Sponsored by Uncruise Adventures

The first hint of Alaska’s pull on you isn’t just the mountains or the sheer, blue-gray glaciers; it’s the smell of pine carried on the crisp air, mingling with the hope of seawater. It’s the quiet you feel, the kind that settles in when you’re miles from anywhere and closer than ever to the rugged, boundless wilderness that calls out from each and every direction. Alaska’s landscape has a way of drawing you in, unearthing a wildness within that seems to mirror the towering peaks, endless forests, and hidden, untouched bays.

It’s here, away from the hum of large ports and well-worn tourist trails, that UnCruise Adventures shows you a different Alaska, the real Alaska. It’s not a trip filled with half-glances from a ship’s deck but an immersive encounter. With UnCruise Adventures, you’re stepping into the Alaska of hidden fjords and protected coves, where life thrives and the landscape remains as it has been for centuries. This is the true Alaska, where each journey tells a story of its own, woven from the land and the wildlife (both miniscule and giant) that inhabit it.

Imagine spending two days in the untouched wonder of Glacier Bay National Park, surrounded by towering glaciers and wildlife like seals and eagles. Or picture yourself on the Northern Passages route, where intimate encounters with humpback whales, sea otters, and brown bears are part of the day. Above all, the UnCruise experience is crafted to be a close, sustainable journey that puts the utmost respect in nature and immerses guests in the landscape, culture, and wildlife.

 With over 25 years of expertise, UnCruise Adventures’ expeditions remain at the forefront of immersive, small-ship travel. Launching with a single ship exploring Alaska, UnCruise now operates the longest cruise season in Alaska, and while its offerings have since expanded, the mission remains to deliver transformative experiences. Now more than ever, that mission aligns with eco-conscious travel. From navigating the lesser-known Aleutian Islands to following viewing guidelines for wildlife protection, UnCruise’s small ships allow for sustainable exploration in places larger vessels can’t reach. Travelers come away not just with stories but with a renewed appreciation for conservation.

UnCruise’s small-group, small-ship model is crucial to its unique approach. With capacities between 22 and 86 guests, these vessels venture into coves, fjords, and back channels beyond the reach of traditional cruises, ensuring an Alaska experience that’s exclusive, personal, and respectful of the environment. This model also opens up rare privileges—such as setting foot in Glacier Bay, where less than one percent of visitors ever tread. Guests watch from ridge hikes along glaciers as some of the big foreign ships pass by and don’t stop.

Alaska is more than just vast landscapes; it’s a world where natural beauty meets rich cultural heritage. Through partnerships with local communities, UnCruise offers insights into the lives of Alaskan natives like the Tlingit people. The Tlingit share their centuries-old traditions through guided village visits, storytelling, and unique customs. It’s a chance for guests to connect on a cultural level with Alaska, understanding the heritage through the eyes of the people who have lived here for generations.

Beyond the exhilarating days, UnCruise offers an all-inclusive experience that’s tailored to each guest’s desires. This means unlimited adventures and unlimited amenities—from gourmet meals crafted with local ingredients to drinks included in the fare. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged to allow guests to immerse themselves fully. After a day spent exploring, guests return to a welcoming onboard experience where they can enjoy a signature daily cocktail, freshly baked cookies, a hearty meal, story swapping, lectures, and the thrill of preparing for the next day’s adventure.

Dining on UnCruise’s Alaska journeys is a highlight in itself. The onboard chef and pastry chef prioritize locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, creating dishes that bring Alaskan flavors directly to your plate. Each day begins with breakfast, is followed by lunches and multi-course dinners, and includes snacks in between, so guests never go hungry. And with an extensive selection of wines, craft beers, and cocktails, the beverages are just as thoughtfully curated (did we mention this is all included?). 

Expert guides, well-versed in Alaska’s natural and cultural history, work to tailor each day’s activities based on guest preferences. Whether it’s kayaking through the calm waters of Endicott Arm, snorkeling in cold yet crystal-clear fjords, or going for a hike high above a glacier, the choice is yours and dependent on what level of physical activity you are most comfortable with. The guides make sure each exploration has a personalized touch as they offer insights, assistance, and flexibility that let you make the most of each day.

From Alaska’s vast, icy waters to its remote forest trails, every experience on UnCruise is about pushing the boundaries of exploration. Travelers are encouraged to immerse themselves fully, whether that’s through hands-on encounters like glacier hikes or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of Alaska from the deck. For those who dream of snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding, UnCruise provides all the gear you’ll need, ensuring safe, convenient access to these thrilling experiences.

At UnCruise Adventures, Alaska’s natural beauty and cultural richness are respected, cherished, and preserved. This is not your typical Alaska cruise; it’s a journey where each detail is considered, every adventure is included, and every traveler is a part of the story. As Alaska’s landscapes stretch before you, you’re not just an observer—you’re part of something bigger.

For more about Uncruise Adventures, visit their website at Uncruise.com and follow along on their social channels.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – YWCA Alaska hosted its 35th annual Women of Achievement Awards in Anchorage on Monday.

The event celebrates those who have lived up to the YWCA’s mission of empowering women, combating racism, and promoting social justice.

Selected awardees have served as leaders and mentors, and have worked to better their communities.

Ten women were recognized this year, ranging from local business owners, doctors, to corporate executives and more.

2024 awardees included:

• Dr. Robin Bronen, Executive Director of Alaska Institute for Justice
• Aleesha Towns-Bain: Executive Director, Bristol Bay Foundation
• Elizabeth Miller: Vice President of Development and Communications, Alaska Community Foundation
• Dr. Jillian Woodruff: Cosmetic Gynecologist, Modern Gynecology & Skin
• Krystal Nelson: EVP & COO, Bering Straits Native Corporation
• Linda Leary: Owner/Principal, Linda Leary Consulting
• Minoo Minaei: Community Leader, Anchorage, AK
• Angie Astle: Chief Financial Officer, Chugach Alaska Corporation
• Christa Bruce: Community Leader, Ketchikan, AK
• Dr. Stephanie Eklund: Senior OB-GYN and Medical Director, Southcentral Foundation and Providence

Additionally, YWCA Alaska Advocacy Committee member Jason Norris was presented with the Special Ambassador Award.

Awardees will work closely with the YWCA over the next year to continue to uphold those values.

Ivy Spohnholz, a former YWCA Alaska board member and 2016 Women of Achievement Awardee,

“We know that our communities are healthier, stronger and happier when every person brings their whole, unique strengths, skills and experiences to bear on the challenges that we have,” Spohnholz said. “This amazing group of leaders demonstrates that principle of a leader in every chair and space.”

To learn more about YWCA Alaska, click here.

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Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.

Votes are still being counted, but lawmakers in the Alaska Legislature have already formed majorities and are outlining their priorities.

Here’s what to expect from the 34th Alaska Legislature.

In the House, the times are a-changin’

The House looks poised to flip from Republican-led control to a coalition made up mostly of Democrats and independents. That means, assuming the majority holds, Alaskans can expect a very different set of priorities from the last two years.

The leadership put out a list of their top four in an announcement naming the chamber’s leaders. No. 1 is a balanced budget that doesn’t exceed the statutory 5% annual draw on the Alaska Permanent Fund. 

No. 2 is “stable public education funding to reduce class sizes and improve outcomes,” according to the news release announcing the new caucus. 

“We have a situation where schools aren’t being able to meet their core functions, their core requirements in terms of providing a quality public education,” said the bipartisan majority’s speaker-to-be, Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham. “We want to take a good, hard look at that.”

Close behind is what the incoming House majority is calling “retirement reform.”  Hundreds of positions across the state are vacant, from teachers and police officers to snowplow drivers and ferry workers. Chuck Kopp, R-Anchorage, the incoming House majority leader, said one reason for that is the state’s 401(k)-style retirement system.

“We went from being the most attractive state in the union for teachers to, we’re at the very bottom of the list with no social security, no pension, and a 401(k)-only [retirement plan] where, after a 25 year career, you’re lucky if you have $80,000 in your account,” Kopp said.

Last session, the Senate passed a bill that would have moved public-sector workers back to a defined benefit pension plan from their current so-called Tier IV plan, which functions similarly to a 401(k). But, citing dueling financial analyses of the plan that came up with wildly different cost estimates, the Republican-led House majority caucus prevented the pension bill from reaching the House floor.

Edgmon stopped short of endorsing last session’s Senate pension plan — but he said it’ll get a “hard look.”

Republicans hold out hope for House control

Republicans have consistently said the Edgmon-led coalition is getting ahead of itself — there are some races that aren’t quite settled as of the latest update Saturday afternoon, including an House race where incumbent Rep. Cliff Groh, D-Anchorage, leads Republican challenger David Nelson by a handful of votes. They’re hopeful that they might be able to come up with a majority led by Republicans.

At the same time, at least some House Republicans share some of the same goals of the Democrat-heavy bipartisan coalition — even if they don’t necessarily agree on the best way forward.  Rep. Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, who was in the Republican-led majority last time around, said the 401(k)-style plan is clearly in need of improvement.

“I think the Tier IV system is probably inadequate for many Alaska employees, you know, state and local, teachers, et cetera,” Stapp said. “You should certainly look to enhance the retirement system to ensure that you can better retain employees in Alaska, although I will say that really needs to be couched in actuarial risk.”

Stapp said his biggest priority is addressing energy costs, another of the Edgmon-led coalition’s four goals.

In the Senate, meet the new boss, same as the old boss

The leadership of the Senate looks almost identical to the past two years. It has the same president, same Rules Committee chair, and the same majority leader: Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage.

“I see the priorities being pretty much what they were last year with slight modifications,” Giessel said.

For now, Giessel said it’s a bit too soon to say exactly what the Senate will prioritize — majority lawmakers are planning a retreat before the session to talk things through. But like House leadership, Giessel said a balanced budget is at the top of the list, along with reining in energy costs. And Giessel said she’d, of course, be “thrilled” to carry a pension bill through the Senate again, as she did during the last session.

Boosting education funding for public schools, just like the House, is another big focus for the Senate majority. Sen. Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, who chaired the Senate Education Committee last year, said a boost in per-student funding would go a long way toward helping Alaska’s students do better.

“We know that the base student allocation is how our schools are able to deploy the right tactic and technique when needed and necessary,” Tobin said. “That is going to be a strong focus over the next two years, helping ensure that our schools have the resources to do the things we’re asking them to do.”

Another priority for Senate leadership is election reform. The Senate Rules Committee chair, Sen. Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, said he’d like to revive elements of bills that have stalled in the closing days of recent legislative sessions.

“I think that the big issues continue to remain the witness signature requirement, ballot curing, and then just ensuring the security and integrity of the election process,” Wielechowski said.

The Senate majority looks a lot more secure than the House’s bipartisan caucus, but it might be a bit smaller this time than last. Sen. Shelley Hughes, R-Palmer, said she’s optimistic the all-GOP minority will reach the five-member minimum to get seats on Senate committees, which could give them more influence.

“Having a seat at the committee tables is one more opportunity to be able to get things done,” Hughes said.

Alignment in the House and Senate sets up conflicts with the executive branch

The bipartisan Senate majority last session frequently found itself at odds with Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Now that the majorities in the House and Senate will likely be in relative alignment, that could set up some conflicts with the executive branch. 

But Edgmon, the incoming House speaker, said he’s optimistic.

“There’s common ground out there that we can all sort of get to,” he said. “The challenge will be to try to find it and to work towards getting something through the legislature that the governor can ultimately support, that we think meets the objectives of everyone.”

At the same time, it’s also not clear exactly who will be in the governor’s mansion come January — there’s no shortage of speculation that Dunleavy will leave to join the Trump administration, which could scramble the dynamics. 

The 34th Alaska Legislature convenes Jan. 21.

Eric Stone covers state government, tracking the Alaska Legislature, state policy and its impact on all Alaskans. Reach him at estone@alaskapublic.org and follow him on X at @eriwinsto. Read more about Eric here.