Author: Nicole Thompson

China’s government is investing $40 billion to boost consumer spending and revive its economy. The plan includes childcare subsidies, increased wages, and better-paid leave. Additionally, a $41 billion discount program covers various products, from household appliances to electric vehicles. President Xi Jinping has made boosting consumption a priority for 2025. The government aims to increase domestic demand and reduce reliance on exports. However, this requires a cultural shift from saving to spending. Chinese households have a high savings rate, with 32% of disposable income saved in 2024. This mindset is deeply ingrained, and changing it will be challenging. Furthermore, the…

Alaska politicians are advancing a resolution reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty and longstanding cross-border connections amid trade tensions and annexation threats. House Joint Resolution 11, which highlights Alaska’s strong historical economic and cultural ties to Canada, is currently being considered by the state legislature. In his testimony to the Alaska House Resources Committee, Premier Ranj Pillai emphasized the value of collaboration. In light of growing international tensions, the resolution’s bipartisan sponsors, notably Representative Chuck Kopp, aim to reaffirm Alaska’s dedication to Canadian sovereignty. Lawmakers revised the resolution to highlight Alaska’s reliance on Canada for trade emergency aid and infrastructure partnerships. The changes…

Alaska nonprofits assisting domestic violence victims may close shelters this summer due to federal grant uncertainty raising concerns statewide. Many domestic violence shelters depend on federal grants, but funding disruptions have placed these crucial services at risk. Randi Breager, executive director of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), warned that financial instability could force service reductions. Her organization, which helps victims in Anchorage, remains funded through June, but future grant applications have vanished from government websites. The Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women removed grant listings last month, intensifying financial concerns for organizations. AWAIC relies on federal funds…

A memorial service was held for Skye Rench, who went missing after an ATV accident in early March. The service was attended by hundreds, celebrating Rench’s life and love for adventure. Rench’s mother, Stacy Calder, remembered her son as a true Alaskan. “He was adventurous from birth,” Calder said. Rench loved exploring the state, and his passion for snowmachine riding was evident. He spent countless hours riding through Alaska’s rugged terrain, always seeking the next thrill. Moreover, Rench’s love for adventure was contagious. He inspired many of his friends to take up snowmachine riding, and they often rode together through…

A snowmachine survived a 60-foot fall into a glacier crevasse near Paxson, Alaska, after good Samaritans executed a dangerous rescue. The accident happened Saturday north of Paxson near Gakona Glacier when the rider unexpectedly hit a deep crevasse.  Shortly before 6 in the evening, authorities got an emergency call and promptly organized resources to help. Fairbanks resident Clyde Hewitt, 38, received an urgent plea for help while on a weekend getaway with friends. A friend who was riding close by told him that a snowmachine had fallen into a chasm and needed to be rescued. After hurriedly gathering necessary equipment,…

Alaska regulators have rejected IPOP LCC´s request for a land use permit due to severe environmental risks and questionable economic claims. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced its decision on Tuesday, stating that approving the project would contradict responsible land management and public interest protections. The Nevada-based business suggested dredging gold in Bonanza Channel, a vulnerable biological area essential for gathering food for subsistence. The DNR concluded, however, that the proposal would seriously impair appropriate water management and public navigation. Regulators also became skeptical of IPOP´s assertions regarding the amount of gold in the sediment. According to the Department…

Mt. Spurr’s potential eruption has prompted vehicle owners to take precautions. John Stoehner, a mechanic from Alaska Spring Performance, offers valuable advice on how to care for vehicles before, during, and after an ashfall. Before driving, Stoehner recommends staying home until road conditions and air quality improve. Meanwhile, rinsing the car and radiator before starting the engine is crucial. Additionally, avoid wiping at ash to prevent scratches on paint or windows. Ashfall can clog air filters in vehicles. Consequently, Stoehner advises changing air filters several times after an eruption. Furthermore, placing a pair of pantyhose over the air filter creates…

Alaska’s economic stability is at risk as federal budget cuts, project freezes, and corporate layoffs jeopardize jobs and essential funding. For decades, economists have compared Alaska’s economy to a three-legged stool supported by oil and gas, the federal budget, and other industries. Although this arrangement guarantees stability, the economy as a whole may implode if one of its pillars fails. The Trump administration’s $750 million resource development freeze, a planned $2 billion cut to Medicaid and CHIP funding, and widespread layoffs from Elon Musk’s businesses are some of the most recent threats. Senate President Gray Stevens and House Speaker Bryce…

Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) scientists have issued a Mount Spurr eruption warning due to increased gas emissions and seismic activity near the volcano. The timing and magnitude of a potential eruption remain uncertain, but experts say the latest data suggests a growing likelihood. Mount Spur, located 75 miles west of Anchorage, has shown worrying signs in recent months. A recent bulletin from the Alaska Volcano Observatory states that an eruption in 2025 appears likely, though its timing and magnitude remain uncertain. Scientists have detected high sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide levels, indicating magma movement beneath the volcano’s surface. Flights over…

A team of researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute is conducting innovative research at the Poas volcano in Costa Rica. Led by experts, the team aims to use unmanned aircraft, or drones, to collect gas samples from inside the volcano’s crater. The team’s research is crucial for advancing our understanding of volcanic activity. By studying the Poas volcano, researchers can gain valuable insights into the internal dynamics of volcanoes. This knowledge can be applied to other volcanoes around the world. The team consists of four members, including pilots from the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration.…

Lawmakers debated House Bill 69 on Monday as it reached the house floor, drawing sharp disagreements over public school funding allocations. Sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Himshoot, the bill has undergone multiple amendments since its introduction, reflecting differing priorities among legislators.  If passed, the bill would permanently increase Alaska’s public school funding by $275 million, significantly raising the base student allocation. Initially, the bill proposed a $1,000 increase per student, followed by a gradual $800 increase over four years. The most recent version, however, keeps the $1,000 adjustment and eliminates the annual increment. During Monday’s meeting, lawmakers discussed Amendment #10, which…

The Anchorage School’s book donation gives thousands of books a second life by distributing them to schools and libraries statewide. Instead of being stored in warehouses or discarded, these books will reach needy communities through the Bright Light Book Project.  On Monday, five pallets of donated books arrived at the Bright Light Book Project’s storage unit. Alys Culhane, the organization founder, explained that this is the second large book donation from the school district in three years. The latest batch includes textbooks, language literacy materials, and German fiction books. “Here I got a call a couple of days ago from…