Author: Sarah Brown

Akutan defines Alaska’s wild spirit because it’s one of the few places where volcanoes, storms, and human resilience coexist in balance. Surrounded by the Bering Sea and crowned by an active volcano, this Aleutian island shows how life in Alaska remains raw, untamed, and deeply connected to nature. Located about 766 air miles southwest of Anchorage, Akutan captures the rugged independence that still defines Alaska’s farthest frontier. Akutan Volcano: The Fiery Core of Alaska’s Untamed Wilderness Standing 4,275 feet tall, Volcano is among Alaska’s most active peaks, with more than 20 eruptions recorded since 1790. Steam vents and low tremors…

Alakanuk, Alaska, a small Yup’ik village stretched along the distributary channels of the Yukon River Delta, stands on the front line of climate change. With fewer than 800 residents and land that barely rises above sea level, the community now faces yearly floods, accelerating erosion, and thawing permafrost that threaten homes, infrastructure, and traditional ways of life. Residents describe these changes not as distant projections but as daily realities. Many say the government response remains slow, even as storms grow stronger and land continues to disappear. Where Is Alakanuk and Why Is It So Vulnerable? Alakanuk sits about eight miles…

Alakanuk, Alaska, is a small village in the Yukon River Delta with roughly 750 residents, most of whom are Yup’ik Alaska Natives. Despite isolation and erosion challenges, the community has found a remarkable balance between traditional subsistence living and modern comforts like piped water, broadband, and renewable energy. Where Is Alakanuk, Alaska, Located? Geography and Climate Alakanuk lies at the east entrance of Alakanuk Pass, the southern channel of the Yukon River Delta, just 15 miles from the Bering Sea and 8 miles southwest of Emmonak.It’s considered the longest village on the lower Yukon, stretching nearly 3 miles along the…

Akutan is a small city on Akutan Island in the Aleutians East Borough, about 35 miles east of Unalaska (Dutch Harbor) and roughly 766 air miles southwest of Anchorage. Built mainly on boardwalks because of steep, wet terrain, Akutan supports one of Alaska’s busiest seafood-processing hubs and an active volcano monitored year-round by scientists. Where Is Akutan, Alaska, Located? Geography and Setting Akutan lies within the Fox Islands group of the Aleutian volcanic arc, part of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.The island spans approximately 19 square miles of rugged volcanic ridges and coastal cliffs.Because the terrain is steep and…

During late November, Anchorage begins to glow in ways only winter can explain. Strings of lights appear overnight, the air smells faintly of spruce, and suddenly everyone seems to have a reason to be outside again. I remember my first walk through downtown during Heyi Days, families skating at Westchester Lagoon, steam rising from food carts, and laughter echoing through the cold. It felt less like an event and more like Anchorage itself had come alive. That’s what you can expect this year, too. From November 28 to December 31, 2025, Heyi Days turns the darkest stretch of Alaska’s calendar…

November 7 to 9, 2025, Sitka will become a gathering place for ocean lovers from around the world. Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center at 834 Lincoln Street, the festival celebrates its 29th year with a powerful theme: “Entwined,” a reminder that the ocean, the land, and the people who live between them are deeply connected. What to Expect at Sitka WhaleFest 2025 For three days, Sitka transforms into a living classroom where science feels alive You’ll walk into open symposium halls, chat with researchers over coffee, and even cruise through whale-rich waters all while soaking in the small-town…

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing along a riverbank surrounded by thousands of bald eagles, November in Haines, Alaska, is where that dream comes alive. The 29th Annual Alaska Bald Eagle Festival takes place November 7–9, 2025, bringing together nature lovers, photographers, and scientists from around the world to witness one of North America’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles, the world’s largest gathering of bald eagles. Festival Dates and Location The Alaska Bald Eagle Festival is held every year in Haines, a picturesque Southeast Alaskan town with just 2,000 residents. The main celebration weekend runs from November 7–9, 2025, but the…

If you’ve ever lived in rural Alaska, you know that getting medical care isn’t as simple as driving to a clinic. In many villages, the nearest hospital might be hundreds of miles away, separated by rivers, tundra, and mountain ranges. For thousands of families, healthcare access means relying on small community clinics, medevac flights, and telemedicine. Even with these efforts, rural Alaskans continue to face deep-rooted barriers, but you’ll also find inspiring examples of innovation and resilience across the state. The Reality of Healthcare in Rural Alaska Alaska’s geography is unlike anywhere else. Around 60% of the state’s Indigenous population…

If you live in Alaska, you already know that winter here isn’t just a season, it’s a lifestyle. The cold months test your body, your mood, and even your motivation to get out of bed. When the sun barely rises, the roads freeze over, and the temperature dips below zero, it can be hard to keep your energy up. But the truth is, you can thrive in Alaska’s winter once you understand how to take care of yourself, from what you eat and how you move to how you protect your mind from the long darkness. I’ve gathered some simple,…

Travis Scott, born Jacques Bermon Webster II on April 30, 1991, in Houston, Texas, remains one of hip-hop’s most successful artists and entrepreneurs.As of 2025, most reputable sources estimate Travis Scott’s net worth at around $80 million, while others project figures as high as $310 million, reflecting the growing complexity of his expanding business empire.From chart-topping albums and record-breaking tours to global brand partnerships, Scott has turned his artistry into a multifaceted financial empire that bridges music, fashion, and technology. 🎵 Music Revenue and Streaming Dominance Travis Scott’s music continues to drive a significant portion of his income. His 2023…

As of 2025, Alaska remains the only U.S. state without a standalone, American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school. However, several Alaska law school alternatives now exist through hybrid and partner programs that let you study law without leaving the state. Thanks to these innovative pathways, including the Seattle University School of Law’s Alaska Hybrid Hub and UAF’s 3+3 partnerships, you can earn a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, start your legal career, and still call Alaska home. Does Alaska Have Its Own Law School? No, Alaska doesn’t currently have a traditional, brick-and-mortar law school that grants a JD degree.Because of Alaska’s…

If you’re considering where to continue your higher education in the United States, you might be surprised by what Alaska has to offer. Choosing to study in Alaska gives you access to respected public universities, affordable tuition, and cutting-edge Arctic research programs. During the 2023–24 academic year, only 297 international students were enrolled statewide, according to this report from Alaska.edu, making Alaska one of the most exclusive and close-knit learning environments in the country. With average annual education costs of around $50,000 and acceptance rates reaching 74% for international applicants at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, you’ll find both quality…