Author: Sarah Brown

Weather plays a crucial role in your daily life. It influences everything from what you wear to how you plan your activities. In regions like Bethel, Alaska, weather patterns can be particularly significant due to the area’s unique climatic conditions. Situated in the southwestern part of the state, Bethel experiences a subarctic climate characterized by cool summers and long, frigid winters. The town’s weather trends over the past decade provide valuable insights into broader climatic shifts, particularly in the context of climate change. Thus, understanding the weather in Bethel, Alaska, is essential for adapting to these changes. Temperature Trends in…

SES Space and Defense is a premier technology innovator and integrated services provider for the U.S. Government, the U.S. Department of Defense, and international defense partners. With over two decades of expertise, SES has been the trusted partner for delivering reliable communication solutions, empowering hundreds of remote healthcare clinics, rural schools, and local governments across Alaska. This multi-orbit approach ensures enhanced connectivity, offering low latency, high throughput, and global coverage tailored to the region’s diverse needs. In addition to its satellite services, SES operates an expansive microwave network, extending over 609 miles across interior Alaska. This network delivers resilient communication…

A recent federal investigation conducted by the Justice Department found that Alaska is facing significant voting accessibility challenges for people with disabilities. According to a press release dated June 18, 2024, core services required for equitable voting experiences must be revised. The investigation revealed that accessible voting machines, crucial for individuals with disabilities to vote independently, were either missing from polling sites or functioning incorrectly. This posed challenges for voters like Maggie Winston from Kenai, who expressed frustration at still needing assistance from poll workers to cast her ballot. Winston stressed the importance of people with disabilities being able to…

Get ready for some exciting changes in Alaska’s weather! The cool temperatures, showers, and thunderstorms will leave in the next few days, bringing in much-wanted sunshine and warmth. On Wednesday night, June 12, showers persisted in the Susitna Valley, Anchorage, and Eagle River. The good news is that the rain is on its way out. A high-pressure system is moving in from northern Alaska and heading south. This system will push the showers away, and the rain will cease by Thursday night, June 13. This shift means clear skies and warmer temperatures are approaching mainland and southern Alaska. Get ready…

The 2024 Yukon River salmon fishing closures are underway, but communities along the Western Alaska River face another year with very few chances to catch salmon. This is the fifth year in a row that fishing has been almost completely stopped. There’s a slight chance that people living in the lower part of the Yukon could catch some summer chum salmon. But it takes work. They’ll have to use different fishing gear, which might not be worth the effort for many of them. Holly Carroll, who manages fishing for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, says catching enough fish…

The confirmation hearing for Bianca Cross, recently appointed Anchorage Police Chief, has been rescheduled to July, coinciding with the new mayoral administration’s taking office. Originally planned for Friday, the hearing was canceled and will now be held after Mayor-elect Suzanne LaFrance is sworn in on July 1, according to Anchorage Assembly Chair Chris Constant. Constant clarified the decision-making process, stating, “It would not be appropriate to confirm a nominee from the outgoing mayor. The new mayor should make this decision in line with the democratic transition of power.” When asked about her stance on Cross’s appointment, LaFrance emphasized that the…

As you enjoy the weekend, expect a mix of sunshine, warmth, and rain across Alaska. Here’s what’s in store for today and tomorrow with the Weekend Weather of Alaska: Today, Saturday, June 10th, residents in Interior Alaska are experiencing some of the warmest temperatures of the year! Highs are reaching the 70s to low 80s. But be cautious! Strong winds and dry weather are increasing the risk of fires. Fire warnings will stay in place all weekend. Remember, your safety is a priority. Keep your barbecues safe! Today and tomorrow, June 10th and 11th, Southcentral Alaska offers perfect outdoor weather.…

Alaska’s gas line agency and an oil and gas company with promising prospects on the North Slope have taken a significant step towards a deal that could potentially supply gas to the $44 billion Alaska LNG project. On Tuesday, a subsidiary of Pantheon Resources, a company with a strong track record, signed a gas sales precedent agreement with 8 Star Alaska, a subsidiary of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp. If successfully implemented, this agreement could bring a steady gas supply to the project, paving the way for its successful operation. According to the statement, the agreement primarily aims to supply…

Severe summer storms recently hit Alaska, and each area is experiencing unique weather chaos. Here’s a detailed account of what happened: According to predictions, Anchorage experienced heavy rain on Wednesday, June 5th, setting a new record for daily rainfall. The city received 0.35 inches of rain, breaking a record since 1994. Meanwhile, inland areas saw intense lightning activity, with over a thousand strikes lighting the sky. Places like Manley Hot Springs even experienced intense thunderstorms. Starting Thursday, June 6th, residents in the eastern part of the Alaska Range should prepare for strong winds. Gusts could reach up to 60 mph,…

Bartlett Regional Hospital faces a $7.5 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year. To cover the shortfall, the hospital must use its savings, a strategy the board deems unsustainable. Max Mertz, the hospital board’s finance committee chair, discussed the causes of the deficit and potential solutions during a joint meeting with the Juneau Assembly. “We only have enough cash to last for three more years before we would have to shut down,” Mertz said. “Without major changes to our operations, we won’t be able to make payroll.” Mertz noted that the hospital’s budget crisis has been building for years.…

ANCHORAGE, Alaska—Today, Wednesday, June 5th, Alaska’s Southeast archipelago and Southcentral region are under siege by heavy rain and thunderstorms. This widespread downpour promises heavy rainfall from the Panhandle to Prince William Sound. Residents should brace themselves for persistent showers until Thursday evening, June 6th. In the Southeast, rain totals will range from 0.71 inches to 2.28 inches by Thursday evening, June 6th. Southcentral areas, especially from Seward to Prince William Sound, will see even more rain, between 1 and 2 inches through Thursday at 6 p.m. Meanwhile, Interior Alaska isn’t just escaping the heavy rain. There’s still a chance of…

A revised version of the National Park Service’s account regarding removing American flags from construction workers’ vehicles has been released, contrasting the agency’s initial statement. In the latest statement, the Park Service acknowledges that an employee from Denali Park contacted the Federal Highway Administration. This communication was intended to inform a Granite Construction project superintendent about a visitor’s complaint regarding the flapping sound of an American flag mounted on a vehicle traveling along Parks Road. The construction of a bridge at Pretty Rocks, near Mile 43 of Park Road, necessitates approximately one trip per day back to the Parks Highway…