February 3, 2026

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

TRUTH AT ALL COSTS

FEBRUARY 3 2026 - MARCH 2 2026

SPORTS PAGE 4

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

FEATURES PAGE 3

Photos: Seawolves gymnastics holds meet honoring Deanna Spain

Food insecurity at UAA

UA staff to vote on union representation

By Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Coalition of Alaska University Staff for Equity — or CAUSE — union representation vote will be held from March 18 through March 31, according to a news release from University of Alaska Human Resources on Jan. 23.‌ According to the update, eligible employees will receive voting instructions by email and may cast their vote online or by phone.‌

According to the UA Human Resources website, a “yes” vote supports UAW representation and union dues, while a “no” vote opposes union representation and would mean employees remain in direct relationship with UA.‌ “A strong turnout of YES votes for CAUSE-UAW will enable us to quickly certify our union and show we’re serious about bargaining for better working conditions,” according to the CAUSE website.‌ The site also states that vote results are expected to be tallied on April 1.‌

A strong turnout of YES votes for CAUSE-UAW will enable us to quickly certify our union and show we’re serious about bargaining for better working conditions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA.

University of Alaska system building in Anchorage, Alaska.

Photos: Anchorage rallies to support Minneapolis strike

By Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

Anchorage residents gathered near the Martin Luther King, Jr. Living Memorial on Jan. 23 in support of Minneapolis’ general strike. The general strike called for a nationwide shutdown on work schools and shopping in response to the Trump Administration’s immigration policies, according to reporting by Al Jazeera.

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Protesters stand shoulder to shoulder.

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A protester holds an upside-down American flag.

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NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026

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Video: Anchorage Residents Protest Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

By Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org

“ It’s violent — I mean we’re

turning into a police state.”‌

- PROTESTER

PHOTO BY MURAT DEMIR.

Photos: Anchorage rallies to support Minneapolis strike PHOTOS Continued from cover The Anchorage rally was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation of Anchorage in partnership with

clubs from UAA, including Anchorage Students for Peace and Justice in Palestine and the Student Social Work Coali-

tion Club. Shellie Gooden, a representative from the Local 878 union, came out to speak.‌

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.‌

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.‌

Protesters gather along L Street as traffic passes.

A protester carries a sign.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.‌

Protesters present signs to passing cars.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.‌

Protester’s dog carrying a sign.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.‌

Protesters display a large banner.

FEATURES Food insecurity at UAA

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026

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This story is the start of a series on basic needs insecurity at UAA

By Kaitlyn Gaub

managing.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Almost half of UAA students have experienced food insecurity, according to a survey conducted by the Hunger and Homelessness Support Network, HHSN, at UAA. The national average of college students experiencing food insecurity is 41%. ‌ UAA offers several resources to combat hunger and food insecurity, including the Seawolf Food Pantry, which supplies non-perishable foods, as well as threeday emergency food support.‌ Travis Hedwig, assistant dean for the Division of Population Health Sciences, and co-chair of the HHSN, spoke about issues UAA students face with basic needs.‌ Hedwig addressed questions from the food insecurity survey, including whether students missed meals, stole food or chose expenses such as rent instead of food due to monetary struggles.‌ Hedwig said many students do not use campus resources like the career closet because they think someone else would need it more than they do. ‌ “And to me, that’s interesting … You don’t need to check any boxes for eligibility,” Hedwig said. “Same with the food pantry. You don’t have to be food insecure to access the pantry. It’s available and open to any student on this campus.”‌ Hedwig said the food pantry will be

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA LIN KIM FOR UNSPLASH.

Grocery bags full of food.

run by Seawolf Dining in 2026, instead of the College of Health. “This is also super exciting because this may allow us to move into perishables, which is not something we’ve been able to do before.” ‌ The rate of food and basic needs insecurity — in general — is in part due

to the rising age of college students and a larger population of independent students. The “New College Majority” is a term that describes older and independent students, as well as students with children.‌ Independent students and students

with children are more likely to fall below the poverty line and struggle with basic needs. ‌ Hedwig said the conversation around basic needs support in college nationally is changing due to the “New College Majority.”‌

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026

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Photos: Seawolves gymnastics holds meet honoring Deanna Spain

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight. org

On Jan. 25, the Seawolves gymnastics team defeated Wilberforce University, 190.100173.125. The meet was held in memory of Deanna Spain, mother of Breeann Spain, who passed away recently from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Breeann Spain waves to the audience as she is introduced.

Hannah Rojo mounts the balance beam to begin her routine.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Jada Niles flips between the bars during her routine.

A Wilberforce gymnast performs a floor exercise.

(ARDS). Seawolves gymnasts wore ribbons to raise awareness about various causes of the condition, as well as leotards featuring a colored awareness ribbon design. ‌ The Seawolves took the top three spots for all four events,

with Jamilia Duffus taking first in vault, 9.675, uneven bars, 9.775 and floor exercise, 9.675.

Alexandra Karkowski took first on the balance beam, 9.750. ‌ The Seawolves take to the road to face the U.S. Air Force academy on Feb. 6, then Utah

State on Feb. 9, before returning to the Alaska Airlines Center for the last two home meets of the season against Centenary College on Feb. 20 and 22. ‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Maribelle Albert receives high fives and congratulations from teammates after her uneven bars routine.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Verena Wong jumps during her floor exercise.

Jamilia Duffus poses after sticking the landing on her first place uneven bars routine.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Alexandra Karkowski poses during her first place balance beam routine.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Tessa Richardson performs a flip during her uneven bars exhibition routine.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Breeann Spain and family members watch a video honoring Deanna Spain at the end of the meet.

SPORTS

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Photos: Seawolves men’s basketball stings the Yellowjackets

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight. org

The Seawolves defeated the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets, 84-70, on Jan. 24. They were led by a double-double from Sylas Williams with 28 points and 10 rebounds, along with 24 points from Hasaan Herrington. The Seawolves started out neck and neck with the Yellowjackets before taking the lead with 13:41 remaining in the first half. The Yellowjackets tied the game once in the second half, but the Seawolves took back the lead for the rest of the game.‌ This win leaves the Seawolves 14-6 overall and 6-3 in the GNAC. The Seawolves take to the road for their next two games before returning to the Alaska Airlines Center on Feb. 5 to face Central Washington University. ‌ During the halftime break, the UAA Performance Squad came out and performed a dance routine.‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Bishop Tosi in the tipoff to start the game.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Bishop Tosi shoots a free throw.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Akok Machar is fouled while taking a shot.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Head coach Rusty Osborne argues with a referee about a call.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Hasaan Herrington scores.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The UAA Performance Squad enters the court for its performance.

SPORTS

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Photos: Seawolves men’s basketball grounds the Falcons

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight. org

The Seawolves defeated the Seattle Pacific University Falcons on Jan. 22, 54-50. Hasaan Herrington led the Seawolves to victory with 16 points, with Sylas Williams accounting for 9 points and Bishop Tosi racking up 8 points. This victory broke the six-win streak that the Falcons held over UAA. PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Bishop Tosi gives a referee a fist bump as the starting lineup is announced.

Akok Machar attempts to shoot over a defending player.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Hasaan Herrington attempts a layup.

Elijah Mobley looks for an open player to pass the ball to.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Hasaan Herrington prepares to shoot a free throw.

Photos: Seawolves gymnastics defeats Bulldogs

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight. org

The Seawolves Gymnastics team defeated the Wilberforce Bulldogs 190.275-171.300 on Jan. 23. The Seawolves took the top spots in vault, uneven bars and balance beam. Wilberforce took first place in the floor exercise with the Seawolves having a tie for second place. Jamilia Duffus took first place in both the vault, 9.650, and uneven bars ,9.675, and tied for second on the floor exercise ,9.575. Jordan Grindol took first place on the balance beam with a 9.775. This leaves the Seawolves 1-1 for the season.‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Jamilia Duffus performs a flip during her vault performance.

Claudia Lessig catches the bar.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Jordan Grindol poses during her first place balance beam routine.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Ariana DeSouza performs her floor exercise routine.

Hannah Rojo performs a flip on the balance beam.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Madelyn Gomez poses uneven bars routine.

after

her

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The Seawolves sign posters for fans after their meet.

SPORTS

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Photos: Seawolves foul it up

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight. org

The Seawolves were defeated in double-overtime by the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets on Jan. 23, 92-91. Despite the first triple double for UAA in 20 years from Taylor Searcey’s 22 points, 10 assists and rebounds, Maihaila Harrison scoring 23 points and Elaina Mack scoring 15 to break 1000 career points, the Seawolves could not secure the victory. ‌ The Seawolves took the lead in the first quarter within three minutes and held it through all

four quarters. The Yellowjackets sank two free throws with 4:19 left in the fourth to tie the score 69-69. With 1:16 left the Yellowjackets nailed a 3-point shot, giving them the lead 7473. With only three seconds remaining Harrison was fouled and received two free throws.

She missed the first but sank the second, tying the score and leading the Seawolves into the first overtime. ‌ Starting overtime, the Seawolves took the lead 79-77. Two free throws from the Yellowjackets tied it up once more. The Yellowjackets then took the lead 81-80 before another foul was

called against the Seawolves with nine seconds remaining.

This led to the Yellowjackets scoring two free throws to bring the score 83-80. Mack got the ball and nailed a 3-pointer with one second on the clock, bringing the Seawolves into double overtime.‌ The Seawolves quickly took a small lead in double overtime. The Yellowjackets tied it up and took the lead with a free throw after another foul assessed against the Seawolves.

With 46 seconds remaining, another foul by the Seawolves led to the Yellowjackets scoring two free throws, taking the score to

90-87. Kimberly Carrada Sanchez nailed a 3-pointer with 32 seconds left to tie it 90-90 before the Yellowjackets scored with three seconds remaining. The Seawolves got the ball to Mylee Anderson, who was fouled with 0.6 seconds on the clock. Anderson sunk her first free throw before her second missed and time ran out.‌ This defeat leaves the Seawolves 11-7 overall and 3-6 in the GNAC. The Seawolves take to the road for their next few games before returning to the Alaska Airlines Center on Feb. 12 against Western Washington University.‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Taylor Searcey sinks a free throw.

Taylor Searcey attempts a 3-pointer.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Mylee Anderson is fouled.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Mylee Anderson’s second free throw bounces off.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Kimberly Carrada Sanchez waits for a break in play to swap in.

SPORTS

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Photos: Falcons defeat Seawolves

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves were defeated by the Seattle Pacific University Falcons on Jan. 22, 101-98. The Falcons ended the night with 19 3-pointers, setting the GNAC record for play against another NCAA Div. II school. Mahaila Harrison led a valiant effort with 28 points. The Seawolves were also down two of their regular starters Mylee Anderson, the leader for assists in the GNAC, and Lillee Duffin, the second-highest rebounder in the GNAC, due to injuries.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Players line up for the national anthem.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Mahaila Harrison enters the court during the announcement of the starting lineup.

Faith Mersburgh lines up a free throw.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Taylor Searcey attempts to bypass a defender on the way to the basket.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Mahaila Harrison attempts a 3-point shot.

STAFF CONTACTS

(907) 786-1313

editor@thenorthernlight.org‌

copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Layout and Web Editor Anja Burnett

layout@thenorthernlight.org‌

Multimedia Editor Justin Cox

Managing Editor // Advertising and Communications Manager Kaitlyn Gaub managing.editor@thenorthernlight.org admanager@thenorthernlight.org

(907) 786-6195

Copy Editor Murat Demir

A Falcons player shoots a 3-pointer.

The Seawolves head coach Matt Thune calls out directions from the sideline.

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Cartoonist Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

Administrative Adviser Cheryl Devenny

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