January 20, 2026

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

JANUARY 20 2026 - FEBRUARY 3 2026

TRUTH AT ALL COSTS

OPINION PAGE 8

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

SPORTS PAGE 5

Pasta for all! Or — maybe not

Photos: Seawolves gymnastics hosts Green & Gold exhibition

UA seeks new president

University of Alaska searches for new president after current President Pat Pitney announces 2026 retirement

By Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight. org

The University of Alaska announced that the university system began re-

cruiting and accepting applications for a new president on Jan. 6. This was announced in a systemwide email sent by UA Chief Human Resources Officer Nikole Conley. ‌

The search for a new UA president comes after current President Pat Pitney announced in November 2025 that she would retire in May 2026, according to a report by the

UA News Center.‌ The report also said that the UA Board of Regents retained the executive search firm WittKieffer to assist in the search for UA’s next president.‌ PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER.

A sign for the University of Alaska.

Anchorage residents hold vigil for Renee Good

By Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

Hundreds gathered outside the Z.J. Loussac Library on Jan. 11 to mourn the death of Renee Good.

Good was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 7.

The vigil was organized by the nonprofit Stand Up Alaska. ‌

Attendees were given an opportunity to speak. A shareholder with NANA Regional Corporation — a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation — said she felt ashamed that the corporation invests in detention facilities operated by ICE, as reported by Alaska Public Media. ‌ She asked attendees to write letters to NANA President John Lincoln, urging him to divest from

supporting the facilities.‌ A local rabbi also spoke to the crowd. He cited a Jewish belief that a person dies two times: The first time when their heart stops beating and again when no one is left to remember them. He encouraged attendees to ensure the “second death” does not happen. ‌ The rabbi said Good was an American, a mother and a poet. He empha-

sized that funerals help the living to support one another and find motivation and inspiration from grief.‌ A Jewish prayer known as the Mourner’s Kaddish followed the remarks.

The rabbi ended his speech with a moment of silence. ‌ The event closed with a speaker who led attendees through song.‌ PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

Hundreds attend vigil.

Photos: Anchorage protests U.S. invasion of Venezuela

Protesters stood in freezing weather to oppose U.S. military attacks in Venezuela

By Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight. org

The Party for Socialism and Liberation Anchorage and other residents held a

protest in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, on Jan. 3 in opposition to U.S.

Armed Forces’ bombings in northern Venezuela, which occurred earlier

that morning. Protesters held signs and chanted near the Martin Luther

King Jr. Living Memorial in minus 8 degrees Fahrenheit weather.

PHOTO BY MURAT DEMIR.

PHOTO BY MURAT DEMIR.

Protesters hold signs in the cold.

Protesters hold signs opposing war in Venezuela.

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NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

02

Photos: Candlelight vigil for Renee Good A candlelight vigil was held outside the Z.J. Loussac Library on Jan. 11 for Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. Hundreds gathered outside the li-

By Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

An attendee carries a sign.

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

An attendee holds a candle.

brary to mourn together in 8 degree Fahrenheit weather.

The vigil was hosted by Stand Up Alaska, a nonprofit organization.‌‌‌

PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.

Attendees leave behind roses and candles encased in ice.

FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

03

Campus poll: Faculty awareness, campus connection and degree prospects TNL launched a poll to measure campus sentiment on various topics

By Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Northern Light conducted a poll through its Instagram in early January 2026 to understand participants’

views on the value of their degrees, perceived faculty awareness of working students, and sense of belonging on campus.‌ Results indicated that 70% of participants said they feel connected to the campus community, while 30% said they don’t. An overwhelming 88% of participants

said they believe their degree will benefit them in the future. ‌ Finally, 52% of participants reported that they believed their professors are unaware that many students are employed.‌

POLLS BY MURAT DEMIR

Pedestrian safety in Anchorage Steps drivers can take to improve pedestrian safety

By Murat Demir

copy.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Many workers, students, older adults and other residents walk the streets of Anchorage every day. Fifteen of these pedestrians were killed by vehicles in both 2024 and 2025, the most yearly deaths in more than a decade, according to Alaska Public Media.‌ The following are several evidence-based strategies for drivers to improve pedestrian safety.‌ First strategy: Addressing biases. ‌ Drivers’ negative attitudes toward non-drivers led to more aggressive driving, according to a 2015 study from the University of Western Australia. This is due to drivers’ view of non-drivers as an out-group. ‌ For example, another study found that people view bicyclists as a social identity and attribute certain motivations and behaviors to the stereotype. Drivers can address these tendencies by introspecting about their attitudes toward non-drivers.‌ Second strategy: Slow down. ‌ Speeding is the leading cause of traffic accidents globally, especially in high pedestrian traffic areas, according to a review published by the Journal of Safety Research in 2024. Reducing speed improves safety for both drivers and pedestrians.‌ Third strategy: Driver-pedestrian communication.‌ Nonverbal communication between drivers and pedestrians can improve pedestrian safety. ‌ A study conducted at Delft University of Technology in 2022 found that eye contact can improve pedestrians’ perceived safety and help drivers communicate their intentions to pedestrians crossing the street. Pedestrians also reported vehicle movement as the strongest indicator for deciding when to cross.‌ Fourth strategy: Minimize passenger distractions. ‌ A study conducted at Texas State University in 2023 found that talking with passengers near crosswalks significantly interferes with driving. Results also indicated that drivers are more likely to hit pedestrians when talk-

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

A traffic light signals to pedestrians.

ing to passengers.‌ With extreme weather conditions, distractions and other factors on the road, drivers must be prepared at all times.

This report is part of an investigative series by The Northern Light examining pedestrian safety in Anchorage. The next story will focus on safety strategies for pedestrians.‌

& AE 04 Photos: Dark Daze Music Fest THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

By Kaitlyn Gaub

managing.editor@thenorthernlight.org

Music fans gathered to mosh and listen to local bands at the Dark Daze

festival on Dec. 11-14.

All-ages sets were held at Club Nyt Lyt and the An-

chorage Museum and 21+ at Van’s Dive Bar. The Northern Light attended

the performances at Club Nyt Lyt. There was also an art market featuring cre-

PHOTO BY KAITLYN GAUB.

The band Vital performs.

PHOTO BY KAITLYN GAUB.

Decepticide vocalist Ryan Hull.

PHOTO BY KAITLYN GAUB.

The band Circle of Salt riles up the mosh pit.

ations from local artists.‌

PHOTO BY KAITLYN GAUB.

A stand at the Dark Daze art market.

Jacob Frey

By Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

CARTOON BY ALEX LUANGASA

SPORTS 05 Photos: Seawolves gymnastics hosts Green & Gold exhibition THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves gymnastics team held the Green & Gold Meet exhibition on Jan. 3 to show off the team to fans. This occurred prior to the team’s

season opener on the road against Sacramento State on Jan. 11. The team demonstrated their skills on the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor

exercise. The event invited guest judges including Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services Ryan Buchholdt , and UAA gymnastics alum-

ni Montana Fairbairn, as well as Brooklyn Kopsack and Allie McClure. After the event, the team signed posters for fans. ‌‌

The Seawolves gymnastics team will return to the Alaska Airlines Center on Jan. 23 to face the Wilberforce University Bulldogs.‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The team gets pumped up.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Tessa Richardson performs a flip during her uneven bars routine.

The gymnastics team enters the darkened gym.

Albert strikes a pose during the floor exercise.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Richardson poses on the balance beam.

Madelyn Gomez performs a jump during the floor exercise.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Claudia Lessig performs her floor exercise.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Duffus poses after she sticks her landing on the uneven bars.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The guest judges hold up score cards after each gymnast’s performance.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Jamilia Duffus performs a flip on the vault.

SPORTS

06

Photos: Seawolves ground the Nighthawks

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves secured a comeback win against the Northwest Nazarene Nighthawks on New Years

day, 76-71. The Seawolves trailed the entire first half, entering halftime down 39-30. They rallied back

in the second half to take their first GNAC win of the season. Mahaila Harrison’s 29 points and Elaina

Mack’s 20 points helped lead the Seawolves to victory.‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

This victory leaves the Seawolves 9-3 in NCAA play and 1-2 in the GNAC.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

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

Harrison attempts a 3-point shot.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Defenders box in Mylee Anderson.

Faith Mersburgh shoots the ball.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Sanchez attempts to block the Nighthawks from passing the ball in.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Lillee Duffin in the tipoff to start the match.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Kimberly Carrada Sanchez makes for the basket.

Photos: Seawolves men’s basketball axe the Vikings

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves defeated the Western Washington University Vikings on Jan. 3, 90-56.

The Seawolves, led by 18 points from Bishop

Tosi, 17 points from Sylas Williams and 16 from Hasaan Herrington.

The Seawolves took and maintained an early lead against the Vikings, end-

ing the first half up 46-19.

While the Vikings put up a valiant effort in the second half, they couldn’t overcome the Seawolves’ lead.‌‌

This victory leaves the Seawolves 11-4 overall and 3-1 in the GNAC. The Seawolves hit the road for their next set of games before returning to the

Alaska Airlines Center on Jan. 22 to take on Seattle Pacific.‌

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Tosi shoots a free throw.

Cole Johnson attempts a 3-pointer.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Aidan Rice snags the rebound.

Zach Ibbetson shoots over Anthony Canales from the Vikings.

SPORTS

07

Photos: Seawolves drop the ball against the Wildcats

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves women’s basketball team fell short of an amazing comeback and lost to the Central Washington University Wildcats on Jan. 3, 77-65. Mylee Anderson scored the opening points

of the game, but the Wildcats dominated the first two quarters. The Seawolves ended the first half down 46-29. Returning to the court after halftime, the Seawolves were determined to overcome

the Wildcats, scoring 23 points to the Wildcats’ 12. They tied the game in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, 62-62, with a 3-pointer from Mahaila Harrison. Then the Wildcats responded with 12

unanswered points to seal their victory. ‌‌ This defeat leaves the Seawolves with a 9-4 record overall and a 1-3 record in GNAC play. The Seawolves take on the

University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Alaska Airlines Center.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Harrison steals the ball.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Harrison makes a break for the basket.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Anderson recovers a loose ball.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Fiona Snashall shoots a layup.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The crowd cheers when the Seawolves tie the game.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The Seawolves sign posters after the game.

Photos: Seawolves defeat Red Leafs

By Justin Cox

multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves defeated the Simon Fraser Red Leafs on New Year’s Day, 80-71. The Red Leafs started out strong, gain-

ing the lead. The Seawolves managed to chip away at the lead and end the first half tied 37-37.

The Seawolves quickly

took the lead in the second half with 11 unanswered points, including two back-to-back layups

by Hasaan Herrington and

a total of 19 points in the second half.‌‌

in NCAA play as well as 2-1 in the GNAC. ‌

This leaves the Seawolves with a 10-4 record

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Bishop Tosi in the tipoff to start the game.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Herrington goes for a layup.

Parker Kroon grabs the rebound.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

The Seawolves strategize during a timeout.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Herrington attempts to steal the ball.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Zach Ibbetson drives the ball toward the net.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.

Tosi prepares to shoot a free throw.

Akok Machar attempts to shoot over a defender.

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026

08

Pasta for all! Or — maybe not

By Anja Burnett

layout@thenorthernlight.org

As a vegetarian and a pasta lover, I find myself struggling with the selection of pasta dishes in the Anchorage restaurant scene. In my experience, some complex pasta dishes simply do not seem to exist within Anchorage — or even Alaska.‌ Despite a thorough search, I may be missing a hidden gem that serves favorites like penne alla vodka, pasta alla Norma, creamy Tuscan pasta — without

the chicken — and more. ‌ Sure, fellow vegetarians and I can order a macaroni and cheese or a simple spaghetti with marinara from a local pizza place.

However, vegetarian options are often not on the menu or limited at most restaurants, as pasta offerings are riddled with meatbased sauce variants and meat toppings. ‌ There’s also a barrier for people who are allergic to dairy or lactose intolerant. They can always order a simple red sauce with pasta, but more often than not, it comes with meat or

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

I’ll be honest, while it has the most selection, it isn’t always my first pick. I feel like I would much rather enjoy something I could make at home. ‌ This type of selection is the foundation of a dream I have for an Italian restaurant in Anchorage. I genuinely wish there were more vegetarian — and dairy free — options for pasta in An-

chorage. ‌ Local restaurants of Alaska, please hear my humble cry for more pasta dish varieties that accommodate all vegans and vegetarians in the great state of Alaska. We exist — and among the ever-developing scene of vegan and vegetarian options within Alaska, we love pasta too.‌

columnist2@thenorthernlight.org

Cartoonist Alex Luangasa

cartoons@thenorthernlight.org

Administrative Adviser Cheryl Devenny

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cheese. It’s almost impossible to find a vegan option. ‌ Regardless, the restaurant with the most versatile pasta options in Anchorage has to be Olive Garden, a chain restaurant, with its “create your own pasta” feature. This dish allows diners to choose from five different types of pasta and three vegetarian sauce options. ‌

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