Forty-one-year-old Alex Chiu died after falling approximately 3,000 feet from Denali’s West Buttress route while untethered. Recovery efforts were delayed by severe weather conditions, with his body retrieved by helicopter Wednesday. This incident follows previous fatalities at a similar location on the mountain, highlighting the inherent risks of climbing Denali. The mountain, also known as Mount McKinley, is a popular but perilous climbing destination.
President Trump’s executive order to rename Denali, Alaska’s highest peak, to Mount McKinley sparked significant controversy. While the name change aimed to honor President William McKinley, it was widely opposed by Alaskans, who view Denali—its Alaska Native name—as culturally significant. The debate highlights a clash between historical perspectives and the recognition of Indigenous heritage. Despite the executive order, many Alaskans, including those in the tourism industry, continue to use the name Denali, reflecting a strong local preference.
Trump vows to rename Denali as Mount McKinley, a move that has sparked considerable controversy and highlights a clash between historical precedent, Alaskan identity, and political posturing. The proposed change reverts the mountain’s official name, designated as Denali in 1975 by the state of Alaska, back to its former name, Mount McKinley. This decision, widely seen as a purely symbolic gesture, is fueled by motivations far exceeding a simple name change.
The renaming is perceived by many as a deliberate attempt to undermine the Obama administration’s legacy, with the implication being that reversing this decision is a direct “stick it to” Obama moment.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood