Opinions

The Sun Star The Sun Star

Defending editorial independence in Alaska

A letter from the Alaska Press Club Board: We should not accept these actions by Carpenter Media as normal. They threaten the ability of journalists to serve as watchdogs for our communities. 

We will always defend editorial independence, transparency and the right of Alaska’s journalists to do their work free from intimidation.

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The Sun Star The Sun Star

A Letter to UA Leadership

Over the past few years, Russian and Chinese incursions into U.S. territory have become more frequent and more brazen. On September 24, 2025, multiple Russian aircraft, including Tu-95 “Bear” long-range bombers and Su-35 fourth-generation fighters, breached the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

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Lil Jit Obituary
The Sun Star The Sun Star

Lil Jit Obituary

Lil Jit: December 12, 2024 to September 18, 2025

On a cold winter night, with a sliver of moon high above, peeking through wisps of cloud, a small bundle of joy came into our lives. White as the snow beneath our feet, with eyes red like glowing embers, we gave him a name worthy of his spirit: Lil Jit.

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The Sun Star The Sun Star

Textbooks Shouldn’t Cost This Much

New semester, new professors and a new stack of overpriced textbooks. Let’s be honest, $144+ to rent an eBook for six months? Seriously? It’s not even a physical book. No physical pages to flip through, no highlighting with a real pen, just the privilege of scrolling through a time-limited digital version on your device of choice. Whether that be a laptop, smartphone, or a tablet, each comes with its own set of limitations: eye strain, screen glare, battery limitations, and a general lack of authentic engagement.

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Free Gaza! Free Speech!
The Sun Star The Sun Star

Free Gaza! Free Speech!

On Wednesday, April 9, University of Alaska Fairbanks and wider Fairbanks community members came together for a teach-in and rally in support of Palestinian liberation and the constitutional right to free speech and assembly. The chant “Money for jobs and education, not for bombs and occupation” was one of many chants that could be heard across UAF’s lower Troth Yeddha’ campus.

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The Sun Star The Sun Star

Libraries, Museums, the Free Press

On March 14, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “EO 14238: Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy.” This is just one of many executive orders that he’s signed in the past months, but it’s one that needs to be brought to attention. This executive order destroys multiple government agencies, including but not limited to: The U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees government-funded news outlets, The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in the Smithsonian Institution, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services , which funds grants to libraries and museums across the country. This targeted attack on news outlets, libraries and museums is strategic and has the potential to have devastating effects on our communities. 

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Have You Considered Studying Abroad?
The Sun Star The Sun Star

Have You Considered Studying Abroad?

Have you considered studying abroad? The thought may have crossed your mind, but the task seems impossible or too big to accomplish. The UAF Study Away Office is the perfect place to get your foot in the door with any questions you may have. As I tell you about my experiences abroad, don’t be afraid to explore your options and reach out to the UAF Office Study Away with any questions you may have.

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AGWA-UAW Contract Negotiations Highlight UAF’s Difficulties With Recruitment and Retention
#UAF, #AGWA, #Unionization The Sun Star #UAF, #AGWA, #Unionization The Sun Star

AGWA-UAW Contract Negotiations Highlight UAF’s Difficulties With Recruitment and Retention

In late February, the university walked away from the table and canceled several days of bargaining after UAF students went to Juneau to gain funding for the university’s pursuit of R1 status. Achieving R1 status benefits the university because it attracts more funding. To achieve R1 status, the university must graduate a certain number of PhD students each year. The university is not meeting that number because it struggles to recruit, retain, and support students.

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Considering Gaza Through the Lens of South Africa's Genocidal Action Application

On December 29, 2023, the Republic of South Africa submitted its application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning genocidal actions taken and being taken by the Israeli government and military, therein violating the 1948 Genocide Convention, of which both nations are beheld to uphold. On January 26, 2024, the ICJ issued its ruling on the case.

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