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.
Deena Bishop, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner has sparked a change in remote learning policies. The MAt-Su Borough School District has decided to stop using remote learning days due to bad weather. This decision comes after Bishop communicated to superintendents that e-learning days should not be expected to count as school days for traditional schools. John Notestine, a district spokesperson, said that the district will not use remote learning days until more information is made. Meanwhile, the Anchorage School District has not made any public announcements about changing its approach to remote learning. Corey Allen-Young, spokesperson…
Conan Storm, a Fairbanks man living with muscular dystrophy, is grateful for the support from his community and is grateful for the support from his community after a harrowing SUV crash. On Saturday, December 7, Storm’s vehicle rolled into a ditch on Pegar Road near Pioneer Park. Fortunately, bystanders rushed to his aid, pulling him to safety. Storm, who is homeless, was living out of his SUV. He expressed his thanks to Golden Heart Community Support. Storm recalled feeling lost and alone for 20 minutes before being freed from his vehicle, which had a lift kit to support his limited…
Anchorage Mushing District’s decade-long project is nearing completion. The district aims to install an arch by summer 2025, with construction starting in May and taking four months to complete. This timeline is crucial, as the district’s agreement with the city requires the arch to be finished by January 2026. Meanwhile, the district has been working tirelessly to prepare the site. Underground electrical work is completed, and the sidewalks are expanded to accommodate the arch. Furthermore, the district has been raising funds for the project. One such initiative is the sale of bronze disks with dog paw imprints. These disks can…
Alaska’s population will decline by 2% before 2050, according to population projections through 2050. The report’s author, David Howell, notes that this decline is not necessarily cause for alarm. However, it will significantly impact the state’s workforce. The number of workers in Alaska will decline steadily through 2030. Baby Boomers aging past 65 will lead to a loss of 7,000 workers in the next six years. This decline will not be evenly distributed across age groups. Millennial aging will lead to a drop of 29,000 in the 20-39 age group. Meanwhile, the 40-64 age group will rise by 21,400. Furthermore, the…
Santino Figueroa, 18, was indicted by a grand jury on December 6. He faces charges for the murder of 35-year-old Krystofer Encabo Figueroa, who is charged with First-Degree Murder, two counts of Second-Degree Murder, and tampering with Physical Evidence. If convicted, he could spend up to 198 years in prison. Additionally, he faces an extra 5 years for evidence tampering. On November 23, the Anchorage Police Department (APD) found Encabo dead in an apartment. He had multiple gunshot wounds. The APD arrested Figueroa and charged him with second-degree murder. Figueroa admitted to shooting Encabo. He claimed someone in Encabo’s apartment…
A technical glitch in the Anchorage School District’s mass notification system caused confusion among families on Thursday morning. The glitch occurred through the district’s Finalsite system, which sends emails, texts, and app notifications. This issue affected the school’s communication about the delayed start due to icy roads, The districts initially announced a two-hour delayed start. However, a few hours later, families received an email written in Latin. Parent Kenya Sharp said she used Google Translate but didn’t understand the message. The email was supposed to inform parents that the district would switch to remote learning, except for Girdwood K-8. Corey…
Jane Angvik, a trailblazer in Alaska’s history, reacts to the news of a female majority on the state’s Supreme Court. She was the first woman to serve as Anchorage Assembly chair from 1984-1985. This milestone marks a significant step forward for women in leadership. Angvik attributes this progress to the growing number of educated women in Alaska. In the 1970s, women started going to law school in large numbers. Consequently, more women became attorneys across America, including in Alaska. As a result, women are now taking on leadership roles in the state’s judiciary. The Alaska Supreme Court will have a…
Arin Palmer, a 44-year-old man from Newry, denied two felony charges related to a fatal crash in Newry, in June. Palmer pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and aggravated criminal operating under the influence of alcohol. The crash occurred on June 15 when Palmer’s 2014 Toyota Prius pulled into the path of a 2014 Honda CTX 700 motorcycle driven by David Roy, 61, from Berlin, New Hampshire. Roy died at the scene, while Palmer was not hurt. Palmer was indicated by an Oxford County grand jury in October on the two felony charges. He was arrested on June 15 and taken…
A potential Portage Lake Tsunami threat has caught the attention of geologists. This is a serious concern. A landslide near the southern end of Portage Lake is slowly moving. Experts warn it could trigger a massive tsunami. Geologist Bretwood “Hig” Higman has been studying the landslide since 2022. He knows the risks. The slow-moving landslide is above the front of the glacier. “This slope has started crumbling,” Highman explains. Parts of the landslide are falling off abruptly. However, they’ve been small so far. They worry that a big chunk could come loose. It could hit the water and generate a…
A Coast Guard search is underway for five people missing after the fishing vessel Wind Walker capsized near Couverden Point in Alaska’s Icy Strait. The U.S. Coast Guard received a distress call at 12:10 a.m. Sunday. The call reports a 50-foot fishing boat overturning. The Coast Guard activates as an emergency response: an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a 45-foot Response boat medium search the area. The ferry vessel AMHS Hubbard also responds, arriving on the scene ahead of other search assets. Search crews recovered seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the water. They found no sign of…
A dramatic rescue unfolded off the Alaska Gulf Coast on Sunday. Three people were pulled from the water after their fishing boat, Tsiu, caught fire due to an electrical malfunction. The U.S. Coast Guard reported that the trio is recovering and in stable condition in Yakutat. This successful Alaska fishing boat rescue is a testament to the Coast Guard’s swift response. The incident began early Sunday morning when the Tsiu suffered an onboard electrical fire amidst gusty winds and 15-foot seas. The vessel lost power and drifted, putting the lives of its crew at risk. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was…
Honoring Veterans Day is a significant event, and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson (JBER) recently paid tribute to America’s veterans in a heartfelt ceremony. On Monday, JBER recognized veterans’ selfless services and sacrifices in a ceremony that announced the 2024 Governor’s Veterans Advocacy Award recipient.Among those honored was a 103-year-old World War II veteran, U.S. Army Technician Third Grade Louis Gigliotti, affectionately known as “Jiggs”. Forrest Powel III, Deputy Director for the Alaska State Office of Veteran Affairs, emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans’ sacrifices, not just those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who served honorably and continue…