Author: Hadiqah Shahid

With only a few days left before the June 1 filing deadline for Alaska’s legislative candidates, over a third of the state’s 40 House members are on track to run for re-election without opposition. Candidates have until June 1 to declare their candidacy with the Alaska Division of Elections officially. Many wait until the last moment to submit their paperwork. However, in many parts of the state, Alaska lawmakers are likely to retain their seats with minimal or no competition. The 2022 election saw the most significant influx of new lawmakers in two decades, with 20 of the 60 new…

VALLEY VIEW, Texas — Devastating storms and deadly weather in the US have claimed the lives of at least 20 people, injured hundreds, and left a path of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Homes were obliterated, and a truck stop where dozens sought shelter was destroyed during the latest about of deadly weather to hit the central U.S. The most severe damage occurred in an area stretching from north of Dallas to the northwest corner of Arkansas. Forecasters predict that on Monday, the most significant risk will shift eastward, threatening a vast region from Alabama to near New York…

Alaska’s new election system, including open primaries and ranked-choice voting, has become a model for states addressing political polarization and voter choice concerns. Introduced in 2022, these changes contributed to the historic election of Alaska’s first Native American to Congress. Yet, their longevity remains uncertain. Opponents of ranked voting strive to repeal it and are embroiled in a legal battle over whether their initiative will remain on Alaska’s November ballot. This is just one instance this year of an escalating conflict over a broader method for voters to select candidates, fueled in part by profound dissatisfaction with the current state…

The National Park Service stated on Sunday that it never ordered the removal of American flags from vehicles involved in a construction project within Denali National Park and Preserve, countering claims made by right-wing media and echoed by Alaska U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan. A conservative site reported last week that workers constructing a bridge inside the park were “recently instructed to stop flying the American flag from their trucks or heavy equipment.” The site reported that Denali’s superintendent, Brooke Merrell, contacted the manager of the federal highways project, claiming there had been complaints about the U.S. flags and informing him…

Ever wonder what it would be like to wander through a land where the call of the wild echoes in every breeze? If so, you’re in for a treat because Alaska Adventure is your ticket to the ultimate wilderness experience. In Alaska, every day is an opportunity for adventure. Whether we’re hiking through ancient forests, paddling our way through crystal-clear waters, or marveling at the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights, there’s never a dull moment in this incredible land. Now that the idea of exploring Alaska has sparked a fire within you, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty…

The Iditarod Trail Committee has revealed that seasoned Musher Ramey Smyth will construct the new Burled Arch for the iconic Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. This decision follows the unexpected collapse of the previous arch, a beloved symbol at the race’s finish line in Nome, on April 28th. Musher Ramey Smyth boasts a rich history with the Iditarod, having participated in the race 27 times since 1994. Additionally, Smyth is the proprietor of Smyth Logwork and Construction, a Willow-based company specializing in log home construction.  According to their website, the Smyth family has been crafting log homes since the late…

Why is it so important to stay informed with reliable news sources? With them, we can make decisions based on complete or false information. Have you ever played a game without knowing the rules? It’s like trying to navigate a busy street blindfolded.  Reliable news provides accurate information about important events, like elections, weather disasters, or law changes. It helps you make good decisions about your life, like knowing if there’s a storm coming so you can stay safe or understanding new rules that might affect you. It’s like trying to find your way in the dark without reliable news.…

The Alaska House endured an extensive session on Saturday, compelled by minority Democrats, who proposed numerous amendments on a bill aimed at safeguarding female athletes in the state’s public schools and universities. In total, Democrats introduced 88 amendments, meticulously planned in caucus to prolong the passage of House Bill 183. Each amendment involved at least six Democrats advocating for it, aiming to tire out the Republican majority. With strict time limits for presentation and debate, the proceedings were expected to consume the entire day, leaving lawmakers feeling irritable. Among the amendments was one seeking to exclude competitive chess tournaments from…

In Anchorage, Alaska (KTUU) reports that a low-pressure system is swirling over the Alaska Peninsula Kuskokwim River, funneling clouds and precipitation into the region over the weekend. Unfortunately, this comes at an inconvenient time, coinciding with a forecast of HIGH auroral activity! Warnings persist for ongoing flooding in Bethel, Kwethluk, Oscarville, Brown’s Slough, and Napakiak, extending through the weekend.  Water levels are rising in these areas, and residents are urged to stay alert for sudden increases in water levels should an ice jam develop. In Southcentral Alaska, expect overcast skies, rain, and brisk winds, especially along the coast. Higher elevations…

Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued an emergency for spring floods in response to historic breakup flooding along the Kuskokwim River. This declaration allows eligible communities and individuals to access state funds for emergency-related expenses and receive assistance. Numerous communities along the lower Kuskokwim River remain submerged in icy water. The Kuskokwim River carved a passage through a troublesome ice jam downstream of Bethel, resulting in a slight decrease in water levels. However, reports indicate that the area re-blocked on May 10, exacerbating Napaskiak, Oscarville, and Bethel flooding. Upstream, Kwethluk continues to grapple with flood impacts. On May 10, Hydrometeorologist Kyle…