Author: Nicole Thompson

Alaska Air Group may be added to Japan Airline’sAirline’s (JAL) trans-Pacific joint venture with American Airlines. Ross Leggett, Senior Vice President, said talks are continuing and that he was hopeful about making a formal announcement. The current joint venture, formed in 2011, operates 16 flights between Japan and the US. American Airlines oversees six of these routes, while Japan Airlines operates 10. Additionally, the agreement includes intra-Asian, domestic US, Canadian, and Mexican routes that connect with these trans-Pacific services. Both carriers are members of the Oneworld alliance. Alaska Air Group, the holding company for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, has…

As seismic activity near Mount Spurr rises, anchorage officials have raised warning levels due to the danger of an eruption. A recent aircraft showed sustained steaming and gas emissions at the volcano’s top, and the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) has recorded several tiny shallow earthquakes beneath the volcano. The AVO confirmed in a statement posted on its website that Mount Spurr is being continuously monitored for indications of an imminent eruption. Anchorage’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) raised its activation level to level 2 Incident Monitoring on Thursday, reflecting the growing concern. Officials stated that the situation demands increased public information…

The Dena’ina Center in Anchorage hosted the Alaska Kennel Club’s Dog Show on Saturday. Dog owners and enthusiasts gathered to showcase their pets, and the event ran throughout the weekend. Rhees Bartlett, a seasoned dog show participant, was excited to show off her fox terrier, Digo. “I always learn something new at dog shows,” Bartlett said. “I ask questions and pick people’s brains.” The event attracted a diverse range of dog breeds, each with its unique characteristics and traits. From the tiny Chihuahua to the majestic Great Dane, the dog show had something for everyone. Dog owners and enthusiasts marveled…

State scientists in Alaska found more than 100 dead fish in Sherman Creek, downstream from the Kensington Mine, in August. Seven months later, Coeur Mining, the mine’s operator, and state authorities have not determined why the fish died off. Lab testing on creek samples and mine effluent showed no evidence of pollution, according to a November letter from Coeur Mining. However, watershed ecologist Chris Sergeant hypothesized that contamination might have entered the creek prior to testing. The sergeant emphasized the crucial need to regularly sample the water near mining operations. On August 8, mine workers used RocKracker, an explosive linked…

Alaska officials are pushing to continue the controversial predator control program in Western Alaska despite a recent court ruling deeming it unconstitutional. On Friday, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game submitted an emergency request to the state Board of Game, seeking authorization to extend the program for a third year. The intensive management program aims to restore the declining Mulchatna Caribou Herd, which has plummeted from 200,000 animals in 1997 to just 13,000. Officials argue that predator control is essential to rebuilding the herd, which is a critical food source for dozens of rural communities. Since the program began…

A proposed bill in Alaska’s Legislature seeks to restructure the Alaska Board of Fisheries, ensuring fair representation across all fishing sectors. House Bill 125, introduced by Rep Nellie Jimmie, D-Toksook Bay, would assign specific seats for commercial sport and subsistence harvesters and designate a spot for a scientific representative. Under the bill’s provisions, two members would represent each sector, while the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) would nominate subsistence representatives. Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration would propose nominees for the science seat. This structure is intended to elevate the voices of rural communities dependent on subsistence fishing and…

Before US Senator Dan Sullivan spoke to the Legislature on Thursday, dozens of protestors had gathered outside the Alaska State Capitol. Signs denouncing executive overreach government budget cuts and the senators alleged protestors carried inaction. Growing dissatisfaction with Sullivan and the Trump administration’s policies seemed to be the reason for the protests. Deborah Craig, a longtime Alaskan resident, voiced concerns about federal agencies being dismantled by the Department of Efficiency (DOGE). Craig argued these changes harm vulnerable groups like veterans, women, and people with disabilities. As Sullivan entered the house chamber, protestors fell silent, holding their signs as he walked…

A potential eruption of Mount Spurr, located 75 miles west of Anchorage, has prompted municipal officials to upgrade their activation status to level two. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance emphasized the importance of keeping residents informed and prepared. The Office of Emergency Management will shift from “normal operations” to “response incident monitoring.” This means responding agencies can take coordinated action to prepare for a possible eruption. Meanwhile, the Alaska Volcano Observatory has indicated that an eruption is likely, but uncertain, within the next few weeks or months. As the city prepares for a potential eruption, residents are advised to stay informed and…

Senate President Gary Stevens and House Speaker Bryce Edgmon wrote a letter in February urging Alaska’s congressional delegation to protect the Alaska Bypass Mail program. This program allows bulk shipments of food and supplies directly from Anchorage and Fairbanks to off-road retailers. Alaska legislators expressed concerns over federal spending cuts potentially impacting the program, which remains crucial for rural communities. The US Postal Service (USPS) subsidizes this unique system, spending approximately $133 million on it in 2022. Critics argue it operates more like a private freight service than traditional mail delivery. Concerns over the program intensified after former President Donald…

Governor Mike Dunleavy’s executive order to establish a cabinet-level agriculture department was narrowly rejected by lawmakers, meaning Alaska would continue to lack one. The plan to create the Alaska Department of Agriculture was blocked by the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday, voting 32-28. The vote was split along party lines, with the multipartisan majority voting against Dunaleavy’s plan and the Republican minority backing it. According to Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, lawmakers made the proper choice by mandating a legislative process rather than an executive order. Dunleavy’s administration has promoted local agriculture under the banner of food security since the COVID-19…

A US District Court decision on March 13 ordered the temporary restoration of thousands of federal employees; however, some sacked federal employees reinstated by court order are still in limbo as agencies place them on paid administrative leave. On Monday, employees from agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) received letters confirming their reinstatement. However, the letters stated they would be on paid non-duty until legal proceedings are concluded. A NOAA employee who wished to remain anonymous expressed frustration with the situation. According to US Senator Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, some workers received back pay without receiving official notice…

US Senator Lisa Murkowski criticized Trump for dismissing federal employees and suspending federal payments, calling the moves destructive and unnecessary. In her annual speech to Alaska lawmakers, she criticized the administration’s approach to government downsizing.  In Alaska, probationary employees were ordered to be reinstated after a federal judge declared their terminations unlawful. Meteorologists, federal land managers, and fisheries biologists were affected. In the meantime, more than $1 billion in federal funding, including investments in renewable energy, is still in limbo. Murkowski told legislators she supports a smaller government but opposes the administration’s indiscriminate approach. She said federal workers face job…