Best of the week

News week in review: Refugees from the Yukon River flooding in Galena share the experience, an Alaska Native village corporation returns massive dividends to shareholders, paratroopers storm Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Volkswagen pretends Fairbanks is in northern California.

From Bethel's "fish trials" pitting science against religion to lucky Ice Classic two-time winners, here are a few of the best stories coming out of Alaska this week.

News you can use: Alaskans who consider marijuana regulation a states' rights issue found a champion in "Uncle Don" Young, a young firefighter fascinated with snakes slapped with a federal felony charge and midnight sunlight shines on the wild discrepancies in fees charged among Alaska hospitals. 

From a twist on off-the-grid living to thought-provoking commentary about tribal justice to a captivating photo essay of birds returning to Alaska, here are some of Alaska Dispatch's best stories and photos over the past week.