Author: Rachel Enano

The 3rd Munitions Squadron is critical in ensuring the Air Force has combat-capable aircraft. However, the unit’s skills are not always utilized daily. Tasked with assembling munitions like bombs, missiles, and cartridges, the unit works with a wide array of munitions. “Bomb-building is not something we do often,” said 2nd Lt. Christine Shank, materiel flight commander. The squadron’s work is essential to supporting the Air Force’s mission. Their role involves assembling and storing munitions, as well as shipping them out to units in need. To strengthen their skills, the squadron conducted a bomb-building exercise on March 4. The exercise aimed…

A proposed initiative to limit cruise ship passengers in Sitka, Alaska, will go to voters. Klaudia Leccese, president of Small Town SOUL, says the cruise industry has brought in large numbers of passengers, causing problems for residents. The Sitka Cruise Ship Limits initiative aims to address these concerns. In recent years, cruise ships have grown, and the number of passengers has increased. This has led to traffic congestion, main street closures, and difficulties for locals. Leccese notes that the community has to deal with these issues for a significant part of the cruise ship season. The initiative has been years…

A proposed bill in the Alaska legislature aims to update the current safe surrender law. This legislation would allow for the installation of baby drop boxes at state-approved buildings, such as fire stations. The current law, enacted in 2008, permits parents to surrender their newborns to firefighters, police officers, medical personnel, or others who can ensure the infant’s safety within 21 days of birth. Since its enactment, nine infants have been safely surrendered. However, Anchorage Fire Chief Doug Schrage believes face-to-face surrender requirements may put newborns at risk. He cited a recent incident in Anchorage where a baby was found…

A new bill introduced in the Alaska State Legislature aims to prohibit restaurants from using Styrofoam containers for prepared food. HB 25, sponsored by Rep. Andy Josephson, would also ban the state from using or purchasing Styrofoam products. This move is part of a larger effort to reduce the environmental harm caused by Styrofoam. According to Ken Alper, an aide for Josephson, much of the data supporting the ban comes from the Anchorage-based non-profit Alaska Community Action on Toxics. Notably, the use of Styrofoam has become a pressing issue in Alaska. Many residents are concerned about the impact of Styrofoam…

Shannon Nelson’s life changed forever on October 15, 2024. She received a devastating call informing her that her 16-year-old son, Kenneyon Baker, had been shot. Nelson rushed home to find her house surrounded by crime scene tape and evidence tags. At the hospital, her worst fears were confirmed. Her son had passed away. Since then, Nelson has sought answers from the Anchorage Police Department (APD). Despite numerous requests, she has received limited information. The APD states that the case is “being worked on.” Nelson’s frustration grows as she is denied access to her son’s autopsy report. She wants to know…

The University of Alaska Anchorage women’s basketball team has reclaimed its position at the top of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). On Saturday, the Seawolves secured a 75-59 victory over St. Martin’s University, marking their seventh GNAC trophy in 14 years. This achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. Coach Ryan McCarthy expressed his pride in the team, stating that they battled fiercely to achieve the win. The team’s success is even more impressive considering they accomplished it with only eight players, two fewer than the Division II allotment. Tori Hollingshead, a senior player, was…

Alaska has just sprung forward, losing one hour of sleep. Now, the state is considering legislation related to Daylight Saving Time. Representative Jamie Allard introduced House Bill 41, which aims to exempt Alaska from the bi-annual clock change. The bill proposes that Alaska will not change its clocks until Congress decides on year-round Daylight Saving Time. This is not the first time Alaska has considered opting out of the clock change. In 2022, House Bill 31 proposed observing Daylight Saving Time year-round. Notably, Alaska’s unique geography plays a significant role in this decision. The state’s location near the Arctic Circle…

The Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness is sounding the alarm on a housing emergency. The Anchorage housing crisis is deepening, with over 1,300 applications for emergency rental assistance in just 2 1/2 days. Executive Director Meg Zaletel held an emergency press conference after the application window closed on February 20. The sheer number of applications has left the organization reeling. Each application represents one household, with an estimated 2,600 Alaskans in need. The applicants are either on the verge of losing their housing or are currently experiencing homelessness. Zaletel described the situation as a “giant wave of need” that the…

An Anchorage man sentenced 100 years in prison for the 2019 murder of his wife and 13-year-old daughter. This heinous crime shocked the community. On November 30, 2019, Fely shot and killed his wife, Cecilia Tuuaga, 30, at their home. Their 13-year-old daughter, Nevaeh Tuuaga, witnessed the murder. Fely then drove Nevaeh around with her mother’s body in the car. They stopped at a gas station, where Nevaeh purchased a gas can and filled it. Fely stayed on the phone with her. Tragically, Fely then shot and killed Nevaeh in a vacant lot. He set the car on fire with…

Mike Parker is carrying on a legacy as he embarks on his first Iditarod journey with the Northern Whites Kennel. This team has a rich history in the Iditarod, dating back to 1979. Jim Lanier first took them to Nome. Iditarod trail blazers unite, with Parker leading the charge. Parker is humbled to be a part of this legacy. “It is very cool to be a part of that line,” he says. Many mushers have gotten their start with Lanier. Parker feels privileged to be part of this family. As Parker and the Northern Whites make their way to Ruby,…

DOGE plan saves millions in real estate savings in Alaska. Elon Musk’s Department Of Government Efficiency plan, DOGE, claims to have saved $13.6 million. This is part of its cost-cutting effort by terminating building leases. Nine buildings were targeted this week in Alaska. These buildings are in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Palmer, Wasilla, and Seward. They include locations for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the Geological Survey, and the Forest Service buildings. The DOGE website claims that the total savings in Alaska are $13,674,740. The annual lease costs are $3,703,425. Across the country, DOGE claims to have saved $468 million in…

Fairbanks hosts Bard-a-thon, a unique event that brings together community members to read William Shakespeare’s works. The 26th annual event started on February 28 and runs through March 9. Members of the community gather at Raven Landing Senior Community to participate in the readings. Emily Yates, Executive Director of Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre, organizes the event. She says, “We have people call in from across the country and even the world.” School groups also participate in the event. They explore Shakespeare’s plays in a fun and interactive way. Yates notes that students enjoy the experience. “It’s a chance for them to…