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.
Recent Military Encounter Highlights Ongoing Tensions US and Canadian fighter jets intercepted two Chinese and two Russian military aircraft flying over international waters near Alaska on Wednesday. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) tracked the planes but did not consider them a threat. This incident is the latest in a series of military encounters between the US, Canada, and their competitors. Russia has a decades-long established military presence in the North Pacific, whereas China has notably escalated its military activity in the region over the past few years. Increased Military Activity in the Arctic Region In mid-July, the US…
As Interior Alaska swelters through another record-breaking heatwave, firefighters are shifting resources to tackle the growing Sinnott Fire near Eagle. The blaze, now spanning 800 acres, is burning in steep terrain just 2 miles from the nearest cabin. To combat the fire, the BLM Alaska Fire Service is mobilizing crews and aircraft to Eagle. The Yukon Crew and Denali Wildland Fire Module will join forces to protect properties and the town from the encroaching flames. Meanwhile, a Division of Forestry & Fire Protection helicopter has successfully contained the Dome Fire west of mile 117 Taylor Highway to just 2 acres…
In Alaska, some Republican candidates have vowed to withdraw from the general election if they don’t receive the most votes among fellow party members in the primary. Nick Begich III, who is running for Alaska’s U.S. House seat, made a campaign pledge in April. His campaign manager confirmed Begich still plans to abide by his promise. Other Republican candidates in state legislative races have also signed similar pledges. Trevor Jepsen, a campaign consultant, wrote these pledges to “circumvent ranked-choice voting.” Jepsen believes this approach will help Republicans win seats they might otherwise lose due to vote-splitting. In Senate District H,…
In a highly anticipated session on Thursday, a three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals indicated a reluctance to approve an environmental group’s plea to temporarily stop a vital king salmon fishery in Southeast Alaska. In May 2023, a ruling by a judge in the U.S. District Court for western Washington concluded that federal authorities had allowed Alaska fishermen to catch king salmon at levels that endangered a population of killer whales in Puget Sound. This decision threatened to shut down the Southeast Alaska troll king salmon fishery, which is crucial for the region’s residents. However, the…
The federal judge who resigned on July 3rd amid accusations of sexual misconduct has also been allegedly found to have had a conflict of interest with attorneys who appeared before him in 23 criminal cases. An investigation uncovered that the judge has been having inappropriate sexual relationships with a law clerk, along with creating a hostile environment for his colleagues. On Friday, an email was sent to the state’s top federal public defender, Bryan Wilson, the head of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s criminal division, which stated that the former clerk did not have any cases before Judge Kindred while she…
A recent report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has cast a critical eye on the National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) and Federal Fisheries management of bycatch and fisheries observers. The report, released in July 2024, highlights shortcomings in both areas, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current practices. Focusing on five specific fisheries across the country, the GAO investigation revealed a disparity in observer coverage. The lucrative Alaska pollock fishery stands out as an anomaly, with industry funding enabling near-constant observer presence. This contrasts starkly with the less profitable Gulf of Alaska shrimp trawl fishery, which relies solely on…
Federal Officials Propose Enhanced Protections for National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. In a move set to bolster environmental safeguards, federal officials are proposing new protections for the vast National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPRA). This initiative follows recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations aimed at curbing oil and gas drilling across over half of the reserve, including areas critical to the controversial Willow oil field project by ConocoPhillips. While conservation groups have welcomed these measures, they have sparked legal challenges from Alaska state authorities and ConocoPhillips. Undeterred, the BLM announced plans to solicit public feedback on establishing or expanding Special Areas within the…
Following a shocking incident at a rally in Pennsylvania, Alaska’s political leaders have rallied behind former President Donald Trump in the aftermath of an attempted assassination. The event took a harrowing turn as shots were fired just as Trump took the stage, resulting in casualties among attendees. The assailant, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, was swiftly apprehended by the Secret Service after firing from a nearby rooftop. In response, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan expressed immense relief at Trump’s safety, condemning the recent assault on Trump and commending Trump’s bravery in the face of danger. He offered condolences to the family…
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $108 million to help Western Alaska communities rebuild infrastructure damaged by Typhoon Merbok in 2022. The funding, announced on July 12, 2024, will repair and replace critical infrastructure like roads, bridges, and utilities. FEMA collaborated with the State of Alaska and local governments to assess the damage and determine the needs of affected communities. Typhoon Merbok brought strong winds and heavy rainfall, causing widespread destruction and displacement in September 2022. The storm hit several communities, including Bethel, Hooper Bay, and Scammon Bay. Local governments and agencies will oversee the reconstruction projects,…
Anchorage witnessed a history-making event as Suzanne LaFrance became the city’s first elected female mayor. Hundreds of residents gathered at Town Square Park, buzzing with anticipation under a soaring American flag, to witness the inauguration. How will Anchorage thrive under LaFrance’s leadership? Not everyone shared the optimism. Darwin Biwer, a local business owner, expressed concerns, particularly regarding the city’s homeless population. “The homeless situation is critical,” he stressed, “it’s causing damage and needs solutions.” Therefore, former mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson showered LaFrance with praise during the ceremony. She applauded LaFrance’s leadership style, a refreshing departure from the usual “male-dominated” approach. Quinn-Davidson…
Every June 28th, the United States marks National Alaska Day to celebrate the 49th state’s unique history, breathtaking beauty, and enduring spirit. Alaska boasts a rich tapestry woven over thousands of years. Evidence suggests human habitation in the region dates back to around 10,000 BCE. The indigenous peoples of Alaska, including the Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, and Athabascan tribes, thrived with their languages, traditions, and ways of life, deeply connected to the land. In 1741, Vitus Bering, a Danish navigator, became the first European to set eyes on Alaska. Soon after, Russian explorers and settlers established trade routes and missionary outposts,…
Today marks the second anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that revoked the national right to abortion. However, in Alaska, abortion access remains legal. Voters successfully defended their bodily autonomy by defeating a proposed constitutional convention. Additionally, Alaska elected representatives who champion reproductive rights. Furthermore, donations and volunteer efforts directed towards Planned Parenthood and the Northwest Abortion Access Fund demonstrate ongoing support for abortion access. Historian Heather Cox Richardson highlights the historic nature of the decision, stripping away a constitutional right from Americans. Alaska, however, stands firm in protecting its residents’ reproductive freedom. Planned Parenthood’s O’Hara-Jolley reaffirms commitment to maintaining…