Author: Rachel Enano
Rachel Enano
Rachel is passionate about to write the stories that matter most to her community. With a sharp investigative mind and a knack for storytelling, she strives to shed light on both the triumphs and challenges faced by residents.
The Yukon Quest Alaska update is crucial as the competition nears its end. Six teams remain, with Jeff Deeter currently in the lead. Deeter’s team is making their way to the final checkpoint in Chicken. Meanwhile, two mushers, Jason and Patrick Mackey, were forced to scratch due to harsh weather conditions. Executive director Lisa Nilson reported that the father-son duo encountered extreme winds on the Yukon River. Similar conditions were experienced in Shaktoolik. After traveling 20-30 miles outside of Circle, they decided to return and scratch from the competition. The decision was likely difficult for the duo, but prioritizing their…
A recent avalanche on East Groundhog Peak in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has raised concerns about rescue processes. Professional snowboarder Rafael Pease says minutes count in life-or-death situations. He’s frustrated with how long it took for help to arrive. The Alaska avalanche occurred when a member of Pease’s group triggered a slide. It swept a skier 1,200 feet down rocky terrain. The skier suffered a pelvic fracture and two vertebrae injuries. Fortunately, he’s expected to make a full recovery. After the avalanche, Pease’s friend Travis rode up to the upper ridge. He got a phone signal and called for help. Pease…
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is on the verge of making history as the Alaska hockey rivalry heats up. The Nanooks have won 13 consecutive Governors Cup titles. Last weekend, the Nanooks dominated the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in back-to-back games. They outscored the Seawolves 8-2, winning 3-1 on Friday and 5-1 on Saturday at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. Senior Matt Hubbard led the charge, scoring the Nanooks’ third goal on Friday. He then tallied four goals on Saturday. Freshman Ryan Johnson and senior Max Helgeson also contributed to the Nanooks’ victory. The wins give the Nanooks a…
The 90th annual Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage is just around the corner. Excitement is building for the Fur Rondy Royal Court coronation. This year’s event is an exciting tribute to Alaska’s rich fur-trapping heritage. Saturday’s royal tea at the Hilton downtown was a grand affair. Attendees enjoyed a fashion show and raffle prizes. The new royal court was welcomed with enthusiasm. Afulilo Mulipola, Miss Ladies of the Pacific Sweetheart, was one of the contestants vying for a spot in the Fur Rondy Royal Court. Her proud uncle attended the event, excited to support his niece. Jencymalena Mesik, the 2024/2025 Miss…
A powerful storm system is hitting Alaska, bringing high winds, heavy rain, and snow. This latest Alaska weather chaos is expected to last through the weekend. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Anchorage, with gusts up to 70 mph possible. A flood watch is also in effect for Anchorage, Kenai, Mat-Su Valleys, and Prince William Sound through Monday. Heavy rain and strong winds will lead to hazardous road conditions and potential power outages. Forecasters predict a mixed bag of precipitation in the Interior, including areas of light snow and freezing rain. Strong southerly flow will…
University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Sean Parnell has announced his retirement. He will step down at the end of the spring semester. Parnell cited family reasons for his decision. Parnell has led UAA since 2021, focusing on college affordability and community partnerships. Under his leadership, UAA has made significant strides in these areas. For instance, the university has held tuition steady for multiple years, expanded scholarships, and decreased fees. The University of Alaska President Pat Pitneypraised Parnells leadership. Pitney said he had been a dedicated chancellor since day one. Parnell’s tenure was marked by challenges, including leading UAA through the…
The Hatcher Pass road closure has been announced due to high avalanche danger. Alaska State Parks made the announcement on Thursday afternoon. Heavy wet snow has created a high-risk avalanche situation. Justin Shelby, Administrative Operations Manager for the Alaska Dept. of Transportation and Public Safety, says the closure is a precautionary measure. “This closure is a preemptive measure to mitigate the risk of an avalanche during the anticipated storm this weekend,” Shelby explains. The decision to close the road was not made lightly. Alaska State Parks and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Safety carefully assessed the situation before…
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Board of Education is tackling an issue, the Fairbanks School Consolidation Plan. The plan addresses a $16 million budget deficit and a 15% drop in student enrollment. Recently, the school board held a community listening session at Lathrop High School. The session allowed parents and residents to share their thoughts on the plan. Six schools, Hunter Elementary, Midnight Sun Elementary, and Two Rivers Elementary, are recommended for closure. These schools are operating below capacity, ranging from 61% to 80%. The consolidation plan includes rightsizing efforts, redistricting, and redistributing students. It also involves revitalizing…
Alaska politicians are pushing back against President Donald Trump’s proposal to rename Denali, the tallest mountain in the US, back to Mount McKinley. This move has sparked a heated debate. Trump’s order has been met with resistance from many Alaskans. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy plans to discuss the issue with Trump. He wants to understand the motivation behind the proposed name change. Dunleavy’s wife and daughters are Alaska Native. He wants to emphasize the significance of the name Denali to the Nation’s community. The mountain was originally named Denali by the Koyukon Athabascan people. It means high or tall. In…
Jenna Wright, President of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, predicts a bright future for Anchorage’s economic growth. The city is expected to add 3000 new jobs, and personal incomes will continue to rise. However, Write notes that finding qualified individuals to fill these roles will be a challenge. The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s 2025 forecast report highlights the city’s struggle to attract and retain working-age residents. In 2014 working-age residents made up 69% of the population but this number declined to 65% in 2024. Meanwhile, certain industries such as construction and healthcare have shown significant growth. Mayor Susanne LaFrance emphasizes…
The Alaska House and Senate convened on Tuesday, marking the start of a two-year session with bipartisan majorities governing both legislative chambers. This session is crucial, as lawmakers face significant challenges in passing a balanced budget and addressing key priorities, including the Alaska Budget crisis. Leaders of the Democrat-dominated House and Senate majorities outline their priorities. These include a permanent increase in education funding, reforming Alaska’s public-sector retirement plans, election reform, energy policy, and passing a balanced budget. However, legislators face a challenging fiscal environment. Declining oil prices and a projected drop in state revenue will impact the budget process.…
Anchorage police are searching for a man who escaped from officers in a neighborhood off DeBarr Road late Tuesday morning, sparking the Anchorage Police chase incident. The suspect, described as a Polynesian male in his 20s or 30s, was initially found unresponsive in an SUV. Police attempted to wake the man using a horn and siren. However, he quickly accelerated through the barricade. The SUV drove through at least one yard and hit a fence and a gas line. Additionally, the SUV collided with a parked trailer and another vehicle. Meanwhile, police are investigating the incident. They did not confirm…