Unalaska’s mask mandate expired at noon Wednesday, as local COVID-19 cases continue to decline; Alaskans who depend on salmon to feed their families are asking federal fisheries managers to clamp down on the bycatch of a primary food source; and 21-year-old artist Lydia Dirks takes her inspiration from her family, Unangax^ heritage, and other Indigenous artists, and hopes to use her work to inspire others to find healing through art.
Hope McKenney is a public radio news director, reporter, producer and host based in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.