News
The subtle arts of blowing up pigs and sorting mass graves
Fairbanks is home to the state’s only forensic anthropologist, Petra Banks. Banks works as a researcher and professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and is currently in the beginning stages of research that will help to bring more forensic anthropology to Alaska. Recently, The Sun Star had the opportunity to interview Banks about her research and how she became involved in the unique field.
AK Native nonprofit CEO discusses leadership
On the evening of October 23, Melanie Bahnke, President and CEO of Kawerak, Inc., an Alaska Native tribal nonprofit, delivered a talk as part of the ongoing Arctic Leadership Series about Alaska Native perspectives and history, challenges incited by Western contact, Typhoon Halong’s major impacts on her community, how to become a great leader, and her own personal story.
AK interior medical education summit meets at UAF
The Alaska Interior Medical Education Summit, better known as AIMES, is an event hosted each year by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where students and community members alike can gather to learn more about opportunities in the world of medicine.
Refugees from ex-typhoon Halong find shelter in Fairbanks
Ex-typhoon Halong tore through the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta’s villages last week, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
Jaimee Mesak evacuated from Kipnuk to North Pole with her children and extended family, 5 adults and 6 children in total, described the terrifying speed of the flooding.
UA leaders tackle finance, safety, and student support concerns at Town Hall
University of Alaska President Pat Pitney addressed financial uncertainties and responded to concerns about campus safety during a virtual town hall held on Oct. 13.
President Pat Pitney opened by emphasizing the university’s “unassailable” support for academic freedom and free speech.
Alaskans React to Trump’s Approval of The Ambler Road Project
On October 6, President Trump approved an appeal made by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority which authorized the Ambler Road Project. In the following days, the senate overturned The Central Yukon Resource Management Plan, a Biden- era land management plan that blocked the development of the road.
David Balton shares his thoughts on the future of the North
The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series brought in guest speaker veteran diplomat and Arctic policy leader Ambassador David Balton to discuss the changing North and ways the community and the nation can help.
Big Turnout, Big Topics at 2025 Municipal Candidate Forum
A record-breaking crowd packed the Wood Center Tuesday night to listen to Fairbanks’ future leaders. Candidates for local office shared their visions on energy, education, housing and community care during the 2025 Municipal Candidate Forum, an event co-hosted by the UAF Honors College, ASUAF, and the Department of Political Science.
UA Graduate Workers Union Hosts “Kill the Cuts” Town Hall
In the wake of federal cuts and divestment from research, the Alaskan Graduate Workers Association, or AGWA, hosted a town hall on September 29 to discuss budget cuts and organize resistance.
Bomb threats close parts of UAF, cancels morning classes
An early morning bomb threat sent to the University of Alaska Fairbanks police department, forced UAF to cancel classes until noon on the Troth Yeddha’ Campus and led to the closure of several offices west of the Museum of the North.
Turning Point USA local chapter meets at UAF
Eight days after Charlie Kirk’s assassination during his visit to Utah Valley University, Kirk’s conservative non-profit advocacy group Turning Point USA, or TPUSA, held a meeting in the Wood Center.
UAF loses millions in funding from Feds
The University of Alaska Fairbanks lost millions of dollars last week after the federal U.S. Department of Education terminated funding for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students that supports 21 UAF employees.
Begich makes unsubstantiated claim about Alaska public radio, meets with Geophysical Institute leaders, avoids protestors
Last week Alaska’s U.S. Rep. Nick Begich III visited UAF’s Geophysical Institute, or GI, for a presentation from the institute's leaders.
Pogo Gold Mine Symposium
On September 25 and 26, the University of Alaska Fairbanks hosted the Pogo Geology Symposium in a collaboration with Northern Star Resources and UAF’s Geophysical Institute to explore the geology of the Pogo gold mine.
Gary Black bids goodbye to the News-Miner, leaving for the Anchorage Daily News
Ever since he was around the ages of 16 and 17, young Gary Black would open his town newspaper to the opinion section once he was home from school every day. The born and raised Texan has been working at the Fairbanks Daily News Miner for the past 19 years.
Innovation lights Starvation Gulch 2025
Every year in Fairbanks summer goes out in a blaze at Starvation Gulch. In a long-standing tradition, giant structures made of pallets and plywood are constructed by various departments and student organizations across campus and set alight to kick off the school year and herald the coming winter.
Convocation 2025: Sfraga outlines vision for UAF’s future
University of Alaska Fairbanks Interim Chancellor Mike Sfraga delivered a message of progress and purpose Tuesday, Sept. 9 during the 2025 convocation, praising the university community for its resilience and outlining ambitious goals for UAF’s future.
Locals Day at the Large Animal Research Station
On Sept. 6, the Large Animal Research Station, or LARS, concluded its summer tour season with Locals Day, a community oriented event giving people the opportunity to spend time around reindeer and musk ox, learn about Alaska's fauna, and help to raise funds for the station's continued operation.
Music in the Garden Concludes its Summer Series
From May to August in the University of Alaska Fairbanks Georgeson Botanical Gardens, local music artists gather to celebrate music and family fun.
UA Board of Regents address vision for University of Alaska’s future
The Board of Regents met on Sept. 3-5 at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau to discuss major topics including enrollment growth, long-term planning, international student opportunities, research goals, and infrastructure needs. The three-day meeting reflected a tone of cautious optimism as the universities continue to rebuild momentum after more than a decade of budget and enrollment challenges.