1. Devastating storm in western Alaska
The remnants of Typhoon Halong struck the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and western Alaska over the weekend, unleashing hurricane-force winds, coastal flooding, and storm surges that swept homes off their foundations. Anchorage Daily News+3AP News+3Axios+3
- At least one person is dead, and two more are missing in Kwigillingok. AP News+2Daily Dispatch+2
- Over 50 people (and 2 dogs) have been rescued so far from the hardest-hit communities such as Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Alaska Public Media+3AP News+3Axios+3
- More than 1,000 people have been displaced, with many evacuated to shelters in Bethel. Anchorage Daily News+3Anchorage Daily News+3Alaska Public Media+3
- Infrastructure damage is widespread: roads, airports, power lines, sewer systems, and wells are affected. Anchorage Daily News+2Alaska Public Media+2

. While most were quickly assessed and reopened, some experienced damage to runways and other infrastructure due to flooding and high winds. For many of these communities, the local airport is the only reliable transportation link./PC: Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
The governor and federal officials have declared disaster status for the region and mobilized state and national guard resources to assist with recovery and rescue. Alaska Beacon+3Alaska Public Media+3Alaska Beacon+3
2. Rollback of Biden-era land restrictions boosts Alaska mining & drilling
Congressional Republicans have voted to repeal restrictions put in place by the Biden administration that limited new mining and drilling on public lands in several Western states, including Alaska. AP News
In Alaska specifically, this paves the way for expansion of projects like the Ambler Road, intended to open access to mineral-rich areas. AP News+2AP News+2
3. Ambler Road project revived

President Donald Trump has approved the construction of a 211-mile access road through Alaskaâs Ambler mining district. This decision reverses prior environmental restrictions and aims to facilitate extraction of copper, cobalt, and gold. AP News+2Reuters+2
The federal government is also taking a 10% equity stake in the company behind the development. Reuters
The move faces opposition from environmental advocates and Alaska Native communities concerned about impacts on salmon, caribou, and subsistence lifestyles. AP News+2Reuters+2
4. Geopolitical echoes in âspirit of Alaskaâ rhetoric

Russia is attempting to re-invigorate the notion of an âAlaska spiritâ in U.S. – Russian relations, referencing the 2025 Anchorage summit between Presidents Trump and Putin. While the summit raised hopes of renewed diplomacy, follow-up momentum appears to have faded, and tensions, especially around Ukraine, remain high.
5. The Spirit of Alaska … and Halloween

5. The Spirit of Alaska and the Spirit of Halloween
And while world leaders debate the âSpirit of Alaska,â my granddaughter Madison reminded me what that really means: a mix of boldness and heart. Sheâs modeling her festively scary jester costume, all black and white and full of attitude. Pure âSpirit of Halloween,â Alaska-style. đ