Author: Nicole Thompson

President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act on Sunday, repealing a controversial provision that reduced benefits for retirees. The Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset were removed, restoring full payments for millions of Americans. National Fraternal Order of Police and groups like the National Education Association support he law, which addresses long-standing inequities. President-elect Donald Trump also endorsed the legislation.  The provision enacted in 1983 slashed or eliminated Social Security benefits for 2.4 million retirees. The Windfall Elimination Provision reduced benefits for individuals who worked jobs that did not pay into Social Security consistently. Meanwhile, the Government…

The FBI revealed on Friday that Shamsud-Din Jabbar orchestrated a deadly Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans during a New Year’s celebration. New Orleans attack investigation disclosed that Jabbar 42 drove a truck into a packed crowd at 3:15 am Wednesday, killing 14 and injuring 35 others.  Following the collision, officers fatally shot Jabbar during a violent exchange of gunfire near the scene. Authorities confirmed the casualty count is expected to rise as investigations proceed. The FBI stated that Jabbar planned to use a transmitter found in the truck to detonate two IEDs placed on Bourbon Street. Officials also discovered an…

Immediately after House Speaker re-election, Nick Begich’s legislative proposals were introduced. D.C., Republican Nick Begich was sworn in as Alaska’s US Representative on Friday in Washington, D.C., after a tense speaker re-election process. House Speaker Mike Johnson needed 218 votes to retain his position, as Republicans maintain a slim 219-member majority over 215 Democrats. Representative Ralph Norman and Keith Self initially voted against Johnson but later changed their votes, ensuring his re-election. Thomas Massie remained the sole Republican opposing Johnson’s leadership. Furthermore, Begich voiced his support for Johnson. He explained the importance of unity among Republicans to advance the America…

According to officials, traffickers come to Alaska due to the high profits from illegal drugs, where the state’s small population offers profitable prospects. The head of Alaska’s statewide narcotics enforcement team, Captain Cornelius Sims, described how traffickers buy fake M30 Oxycodone pills for as low as 10 to 25 cents and may fetch up to $200 in the state. This strategy rakes up Alaska’s drug trafficking profits.  Sims further described that Anchorage is a primary hub for drug distribution, with most products arriving at Ted Stevens International Airport. Criminals smuggle drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl through mail cargo, carry-on baggage,…

This week, a convicted felon was arrested in Fairbanks by Alaska Wildlife Troopers after he attempted to steal firearms and a vehicle. Troopers responded on Thursday around 10:30 a.m., following a homeowner’s report of burglary caught on security footage while he was on vacation. The homeowners’ cameras captured 44-year-old Donald Carroll Jr. breaking into the garage and entering a parked vehicle. Carroll attempted to flee the property in the stolen vehicle as wildlife troopers arrived in the area. Authorities pursued Carroll for half a mile before he lost control and crashed into a snowbank. Carroll abandoned the vehicle and ran…

A federal judge has mandated action to resolve Alaska’s SNAP delays due to chronic food assistance application processing backlogs. Judge Sharon Gleason of the U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction on Tuesday, mandating that the state submit monthly status updates beginning in February 2025. These updates will describe the attempts to process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications within the 30-day nationally required period. The injunction follows a lawsuit filed two years ago by the Northern Justice Project, an Alaska civil rights firm. The backlog peaked in 2023, leaving 15,000 Alaskans without timely food benefits. Although the state made…

Alaska’s child care task force report, released on December 27th, presented a solution to child care shortages affecting families and providers statewide. Governor Mike Dunleavy’s task force’s recommendations outline strategies to improve affordability, accessibility, and workforce conditions in this critical sector. The task force established last year identified 56 actionable recommendations, including geographic cost of living adjustments to help rural families afford care. “Removing barriers, especially in rural areas, and supporting the child care workforce, are other areas we expect to see long-lasting improvements, as a result of this important work,” stated Heidi Hedberg, Health commissioner. A study by McKinley…

Anchorage Police launched an intense search in Eagle River after gunfire erupted near Old Glenn Highway and North Juanita Loop. Reports of shots fired drew multiple officers to the business district, sparking a significant response for the Eagle River Shooting Investigation on Tuesday afternoon.  The Anchorage Police Department said gunshots appeared to come from a wooded area near Planet Fitness, prompting an immediate investigation. Officers initially believed the suspect fled to a room at Microtel Inn & Suites but found no one during their search. Authorities quickly redirected efforts to the woods behind the hotel using drones to scan for…

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management will open bids for Arctic National Wildlife Refuge oil lease rights on January 10th, 2025. Federal offices will close on January 8th to honor the late President Jimmy Carter, prompting the one-day delay. The Lease sale follows a federal mandate from 2017 legislation requiring two sales within the refuge’s coastal plain, each offering 400,000 acres. The Biden administration added stricter environmental safeguards, which drew criticism from development advocates. Furthermore, the first sale in 2021, led by the Trump administration, attracted bids mainly from the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, with no significant oil…

Alaska’s Department of Health unveiled the final Governor’s task force report on child care, offering solutions to widespread accessibility issues. The two-year study revealed Alaska’s childcare crisis, with over 10% of licensed providers closing since 2020. This has fueled severe childcare deserts, leaving families without essential resources. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, these shortages cost Alaska’s economy $165 million annually. The report proposed 56 recommendations for affordability, accessibility, workforce sustainability, and quality improvements. Governor Mike Dunleavy praised the task force’s work, stating that addressing the childcare shortages aligns with his vision to make Alaska more family-friendly. Dunleavy’s…

Alaskans joined the world in mourning after former President Jimmy Carter passed away Sunday at 100 years old. President Joe Biden has ordered a National Day of Mourning. Furthermore, he scheduled an official state funeral in Washington, D.C., on January 9th.  Carter served as president from 1977 to 1982 and spent his post-presidential years advancing humanitarian efforts worldwide. Although political differences existed, Alaska leaders reflected on Jimmy Carter’s impact on Alaska. Governor Mike Dunleavy offered his condolences, focusing on Carter’s dedication to democracy and human rights as an inspiration to millions. He wrote on social media that “His 100 years…

Fairbanks police arrested a local man Thursday evening after discovering methamphetamine sewn into three stuffed toys. The meth-filled stuffed toys discovery followed a federal search warrant executed on December 23rd. Authorities intercepted the package containing approximately five pounds of meth and traced its shipment from San Bernardino, California. It was addressed to a woman residing at a drug rehabilitation center in Fairbanks. To investigate the meth-filled stuff toys case, investigators planted a tracking device and UV reactive substance called clue spray inside the package before delivering. By noon Thursday, officials had delivered the package to the recipient’s apartment. When the…