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This week we hear about Mayor Branson not running for reelection, the federal government released education funds for both Kodiak College and the archipelago's public schools, the Alutiiq Museum found its oldest artifacts from the island yet, and the inaugural adult sobriety camp on Afognak Island.

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

Hundreds of people gathered in Wrangell at the end of July to help raise five new totem poles. A company that owns a controversial mining exploration effort outside Haines says work will continue at the site – despite plans to sell some or all of the project. And an Interior Gas Utility plans to truck in gas from the North Slope.

Photo: A large group of close to 300 people raise the Kadashan Totem on July 19, 2025 in Wrangell’s Totem Park. (photo courtesy of Brian Hockenstein)

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

in Alaska, experts say changes in Medicaid coverage will look very different in Alaska. It’s a bit of a mystery where some birds go when they leave Alaska for the winter. And Salmonfest also showcases Alaska Native culture.

Photo: Michael Franti & Spearhead perform at Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024.

(Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has cancelled half a billion dollars for vaccine development using mRNA technology. Salmonfest aims at a less trashy future. And Governor Dunleavy has ordered an efficiency review of state agencies and grants.

Photo: Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. spoke to reporters at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium on Aug. 5, 2025, the same day he canceled nearly $500 million for mRNA vaccine development. (Matt Faubion/Alaska Public Media)

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

What just happened at Saturday's Special Session of the Alaska Legislature? Is Senator Murkowski thinking about running for Governor? And what do very deep boreholes have to do with coal fired powerplants?

Photo: House Speaker Bryce Edgmon, a Dillingham independent, speaks alongside Senate President Gary Stevens, a Kodiak Republican, during a news conference at the Alaska State Capitol following two successful veto override votes on August 2, 2025. (Eric Stone/Alaska Public Media)

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

Alaska lawmakers on Saturday voted to override Governor Mike Dunleavy’s veto of state funding for public schools. And they refused to accept an executive order from him seeking to create a state agriculture department. They also overrode his veto of a bill intended to bolster the authority of the legislative auditor.

Photo: Suzanne Cohen holds a sign in the rain outside the Alaska State Capitol on Friday, Aug. 1 calling on lawmakers to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy's veto of more than $50 million in public school funding. (Eric Stone/Alaska Public Media)

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

The impending glacial outburst flood in Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley is raising tensions. Legislators are planning to arrive soon in Juneau for the special session. Educators and education advocates are hopeful that legislators will vote Saturday to override Governor Mike Dunleavy’s education funding veto.

Photo: On August 6, 2024, an outburst flood from the Mendenhall Glacier caused major flooding in the Mendenhall Glacier Basin. Multiple homes and roads are inundated. Courtesy photo/Alaska National Guar

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

More than 700 participants, including leaders from the circumpolar North, are gathering this week at Arctic Encounter. Alaska's Senators have different ways to vet federal judges. And cell phones are now banned in Anchorage School District classrooms.

Photo: Participants at Arctic Encounter

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has announced his policy priorities for the Alaska State Legislature when they reconvene for a special session. Senator Murkowski continues to buck the party with regard to controversial nominations. And Unalaska was mistakenly evacuated after the recent earthquake in Russia.

In today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:

The Trump administration wants to eliminate the Denali Commission. Wildfires have calmed down around Fairbanks thanks to cooler, wetter weather that moved in over the last few weeks. And an audit of the state's foster care system gives it a failing grade.

Photo: Smoke from the Bear Creek Fire seen from the Parks Highway on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Courtesy of Sierra Early