www.alaskabookmarks.com - What's up in Alaska? News and interesting links from The Last Frontier

Alaska providers say childcare gap is growing

Palmer Head Start teacher Moriah Morris sits with children. (Photo courtesy of Mark Lackey)In Alaska, the gap between the need for childcare and the availability of services is growing, according to providers and national data. Some sources estimate it’s costing the state millions each year. An estimated 55% of Alaska children lack reasonable access to child care, according to data compiled by the national non-profit advocacy group First Five Years Fund. Alaska childcare providers say state and

Peanut butter cup balls offer instant energy for kids at camp

These little snacks are high in calories and protein, perfect for when you need a serious pick-me-up

Homer Pet of the Week: Panther

Panther is a big-hearted gal with lots of love to share

Awards shine spotlight on Homer’s top artists

Dave Webster picks up lifetime achievement award while Carla Klinker named artist of the year

Brick by Brick: Kenai’s Russian Kiln — Part 2

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Other than some raw numbers, the history of brick making in colonial Alaska is poorly understood. Nevertheless, the Russian government in Alaska considered the manufacture of bricks highly important. During the 19th century, the Russian-American Company had kilns in at least nine different locations, including Kenai from 1841 to 1866.

Letters to the editor

Pool an important resource for Homer youth

NCAA suspends Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter for 2 games over $427 flight

Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter will miss the Volunteers’ first two games of the 2026 season after the NCAA upheld a two-game suspension tied to a $427 airline ticket paid for by an NFL agent during Carter’s pre-draft process. The penalty stems from a Level III NCAA rules violation, which the governing body classifies as a basic breach of conduct. Tennessee successfully appealed an initial three-game suspension, reducing it to two games, but Carter will still sit out contests again

San Jose Sharks sign forward Macklin Celebrini to record-setting 5-year, $94M extension

The San Jose Sharks have secured the face of their franchise for the long term, signing star center Macklin Celebrini to a five-year, $94 million contract extension that will keep the 20-year-old with the club through the 2031-32 NHL season.The agreement, which carries an average annual value of $18.8 million beginning in the 2027-28 season, is the highest annual salary ever awarded in NHL history, underscoring the organization’s commitment to building its future around the former No. 1 ov

Zach Top adds new dates to expanded 2026 ‘Cold Beer & Country Music Tour’

Zach Top has added new dates to his ongoing “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” through Fall 2026, transitioning the trek into major arenas across the United States.The newly added two-month stretch begins September 11 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and features performances in major markets including San Diego, San Antonio, Jacksonville, and Milwaukee. The tour concludes October 30 with Top making his headlining debut at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. A rotating lineup of supporting artists will join

Youth Corner: Skateboarding just the trick to deal with life’s struggles

The hyper-focus required for skateboarding can be a great outlet for individuals

Russell Dickerson and Fetty Wap team in video for ‘Boots’

Russell Dickerson dropped the video for his crossover single “Boots,” featuring rapper Fetty Wap, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration that has become one of the year’s most talked-about genre-blending releases.Released earlier this year, “Boots” combines country storytelling with hip-hop and R&B influences, continuing Dickerson’s recent push beyond traditional country boundaries. The song was written by Dickerson, Fetty Wap, Matt Drag

Greta Van Fleet’s Chicago club show sells-out within minutes

Greta Van Fleet’s upcoming intimate Chicago performance has sold out shortly after tickets became available, demonstrating the continued demand for the Grammy-winning rock band as it prepares for another rare club appearance. Greta Van Fleet — featuring brothers Josh, Jake and Sam Kiszka along with drummer Danny Wagner — has built a global following with its blend of classic rock influences, powerful vocals and energetic live shows.The group will perform at Chicago’s Metro on July 31 as part of

Dropkick Murphys honor Shane MacGowan with new take on The Pogues’ classic

Dropkick Murphys have released a new recording of The Pogues’ beloved song “The Body of an American,”contributing to the forthcoming tribute collection 20th Century Paddy — The Songs of Shane MacGowan.The Boston Celtic punk band has long incorporated the song into its live performances, making the studio recording a natural addition to the tribute project. Originally featured on The Pogues’ acclaimed 1985 album Rum, Sodomy & The Lash, “The Body of an American” remains one of the group’s most

Sienna Spiro sets first headlining global tour behind debut album ‘Visitor’

British singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro has announced her largest tour to date, the “My House” 40-date world tour that will take Spiro across North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe through early 2027.The North American leg begins Oct. 13 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and includes stops in Washington, New York, Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Spiro will then head to Asia and Oceania before launching U.K. and European dates in early 20

Alesso and OneRepublic reunite after 13 years for “In Your Eyes”

Swedish electronic music producer Alesso and pop-rock band OneRepublic have dropped their latest single titled “In Your Eyes,” serving as their first new collaborative effort in more than a decade and marking the fourth time the artists have combined forces in total.“In Your Eyes” follows the success of previous collaborations including “Calling (Lose My Mind),” “If I Lose Myself,” and “Scars.” Their renewed partnership comes 13 years after the release of “If I Lose Myself,” a track that became

Least Sandpipers - Our tiniest shorebird

By Kate Persons Least sandpipers might be tiny, but they are spunky, spirited sprites worth getting to know. Barely larger than a sparrow and weighing only about an ounce, the least is North America’s smallest sandpiper and they are as little as any shorebird in the world. Seen next to our more common, small sandpipers—the western and semipalmated sandpipers—the least’s smaller size is noticeable. When seen alone, its distinctive yellow-green legs, though they could be mud-stained, will set it

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Council hears NJUS updates

By Diana Haecker The Nome Common Council had a full plate in front of them at the regular meeting on Monday, albeit with only one action items on the agenda: the council’s approval of the Nome Economic Development Plan, prepared by Stephanie Queen Consulting of Soldotna. The council approved the plan with the understanding that it is a living document and can be changed. City Manager Lee Smith plans to take the plan to implementation work groups and then bring it back to the council to approve

Community turns out for Stroke-n-Croak Triathlon

Ten community members of all ages took to the pool, roads, and trails on Saturday, July 25, for the annual Stroke-n-Croak Triathlon, a fundraiser benefiting the Nome Northstar Swim Team and the Nome-Beltz High School Nanook Swim Team. Under blue skies, cool temperatures and a stiff southern breeze made conditions for competing both challenging and pleasant. The Stroke-n-Croak challenges participants to complete a half-mile swim (16 laps), an 8-mile bike ride, and a 4-mile run. Participants com

Wastewater in Alaska’s largest city signals warning about measles

The gate to the John M. Asplund Wastewater Treatment Facility is seen on July 29, 2026. The plant serves most o the residents of Alaska's largest city. Wastewater samples taken in early and mid-July revealed genetic material from measles. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)At least one person in Anchorage had measles in early and mid-July, creating a risk that the highly infectious disease could spread through the state’s largest city, state health officials are warning.The proof is in the sew