Alaska Public Media
@alaskapublic.org
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.
Join guest host Lori Townsend on this Line One and we’ll hear from experts about creative treatments for mental wellbeing. 🔊 Listen wherever you get podcasts. Catch Line One live on-air Wednesdays at 10 a.m. and again at 8 p.m. on KSKA 91.1 FM. https://akpub.io/4w5w33L
Therapeutic healing through art and animals | Line One
On this Line One, learn about equine-assisted psychotherapy and arts therapy.
akpub.io
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: Sen. Lisa Murkowski deflects when asked how she'll vote on President Trump's pick for attorney general. Plus, one of the top Democrats running for governor makes his case to voters ahead of the primary. Listen here: https://akpub.io/4hmWXAt
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Sen. Lisa Murkowski deflects when asked how she'll vote on President Trump's pick for attorney general.
akpub.io
Calculated by the annual average, Alaska lost about 4.5% of its federal jobs in 2025. Only Maryland, which lost 6.5% of its federal jobs, and New Mexico, which lost 5.8% of its federal jobs, lost more. (Via Alaska Beacon)
Federal job cuts in Alaska among the deepest in the nation, analysis shows
By the end of 2025, Alaska’s federal workforce was 10.5% smaller than it had been at the end of the prior year, according to the analysis.
akpub.io
More than 50 parents and spouses of active-duty service members have been detained since Trump took office for a second term, and at least six have been deported and one self-deported, the AP found. (Via The Associated Press)
Trump's immigration crackdown has detained more than 50 military spouses and parents
The AP found that since Trump took office for a second term, more than 50 family members have been detained, with at least six deported.
akpub.io
A New York-based child welfare advocacy group has dropped a lawsuit against the Alaska Office of Children’s Services that alleged widespread misconduct by the state’s foster care system. (Via Alaska Beacon)
Plaintiffs drop four-year-old lawsuit that alleged misconduct in Alaska’s foster care system
The group of plaintiffs filed a class-action suit in 2022, alleging systemic problems within the foster care system — including chronic understaffing, overburdened caseworkers and failure to find adequate placements — were creating a danger to children.
akpub.io
The Boulder Fire, first reported on Saturday, is burning on a steep, forested hillside along Little Boulder Creek near the Haines Highway.
Crews are fighting a wildfire about 30 miles from Haines
Officials said the fire was human-caused and that an investigator was headed to Haines to learn more.
akpub.io
What is the outlook for Anchorage’s economic future and how does that affect the economy in the rest of the state? Anchorage economic experts join us on Talk of Alaska. 🔊 Listen wherever you get podcasts. Catch Talk of Alaska live on-air Tuesdays at 10 a.m. on KSKA 91.1 FM. https://akpub.io/4wcKOSm
The economic outlook for Anchorage | Talk of Alaska
What is the outlook for Anchorage’s economic future and how does that affect the economy in the rest of the state?
akpub.io
Chief of Staff Mike Sanders told the City Council that requests for Fairbanks Police Department body cam footage from content creators are gumming up the system. He said he thinks the city "should just fight it."
Fairbanks chief of staff thinks city should 'fight' certain records requests from content creators
City of Fairbanks Chief of Staff Mike Sanders told the City Council he'd prefer to tell Lower 48 content creators seeking police body cam footage that they'll "get it when they get it."
akpub.io
The Anchorage Assembly voted Tuesday against opening an investigation into whether a member’s use of city funding for travel was grounds for removal.
Anchorage Assembly votes down proposal to investigate fellow member over city-funded travel
East Anchorage Assembly member George Martinez’s travel to New York in December 2024 had been under scrutiny. A resolution would’ve directed the city attorney to investigate Martinez, to see if any discrepancies made him subject to removal by the Assembly.
akpub.io
Golden king crab season opened on Saturday in the Aleutian Islands. The total allowable catch this year is 13% higher than it was last season.
Golden king crab season opens in the Aleutian Islands
This year's total allowable catch is 13% higher than last year's.
akpub.io
A Gustavus family’s sailboat suddenly sank in Glacier Bay National Park on July 29. When they recovered the sailboat a few days later, they found something unusual: the rubbery, black skin of a humpback whale.
Humpback whale sinks Gustavus family’s sailboat in Glacier Bay National Park
The family made it to shore soaked in their pajamas, then waited overnight for rescue.
akpub.io
This voter guide was put together in collaboration with KTOO Public Media, the Alaska Beacon and the Anchorage Daily News. Together we asked readers, viewers and listeners this question: What do you want candidates to talk about? Your questions shaped this guide. See how the candidates responded.
2026 Alaska Primary Voter Guide
Learn what candidates have to say about some of the biggest issues facing Alaska.
akpub.io
It can be tough to pick a favorite in a crowded field, so as the primary nears, Alaska Public Media is conducting interviews with some of the top candidates in the race. We’ll hear first from former Anchorage state Sen. Tom Begich, one of two top Democrats competing for votes.
Democratic hopeful Tom Begich says Alaska should get a 'fair share' of resource wealth
Alaska Public Media is interviewing the top candidates for governor ahead of the August primary. Hear or read our full interview with Tom Begich here.
akpub.io
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: Gubernatorial candidates make their case to voters ahead of this month's primary. Plus, Juneau residents and environmental advocates voice concerns over a proposed mine in the Tongass National Forest. Listen here: https://akpub.io/4xfRQ9K
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Gubernatorial candidates make their case to voters ahead of this month's primary.
akpub.io
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced on Monday that it will propose a new rule to change what it called “a burdensome regulatory framework” imposed a decade ago on oil development in federal Arctic waters. (Via Alaska Beacon)
Trump administration mounts second attempt to relax offshore Arctic drilling rules
The administration is seeking to change safety rules for oil operations in Arctic waters off Alaska, a region where exploration and development projects have stalled.
akpub.io
Through July 31, the Alaska Division of Elections reported that 9,981 Alaskans had requested absentee ballots for the Aug. 18 statewide primary. Of the requests, 28.5% had come from Republicans. Among the state’s 602,131 registered voters, 23.6% are Republicans. (Via Alaska Beacon)
President Donald Trump is denouncing mail-in voting. Alaska Republicans are doing it anyway.
Through July 31, the Alaska Division of Elections reported that 9,981 Alaskans had requested absentee ballots for the Aug. 18 statewide primary.
akpub.io
If built, the project could create an up to 980-acre reservoir behind the dam just north of where the creek flows under the Glenn Highway near Lion Head and control water to produce 18 megawatts of electricity. (Via Mat-Su Sentinel)
A proposed dam near the Glenn Highway in Glacier View draws community concerns
Chugach Electric Association is researching the viability of a hydroelectric project on Caribou Creek and in three other locations across Southcentral.
akpub.io
A look at how to vote before Election Day and what to look for on the ballot. (Via Alaska Beacon)
Early voting opens for Alaska’s 2026 primary election — here’s what to expect
A look at how to vote before Election Day and what to look for on the ballot.
akpub.io
Authorities say 37-year-old Aaron Farinacci, a convicted felon, was arrested at his home without incident and is being charged with arson in the first degree.
Authorities arrest an arson suspect in connection with wildfires in Spokane
The suspect was arrested in connection with one of three wildfires in Spokane, Wash., that have destroyed hundreds of homes and displaced nearly a quarter of the city's residents.
akpub.io
The city is preparing to move its Parks and Recreation facilities maintenance division into the building. It comes after the Juneau Assembly voted to close and sell the Mount Jumbo facility to help solve a multi-million dollar revenue shortfall.
After two years empty, Juneau’s Marie Drake building will soon get new life
The city is preparing to relocate its Parks and Recreation facilities maintenance division from its current location at the Mount Jumbo gym on Douglas Island.
akpub.io
The state wants to improve safety on a stretch of the highway, but Anchorage policy makers say they think the $1.5 billion project could make the road more dangerous.
State says the Seward Highway project will make it safer. Critics call it a boondoggle.
The state wants to improve safety on a stretch of the highway, but Anchorage policy makers say they think the $1.5 billion project could make the road more dangerous.
akpub.io
Tonight on Alaska News Nightly: The Northwest Arctic community of Ambler grapples for months with a water and sewer outage. Plus, now that he's on the ballot, Dan Sullivan of Petersburg aims to define his priorities in the state's U.S. Senate race. Listen here: https://akpub.io/459FxzQ
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, August 3, 2026
The Northwest Arctic community of Ambler grapples for months with a water and sewer outage.
akpub.io
The Anchorage library branch in the Mountain View neighborhood is temporarily closed after a tractor-trailer crashed into it over the weekend.
Mountain View library closed after tractor-trailer and sedan collide with building
Anchorage police say a sedan was traveling south on North Bragaw Street Saturday morning when it collided with a tractor-trailer heading west on Mountain View Drive at the intersection. Police say both vehicles hit a wall at the Mountain View Library.
akpub.io
Speaking to NPR's Morning Edition, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said nearly half of the city's neighborhoods have either been evacuated or are at risk as the fire that has engulfed about 12 square miles has yet to be contained.
Washington wildfires destroy homes, force thousands to evacuate
Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown says nearly half of the city's neighborhoods have either been evacuated or are at risk as the fires remain uncontained.
akpub.io
Providers say the expansion could keep more young people in Mat-Su for treatment. Limited local capacity has forced many patients to seek care in Anchorage or out of state. (Via Mat-Su Sentinel)
Two major projects could reshape mental health care for Mat-Su youth
The new facilities will offer in-patient mental health care and transitonal beds for youth.
akpub.io
Ready to test your trivia skills? Join Alaska Public Media for News & Brews Trivia August 10 at 907 Alehouse in Anchorage! Meet your local public media reporters, then show off what you know for bragging rights and prizes. Open to all. Learn more: alaskapublic.org/events.
Police Chief Sean Case said two people were pronounced dead at the scene —the cab driver and a front-seat passenger. Three other riders, along with the officer, were taken to the hospital. Their injuries were not life threatening.
Taxi driver and passenger killed in Midtown crash with Anchorage police patrol car
Two people were killed after an Anchorage police patrol car, responding to a call, collided with a taxi in Midtown Anchorage early Saturday. The cab driver and a passenger died in the crash.
akpub.io
The amount crabbers caught at the beginning of the season was the lowest amount in over 30 years, said the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Low catches close Southeast commercial Dungeness crab season three weeks early
The amount of Dungeness crab fishermen caught at the beginning of the season was the lowest amount in over 30 years, Fish and Game said.
akpub.io
“As I look around Petersburg, as I look around Alaska, maybe even the country, I don’t see great strides forward. In fact, I see a decline, and so I’m using this as a way to voice that," Petersburg’s Dan J. Sullivan said.
Petersburg’s Dan J. Sullivan will be on the ballot for U.S. Senate. What are his policies?
Petersburg Sullivan said he has mixed feelings about how he appears on the ballot and maintained that he never ran to fool anyone.
akpub.io
Alaska’s Fish and Game Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang, who denied the petition, said the state is determining how to best manage the invasive crab. They want to know more about the species’ distribution and how it impacts the environment before any changes are made.
State denies Ketchikan tribe’s request to open green crab fishery
In its petition, the tribe said, “continued colonization of green crabs into Alaska’s marine habitats carries an inevitable and profound risk of disrupting local fisheries.”
akpub.io