KWave Radio

🏀 The Boozer legacy continues! 🙌
Decades after his dad Carlos Boozer was tearing up the court in Juneau, Cameron Boozer is officially heading to the league! 🌟
Cameron was selected third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA Draft, walking the stage at the Barclays Center with his proud family cheering him on. 🐻
After an absolutely dominant season with the Duke Blue Devils where he took home National College Player of the Year honors, the 6'9" forward is ready to bring his winning mentality and work ethic to the next level. 🎓
His selection comes 24 years after his father was drafted 35th overall, paving the way for a legendary career that included an Olympic gold medal and a recent induction into the Hall of Fame. 🥇
Carlos expressed just how incredibly proud he is to see his sons putting their own fingerprints on their basketball legacy. 🌟
Read the full story on Cameron's historic draft night, his time at Duke, and what his coaches say makes him an immediate impact player here: 👇

Memphis Grizzlies select son of Juneau legend Carlos Boozer in NBA Draft Like father like son, another Boozer has heard his named called in the NBA Draft

🏔️ Talk about an incredible family legacy! ✨
Seattle mountaineer Bailey D'Antonio just achieved her lifelong dream of summiting North America's tallest peak, completing a massive journey that began 30 years ago when her mother conquered all 50 state high points. 🧗‍♀️
After years of checking off peaks ranging from Florida's 345-foot Britton Hill to Alaska's breathtaking 20,310-foot summit, Bailey officially followed in her mom's footsteps earlier this week. 🎒
As a physician's assistant, she used her medical training, checklists, and precision to stay safe, but an avalanche-thwarted attempt last year taught her that patience and community matter far more than just crossing a goal off a list. ❄️
Now that her high-point quest is complete, she is already eyeing her next major adventure: running a marathon in every single state! 🏃‍♀️
Read the full, inspiring story of her multi-year journey, her deep family connection, and what it took to stand at the top of the continent here: 👇

Seattle climber reflects after summiting all 50 states’ high points, ending in Alaska What began as a dream passed from mother to daughter culminated this week in a successful ascent of North America’s tallest mountain.

⚽️ Alaska is making major history on the world stage! 🌟
Anchorage's very own Obed Vargas has officially become the first Alaskan ever to play in the World Cup, stepping onto the pitch for Mexico in their intense group stage match against South Korea! 🇲🇽✨
The 20-year-old midfielder grew up playing for the Cook Inlet Soccer Club before moving at age 14 to pursue his dream, and his family credits his early preparation in the Last Frontier for helping him reach the ultimate soccer stage. 🌲
While it has been a total culture shock for soccer fans in Mexico to learn about the incredible talent coming out of Alaska, the Vargas family hopes Obed's journey inspires the next generation of northern athletes to dream big and hit the pitch. 🌎
Check out the emotional full story and follow the rest of our World Cup coverage right here: 🌍

‘He’s always been proud of where he comes from’: Alaskan makes history as first ever to play in World Cup The World Cup continues with Mexico and South Korea facing off on Thursday. On the sidelines, Obed Vargas will be making history as the first Alaskan to be a part of a World Cup qualifying team.

🔍 While Alaskans don't usually encounter ticks as often as people in the Lower 48, these tiny parasites are out there, and the state wants your help tracking them! 🌲

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging residents, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts to participate in their Submit-A-Tick program. 📋

Alaska is home to six native tick species, but changing environmental factors have allowed invasive species like the American dog tick and brown dog tick to establish populations in major hubs like Anchorage and Fairbanks. 🐕

Safe tick removal is easy: carefully pull it off with tweezers, seal it in a container inside a Ziploc bag, fill out the state submission form, and mail or drop it off at the Office of the State Veterinarian lab in Anchorage. 🏥

State Veterinarian Sarah Coburn shares that while none of the ticks native to or established in Alaska have tested positive for dangerous pathogens like Lyme disease yet, continuous tracking is critical as temperatures shift. 🔬

Read the full article to learn exactly how to identify these pests, protect your pets, and find the step-by-step instructions for submitting a tick here: 👇

Tallying ticks in Alaska and where to take them Alaskans don’t generally encounter ticks as often as others in the Lower 48, though the parasites are present and pets are more likely to attract them.

With the nation’s 250th birthday this week, fireworks are about to light up the sky 🎆
But did you know that dogs can hear four to five times better than humans? 🐾
What is a fun celebration for us can be terrifying for them, which is why July 4th to July 6th is actually the busiest time of the year for animal shelters due to runaway pets 💔
Gordon Sloane, owner of Camp Bow Wow in Anchorage, is urging pet owners to take some simple precautions to keep their furry friends safe and calm this week 🐕
Keep your pups in a cool, quiet room with dim lights and some white noise to drown out the booms 🎧
Make sure their microchips and ID tags are completely up to date just in case they get startled and run 🏷️
Watch out for toxic backyard BBQ scraps like grapes and corn cobs that might drop on the floor 🌽
If you are celebrating near the water, keep a doggy life vest nearby 🌊
Most importantly, stay calm yourself because your pets mirror your energy 🧘‍♀️
Check out our full article for more expert tips from Camp Bow Wow and the American Veterinary Medical Association to ensure a happy, safe holiday for the whole family: 🇺🇸✨

Fireworks, food, and more: How to keep your dog safe during fourth of July With the nation’s 250th birthday this week, an Anchorage dog daycare owner is urging pet owners to take precautions before the fireworks start.

While the Fourth of July is a time of celebration for many, the loud noises, bright flashes, and large crowds can be a major trigger for post-traumatic stress disorder in our service members and veterans 🎆
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, fireworks can serve as painful trauma reminders for those who have experienced combat, fire, or explosions, and about seven out of 100 veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives 🇺🇸
PTSD can show up as nightmares, isolation, increased depression, or aggression, affecting family relationships and daily life, but there is incredible support available ❤️
MaryBeth Goodman, executive director of Alaska Behavioral Health Veterans and Family Programs and head of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, shares that they offer multiple treatment approaches from therapy to case management to help people regain control 🤝
If you or a loved one are navigating the holiday, Goodman suggests using noise-canceling headphones, wearing sunglasses to soften visual flashes, or setting up a quiet, dark room to retreat to during parties 🎧
Hosts and families can also plan smaller gatherings or leave celebrations early to keep things low-stress 🏡
Veterans and active-duty families can find tailored resources at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Fairbanks and Anchorage by calling (907) 762-8668 📞
Please know you are never alone, and if you need someone to talk to right away, you can always call the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HELLO to 741741 🕊️
Read the full article for more vital tips and resources on supporting our heroes this holiday week: ✨

Fourth of July gatherings could trigger PTSD symptoms, experts say How you can support a service member or veteran during holiday celebrations that may trigger post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Get ready to celebrate America’s historic 250th birthday right here in Homer this weekend 🇺🇸✨ The Homer Chamber of Commerce is bringing the community together for a massive, unforgettable 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026, and you won't want to miss a single minute of the fun 🎉

Kick things off with the annual 4th of July Parade from 3:00 to 4:00 PM along Pioneer Avenue, running rain or shine 🪵 This year's special theme is America the Beautiful, celebrating our incredible people, landscapes, and freedoms with creative floats, costumes, and small-town patriotic spirit 🦅

Immediately following the parade, head over to the HERC property from 4:00 to 8:00 PM for the ultimate America 250 Community Picnic 🍔 Enjoy free hot dogs and hamburgers, live music, a beer garden, tons of kids games, and local food trucks serving up sweet treats 🍦

Got skills in the kitchen or garden? Bring your best homemade goods to the Blue Ribbon Community Competition at the HERC 🥧 Entries for categories like Smoked Fish Dip, Local Fruit Pie, Pickled Products, Sweet Preserves, Salsas, Flowers, and a special Kids-Only Baked Good will be accepted from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, with winners announced at 6:00 PM 🥇

Pro tip for the day: Parking near the HERC will be extremely limited or unavailable, so attendees are highly encouraged to park for the parade and walk on over to the picnic afterward 👟

This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone event, and the Chamber needs your help to make it spectacular 🎪 Donations are still being accepted to help cover Pioneer Avenue banners, stage and sound equipment, and event rentals to ensure everything runs smoothly 💙

Want to enter a float, sign up for the baking competition, or make a donation to support the festivities? Click the link to view the full parade guidelines, entry forms, and schedule of events: https://www.homeralaska.org/events/america-250/ 🎆

🚨 A devastating new report reveals systemic failures within Mat-Su Borough Animal Control led to the tragic starvation deaths of 23 dogs at a Caswell Lakes kennel back in April. 🐾 The sweeping 95-page independent investigation details how officials repeatedly dismissed or ignored dozens of warnings from concerned residents over more than a month regarding the lack of food, water, and shelter. 📉 According to the report, the responding officer failed to follow investigation protocols, accepting undated photos as proof of care ophthalmic without ever physically checking the dogs or their food supply, before closing the case months before the tragedy. 🛑 The report recommended both the officer, who has since resigned, and the Animal Control Chief, who received disciplinary action, be relieved of their duties. ⚖️ While the kennel owner faces 24 felony animal cruelty counts with a trial starting next month, the community is demanding accountability for the agency lapses that could have prevented this heartbreak. 📑 Over a dozen operational changes have now been ordered to ensure this never happens again. 💔 Read the full, detailed breakdown of the investigation and the upcoming policy changes here:

‘Significant errors, lapses in judgment’: Report details failures linked to Caswell dog deaths The report issued last week recommends two Matanuska-Susitna Borough animal control officers be relieved of their duties.

🌸 Flower power is incredibly real, and Misty Vanderweele is proof of the magic they hold. ✨ Surrounded by rows of vibrant dahlias, cascading sweet peas, and stunning ranunculus at her Palmer farm under the shadow of the mountains, Misty has built a sanctuary of peace out of a mother's greatest heartbreak. 🏔️ After losing her beloved son Luke, who lived with Duchenne muscular dystrophy until age 21, she threw her grief into propagating the dahlia tubers he used to pick for her, finding a deep sense of solace and connection to him in every bloom. 🌺 What started as a healing outlet soon blossomed into a beautiful business featuring farm flower tours and magical, sold-out summer dinner parties where visitors can feel the tangible love planted in the soil. 🍽️🎶 Discover the breathtaking full story of how loss transformed into a field of healing and hope right here: 👇

‘He was not going to be here my whole life’: A flower farmer forever honors her son In this episode of So We Asked, we sit down with an Alaska flower farmer whose dahlia journey began as a family tradition—and became a lifeline through profound grief after losing her son

🔥 Alaska is making major moves on American Ninja Warrior! 💥 Unalakleet's very own Nick Hanson, the legendary Eskimo Ninja, just crushed the first course and locked in his spot for the national finals after an intense, first-of-its-kind three-way race! 🏃‍♂️💨 At 38 years old, Nick proved he is still at the top of his game in this lightning-fast new format where there is absolutely zero room for error. 🎯 We also saw 15-year-old Talus Bunch from Wasilla put on an incredible performance, just barely missing the finals cutoff by a few seconds. 🌲 Catch Nick representing the Last Frontier when he takes on the nationals next! 📺 Read the full story on how the Alaska ninjas performed and what is next for Nick right here: 🦅

‘Eskimo Ninja’ advances to national finals on American Ninja Warrior Nick Hanson of Unalakleet is moving forward on “American Ninja Warrior" while 15-year-old Wasilla athlete Talus Bunch fell just short of moving on.