Month: June 2026

In deep-red Idaho, even Republicans break with Trump on farm labor

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 22, 2026
No Comments on In deep-red Idaho, even Republicans break with Trump on farm labor

Farmworkers harvest corn in a field. Much of U.S. agriculture, including Idaho’s dairy industry, relies on immigrant labor. Hill Street Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images

Under the second Trump administration, the United States has seen mass deportations and a sharp escalation in immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security says the crackdown pushed nearly 3 million people out of the country in Trump’s first year back in office.

For the first time since the 1960s, the number of immigrants living in the U.S. is declining; because most farmworkers are foreign born, those losses are already beginning to strain American farms.

We are social scientists who study immigrant communities in Idaho and the challenges farmworkers face. We also run an annual survey exploring public opinion on a range of policy issues, including immigration and economic conditions. Amid the government’s heated rhetoric, our data shows public opinion on immigration in one of the country’s reddest agricultural states is diverging from national politics and may even be at odds with federal policy.

Immigrant labor in agriculture

According to the Center for Migration Studies, 86% of farmworkers in the U.S. are foreign born, and 45% are undocumented. In 2025 the Trump administration suggested it would not target farms. Still, farmworkers across the country are scared to go to work.

Between March and July 2025, the agricultural workforce declined by 7%, with farms reporting labor shortages in states that voted for Trump, including Pennsylvania, and states that didn’t, including California. Meanwhile, immigration crackdowns are threatening this country’s food security.

National polling on the administration’s immigration policies tends to follow party lines, drawing Democrats’ disapproval and Republicans’ support, but recent polling suggests some softening among the latter. Pew Research Center reported that half of all respondents disapprove of the administration’s approach to immigration, and more than half say Trump is “doing too much” when it comes to deportation. Among Republicans the share is smaller – 20% – but rising.

Research suggests people think about immigration differently at the local level. To explore how public opinion on immigration varies in farm-dependent states, we looked at one of the most agriculture-reliant and Republican states in the country just as its farms face policy-driven labor shortfalls.

A worker carries a crate of freshly picked corn through the field. Immigrant workers make up a large share of the U.S. agricultural workforce.
Hill Street Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images

A closer look

Agribusiness is important for Idaho’s economy, accounting for 20% of its annual GDP, according to the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Dairy is a cornerstone: The state is the fourth-largest milk producer in the U.S., according to the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. Ninety percent of Idaho dairy workers are foreign born.

Idaho is also a deeply red state: About 60% of voters are registered Republicans, and 67% voted for Trump in 2024. These numbers make Idaho a clear test of how national rhetoric and intensifying immigration enforcement track with public sentiment in places that have the most to lose.

Our 11th annual Idaho Public Policy Survey polled 1,000 adults in the fall of 2025. Because immigrants have lower crime rates than native-born Americans, we designed a question around long-term residents without a criminal record – specifically, dairy workers and their families who have lived in Idaho more than 10 years.

The results showed broad support for a pathway to legal working status for them: 85% of respondents were in favor, with 56% strongly supportive and 29% somewhat. Just 9% opposed. We expected immigration positions to tie directly to political affiliation, but results cut across party lines, with 79% of Republicans, 88% of independents and 95% of Democrats in favor.

We also asked participants whether increased presence from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, would help or harm Idaho’s agricultural economy. More than half – 53% – said it would harm the economy, 19% said it would help, 18% said there would be no impact, and 10% were unsure.

The pattern was sharpest where it would matter most: Residents of agriculture-dependent regions were more likely to say ICE presence would hurt the economy. Republicans were more likely than others to say it would help; even so, only 35% of Republicans responded that way, compared with 11% of independents and less than 3% of Democrats.

In agriculture-dependent Idaho, many residents say they recognize the role immigrants play in sustaining local rural economies, and research shows that recognition can shift attitudes about immigration, potentially increasing support for more inclusive policies.

According to our research, public opinion in Idaho is more nuanced than the right-left divide suggests. We believe findings here are likely to hold in other places similarly dependent on agriculture, as farmers from Wisconsin to Delaware speak up about their reliance on immigrant labor.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Politics + Society – The Conversation

Food

How To Grow A Watermelon Plant From Your Leftover Seeds

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 22, 2026
No Comments on How To Grow A Watermelon Plant From Your Leftover Seeds

Yes, you can absolutely grow a watermelon with leftover seeds from one you’ve eaten. Here’s what you need to know to have the most success when planting.

Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips

Food

Boomers Continuously Make This Costly Food Mistake

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 22, 2026
No Comments on Boomers Continuously Make This Costly Food Mistake

A 2026 study by The Motley Fool found that boomers are more likely than younger generations (Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z) to commit this costly food mistake.

Food Republic – Restaurants, Reviews, Recipes, Cooking Tips

Politics

Poll: Americans draw a new line in the betting bonanza sweeping over Wall Street — politics

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 22, 2026
No Comments on Poll: Americans draw a new line in the betting bonanza sweeping over Wall Street — politics

Americans have shown little hesitancy about betting on the World Cup, the weather in Dallas and the next James Bond through the prediction markets.

Yet, for many, politics is a step too far.

Results from The POLITICO Poll show that a large group of U.S. adults doesn’t believe wagering on political events like what President Donald Trump will say, who he will pardon, and the outcome of the 2028 presidential election should be legal.

The prediction markets are still new to much of the public, even after their meteoric rise in mainstream media, finance and politics. But as Kalshi, Polymarket and other such companies have opened the door to a world of betting on just about everything and anything, the poll’s results suggest a disquiet among many Americans about the flood of wagers — and especially when they relate to Washington.

Conducted by Public First, an independent U.K.-based polling firm, the survey found that a plurality of U.S. adults — 44 percent — said they believe that betting on election outcomes should be illegal. A similar share of respondents voiced concern about betting on what the president or other newsmakers will say, as well as who will receive a presidential pardon.

“These markets are not for everybody,” said John Aristotle Phillips, who leads the election-centric prediction market platform PredictIt. “People are going to object to certain areas, and they’re going to be somewhat sanguine about others.”

Prediction market proponents have argued that politically focused bets serve as a valuable source of information by offering a wisdom-of-the-crowds lens on the news of the day. The markets, they say, can also help consumers, corporations and small businesses offset the financial risk of a change in administration or the law.

And yet, the results could provide new fodder for those critics who fear that the wagering of millions of dollars on U.S. elections risks staining American democracy. Nearly $700 million has already traded hands on the 2028 presidential election markets from Kalshi and Polymarket’s international platform.

“It’s a bad bet for democracy,” Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, told POLITICO. “If you allow election betting, you now have very affluent folks who can bet millions of dollars and simultaneously affect the outcome of an election through dark money. … That type of corruption in our elections is deadly.”

Kalshi declined to comment for this report. In a statement, Polymarket Deputy Chief Legal Officer Olivia Chalos said prediction markets “have become a foundational source of real-time information and forecasting, providing real-time probability signals across politics, sports, culture, economics, and current events to anyone seeking market information about future outcomes.” Chalos added that the company operates a U.S.-regulated venue that is subject to the same rules as other major financial exchanges.

The prediction markets are nothing new in the U.S. But for years, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a small but powerful financial regulator, blocked them from expanding in areas like elections over concerns about unleashing a torrent of betting in the U.S. financial markets.

And then, just weeks before Election Day 2024, a federal judge knocked down the CFTC’s arguments opposing a bid by Kalshi to offer the chance to wager thousands if not millions of dollars on the election. That opened the floodgates on regulated political betting in the U.S. — and the frenzy has only intensified since.

Day traders, political junkies and Wall Street giants are now taking to the prediction markets to wager on a seemingly ever-expanding slate of bets that covers sports, politics and pop culture. Kalshi and Polymarket have partnership agreements with the likes of CNN, The Wall Street Journal’s publisher and Major League Baseball, and boast valuations measured in the tens of billions of dollars. And the CFTC has adopted a far-friendlier posture to the industry’s growth under Trump and its new chair, Michael Selig.

The prediction markets still have a long way to go in winning over most Americans. More than 50 percent of Americans said they would not consider placing a bet on a prediction market, according to The POLITICO Poll.

Younger Americans, however, do find the markets to be of interest. Of those who were between 18 and 24 years old, 12 percent of respondents said they had placed a prediction-market wager —an identical finding for those who were between 25 and 34 years old. By comparison, just 6 percent of the broader group said they had done so. What’s more, 30 percent of those 18- to 24-year-olds said they’d consider placing a bet on a prediction market, compared to 17 percent of the total group.

Sports account for most of the trading activity on prediction markets today — and a major part of the fight swirling around them. States across the country, tribal organizations and entrenched interests in the gambling industry have argued that the companies are skirting existing sports-betting regulations, a charge that the prediction markets and the CFTC have firmly rejected. (The POLITICO Poll found that, when asked who should regulate the prediction markets, 28 percent of respondents said the federal government, versus 15 percent who said the states.)

But the markets have also swiftly expanded their political wagers, which now go well beyond the outcome of a presidential election and include down-ballot races, the fate of Cabinet secretaries and the passage of legislation. And those markets could become major drivers of the prediction market industry’s long-term growth, analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence wrote in a report this month.

The analysts called markets on politics, elections and public policy “the greatest opportunity” for Kalshi and Polymarket, estimating that those products could grow to see $266 billion in trading volume by 2030. That would represent 27 percent of the platforms’ volume, compared to 10 percent in early 2025, according to the report.

For Caleb Davies, a long-time prediction market trader who lives in Minnesota, political markets are critical. Polls, analyses and pundits, of course, offer some insight into what will happen in an election or with a pending bill, but Davies said, “it’s not the same as getting a whole bunch of smart people betting money.” He added that wagering on the passage of a major bill with sweeping economic implications, such as the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, can be critical as well.

“It’s a unique product,” he said.

Some offshore markets like Polymarket’s international platform even offer trading tied to the Iran war, though the CFTC outlaws U.S.-regulated prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket’s U.S. venue from such topics. A majority of those surveyed said that wagers on the outcomes of war and on terrorist acts should be illegal.

The poll was conducted just weeks after the Justice Department and CFTC charged a U.S. soldier with allegedly using confidential information to trade on the capture of then-Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro through Polymarket, a landmark case that has fanned concerns on Capitol Hill about insider trading in the prediction markets.

That war and terrorism bets would be unpopular was no surprise to PredictIt’s Phillips. But politics more generally, he said, does have a place in the prediction market landscape. And for Phillips, it’s not just about the traders — it’s also about the newsrooms, campaign strategists and broader public who are turning to the markets for clues as to the president’s agenda, whether a bill is going to pass and, of course, who is going to win an election.

“We’re in the early innings,” he said. “There are going to be hundreds or thousands of prediction markets around the globe — some of them are going to be very, very specific to a particular industry or human activity and others are going to be much broader. And there is a place for political prediction markets.”

Politics

Sports Fox

World Cup Roundup: Spain Makes Statement; Belgium’s Struggles Continue

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 21, 2026
No Comments on World Cup Roundup: Spain Makes Statement; Belgium’s Struggles Continue

Lamine Yamal got Spain back on track during an eventful Sunday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Spain’s blowout win, Iran earned a hard-fought point against Belgium and Cape Verde gave Uruguay a brief scare with its first-ever World Cup goal. Here is everything you might have missed on Day 11 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia Belgium vs. Iran Uruguay vs. Cape Verde New Zealand vs. Egypt BEST OF THE DAY Save Of The Day Belgium was in control of Sunday’s matchup against Iran, and the Red Devils looked like the more likely team to break through with a goal. A defining moment in the game came in the 59th minute, when Belgium star Kevin de Bruyne brilliantly controlled a lofted pass from Leandro Trossard near the touchline. He played a pass into the box, where left back Maxim De Cuyper eventually put a shot on goal that Beiranvand got a strong hand on. Seven minutes later, the game changed when Belgium center back Nathan Ngoy was sent off. Iran stayed defensively strong and got its second draw of the tournament ahead of its final game of the tournament next week against Egypt. Assist Of The Day Mikel Oyarzabal’s amazing first 25 minutes finished with a tap-in finish at the back post after a great passing sequence that saw the ball not touch the ground. Right back Pedro Porro played a pass to the far post, which Marc Cucurella played toward the center of the box, where Olmo kept the ball in the air with his head. From there, it landed right at Oyarzabal’s foot for an easy finish. Goal Of The Day Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal was scored in style. Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur committed a foul about 30 yards away from goal in the middle of the field. Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera put two players in his defensive wall, although it proved hugely ineffective. Pina stepped up and smashed a shot through the wall that moved away from Muslera and snuck inside the post. It was a great hit from the Cape Verde-born midfielder that shocked Miami Stadium. Moment Of The Day Spain’s 18-year-old phenom came on for the final quarter of the team’s 0-0 draw against Cape Verde to open the tournament. He looked lively but could not break through. It took him 10 minutes to get the ball into the back of the net against Saudi Arabia. Spain attacker Mikel Oyarzabal held up possession on the left wing and then played a brilliant ball into the back post, where Yamal slid in to tuck the ball home. It was a great moment for the player who we ranked as the No. 1 player at the World Cup, as well as a signal that Spain is still a serious contender.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Music

Samantha Busch Shares Emotional Tribute to Kyle on Father’s Day

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 21, 2026
No Comments on Samantha Busch Shares Emotional Tribute to Kyle on Father’s Day

Samantha Busch opened up about the painful reality of celebrating Father’s Day without Kyle Busch, just one month after his death. Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

Politics

Exclusive: Spanish soccer boss pushes for 2030 World Cup final as pressure grows from Morocco

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 21, 2026
No Comments on Exclusive: Spanish soccer boss pushes for 2030 World Cup final as pressure grows from Morocco

ATLANTA — Spain’s soccer chief told POLITICO he is confident that either Madrid or Barcelona will host the World Cup final in 2030, as Morocco joins the race to stage the biggest sporting event in the world.

On a sun-baked afternoon in Atlanta outside La Casa de España, Rafael Louzán — who has been in charge of the Royal Spanish Football Federation since late 2024 — said that Spain has a storied history of hosting major events and would do so again when the World Cup returns to the Iberian peninsula for the first time since 1982.

Spain and Portugal will jointly host the 2030 World Cup with Morocco, and some matches will be played in South America to celebrate the centenary edition of the tournament. The first World Cup took place in Uruguay in 1930.

“We have a deep respect for our co-host nations, and not only Morocco, also Portugal and also Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. But Spain is the nation who leads the World Cup,” Louzán said.

“We are really confident because we have 55 percent of all matches organized for the World Cup and we have 11 cities. Morocco has six and Portugal has two or three. We have plenty of confidence that we can organize the final in Madrid or Barcelona. We have two great stadiums and we know that the world of football doesn’t hesitate about who’s going to organize the World Cup final,” he added.

“We have one of the greatest leagues in the world. We are one of [the] top nations in terms of championships, not only in the national team, but also in the clubs. So, we are confident,” said Louzán, speaking after being mobbed for pictures by ecstatic Spanish supporters.

A senior Moroccan soccer official confirmed to POLITICO in Boston that his federation was keen to host the 2030 final, and that the country had the infrastructure to do so. Morocco has spent billions of dollars on new arenas, highlighted by the Hassan II Stadium that is under construction near Casablanca and designed to hold 115,000 spectators.

Soccer officials expect a decision on the showpiece match from FIFA within the next few months and a political lobbying battle to intensify ahead of the governing body’s verdict.

“Spain has a great capacity to host major events, not only sporting events. We recently hosted the pope’s visit, [and the 2022] NATO congress in Spain,” Louzán said. “I think that Spain has achieved a great capacity for organizing major events and we are confident that we can organize the best World Cup ever in Spain.”

Louzán sat next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Sunday, as Spain thrashed Saudi Arabia in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz stadium. He told POLITICO that he didn’t discuss 2030 with the global soccer chief, just the success — so far — of the 2026 edition.

“We’re having a great time here in the U.S. and Mexico,” Louzán said. “I spoke with Gianni Infantino and congratulated him for the organization of this World Cup. We are really thankful for the hospitality here in Atlanta and in Chattanooga, which is our base camp.”

Politics

Sports Fox

Messi, Mbappé, Haaland Back In Action: What To Know For World Cup Match Day 12

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 21, 2026
No Comments on Messi, Mbappé, Haaland Back In Action: What To Know For World Cup Match Day 12

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup continues on Monday as Groups I and J enter their second match day following a dramatic opening round. All four matches across these two groups ended with decisive outcomes, meaning the field enters the day cleanly split in half. Four teams enter riding high with three points, looking to secure a spot in the Round of 32, while the remaining four enter the match day with zero points, desperately fighting to keep their tournament dreams alive. Argentina and Austria open the match day in Dallas, where a battle between opening-day winners will determine who sits in the driver’s seat in Group J. Attention then turns to Philadelphia as France faces Iraq, with the current betting favorites Les Bleus aiming to advance with a game to go. The third match takes us to New York New Jersey Stadium, where Norway, led by Erling Haaland, look to maintain their form against African powerhouse Senegal, who enter seeking their first three points of the tournament. Finally, the nightcap features Jordan and Algeria meeting in San Francisco Bay Area, as both sides look to rebound from opening-day losses and avoid an early exit. When: Monday, June 22, 1 p.m. ET Where: Dallas TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One There’s a lot at stake as Argentina takes on Austria on Monday at Dallas Stadium, with both teams tied atop Group J with three points each. The winner of this game secures a clear path to advance to the Round of 32. Argentina enters this match in elite form after a dominant 3-0 drubbing of Algeria in their opener. The defending champions controlled the tempo from the first whistle, showcasing clinical control. Argentina’s icon Lionel Messi was the story of the night, turning back the clock to score his first hat trick at a World Cup and instantly tying the men’s all-time World Cup goals record. For Austria, confidence is sky-high after securing a commanding 3-1 victory against World Cup debutants, Jordan. Marking their highly anticipated return to the World Cup stage in 28 years, Austria hopes the form can carry over against the defending champions, but the European side will face an uphill battle. Austria enters this game as the underdogs, despite a convincing win in their opener. Both teams will be eager to dictate the rhythm, but Argentina’s world-class depth and big-game pedigree give them the upper hand if they can sustain their form. Player to Watch The legendary playmaker provided a masterclass in the opening match, scoring all three goals to single-handedly engineer a flawless start for the reigning champions. Arriving in Dallas in peak tournament form, Messi’s vision, explosive spatial awareness, and lethal precision in the final third will be Argentina’s primary weapon to unlock Austria’s rigid defensive structure. When: Monday, June 22, 5 p.m. ET Where: Philadelphia TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One France enters this match following a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal. The two-time world champions looked characteristically smooth and dangerous as the game progressed, as their elite attacking pedigree was on full display in the second half. France controlled the tempo and dictated play for large stretches, spearheaded by superstar Kylian Mbappé, who netted two goals. Didier Deschamps faces the enviable task of managing his deep squad rotation to provide fresh attacking options and dynamic support in the final third. Iraq enters coming off a bruising 4-1 defeat against Norway where the prominent Norwegian attack led to defensive lapses that ultimately cost them all three points. Iraq did get on the board against Norway, as Aymen Hussein’s header briefly equalized, but they did not have the same attacking quality to keep pace with Norway. While Iraq’s backline will face yet another monumental challenge trying to contain a highly talented and in-form French frontline. France remains heavily favored to advance, but a failure to claim a decisive win here would make their final group match a high-pressure scenario. Player to Watch The phenomenal forward remains the explosive heartbeat of France’s star-studded frontline. After a strong outing in France’s opening fixture where he bagged a brace, Mbappé will look to get on the scoresheet again in Philadelphia. Mbappé finds himself in a battle for both the World Cup Golden Boot and the title of all-time World Cup goalscorer with Lionel Messi, who tied Miroslav Klose’s record with 16 goals, Mbappé isn’t too far behind though, with 14 World Cup goals to his name. When: Monday, June 22, 8 p.m. ET Where: New York/New Jersey TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One Norway looks to lock up a spot in the knockout stage on Monday when they face one of the giants of African football, Senegal, at New York New Jersey Stadium. Norway, who qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, displayed the nation’s offensive depth in a 4-1 rout of Iraq. The European side was clinical in transition, unleashing world-class scoring options to pick apart Iraq’s defense. Having cruised through UEFA qualifying with a perfect 8W-0D-0L record, their opening tournament statement proved that their offensive potency has translated seamlessly despite the entire squad making their World Cup debut. Norway enters this continental clash in position to seize control of Group I before a highly anticipated group finale against France. Senegal enters this match with immense pressure after suffering a defeat to two-time World Cup champion, France. Norway will enter as favorites, but Senegal will look to salvage their tournament ambitions. In order to do so, Senegal will likely need a flawless defensive display, but dealing with Norway’s physical frontline for a full 90 minutes will test their squad’s depth. Player to Watch Prior to the tournament, one question surrounding the 25-year-old Manchester City striker was whether his success at the club level would translate on the biggest stage. After his two-goal performance against Iraq, the world can consider that question answered. If Senegal cannot deny Haaland service, he will be in prime position to lead Norway into the Round of 32. When: Monday, June 22, 11 p.m. ET Where: San Francisco Bay Area TV: FS1 Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One After an incredibly decisive opening round of fixtures in Group J, Jordan and Algeria meet at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for Monday’s nightcap. With both sides sitting on zero points, a winner of this matchup will resurrect their knockout stage dreams while a loser faces near-certain elimination. Jordan proved they can compete on the world stage, even briefly equalizing in the second half, in a 3-1 opening loss to Austria. Jordan’s defensive lapses late in the second half ultimately were the difference as Austria’s next two goals came from an own goal and a penalty. If Jordan can clean up their mistakes from the opener, they could earn the nation’s first three points in tournament history. However, they also need their offense to take the next step in order to have a chance to escape the group stage. Algeria enters on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat against reigning world champions Argentina. Despite the side’s best efforts, Algeria was completely dismantled by Lionel Messi’s timeless masterclass. Despite the big loss, Algeria’s experienced, European-based squad knows they must immediately flush the loss in order to give themselves a chance to advance. Algeria could present a much more physical defensive challenge for Jordan’s frontline than Austria provided. With both sides’ entire tournament lives hanging in the balance, expect a highly emotional and aggressive battle where a single mistake could decide who stays alive. Player to Watch The forward, who plays for Qatari club Al-Sailiya SC, etched his name forever into Jordanian sporting folklore by scoring the nation’s debut World Cup goal against Austria. Olwan’s off-the-ball movement, work rate, and direct running will be tested heavily against a highly motivated Algerian backline. If his midfield can provide clean service, Olwan has the form and can provide the confidence to lead Jordan to its first win in tournament history.Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Music

10 Best Country Father’s Day Songs

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 21, 2026
No Comments on 10 Best Country Father’s Day Songs

There’s no better way to say “thanks” or “I love you” than with a song! Continue reading…The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

Alaska News

Wrangell students help bring Anan bear cams online for third summer

Post author By alaskaadmin
Post date June 21, 2026
No Comments on Wrangell students help bring Anan bear cams online for third summer

By Leilani Combs

The Anan Wildlife Observatory bear cameras are online for a third summer, bringing the lives of Tongass bears like Scuba Sue and Tatonka to viewers around the world. It’s thanks to the hard work of students participating in the Teaching Through Technology program.

Wrangell T3 students returned earlier this month from their third year of field work to set up the cameras to livestream the black and brown bears of Anan Creek. With support from the international nonprofit online portal explore.org, which hosts the livestream, and the U.S. Forest Service Wrangell Ranger District, these T3 students designed and installed the camera systems that provide four different views of the creek.

Now, with the success of the technical work, they’re turning their energy to communicating the bear’s stories.

“If you had asked me before if this is something students could do, I probably would have said, ‘Oh, I don’t know.’ It might be too complicated,” said Candice Rusch, director of new media at explore.org, “But they really have proven me wrong.”

The cams at Anan are the only student-run cameras of all of the livestreams hosted on explore.org, which shares a variety of wildlife livestreams and documentaries to foster connection and stewardship for the animals. Among the most notable is the Katmai National Park and Preserve bear livestream, famous around the world for the annual Fat Bear Week competition as brown bears come to feast on returning salmon.

Anan is among Wrangell’s top visitor attractions.

Around 390,000 viewers tuned to the Anan cams throughout the first season, but that number more than doubled in its second year with 890,000 total viewers. Rusch said she believes that number will only continue to grow as viewers become more familiar with the individual bears.

Andrei Bardin-Siekawitch, a high school senior who has been a part of the Wrangell team since the beginning, designed the computer-aided system for the solar panels and electrical boxes that power the cameras. He joined the program after seeing the stuff his brother was getting to do. When the Anan project came up, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I knew that it was kind of like the biggest thing that T3 had done yet,” Bardin-Siekawitch said, “Not just in Wrangell, but across the whole state.”

The first year, the students designed and installed the system from scratch, with two cameras. They then added two more cameras the second year to add more views of the bears. This year, the students focused on making things look more professional after cleaning up wire debris and other damage caused by winter storms.

“It’s always a small miracle when the cameras come back online,” T3 student coordinator Brian Reggiani said. “That is always cool.”

There are four cameras streaming at Anan currently, with plans to add a fifth at the top of the waterfall in the future. This angle would allow viewers into an area inaccessible to those visiting in person and for observation of some of Anan’s shyer bears who hide when visitors arrive in force during prime viewing season July 5 to Aug. 25.

The team has also been working to set up an underwater salmon camera to give a different view of the bear’s fishing behavior and the salmon that sustain them, but the installation has proven to be tricky.

“We were standing in a raging river with the pole in our hands, you know. Trying to keep our balance, line it up,” Bardin-Siekawitch said. “Then we realized the bolts didn’t fit through the holes on the pole, so we had to go all the way back up to the platform and start again.”

He said that when they got back down to the river, the concrete drill just stopped working. Thwarted again.

Reggiani said they plan to go back soon to complete the salmon cam installation that has eluded them the past two seasons.

In addition to his role at T3, Reggiani also serves on the board of the Friends of Anan nonprofit, formed after the installation of the first cameras. The goal of the organization is to raise money to support the project, with hopes of expanding it to make Anan accessible to even more students in the future.

This year, the Friends of Anan received a $100,000 grant from the Annenberg Foundation, which underwrites explore.org to support that goal. The funds will help cover the cost of the Starlink wireless connection used to access the cameras, staffing, trail maintenance and general operations.

“Our founder will always say that people will protect what they love,” said Rusch, from explore.org.

Paid internships have been provided for all of the students on the team who want to continue their work through the summer. While there will be videocam maintenance, the students are now turning their attention to interpreting Anan’s story and its bears for in-person visitors and international viewers.

This work will allow students to tap more into their creative side through sharing photos of the site and the students’ work, social media coverage and longer videos, as well as some in-person interpretation at the observatory and in town.

“I think the communication side is probably the more important of the two sides (of the work), to be completely honest,” said Ander Edens, a photographer, Wrangell High School graduate and rising sophomore at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

“I’m excited to expand as a photographer … and also learn how to properly manage and run a social media platform.”

The internships are being supported by several organizations including the Friends of Anan, Sealaska Heritage Institute and the Forest Service.

In addition to Edens and Andrei Bardin-Siekawitch, this year’s student team included Nikolai Bardin-Siekawitch, Natalia Ashton, Lennex Gurule, Turner Garrett, Ava Garrett and 2025 Wrangell graduate Anika Herman.

All of the work at the observatory was done in cooperation with the Forest Service.

The agency’s Tongass National Forest public affairs office did not make anyone available for an interview in time for this story.

The post Wrangell students help bring Anan bear cams online for third summer appeared first on Chilkat Valley News.

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories

Immigrant labor in agriculture

A closer look

Opinion & Request