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 U.S. Department of Justice will monitor five Alaskan boroughs and census areas during Tuesday’s election to ensure compliance with federal voting laws. The DOJ monitors Alaska elections efforts including the North Slope Borough, Northwest Arctic Borough, Kusilvak Census Area, Bethel Census Area, and Dillingham Census Area. Justice Department personnel will contact state and local election officials throughout Election Day. The DOJ’s civil rights, criminal, and national security divisions will take an active role in monitoring. Protecting the right to vote is essential to maintaining confidence in America’s democratic system. The DOJ enforces federal statutes like the Voting Rights Act…
The Anchorage school district will release a list of schools that could face closure, combination, or repurposing on Friday as part of its “Rightsizing ASD” initiative. This move will address financial struggles. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt explains that rightsizing involves consolidating or repurposing school buildings. The district has faced significant financial challenges, including a $48 million budget deficit in 2022 and a $98 million deficit last December. This led to the closure of Abbott Loop Elementary last May, and residents expressed concerns about the impact on community cohesion. ASD’s enrollment has dropped by 6,450 students over the past decade, a 13%…
A tragic incident unfolded on February 15, 2017, when Andrew John Eknaty and Carleigh Kaye West’s reckless actions sparked a devastating fire at the Royal Suite Lodge. Consequently, three lives were lost, and several others were injured. Eknaty and West pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter and one consolidated count of first-degree assault. Furthermore, they received 24-year prison sentences for their role in the fatal fire. On that fateful night, West crashed her vehicle while intoxicated and evading police. Subsequently, Eknaty drove the car to the Royal Suite Lodge and parked under the carport. To destroy evidence, they started…
Ten individuals face federal charges for allegedly operating a major drug trafficking organization in Anchorage, Alaska, highlighting the ongoing issue of Alaska drug trafficking. Rodney Godwin, 50, is accused of leading the operation. Godwin allegedly conspired with nine others to traffic fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Eight defendants face a single indictment filed in May, while two others face separate indictments filed in September. Prosecutors allege Godwin led a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiring to distribute controlled substances, laundering money, and carrying firearms. Consequently, if convicted, Godwin faces up to life in prison. The other defendants could receive up to 20…
Alaska’s education commissioner, Deena Bishop, faced scrutiny for relying on generative AI to draft a policy on cellphone use in schools. The document contained false citations, fueling the Alaska AI controversy. The document, posted online and presented to the state Board of Education and Early Development, cited nonexistent studies from reputable journals. Ellie Pavlick, an AI expert, confirmed they were likely AI-generated. Initially, a department spokesperson downplayed the issue, calling the false sources “placeholders.” However, Bishop admitted to using generative AI. The incident highlights concerns about AI’s influence on state policy, deepening the Alaska AI controversy. Pavlick noted that AI…
The US Navy is making amends for past mistakes, specifically the 1882 bombardment of Angoon, Alaska. On Saturday, Navy Adm Mark Sucato will formally apologize to the small town, acknowledging the harm inflicted on the Tlingit community. This marks the second apology by the military to Alaska Natives, following a similar apology in Kake last September. The 1882 attack left devastating consequences, claiming the lives of seven children and destroying food stores and dugout canoes essential for hunting and fishing. Emma Demmert, Angoon principal and event organizer, notes that generational trauma still lingers. “I didn’t learn about this until I…
Anchorage’s Museum After Dark made a roaring comeback on Thursday night, drawing crowds with its electrifying theme: Sasquatch, Yeti, or Bigfoot. This legendary creature has long fascinated the public, and the museum capitalized on that enthusiasm. “The response has been overwhelming,” said the Chief Visitor and Engagement Officer Adam Baldwin. “We tapped into that excitement, and it paid off.” The event transformed the museum into a vibrant hub, offering a dynamic experience that strayed from the traditional. Baldwin emphasized, “It’s about exploring possibilities – what downtown, the community, and our museum can become.” Museum After Dark occurs sporadically on Thursday…
The Anchorage Parks and Recreation Commission tackled the diving board controversy head-on in a special meeting, addressing concerns over new diving boards at the Bartlett High School pool. Commissioners heard public comments from athletes, coaches, parents, and renovation participants for over two hours. The meeting aimed to find a solution to the ongoing diving board controversy. Divided opinions emerged. Diving community members praised the new boards, while swimming enthusiasts expressed concerns about the boards’ positioning, citing hindrances to practice and competition performance. Two main groups formed: those for and against the boards. A motion proposed to remove the boards promptly…
The Anchorage Assembly made two significant decisions on Tuesday to address homelessness and infrastructure development. First, they voted to sell the Municipality’s sprung structure to the Port of Alaska. The Port of Alaska will utilize the materials to modernize three facilities, including a sand storage structure, a storage facility for trucks and equipment, and a new maintenance staff facility. According to Port Director Steve Ribuffo, “It’s a three-for-one deal,” and they believe it’s a great opportunity. The sprung structure was initially intended for a new navigation center to support homelessness outreach. However, the project required an additional $17 million to…
A hit-and-run collision in downtown Anchorage early Saturday left a 32-year-old pedestrian hospitalized with serious injuries. Police arrested Ariel Taylor Maskrey, 28, charging her with first-degree assault, driving under the influence, and leaving the scene of an accident. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. near 4th Avenue and H Street. Responding officers found the victim unconscious in the street. Witnesses reported a sedan driven by a woman struck the pedestrian and fled. The driver, identified as Maskrey, allegedly backed up, continued north, and turned east on 3rd Avenue. Police discovered a vehicle grill at the scene and…
Anchorage’s iconic Fur Rendezvous festival is gearing up for its 90th anniversary in 2025. To commemorate this milestone, the 2025 Fur Rendezvous collector pin design was unveiled recently, featuring a stunning white and black raven. Dubbed “Raven Spirit,” this year’s design draws inspiration from the rare white raven spotted throughout Anchorage over the past year. According to Richard Rearick, the designer behind the pin, the unique bird’s beauty lies in its differences. “I think people saw the beauty in the white raven because it was different,” Rearick noted. This sentiment resonates deeply with Anchorage’s diverse community, where various cultures converge.…
A shooting investigation is underway in Anchorage’s Mountain View neighborhood. On Tuesday night, police responded to reports of multiple shots fired at the intersection of Thompson Avenue and Price Street. The area remains closed as authorities gather evidence. At 8:37 p.m., swing shift officers arrived at the 400 block of Price Street. The investigation has been ongoing since then. The Anchorage Police Department urges anyone with information to come forward. To aid the investigation, witnesses can call 311 and dial 1 or contact police dispatch at (907) 786-8900 and press 0. Authorities encourage the public’s assistance in solving this case.…