The Alaska Story launches with standing-room-only celebration at Bell’s Nursery

The Alaska Story officially launched on Sunday with a packed-house celebration at Bell’s Nursery in South Anchorage, where more than 70 supporters gathered for an afternoon of fellowship, optimism, and a shared commitment to strengthening Alaska’s independent media landscape and the values of faith, family, and freedom.

The event drew an extraordinary slate of candidates, leaders, and influencers — so many that listing them all would be daunting. Gubernatorial candidates Bernadette Wilson, Adam Crum, Shelley Hughes, Matt Heilala, and Dave Bronson attended, joined by lieutenant governor candidate Mike Shower, running with Wilson, and his wife Michelle.

Alaska Republican Party Chairwoman Carmela Warfield and her husband Jason were also present, as was former Party Chairman Randy Ruedrich and his wife Gloria, and former vice chair Frank McQueary and his wife Jean.

Legislators and former lawmakers, including Rep. Cathy Tilton, Rep. Kevin McCabe, and former Sen. Mike Shower, and former Rep. Laddie Shaw, and former Rep. Larry Baker mingled with dozens of grassroots volunteers, community organizers, and readers who have been with The Alaska Story since it launched on Nov. 4. Guests filled the greenhouse cafe space wall-to-wall, snapping photos, sharing stories, and celebrating what many described as a pivotal moment for Alaska media. They bought t-shirts with The Alaska Story logo on them, custom made by Rina Bretz, who also had a photo booth set up for photos to commemorate the event. Dozens of people loved taking part in the retro experience.

Sen. Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich delivered the keynote remarks, both underscoring the need for strong alternatives to Alaska’s left-leaning legacy media outlets, institutions that too often tell only half the story. They both expressed strong support for The Alaska Story founder Suzanne Downing.

Begich told attendees that Alaska is entering a new chapter in national relevance and energy leadership, and that independent journalism plays a defining role in ensuring Alaskans stay informed about policies that directly affect their livelihoods. Sullivan echoed the importance of providing thoughtful, balanced reporting that reflects Alaska’s diverse communities rather than the narrow framing that dominates traditional coverage, and he noted that this is a new chapter in the greater Alaska Story. He gave examples of key events, such as the 70 executive orders from the Biden Administration that targeted and harmed Alaska, which the mainstream media chose to ignore.

Veteran broadcaster Steve Strait emceed the celebration, keeping the program lively and focused. Brett Huber, state director for Americans for Prosperity-Alaska, closed the program with a call to action, urging supporters to serve as ambassadors for The Alaska Story. He encouraged attendees to help share articles, comment, invite friends to subscribe, and build a vibrant, truth-driven media ecosystem that puts Alaskans first.

Guests lingered long after the program ended, taking photos under the nursery lights, exchanging ideas, and celebrating what felt like the beginning of something truly special – an energized movement ready to grow the next chapter of The Alaska Story.