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.
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.
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
and
PHOTO
PHOTO
held signs
chanted near the Martin Luther King Jr. Living Memorial in minus 8 degrees Fahrenheit weather.
PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA. Hundreds attend vigil.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER.
A sign for the University of Alaska.
Photos: Candlelight vigil for Renee Good
By Alex Luangasa cartoons@thenorthernlight.org
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-
brary to mourn together in 8 degree Fahrenheit weather. The vigil was hosted by Stand Up Alaska, a nonprofit organization.
PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.
An attendee carries a sign.
PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA.
An attendee holds a candle.
PHOTO BY ALEX LUANGASA. Attendees leave behind roses and candles encased in ice.
FEATURES
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.
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-
ing to passengers. With extreme weather conditions, distractions and other factors on the road, drivers must be prepared at all times.
POLLS BY MURAT DEMIR
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.
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.
A traffic light signals to pedestrians.
AE
& Photos: Dark Daze Music Fest
By Kaitlyn Gaub managing.editor@thenorthern
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.
PHOTO BY KAITLYN GAUB.
stand at the Dark Daze art market.
CARTOON
SPORTS
Photos: Seawolves gymnastics hosts Green & Gold exhibition
By Justin Cox
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.
Tessa Richardson performs a flip during her uneven bars routine.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Duffus poses after she sticks her landing on the uneven bars.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Madelyn Gomez performs a jump during the floor exercise.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Richardson poses on the balance beam.
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.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
The team gets pumped up.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Claudia Lessig performs her floor exercise.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
The gymnastics team enters the darkened gym.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Albert strikes a pose during the floor exercise.
Photos: Seawolves ground the Nighthawks
By Justin Cox
-
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.
This victory leaves the Seawolves 9-3 in NCAA play and 1-2 in the GNAC.
Photos: Seawolves men’s basketball axe the Vikings
By Justin Cox
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
Jan. 22
Pacific.
Alaska Airlines Center on
to take on Seattle
multimedia.editor@thenorthernlight.org
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Harrison attempts a 3-point shot.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Kimberly Carrada Sanchez makes for the basket.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Tosi shoots a free throw.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Lillee Duffin in the tipoff to start the match.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Sanchez attempts to block the Nighthawks from passing the ball in.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Faith Mersburgh shoots the ball.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Defenders box in Mylee Anderson.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Aidan Rice snags the rebound.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Cole Johnson attempts a 3-pointer.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Harrison enters the court during the announcement of the starting lineup.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Zach Ibbetson shoots over Anthony Canales from the Vikings.
Photos: Seawolves drop the ball against the Wildcats
By Justin Cox
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.
Photos: Seawolves defeat Red Leafs
By Justin Cox
ernlight.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. This leaves the Seawolves with a 10-4 record in NCAA play as well as 2-1 in the GNAC.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
The Seawolves sign posters after the game.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Parker Kroon grabs the rebound.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Herrington attempts to steal the ball.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Fiona Snashall shoots a layup.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Harrison makes a break for the basket.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Harrison steals the ball.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
The crowd cheers when the Seawolves tie the game.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Bishop Tosi in the tipoff to start the game.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
The Seawolves strategize during a timeout.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Zach Ibbetson drives the ball toward the net.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Herrington goes for a layup.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Tosi prepares to shoot a free throw.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX. Akok Machar attempts to shoot over a defender.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN COX.
Anderson recovers a loose ball.
OPINION
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
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editor@thenorthernlight.org
Copy Editor
Murat Demir
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Layout and Web Editor
Anja Burnett layout@thenorthernlight.org
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Managing Editor // Advertising and Communications Manager
Kaitlyn Gaub managing.editor@thenorthernlight.org admanager@thenorthernlight.org (907) 786-6195
Columnist Nahla White columnist2@thenorthernlight.org
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Administrative Adviser
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.
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.
ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS
The Northern Light is a proud member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The Northern Light is a monthly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 1,500. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabledveteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy or parenthood. The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or the Northern Light.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.