Author: Rachel Enano

Anchorage Mayor Lafrance will deliver the proposed 2025 budget to the Anchorage Assembly by the end of the day, kicking off a critical phase in the 2025 Anchorage Budget Process. As law requires, the mayor must submit the budget at least 90 days before the year’s end.This budget will outline proposed operating costs for local services, road maintenance, snow removal, and utilities. Anchorage Assembly Chair Chris Constant notes that late-day budget submissions are common. “The real-time constraint is passing the budget 30 days before the new year starts,” he emphasizes.Constant foresees focuses on the 2025 budget, including snow removal, updating…

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly will vote on a measure to showcase pivotal U.S. historical documents and the Ten Commandments in select public buildings. Assembly member Ron Bernier spearheads this move, aiming to educate the public.Bernier’s proposal includes displaying the U.S. Constitution, Alaska Constitution, Mayflower Compact, Magna Carta, and Ten Commandments at Dorotha Swanda Jones building in Downtown Palmer. The Magna Carta significantly influenced the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Bernier emphasizes that his intention is solely educational.Bernier’s Mat-Su Historical Documents plan will take effect to address overlooked historical documents. Bernier believes today’s youth are not taught history effectively, and…

Katmai National Park officials postponed the Fat Bear Week bracket reveal due to a bear’s death in the Brooks River. The announcement will now take place on October 1 at 3 p.m. Matt Johnson of the National Park Service notes that national parks protect nature’s wonders and harsh realities. “Each bear competes with others to survive,” he says. However, another issue concerns park authorities. Anglers feeding fish to bears prompted the closure of the Brooks River Corridor. Park employees witnessed four incidents between September 18 and 29. Feeding bears creates unsafe conditions, Johnson warns. “Bears consider people a food source…

Choosing the right living arrangement for an aging loved one is crucial. Board and care homes offer a personal touch that larger facilities often lack. These homes cater to seniors who need assistance but desire a home-like environment. Families can rest easy knowing their loved ones are cared for in a supportive atmosphere. Discover how residential care facilities create a nurturing community. Personalized Care and Attention One of the biggest advantages of senior care homes is the personalized attention they offer. Unlike bigger assisted living places, these homes usually have only a few residents, so caregivers can focus more on…

Jalen Baker, 23, faced a judge on Sunday after allegedly shooting three people, including a police officer, and sparking a neighborhood lockdown. The incident affected four public schools. Baker’s actions had severe consequences. One victim addressed him in court, saying, “You didn’t win, you almost took everything from me.” The emotional statement highlighted the gravity of Baker’s alleged crimes. In a tearful response, Baker revealed a troubled past. “I carved ‘I’m sorry’ on my arm,” he said, referencing a childhood incident where he drank bleach after an argument. The prosecution sought $50,000 bail, but the judge set it at $20,000…

Assisted living accommodation describes accommodation for older adults who cannot perform the daily tasks on their own but need some medical care. Assisted living communities provide professional care for elderly people less able to carry out tasks such as dressing, bathing, and eating and seek to improve the quality of their lives. This type of accommodation will provide a comfortable and stimulating environment as well as further support with daily living skills, and families might choose the assisted living community in order to be sure that loved ones have access to the care and support that may be needed. Services…

A devastating collision between a motorcycle and an SUV in East Anchorage on Friday resulted in the death of the motorcyclist. The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. near Boniface Parkway and Caribou Avenue. According to the Anchorage Police Department (APD), officers swiftly responded to the crash scene. Initial findings indicate that a man riding a Honda motorcycle was traveling south on Boniface Parkway when it collided with a westbound Subaru Crosstrek on Caribou Avenue. A bystander quickly acted, attempting lifesaving measures until medical personnel arrived. Despite these efforts, the motorcyclist succumbed to injuries at a local hospital. Notably, the motorcyclist…

Juneau’s mayoral candidates, Beth Weldon and Angela Rodell, tackled key issues at the League of Women Voters forum. Catastrophic flooding, tourism overcrowding, and homelessness topped the agenda. Flooding remains a pressing concern, with Mendenhall Valley experiencing its second year of devastating floods. Weldon described the city’s response as “pretty good,” crediting collaborative efforts with tribes, state leaders, and volunteers. She highlighted short-term solutions like six-foot-high sandbags and long-term plans developed with the Army Corps of Engineers. Rodell emphasized the need for short-term and long-term solutions, stressing the importance of pressuring the federal government for assistance. She noted that 300 families…

The fate of Alaska’s state capital hangs precariously in the balance as South Anchorage voters prepare to cast their ballots. With several key races set to determine which party controls the state House, the focus is squarely on two pivotal South Anchorage contests that decide Control of Juneau. In the 40-member state House, Republicans hold a 23-member majority, bolstered by a bipartisan Bush caucus coalition. However, the District 9 and District 10 races could significantly alter the balance of power. Nonpartisan candidate Ky Holland won the primary and now vies for the vacant seat by Rep. Laddie Shaw. Holland aims…

On September 24, 2024, Alaska State Troopers responded to a potentially volatile situation in Goodnews Bay, where 30-year-old Brendalee Merritt had allegedly fired a gun at an individual conducting a welfare check on a female victim. Consequently, Merritt barricaded herself and the victim inside the residence. The Alaska State Troopers promptly activated their Southcentral SWAT Team, which flew in on a chartered flight to handle the high-pressure situation. Meanwhile, authorities worked to ensure the victim’s safety. Ultimately, the SWAT team apprehended Merritt, bringing the ordeal to a peaceful conclusion. Domestic violence motivated Merritt’s actions, investigators revealed. Fortunately, the victim sustained…

The heartbreaking news of Illia Yefimchyk shook the bodybuilding community, also recognized as Illia Golem, passing on September 6, 2024. At only 36 years old, Illia died after suffering a sudden heart attack in his home. His wife tried to resuscitate him with CPR while waiting for medical help. Regardless of these efforts, and even being airlifted to a hospital, Illia slipped into a coma, from which he never arose, ultimately succumbing to a heart attack. Who Was Illia Golem? Illia Golem was a towering figure both in stature and influence. Coming from Belarus, Illia became known for his astonishingly…

A devastating house fire on Anchorage’s Marten Street claimed the life of 28-year-old Haley Elizabeth Michele Cartwright. As investigators probed the cause, firefighters who responded shared their accounts. On September 13, Fire Station 6 crews rushed to the scene, mere minutes away. Captain Bryant Molle recalls, “Initial dispatch reports indicated a child trapped inside.” However, upon arrival, they found an adult. Engineer Pat Kiewik describes the intense flames: “Heavy fire engulfed the front of the building.” Despite challenges, firefighters managed to rescue Cartwright, who later succumbed to injuries in a Seattle hospital. Cartwright’s family revealed she had Angelman Syndrome, which…