Corinne Smith
@corinne-smith.bsky.social
✍️ Reporter @alaskabeacon.com, covering Alaska statewide news, politics & policy, focused on education, and social and criminal justice
www.alaskabeacon.com
www.alaskabeacon.com
Reposted by Corinne Smith
State biologists forecast a strong but not exceptional 2026 Bristol Bay sockeye run, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/state...
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/state...
State biologists forecast a strong but not exceptional 2026 Bristol Bay sockeye run | Alaska Beacon
Next year’s run is expected to be well above the long-term average, but not at the magnitude of the huge recent runs.
alaskabeacon.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:44 PM
State biologists forecast a strong but not exceptional 2026 Bristol Bay sockeye run, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/state...
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/state...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Controversial political website Alaska Landmine faces defamation suit from Alaska state official, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/briefs/contr...
Controversial political website Alaska Landmine faces defamation suit from Alaska state official | Alaska Beacon
Dorene Lorenz, chair of the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, has sued Jeff Landfield and other owners of the Alaska Landmine.
alaskabeacon.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:58 AM
Controversial political website Alaska Landmine faces defamation suit from Alaska state official, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/briefs/contr...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Sen. Sullivan touts ‘Big, Beautiful’ budget bill as bonanza for Alaska, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/s...
Sen. Sullivan touts ‘Big, Beautiful’ budget bill as bonanza for Alaska | Alaska Beacon
He says the bill, plus actions by the Trump administration, will boost economic development and health care in Alaska; critics disagree.
alaskabeacon.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:15 PM
Sen. Sullivan touts ‘Big, Beautiful’ budget bill as bonanza for Alaska, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/s...
NEW: State officials announced a "draw down" or most emergency crews supporting the Typhoon Halong relief effort in Western Alaska will be departing the region, as winter sets in.
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
Disaster relief crews begin to depart Western Alaska as winter sets in, officials say | Alaska Beacon
Some work on critical infrastructure projects will continue, but the state’s focus will transition to supporting storm-impacted communities and evacuated residents through the winter, officials said.
alaskabeacon.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:33 PM
NEW: State officials announced a "draw down" or most emergency crews supporting the Typhoon Halong relief effort in Western Alaska will be departing the region, as winter sets in.
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Disaster relief crews begin to depart Western Alaska as winter sets in, officials say, writes @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
Disaster relief crews begin to depart Western Alaska as winter sets in, officials say | Alaska Beacon
Some work on critical infrastructure projects will continue, but the state’s focus will transition to supporting storm-impacted communities and evacuated residents through the winter, officials said.
alaskabeacon.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Disaster relief crews begin to depart Western Alaska as winter sets in, officials say, writes @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/25/d...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
KYUK plays a singular role in the media landscape of the United States. over the coming weeks, we'll go from 10 full time staff down to 4. this is my last week at KYUK. listen here →
First, an earthquake hit Alaska. Then it was a typhoon. People turned to public radio for lifesaving information. Sen. Lisa Murkowski tried to get her colleagues to understand the importance of stations.
They voted to defund public media anyway.
They voted to defund public media anyway.
In rural America, public radio saves lives
In remote Alaska, public radio station KYUK is crucial during natural disasters. Without federal funding, how will it survive?
revealnews.org
November 24, 2025 at 9:40 PM
KYUK plays a singular role in the media landscape of the United States. over the coming weeks, we'll go from 10 full time staff down to 4. this is my last week at KYUK. listen here →
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Fishermen caught more than $40 million worth of salmon across all species in both Upper and Lower Cook Inlet, according to preliminary harvest data released earlier this month. #KPBorough www.kdll.org/local-news/2...
Strong 2025 sockeye run roughly doubles value of local commercial fisheries
Fishermen caught more than $40 million worth of salmon across all species in both Upper and Lower Cook Inlet, according to preliminary harvest data released earlier this month.
www.kdll.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Fishermen caught more than $40 million worth of salmon across all species in both Upper and Lower Cook Inlet, according to preliminary harvest data released earlier this month. #KPBorough www.kdll.org/local-news/2...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Alaska’s commercial salmon harvest rebounds after ultra-low harvest last year, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
Alaska’s commercial salmon harvest rebounds after ultra-low harvest last year | Alaska Beacon
Alaska commercial fishers caught much more salmon in 2025 than they did last year, but the money they earned was modest, according to the statewide harvest report. The state commercial salmon haul tot...
alaskabeacon.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Alaska’s commercial salmon harvest rebounds after ultra-low harvest last year, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
alaskabeacon.com/briefs/alask...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
This is a big story, and it's going to get bigger in coming years ... the Coast Guard has funding for eight new icebreakers and plans for even more. Many may be based in Alaska, and ports across the state are likely to be expanded as a result. #akleg #Alaska
As the Arctic heats up, the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet is preparing for boom times, write James Brooks (@alaska.bsky.social) and Tom Banse for the @alaskabeacon.com
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/24/a...
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/24/a...
As the Arctic heats up, the U.S. Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet is preparing for boom times | Alaska Beacon
After years of underfunding, the Coast Guard’s icebreaker fleet is undergoing a massive expansion, with almost $9 billion for new ships.
alaskabeacon.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The next federal judge (of only 3) in Alaska is a former state fish and game attorney and a member of the conservative legal org the Federalist Society, and set for a confirmation vote by the US Judiciary Committee and then a full vote by the US Senate.
Trump’s next choice for a federal judge in Alaska is greeted by a calm hearing in the U.S. Senate, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/21/t...
Trump’s next choice for a federal judge in Alaska is greeted by a calm hearing in the U.S. Senate | Alaska Beacon
Aaron Christian Peterson didn't face any tough questions during a public hearing of the Senate committee on the Judiciary.
alaskabeacon.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The next federal judge (of only 3) in Alaska is a former state fish and game attorney and a member of the conservative legal org the Federalist Society, and set for a confirmation vote by the US Judiciary Committee and then a full vote by the US Senate.
Reposted by Corinne Smith
The Trump administration wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean?
Jacob Fischler looks into it for @statesnewsroom.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/21/r...
Jacob Fischler looks into it for @statesnewsroom.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/21/r...
The Trump administration wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean? | Alaska Beacon
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ call for a close reexamination of the 42 million people who receive federal food aid has befuddled advocates and lawmakers.
alaskabeacon.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:19 PM
The Trump administration wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean?
Jacob Fischler looks into it for @statesnewsroom.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/21/r...
Jacob Fischler looks into it for @statesnewsroom.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/21/r...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Trump administration proposes offshore leasing in almost all Alaska waters, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/21/t...
Trump administration proposes offshore leasing in almost all Alaska waters | Alaska Beacon
A new five-year offshore oil and gas leasing plan proposes 21 sales in Alaska, from the Gulf of Alaska to the High Arctic.
alaskabeacon.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Trump administration proposes offshore leasing in almost all Alaska waters, writes @yjrosen.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/21/t...
Is FEMA disaster relief being politically weaponized?
Notably, the Trump administration has approved Alaska's federal disaster declaration for Typhoon Halong but paying for it, at a 100% cost share is still "under review."
Source: KYUK - www.kyuk.org/public-safet...
Notably, the Trump administration has approved Alaska's federal disaster declaration for Typhoon Halong but paying for it, at a 100% cost share is still "under review."
Source: KYUK - www.kyuk.org/public-safet...
The Trump administration has stiffed Washington's request for a major disaster declaration — without any detailed explanation — despite a damage assessment showing the state qualified for federal assistance.
FEMA denial of aid after bomb cyclone stings Washington as Trump favors Republican states
The storm caused an estimated $34 million in damage across six counties.
www.adn.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Is FEMA disaster relief being politically weaponized?
Notably, the Trump administration has approved Alaska's federal disaster declaration for Typhoon Halong but paying for it, at a 100% cost share is still "under review."
Source: KYUK - www.kyuk.org/public-safet...
Notably, the Trump administration has approved Alaska's federal disaster declaration for Typhoon Halong but paying for it, at a 100% cost share is still "under review."
Source: KYUK - www.kyuk.org/public-safet...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Officials with the National Guard told Alaska lawmakers about the decision just days before a federal judge temporarily ordered an end to deployments in the nation’s capital. Via @alaskabeacon.com
Gov. Dunleavy approves deployment of Alaska National Guard to Washington D.C. in 2026
Officials with the National Guard told state legislators about the decision just days before a federal judge temporarily ordered an end to deployments in the nation’s capital.
www.adn.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Officials with the National Guard told Alaska lawmakers about the decision just days before a federal judge temporarily ordered an end to deployments in the nation’s capital. Via @alaskabeacon.com
NEW: Alaska Gov. Dunleavy's office confirmed he has approved a request for a rapid response force of 100 National Guard members to deploy Washington DC in 2026.
But the action may be moot, as today a federal judge ordered an end to troop deployments in DC
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/20/g...
But the action may be moot, as today a federal judge ordered an end to troop deployments in DC
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/20/g...
Gov. Dunleavy approves deployment of Alaska National Guard to Washington D.C. in 2026 | Alaska Beacon
Officials with the Alaska National Guard said they are preparing and training a response force of 100 service members to deploy to Washington D.C. and support civil authorities, as directed by the Pen...
alaskabeacon.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:21 AM
NEW: Alaska Gov. Dunleavy's office confirmed he has approved a request for a rapid response force of 100 National Guard members to deploy Washington DC in 2026.
But the action may be moot, as today a federal judge ordered an end to troop deployments in DC
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/20/g...
But the action may be moot, as today a federal judge ordered an end to troop deployments in DC
alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/20/g...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Gov. Dunleavy approves deployment of Alaska National Guard to Washington D.C. in 2026, write @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/20/g...
Gov. Dunleavy approves deployment of Alaska National Guard to Washington D.C. in 2026 | Alaska Beacon
Officials with the Alaska National Guard said they are preparing and training a response force of 100 service members to deploy to Washington D.C. and support civil authorities, as directed by the Pen...
alaskabeacon.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Gov. Dunleavy approves deployment of Alaska National Guard to Washington D.C. in 2026, write @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/20/g...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
BREAKING: Judge Cobb rules that the Pentagon's National Guard deployment into D.C. was illegal.
However, she has stayed the effect of her order until Dec. 11 to prevent disorder while the matter is under appeal.
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
However, she has stayed the effect of her order until Dec. 11 to prevent disorder while the matter is under appeal.
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
November 20, 2025 at 7:50 PM
BREAKING: Judge Cobb rules that the Pentagon's National Guard deployment into D.C. was illegal.
However, she has stayed the effect of her order until Dec. 11 to prevent disorder while the matter is under appeal.
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
However, she has stayed the effect of her order until Dec. 11 to prevent disorder while the matter is under appeal.
ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Alaska Supreme Court upholds early permits for Donlin gold mine, loosens reins on development, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/19/a...
Alaska Supreme Court upholds early permits for Donlin gold mine, loosens reins on development | Alaska Beacon
The court's unanimous decision has implications for mining and drilling projects on private and federal lands elsewhere in Alaska.
alaskabeacon.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Alaska Supreme Court upholds early permits for Donlin gold mine, loosens reins on development, writes @alaska.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/19/a...
Reposted by Corinne Smith
New graduates from the Alaska Department of Public Safety academy reduce the state trooper vacancy rate, writes @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/19/n...
New graduates from the Alaska Department of Public Safety academy reduce state trooper vacancy rate | Alaska Beacon
The Alaska Department of Public Safety announced 17 new graduates from its basic training academy bound for police departments, wildlife and state trooper posts, airport police and fire stations and v...
alaskabeacon.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:29 PM
New graduates from the Alaska Department of Public Safety academy reduce the state trooper vacancy rate, writes @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/19/n...
The Alaska National Guard has responded to public concerns around a rapid response unit trained for "civil disturbance operations:" 100 service members will be trained "to support civil authorities."
At the request of Gov. Dunleavy, they will deploy to Washington D.C. in March 2026.
Story TK
At the request of Gov. Dunleavy, they will deploy to Washington D.C. in March 2026.
Story TK
November 19, 2025 at 4:00 AM
The Alaska National Guard has responded to public concerns around a rapid response unit trained for "civil disturbance operations:" 100 service members will be trained "to support civil authorities."
At the request of Gov. Dunleavy, they will deploy to Washington D.C. in March 2026.
Story TK
At the request of Gov. Dunleavy, they will deploy to Washington D.C. in March 2026.
Story TK
So sad and such an extraordinary level of displacement and recovery for storm impacted Kuskokwim Delta communities.
makes me sad. these journalists are the front line of defense for when emergencies happen in that region—especially one currently recovering from a major storm
i see kwig is currently in the process of trying to identify coffins that floated away in the flood
i see kwig is currently in the process of trying to identify coffins that floated away in the flood
November 18, 2025 at 8:01 PM
So sad and such an extraordinary level of displacement and recovery for storm impacted Kuskokwim Delta communities.
Reposted by Corinne Smith
I am so angry and sad about this. Draconian staff cuts at KYUK in Bethel are an incalculable loss for the region and indeed all of Alaska. #AlaskaSky #PublicRadio
People have no idea what we are about to lose.
alaskapublic.org/2025-western...
alaskapublic.org/2025-western...
Alaska station that covered devastating storm cuts jobs
A public TV and radio station in Western Alaska serves dozens of villages damaged by Typhoon Halong. But with federal funding eliminated, KYUK makes severe cuts to its staff and news department.
alaskapublic.org
November 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
I am so angry and sad about this. Draconian staff cuts at KYUK in Bethel are an incalculable loss for the region and indeed all of Alaska. #AlaskaSky #PublicRadio
Reposted by Corinne Smith
KYUK, the station that kept dozens of Western Alaska villages informed during Typhoon Halong, is now cutting staff after losing all federal funding.
Alaska station that covered devastating storm cuts jobs
A public TV and radio station in Western Alaska serves dozens of villages damaged by Typhoon Halong. But with federal funding eliminated, KYUK makes severe cuts to its staff and news department.
akpub.io
November 17, 2025 at 8:41 PM
KYUK, the station that kept dozens of Western Alaska villages informed during Typhoon Halong, is now cutting staff after losing all federal funding.
Reposted by Corinne Smith
Legislators question federal directive for Alaska National Guard to prepare for “civil disturbance,” writes @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/17/l...
Legislators question federal directive for Alaska National Guard to prepare for “civil disturbance” | Alaska Beacon
Alaska legislators with the state Joint Armed Services Committee are raising concerns that a federal directive to prepare the Alaska National Guard to deploy domestically for civil unrest could divert...
alaskabeacon.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Legislators question federal directive for Alaska National Guard to prepare for “civil disturbance,” writes @corinne-smith.bsky.social for the @alaskabeacon.com alaskabeacon.com/2025/11/17/l...