
Portable, Sitka-built ‘mini homes’ could help with Southeast Alaska’s housing crunch
They’re bigger than a tiny house and smaller than a conventional one, but built to the same standards. There’s a bedroom, small bathroom and basic kitchen.

Indigenous creators hope to share history, cultural art forms through first-ever Tlingit opera
Sealaska Heritage Institute recently announced the opera’s development which will be based on the true story of the Tlingit-Russian War in 1802 and 1804.

In plan to boost Alaska tourism, governor announces state will offer vaccines to tourists
Alaska will offer tourists vaccinations starting on June 1 as part of the state’s plan to assist tourism-related businesses.

Bike shops expect another year of high prices, low inventory
Most U.S. retailers were caught off-guard by last year’s spike in demand, and this year bikes could be just as scarce.

SpaceX considers Alaska stations for satellite network to improve internet access worldwide
The aerospace and technology company is looking at building key parts of its satellite network for a project aimed at providing high-speed internet, even in sparsely populated areas.

Statewide Yup’ik Spelling Bee expands to include Iñupiaq competition
Competitors are not eliminated if they spell a word wrong. Instead, the winner is the person who spells the most words correctly.

US Seafoods apologizes to Unalaska after COVID-positive crew caused widespread exposure at bar
Video footage indicates that as many as 60 people could have been exposed at the Norwegian Rat that night.

Dunleavy administration withdraws DMV privatization plan
The Dunleavy administration is no longer seeking private vendors to replace six state-run Division of Motor Vehicles offices.

‘It’s long overdue’: Rep. Young breaks with GOP colleagues in supporting Puerto Rico statehood
Young, drawing on Alaska’s example, said the partisan tilt of Puerto Rico’s electorate shouldn’t guide the decision.

Mekoryuk is likely the first Alaska community to reach 100% vaccination against COVID-19
Mekoryuk is the first community in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta — and likely the first in Alaska — to possibly reach total vaccination for everyone aged 16 and older.

An Anchorage piñata maker is crafting giant COVID germs for smashing
Alaskans were eager to get their hands on a version of the coronavirus they could easily destroy.

Alaska would be first state to use blockchain-based voting system under proposed bill
Sen. Mike Shower said he wants to increase voters’ confidence in the voting system.

Glacier Bay’s Alsek River predicted to shift course within a few decades due to climate change
This could pose challenges for raft trips and fishing in Glacier Bay National Park.

‘Bonus weekend’ in the sun planned for Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau
The extra two days of operation is in appreciation of all their guests and regulars that enjoyed the mountain this season.

Gov. Dunleavy orders investigation into state disclosure of personal information with Anchorage government
People working on behalf of Anchorage’s government contacted individuals about COVID-19 vaccine information, according to the governor’s office. The municipality received the names and contact information from state Department of Health and Social Services staff, the office said.

Widow of Gary Knopp files cross complaint against charter company
Rep. Gary Knopp’s widow has filed a counter complaint against High Adventure Air Charters, the Soldotna company whose plane collided with Knopp’s last summer.

Warm temperatures, precipitation prompt avalanches in downtown Juneau
There was no damage reported to any houses in downtown Juneau after Tuesday night’s slides.

Future of Donlin Gold mine permit uncertain after judge recommends state regulators to rescind key certificate
On Monday, an administrative law judge issued a recommendation that the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation rescinds a state water quality certificate that was issued to the Donlin Gold mine in 2018. The certificate is required under the Clean Water Act. Here’s what rescinding the certificate could mean for the proposed mine, and how the parties…

City of Fairbanks asks judge to consider Fairbanks Four civil rights case in two stages
The City of Fairbanks is asking that the Fairbanks Four federal civil rights case be considered in two stages, starting with a ruling on the validity of the 2015 prison release agreement that barred the men from suing the city or state.

Swastika appears on South Tongass Highway, Ketchikan’s second incident of racist vandalism in less than a week
The first vandalism appeared over the weekend on a trail and skatepark near Schoenbar Middle School.