A snowmachine carrying two juveniles on the Kuskokwim River drove into an open hole Saturday, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old, Alaska State Troopers said Sunday.
Troopers said in an online update that they were notified of the incident, which happened about 8 miles upriver from Kalskag, just after 6 p.m. Saturday. One boy was able to get out of the river to safety but Cole Gilila, 15, “disappeared under the ice,” troopers said.
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Volunteers with search and rescue came from Kalskag and Aniak to help find Gilila, and searchers recovered his body from the river around 8 p.m., according to troopers.
A truck driving on the ice road took the other snowmachine rider to the clinic in Kalskag, and the boy was reportedly in cold but uninjured condition, troopers said.
Gilila’s remains were being taken to Aniak, then on to the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy, according to troopers, who also said Gilila’s next of kin had been notified.
There’s been a lot of chatter this week about the possible targets from JetBlue for a merger, and among them Alaska makes the most sense, but are they interested?
JetBlue Explores Merger Targets
As Matthew recently reported in JetBlue Merger Talks Analysis, JetBlue has been actively exploring potential merger scenarios with a range of partners, including United, Alaska, and Southwest. The reporting makes clear this is not idle speculation but a structured evaluation, with advisers engaged and regulatory feasibility playing a central role in how each option is being considered. At its core, the move reflects mounting pressure on JetBlue to find a sustainable path forward after years of inconsistent profitability and a failed attempt to acquire Spirit Airlines.
What stands out in his analysis is how differently each potential partner would reshape JetBlue’s future. A tie-up with United offers the most obvious network and slot advantages but would face intense regulatory scrutiny, while Alaska presents a more palatable antitrust profile with less obvious synergy. Southwest, meanwhile, represents the most unconventional path, with significant cultural and operational hurdles. Taken together, the report underscores that JetBlue is not just exploring growth, it is confronting a pivotal moment that could redefine its place in the US airline industry.
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I want to dive deeper into the Alaska angle for a number of reasons.
Alaska-JetBlue Is The Most Logical
As Matthew points out, the route network is perfect for an Alaska-JetBlue merger (though this would undoubtedly be an acquisition of JetBlue by Alaska Airlines.) Alaska has an excellent position on the west coast, and out to Hawaii. It’s spreading its wings from Seattle and already has international long haul from Hawaii to Asia as well. But the northeast is extremely limited both in terms of airports served and connectivity. No one in Boston wants to fly to Seattle or Portland to connect to west coast options. The same was true for JetBlue’s experiment with operations in Long Beach trying to setup a west coast hub.
However, pairing those two lucrative coastal markets would provide incredible coverage. In a few years together, it could make sense to add a midwest hub to carry some of the load.
Alaska has also had an exceptional run as of late, has cash, highly valued stock, and a management structure the industry can trust.
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Reasons Alaska Could Be Interested
If Alaska is truly interested in becoming a global carrier, it would be hard to ignore the northeast US market. Expanding into that market would be incredibly expensive and deeply embedded flag carriers would fight tooth and nail, including JetBlue assuming there was no merger. Buying into it could be a different matter. The table is already set, the customers have similar ethos: happy to fly a regional carrier with international aspirations that provides better service and has a personality.
As a defensive measure, Alaska has an opportunity to block other mergers. JetBlue is in the market and will find a suitor (if it can gain DOJ approval.) Its market is desirable, so is its fleet even if it could be run more profitably than it has been in the last few years. United has indicated that it’s open to an agreement but it’s incumbent on JetBlue to come to terms. American wanted a tie-up, had one, then years after it was disallowed by the Biden DOJ is now suing its former partner. While Matthew suggests American might want JetBlue – and it might – the carrier is probably not on the best terms with JetBlue management to construct a favorable deal and it can’t afford to run itself let alone take on more debt. Alaska can swing in and ensure that no one else gets them and expands their footprint and that alone could be worthwhile.
Buying JetBlue also helps grow its ambitions internationally. There’s little doubt that the future of trans-Atlantic international travel, especially for premium markets, is going to be on a narrowbody aircraft. Alaska, itself, is adding flights this summer to Iceland from Seattle on a 737. A base on the east coast with routes that can go to both alliance partner cities like London, Madrid, and Helsinki, and underserved premium markets in Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, anywhere in western Europe, helps a great deal.
It’s not just the European routes, though. JetBlue also has excellent coverage throughout the northeast and via its Fort Lauderdale hub to destinations in the Caribbean. Alaska knows leisure markets well and was the largest operator to Hawaii for many years prior to its purchase of Hawaiian. But it has zero coverage in the Caribbean outside of Cancun and Belize City. Alaska with JetBlue could become a serious bi-coastal force.
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Alaska could also cement its place as a serious contender domestically while it grows its international presence.
The credit card base could be an exciting component too, and would likely end Barclays involvement in the US airline affinity space entirely. TrueBlue is valued at $5.5bn (though $2.75bn was leveraged during COVID), and Bank of America only contributed $310MM last year, for which the airline still posted a substantial loss. The carrier also sells miles to American Express, Chase, Citi, and Capital One though each specific value is murkier. The airline expected $50MM in EBIT generated from its United partnership but this would almost certainly fall away in a an acquisition.
Reasons Alaska Will Pass
Jetblue is not in good financial shape. In 2024, the carrier posted a loss of nearly $800MM and while efforts in 2025 cut these losses by almost 25%, it still lost $600MM in 2025 too. At this pace the carrier will be breakeven at the turn of the decade. The value of the airline is not what it’s currently turning over but what it could be. That said, other mergers and acquisitions typically find significant cost savings when combining. Not just by reducing common route frequencies but also by shared resources in outstations (ex. instead of JetBlue and Alaska maintaining two check-in counters and gate allotments, it can reduce its overhead costs.) But these overlaps are limited ad thus so too would be cost savings.
Alaska is primarily a Boeing carrier with JetBlue an all-Airbus airline. This changes everything about the way a combined carrier would operate. It’s not just replacement parts and maintenance contracts but training facilities and range commonality. The Mint product from JetBlue is also something that the combined airline would want to keep especially for long haul flying internationally and trans-continental routes, but would be unlikely to equip across its own fleet even on its long haul narrowbody routes. That makes it tough to integrate.
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The carrier is still busy with Hawaiian and its own expansion plans without inviting a regulatory challenge, and the mess of a far greater integration with more moving parts.
Would this type of acquisition face more scrutiny from oneworld than Hawaiian? Maybe, it’s a possible factor and as the airline grows globally, it’s something it will have to consider. American Airlines likely benefits from Alaska’s network participation in the Pacific Northwest and doesn’t really put up a fight in Los Angeles. But in the Northeast it could be a different story.
Conclusion
JetBlue should absolutely consider all viable options for a merger or an acquiring partner. Alaska could be a great fit for JetBlue, and frankly, US consumers. But Alaska doesn’t need another project and that’s exactly what JetBlue would be. It requires its own turn around, there’s no fleet commonality, and no significant operational cost savings. JetBlue might be a great fit for Alaska, but probably not right now. That said, I’d love to see it and it would make the combined carrier a juggernaut and offer serious competition on the coasts and against the majors.
What do you think?
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The Anchorage Daily News caught up with some of the top track and field athletes from around the state at the annual Big C Relays. The list includes a sprinter who likes to play disc golf, a pair of Spider-Man fans, a reigning state champ who can’t get enough Macklemore, and three elite athletes whose biggest influences have been their older brothers. There were also several notable performances by perennial contenders and up-and-coming talent alike.
Here’s an introduction to six track and field athletes and the top performers from the Big C Relays.
Soldotna sprinter Tyce Escott answers questions at the Big C Relays track meet at The Dome in Anchorage on March 26, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Tyce Escott, Soldotna
The Soldotna senior sprinter was the Division I boys state runner-up in the 100 meters in 2025 by 0.01 seconds, and is the reigning state champ in the 200 meters. At the Big C Relays, he competed in the 100 and finished second in the prelims with mark of 11.34 seconds, then finished fourth in the semifinals in a time of 11.37 seconds. Escott helped the Stars Mixed Swedish Medley Relay team come in first place with a time of 2:09.55.
How did you get started in track and field? “I kind of just grew up running and decided to try it as a sport when I got to middle school, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
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What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “I don’t usually listen to music. I’m just in my own head and do what I want to do.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “Spider-Man Homecoming.”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “Spider-Man.”
Spider-Man follow-up: Favorite Spider-Man live action actor? “I like the Tom Holland ones the best, but I like Andrew Garfield too.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “I look up to my older brother. He didn’t do track but he always did sports and he was known for being fast. He did football and soccer.”
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Goals for this season: “I’m hoping to come back and try to get first (at state in the 100 meters), try to improve as much as I can and do the best to my ability. My goals are to hopefully win state, beat my (personal records) and just do as best as I can.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I play disc golf sometimes. There’s probably three or four (courses) down in Soldotna.”
Anna Green of South Anchorage High School leans into the finish of a 100-meter sprint heat at the Big C Relays track meet at The Dome in Anchorage on March 26, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Anna Green, South
The South Anchorage senior sprinter is the reigning Division I girls state champion in the 200 meters, and she also finished third in the 100 and fourth in the 400 last year at state. At the Big C Relays, she competed in the 100 meters and clocked the top times in the prelims (12.81 seconds) and the semifinals (12.86 seconds). In the finals, she came in third place with a time of 12.83 seconds and also helped the Wolverines finish third in the girls Swedish Medley Relay 1600-meter race with a mark of 4:37.22.
How did you get started in track and field? “My middle school health teacher. I was originally a hurdler and she transitioned me to a sprinter, and I’ve stuck with it ever since.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “Macklemore! Before every race, I listen to him.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “‘Prison Break.’ It was just thrilling.”
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Favorite fictional character of all time: “Donald Duck. He’s always been my favorite since childhood.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My dad. He grew up in Australia and ran (track) and played soccer. I played soccer my entire life, and I’m going to run track in college, and he was a big part of that.”
Goals for this season: “I want to (record personal bests), break another school record after I broke the 400 last year and I want to try to defend my 200-meter state title.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “Watching movies and hanging out around my house with friends.”
Benjamin Hiestand, a Chugiak senior, talks before the shot put event at the Big C Relays track meet at The Dome in Anchorage on March 26, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Benjamin Hiestand, Chugiak
The Chugiak junior thrower is the Division I boys state champion in discus and came in fourth in the shot put at state last year. At the Big C Relays, he competed in the shot put and discus, setting a new personal best in the shot with a first-place mark of 50 feet, 3.25 inches Friday. He came back on Saturday and recorded the top mark in the discus as well, 161 feet, 1 inch.
How did you get started in track and field? “My brother (Edward). I always followed what he did when I was younger so in the third grade, I did sprints because I was just following him and then he transitioned to throws, so that’s what started getting me into throws too.”
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What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “I usually do no music so I can stay locked in and just focus.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “My favorite show is ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ and for movie series it’s ‘Ip Man’ for the martial arts and John Wick.”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “Zuko from ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’ I just like his story of how he kind of redeemed himself at the end. He showed a lot of growth.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My brother. He taught me a lot and I was really thankful to have him growing up as an example.”
Goals for this season: “This season, I’ve been seeing massive breakthroughs in both shotput and discus and I’m ready to really see what I can do. … Last year I kind of ran into a slump in shot put and I didn’t really improve at all from freshman year, but this year I’ve been really hammering down on the rotational form and I’ve been seeing breakthroughs in that, and I’m really starting to feel comfortable with the rotational form.”
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What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “Just exploring and driving around and playing video games.”
Bella Connally of Juneau-Douglas talks with fellow competitors after a 100-meter sprint heat at the Big C Relays track meet at The Dome in Anchorage on March 26, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Bella Connally, Juneau-Douglas
The Juneau-Douglas sophomore sprinter is the reigning Division I girls state champion in the 100 meters and came in fifth in the 200 meters. At the Big C Relays, she competed in the 100 meters, finishing fourth in the prelims with mark of 13.03 seconds, second in the semifinals in a time of 12.90 seconds and first in the finals in a time of 12.68 seconds. She earned the title of Fastest Alaskan on the girls side.
How did you get started in track and field? “My brother. He did track and field and I saw him running all the time and I was like, ‘Whoa, that looks really cool,’ and I thought I’d be good at that too.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “I like to listen to Frank Ocean. I like to get in my feelings and stuff. I can’t do hype music.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “‘Modern Family’ and ‘The Office.’”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “I love ‘Spider-Man.’ The Tom Holland one is my favorite.”
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Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My brother.”
Goals for this season: “I’d really like to run a (personal record), I’d like to qualify for Nike Nationals, to win state again. That’d be really cool.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I like to do ceramics. I have a class in my high school for it, so basically every day.”
Joshua Woko of Mountain City Christian Academy competes in long jump at the Big C Relays track meet at The Dome in Anchorage on March 26, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Joshua Woko, Mountain City Christian Academy
The senior from Mountain City Christian Academy was Division II boys state runner-up in the triple jump in 2025 by about an inch, placed fifth in the long jump and was part of the state champion 4×400 relay team. At the Big C Relays, he competed in long jump and recorded the second-best mark with a new personal best of 20 feet, 8.75 inches on his first attempt, and he recorded the fifth-best mark in the high jump with 5 feet, 2 inches. He also helped the Lions Mixed Swedish Medley Relay team come in fifth place with a time of 2:19.50.
How did you get started in track and field? “I started my sophomore year. It was something I was kind of debating if I should do, but I was told, ‘Just try it out,’ and when I tried it out, I saw I was good at it and I decided to do it.”
What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “Rap music. Kendrick and Don Toliver.”
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What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “I’m into anime, so probably ‘Jujutsu Kaisen.’ I like the energy that each character has and the bosses they have to fight.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “Definitely my uncle. He’s my pastor and he’s also my spiritual leader, so he helps me with life struggles, shows me the right path to take, and he’s my counselor.”
Goals for this season: “I’m trying to make sure I do my best this year because I only have one last chance. … Try to (do well) in the 400 again and then get 43 (feet) for triple (jump) and at least 21 or 22 for long jump.”
What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I love watching shows, and I also love to play games like chess, and I also draw a lot.”
Dimond High’s Ailafo Fautanu answers questions at the Big C Relays track meet at The Dome in Anchorage on March 26, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Ailafo Fautanu, Dimond
The Dimond junior thrower was the Division I girls state runner-up in the shot put in 2025 and placed third in the discus. At the Big C Relays, she competed in the discus and produced the fourth-best mark at 99 feet, 6 inches, and came back on Saturday and recorded the third-best mark in the shot put with a mark of 33 feet, 9.25 inches.
How did you get started in track and field? “With volleyball being my main sport, I just thought, ‘Why not fill my free time with track and field?’ and it was really fun for me and I really liked the experience, so I just decided to keep going at it.”
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What is your favorite hype music genre, song or artist before an event? “No, I’m just locked in.”
What is the best movie or series you’ve watched in the past year? “‘The Miracle Season.’ I just like how the girls had something to motivate them and push them through the season and win their state championship. It’s a volleyball movie.”
Favorite fictional character of all time: “SpongeBob.”
Who is the most influential or inspirational person in your life? “My mom. She’s been a really good role model for me, she’s a hard worker, takes time out of the day to support her kids, even when she’s busy.”
Goals for this season: “Hopefully win a state championship but first reach my goals of (setting a new personal record).”
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What is your favorite non-sports leisure activity? “I like skiing and going hiking. I like to hike every once in a while to get in shape and stay in shape. I like to go on sunset drives to unwind from stressful weeks.”
Chugiak’s Jihsana Williams competes in a sprint event during the Big C Relays at the Dome in Anchorage on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Top performances
Nevaeh Watkins, a Dimond junior and reigning Division I girls 100-meter hurdles and high jump state champion, had quite the first day of action at the Big C Relays. She started by setting a new meet record for the high jump with a first-place mark of 5 feet, 2 inches, and followed it up by recording the fastest time in the 100-meter hurdle prelims and semifinals, which included a new personal best of 15.25 seconds in the semis.
Seward senior and reigning Division II boys state high jump champion Olin Liljemark was the only jumper to clear 6 feet in the event on Friday, which bested his title-winning mark of 5 feet, 10 inches from last year.
Mountain City Christian senior thrower Jieaya Siatini, who is the three-time Division II shot put state champion and reigning discus state champion, won the girls discus by a wide margin. Her mark of 128 feet, 4 inches was more than 23 feet farther than second-place finisher Mattelyn Elliott of Colony (105 feet). Siatini won the girls shot put as well with a mark of 39 feet, 10.75 inches. Runner-up Lilly Davidge, a Lathrop senior, recorded a mark of 33 feet, 11.5 inches.
Chugiak senior distance runner Hannah Shaha successfully defended her Big C title in the 3,200-meter race with a time of 11:53.92, which edged out Eagle River’s Ashlyn Paynter, who came in second at 11:56.32. Shaha, the 2023 Cross Country Gatorade Player of the Year, is also the reigning Division I girls state champion in the same event.
West Valley senior Cedar Robichaud outpaced Chugiak sophomore Frederick Millen III in the boys 100-meter finals with a first-place time of 11.26 seconds to earn the title of Fastest Alaskan.
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The Chugiak quartet of Luke Poland, Ahmir Walker, Elijah Udall and Frederick Millen III set a new meet record in the boys 4×100 meter race with a first-place time of 43.44 seconds, besting the previous record of 43.74.
Lathrop’s Wilson Lawson competes during the Big C Relays at the Dome in Anchorage on Friday, March 27, 2026. (Marc Lester / ADN)
Big C Relays
Girls
100 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Bella Connally 12.68, Juneau-Douglas
2. Sophia Jedlicki 12.77, Soldotna
3. Anna Green 12.83, South
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4. Sienna Johnson 13.04, Chugiak
5. Farrah Gamechuk 13.18, Bartlett
6. Taylor Eddington 13.22, Tri-Valley
100 Meters Pentathlon – Finals
1. Iris Haas 13.04, Delta Junction
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2. Caroline Klebs 13.69, Grace Christian
3. Katie Mackin 14.07, Bartlett
4. Kathryn DeBardelaben 14.17, Soldotna
5. Hannah Bodkin 14.21, Chugiak
6. Mari Ward 15.38, Holy Rosary Academy
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200 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Taylor Eddington 26.49, Tri-Valley
2. Farrah Gamechuk 26.92, Bartlett
3. Leila Petersen 27.17, Palmer
4. Shiloh Zichko 27.44, Soldotna
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5. Annelise Larsen 27.53, Colony
6. Evonna Council 28.18, East
400 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Kendall Barnett 1:00.07, West
2. Ellie Stull 1:00.52, Dimond
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3. Leila Petersen 1:01.06, Palmer
4. Petra Knox 1:01.33, Chugiak
5. Olivia Sandoval 1:01.43, Chugiak
6. Tagan Rinner 1:01.64, Grace Christian
1 Mile Varsity – Finals
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1. Kendall Barnett 5:09.70, West
2. Maddison Kukuk 5:26.60, Chugiak
3. Hannah Shaha 5:33.40, Chugiak
4. Kyra Walter 5:35.18, Chugiak
5. Fiona Selvik 5:35.79, Service
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6. Ashlyn Paynter 5:40.80, Eagle River
3200 Meters Varsity – Finals
1. Hannah Shaha 11:53.92, Chugiak
2. Ashlyn Paynter 11:56.32, Eagle River
3. Maddison Kukuk 11:56.57, Chugiak
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4. Kyra Walter 12:05.25, Chugiak
5. Rylee Ruggles 12:15.38, Chugiak
6. Myra Kalafut 13:05.23, Homer
100m Hurdles – 33″ / 0.838m Varsity – Finals
1. Nevaeh Watkins 15.14, Dimond
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2. Emilia Zych 16.25, Service
3. Emma Mersdorf 17.21, Mountain City Christian Academy
On this day in 1898, the United States Department of Agriculture would open an experimental station on Kodiak Island to experiment with cattle breeding.
The station, authorized by the 1887 Hatch Act, would open in Kalsin Bay, 14 miles to the south of present-day Kodiak
The station’s initial mission was to assess the adaptability of Galloway cattle to the island’s conditions. Different hay grains were also experimented with.
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Later, Sitka Black-tailed Deer and Roosevelt Elk would be introduced to the station, deer in 1900 and elk in 1928. While initially the elk were to be released on Kodiak Island, it was determined that the possibility of competition with the cattle for winter food meant that they would instead be introduced to Afognak Island to the north.
The Kalsin Bay Station was one of several that would be established throughout Alaska.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/WQH5BIXUQVH7BHPT6SUKSVUSEU.JPG?ssl=1 "Teen dies when snowmachine drives into open hole on Kuskokwim River, troopers say")
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/PT4TUQF3SBBSXO2KWOSUPUIIP4.jpg?w=400&resize=400,240&ssl=1 "OPINION: Ballot Measure 1 can help ensure healthy workplaces in Alaska")
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/PT4TUQF3SBBSXO2KWOSUPUIIP4.jpg?w=80&resize=80,80&ssl=1 "OPINION: Ballot Measure 1 can help ensure healthy workplaces in Alaska")
On this day in 1898, the United States Department of Agriculture would open an experimental station on Kodiak Island to experiment with cattle breeding.
