Author: Nicole Thompson

President Trump immediately signed executive orders on Monday after his inauguration targeting climate policies, immigration, and federal regulations. One significant order prioritizes fossil fuel development in Alaska, including the ANWR coastal plain and millions of federal acres.  Governor Mike Dunleavy praised Trump’s decision, calling it incredible and claiming the president is Alaska’s greatest ally in history. Dunleavy emphasized that removing Biden-era restrictions ensures economic growth and energy security for Alaska and the nation. One executive order promotes constructing a liquid natural gas pipeline while rolling back bans on oil and gas exploration in Alaska. Alaska Department of Natural Resource Commissioner…

A proposed bill in the Alaska Legislature could provide free breakfast and lunch to all students statewide, regardless of income. Democratic Representative Maxine Dibert of Fairbanks introduced House Bill 12, seeking state funding to ensure that Alaska’s free school meal program goes through. Representative Dibert, a former teacher, highlighted the benefits of free universal meals available through federal relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. She stated, “I’ve seen the effects of feeding our kids, and especially during COVID when all kids got lunches and breakfast at no cost.” Federal waivers expired in 2022, creating gaps in meal funding for districts…

President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order, signed on Monday, aims to expand the resources, reigniting economic and environmental debates. Trump’s Alaska resource development order includes increased oil drilling, mining and logging. Alaska’s Governor, Mike Dunleavy, also submitted a request for this after Trump’s election.  The order calls for new oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, removing Biden-era restrictions on the National Petroleum Reserve, and reversing bans on logging in Alaska’s temperate rainforests.  Alaska’s Republican leaders hailed the plan as critical for reviving the state’s economy, with Senator Dan Sullivan declaring, “It is morning again in Alaska.” Governor Dunleavy…

On Monday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming Denali in Alaska to Mount McKinley, reigniting a heated debate. Trump ordered the renaming of Denali to honor President William McKinley, whom he called a leader who bolstered America’s economy with tariffs. Trump argued that McKinley’s contributions deserved recognition through this renaming effort. The name change quickly drew criticism from Alaska’s senior Republican senator, Lisa Murkowski. She insisted the mountain must retain its Alaska Native name, Denali, meaning the high one. Murkowski illuminated its cultural significance, noting that it had been the name of the Koyukon Athabascans for thousands of…

An unvaccinated Alaska resident tested positive for measles after returning from an international trip from Seattle to Anchorage. State health officials confirmed the case and issued a public health alert on Thursday. The patient developed symptoms during the flight to Seattle and later traveled to the Kenai Peninsula. South Peninsula Hospital in Homer first admitted the individual on Monday with classic measles symptoms like fever, cough and facial rash. On Tuesday, they were transferred to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage and isolated for treatment. Lab results confirmed the measles diagnosis by Wednesday. Officials expect the patient, whose identity remains…

Oversight reports highlight ongoing challenges in Anchorage’s winter emergency shelters, including food shortages, bedbug infestations, and limited transportation access. The city enlisted Restorative Reentry Services (RRS) to monitor compliance and improve shelter conditions, but issues persist. Homeless clients in city shelters have reported insufficient food despite a $1.7 million contract to provide three daily meals for 530 residents. According to RRS reports, meal portion sizes and quality fall short of federal standards. Clients staying at Alex Hotel have expressed hunger, often requesting additional food. While the health department addressed these concerns with food contractors ESS Support Services Worldwide, challenges remain…

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities announced Friday that Dave Bronson, former Anchorage mayor, will manage Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. With over 40 years of aviation expertise, Bronson’s career spans military and commercial aviation roles across Alaska and the United States. Bronson, a former  B-52 pilot in the US Air Force, also flew commercially for Northwest Airlines and Delta. While serving in the Alaska Air National Guard, he held roles as a maintenance officer and C-130 pilot. These positions ultimately helped him in earning the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Furthermore, the state highlighted his extensive aviation background…

Anchorage reacts to the Gaza ceasefire deal, in addition to cautious optimism. Members of Anchorage’s Muslim and Jewish communities voiced enthusiasm for a possible peace agreement for Gaza. US, Qatar, Hamas, and President Joe Biden’s negotiators reported progress on a ceasefire deal on Wednesday.  The agreement may go into force on Sunday despite not being approved. According to the local community leaders, the news calls for vigilance but also brings hope. Anchorage Lawyer Heather Barbour said, “We’re ecstatic. It’s great news. It’s long overdue.” She further stated that this decision gives people a glimmer of hope after all the devastation…

College campuses across the US have hosted large protests over the Israel-Hamas war. This included the protests at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Amid the ongoing unrest Anchorage students react to the Gaza ceasefire, expressing diverse emotions.  On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement to pause fighting in Gaza temporarily. The ceasefire, expected to begin Sunday, remains uncertain as mediators finalize the details. 21-year-old Kenan Metzger said he was happy that the violence had temporarily stopped. “I mean, ultimately, it’s a great thing that bullets will not be fired anymore. No matter the outcome after that, it’s a good…

A powerful windstorm swept through Anchorage on Sunday, leaving thousands of residents without power and causing widespread damage. The hurricane in Anchorage disrupted power lines, uprooted trees, and partially collapsed a pedestrian bridge over the Seward Highway.  The storm also caused over a dozen planes to divert, impacting air travel statewide. The National Weather Service reported wind speeds strong enough to impact power lines, topple trees, and disrupt air traffic. Meteorologist Tracen Knopp confirmed temperatures reached over 40°F, unusual for this time of the year. Steven Wood, an Anchorage resident, witnessed his neighbor’s roof peel off and fly toward his…

The Senate is renewing its push to reinstate Alaska’s public pension system, hoping to address workforce challenges. Senator Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, introduced Senate Bill 28, designed to replace the pension system eliminated in 2006. This early introduction signals a strong focus on pensions, education and energy issues in the 34th Alaska Legislature. In addition to the pension bill, legislators pre-filed 76 bills and five draft constitutional amendments last Friday. Proposed measures include free meals for public school students, a ban on foam food containers and restrictions on cellphone use in schools. Despite the influx of bills, the prior legislature saw…

The Alaska seafood industry’s task force unveiled draft recommendations addressing challenges such as collapsing fisheries, workforce shortages, and rising operational costs. During a recent two-day hearing in Anchorage, task force members reviewed proposals aimed at revitalizing the state’s struggling seafood sector.  The recommendations range from local initiatives such as community cold storage facilities to international efforts including enhanced marketing campaigns for Alaska fish. Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak emphasized the urgency of the task highlighting the January 21st report deadline. Representative Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak expressed optimism stating “We can hit the ground running because we’ve got some good solid ideas.”…