ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The first African-American female Judge appointed to the Alaska Judiciary is retiring this week — Judge Pamela Scott Washington.

Former Governor Sean Parnell appointed Washington to the Anchorage District Court on August 9, 2010, making history in the process. Prior to Washington. Superior Court Judge Larry Card was the first Black Judge in the state.

“I hadn’t thought about being special because I was the first African-American woman. And I got educated by that from the newspaper,” Washington said.

Washington’s career, trailblazing status, and retirement were celebrated at a party on Thursday evening, hosted by the Alaska Black Caucus.

In the span of her 15 years on Alaska’s Court Bench, Washington served as the Presiding Judge Mental Health Court, and Co-Chair of the Alaska Supreme Court Fairness, Diversity, and Equality Commission. Shortly before going into retirement, Washington was sworn in as the newest president of the National Association of Women Judges.

Reflecting back on her time on the bench, and her nearly 40 years in the legal industry, Washington said she never anticipated being a “trailblazer” when she started, but relishes the impact that she made.

“People experience justice, not just… it’s just not just done,” Washington said. “It’s seen, it’s experienced, it’s felt, and I think if my colleagues recognize that it’s the entire… the administration of justice is a whole process.”

“And so sometimes you can just be kind. People might not like your decision, but they’re going to remember how they experienced you.”

Having served for so long, working with judges and lawyers across the country, even serving on an advisory committee of only five American judges to Pope Francis, Washington’s resume is lengthy. Of all that, Washington said the highlight of her career is the community she served, speaking at schools, and leaving an impact outside of the courtroom.

“I think the thing that I’ve learned the most is that being a public servant and having people recognize you in the grocery store, letting them see that you’re just like them,” Washington said. “We’re doing life the same, doing life together. I think that’s how people trust the system better, if we could be more transparent, more open.”

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.

President Donald Trump has suggested a possible oil and gas deal for Alaska with China following his meeting with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday: “A very large scale transaction may take place concerning the purchase of oil and gas from the great state of Alaska.”

Why It Matters

China has previously avoided purchasing U.S. crude oil, and has been reselling U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) since early this year. America only accounted for around five percent of China’s LNG imports and two percent of its crude oil imports in 2024, according to Chinese customs data. Trump’s announcement indicates a change in China’s trade policy. 

It comes after trade tensions escalated rapidly between the U.S. and China this year, with tariffs being imposed by both nations. 

This has included China’s 44 percent tariff on U.S. soybean exports, which was a huge blow to American farmers. Soybeans make up about 14 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports, making them America’s most valuable foodstuff sold abroad. 

Trump also threatened earlier this month to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods starting in November following China’s tightening restrictions on rare earths exports.

What To Know

Trump said on Truth Social that China had agreed to “begin the process of purchasing” American energy, and added that Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum would be meeting to see if a deal “can be worked out.”

The president also said that President Xi had authorized China to begin purchasing “massive amounts” of soybeans and other farm products. “Farmers should immediately go out and buy more land and larger tractors,” he said. 

Trump added that China had agreed to “openly and freely” continue the flow of rare earths and critical minerals, and that Beijing would “work diligently” with the U.S. to stop the flow of fentanyl.

Trump has previously said that China had not done enough to prevent the flow of precursor chemicals – which are used to make fentanyl – into the U.S.

It comes after the Trump administration announced last week that it had finalized plans to open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to potential oil and gas drilling, reviving a decades-long political and environmental battle over one of America’s most pristine and contested landscapes.

The move fulfilled a campaign promise by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to restore energy exploration in the Arctic region.

What People Are Saying

Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I had a truly great meeting with President Xi of China. There is enormous respect between our two countries, and that will only be enhanced with what just took place. We agreed on many things, with others, even of high importance, being very close to resolved.

“I was extremely honored by the fact that President Xi authorized China to begin the purchase of massive amounts of soybeans, sorghum, and other farm products. Our farmers will be very happy! In fact, as I said once before during my first Administration, farmers should immediately go out and buy more land and larger tractors. I would like to thank President Xi for this!”

What Happens Next

Trump said that Wright and Burgum will be meeting to work on the details of the deal, but it is not yet clear when the discussions will take place.

Glaciers so immense and blue they don’t seem real. Snow-dome mountains. A never-ending parade of caribou, whales, bears and seals. All the spectacular things you’ll see on an Alaska cruise will take your breath away — but the price tag doesn’t have to.

These voyages can be pricey, and costs can add up beyond the cruise fare. However, with smart planning, you can experience all the soul-stirring beauty Alaska has to offer without breaking the bank.

Entry-level cabins cost less than you think

Alaska cruises may seem like a splurge, but entry-level cabins are surprisingly affordable. Inside cabins (those without windows) offer the best value, with prices around the $500 mark. For instance, a seven-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” sailing with Princess Cruises in May 2026 starts at just $433 per person. It’s a clever hack if you value adventure over comfort, giving you more cash to spend on shore excursions, the cost of which can quickly add up to more than the actual fare. While you will miss out on private views, you’ll find no shortage of viewing decks and lounges.

Ocean-view cabins add a window and natural light, sometimes for only a few hundred dollars more. Prices vary by cruise line, ship and itinerary. Balcony cabins cost more again but offer front-row seats and a private viewing platform for all the action that makes an Alaska cruise so breathtaking. Watching whales breach or a glacier calve from the privacy of your balcony is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many travelers don’t mind spending for.

At the top end are luxury suites, with the price tag to match. These cost north of $2,000 and come with perks like priority boarding, premium dining and sometimes even shore excursions — making them the ultimate way to cruise Alaska in style.

The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship

Extras can add up

Luxury cruise lines can seem expensive, but they often deliver more value than you’d expect. Per-person prices for a luxury Alaska cruise generally start around $3,000 or $4,000 but can climb to more than $6,000 for the most exclusive lines and cabins. On lines like Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Crystal, fares typically include premium drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and curated shore excursions such as glacier hikes and dogsled rides. These experiences can run into the hundreds if booked separately. Add the convenience, attentive service and style that come with a high-end cruise, and the appeal becomes clear.

Budget cruise fares, by contrast, rarely tell the whole story. Taxes, fees and steep port charges are usually added at checkout, and once on board, expenses can mount quickly. Drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities and even bottled water often come at an extra cost. Shore excursions — a highlight of any Alaska cruise — can range from $50 to several hundred dollars per person. Meals, souvenirs and transfers off the ship can further stretch your budget. Tally up the costs, and the difference between a high-end cruise and a mainstream sailing may be smaller than you think.

Flights can make one-way cruises pricier than they seem

One-way sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska (or the reverse) can look like a bargain. However, it’s a good idea to check flight prices before booking a spot. Getting to and from different ports, particularly in more remote Alaskan towns, can be expensive due to limited schedules and higher fares. Bad weather can also cause cancellations and delays, sometimes for days.

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Round-trip cruises from Seattle seem more expensive but often work out cheaper overall — and that’s because you are getting to and from a major airport. Whether you fly, drive or take the train, reaching Seattle is generally easier and more affordable than coordinating one-way travel in and out of Alaska.

How much does a cruise cost?

Cruising is sometimes the only way to explore Alaska

Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital without road access, so you have to fly or cruise there. The same is true for Alaska’s remote towns and wild coastal areas, many of which rely on ships as their main connection to the outside world.

Add in the cost of accommodations, food, entertainment and travel between ports, and that Alaska cruise suddenly offers a good value. Plus, it also offers a seamless way to explore Alaska’s untamed frontier.

Cruisetours that combine a coastal cruise with guided inland adventures are another great option. These offer an affordable way to experience both Alaska’s dramatic coastline and its vast interior without the hassle of booking multiple trips or facing hidden costs along the way.

Consider shoulder season for fewer crowds and better deals

Alaska’s shoulder season — typically April through May and again in September — is a sweet spot for travelers looking to avoid peak-season prices and crowds. The weather is cooler, the days are shorter and there’s a higher chance of rain. However, you’ll also enjoy spectacular fall foliage, a chance to spot the northern lights and a quieter, more relaxed onboard experience outside of school holidays. Plus, lower demand often means better deals on cabins and excursions.

15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

Longer cruises can offer better value

A 10- or 11-night Alaska cruise might seem high in price, but don’t let the price put you off. Longer itineraries often offer better value per night than shorter ones, with more ports, more time in the wild and a more relaxed pace — plus fewer logistics to worry about once you’re on board.

And the savings don’t stop there. Cruise lines regularly roll out deals during wave season and other promotional periods, offering perks like drink packages, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Bundled offers can bring the overall cost down more than you might expect, sometimes making a longer cruise the smarter choice even if the upfront fare looks higher. More days in Alaska for less money per day? That’s a win.

21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly

Bottom line

Alaska cruises aren’t just for big spenders. With the right timing and itinerary and a little research, you can sail through glacier country without blowing your budget. When you go can matter just as much as how long you stay, what ship you are on and which cabin you choose. It pays to shop around, compare what’s included and look for bundled perks that stretch your dollar further. With a bit of planning, that dream Alaska cruise can come in under budget — and leave you with memories that are priceless.