
Science and Environment

Report details threats from a warming Arctic: ‘These changes cascade directly into people’s lives’

Alena Naiden, KNBA - Anchorage

For the past 20 years, NOAA’s Arctic Report Card has documented changes in the region, which continues to warm faster than the rest of the globe.
Economy

Alaska Supreme Court upholds early permits for Donlin Gold mine, loosens reins on development

James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

The decision has implications for mining and drilling projects on private and federal lands, experts say.