Alaska's News Source

A former legislative staffer facing child sex trafficking charges will remain in custody until his trial after a ruling Wednesday in federal court by U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle Reardon. Sand Point residents and other search crews are still looking for a missing teenager who hasn’t been seen since he reportedly fell out of a canoe on a nearby lake earlier this week.  Fairbanks is currently navigating a “winter for the books” as record-breaking snowfall continues to challenge city infrastructure.

On today's Morning Edition, the fate of three elementary schools at ASD has been decided as the board meeting went late into the night to pass a crucial budget. We'll break down what was cut and what remains. Later on, a family from Eagle River took a trip to Mexico. Great place, terrible timing. Their vacation was upended as they were trapped in the airport during the outbreak of violence. We'll check in with them and make sure everyone is safe.

On today's Morning Edition, questions are everywhere about ICE and immigration enforcement in Alaska and what to expect. How will the APD handle ICE operating in Anchorage? We spoke to the chief of police and shared what we learned. Plus, we've been First Alerting you the past few days to severe winter weather, which is still blanketing the Interior with fresh snowfall this morning. The borough announcing last night that schools and bus services will be closed today due to inclement weather. We'll share the details.

Fairbanks saw heavy snowfall Monday as a predicted winter storm arrived in the Interior, expected to continue until Wednesday morning. Alaska House Judiciary Committee members heard testimony Monday from immigration advocates about ICE activity in Alaska, following the deportation of a Soldotna mother and two of her children last week. The Anchorage School District is reminding families that written public comments on proposed school closures, program changes and budget reductions must be submitted before midnight Monday ahead of a special school board meeting Tuesday.

Today on the Morning Edition, a shocking case in the state's capital. A chief of staff for a state senator is fired after an arrest for child sex trafficking. We're breaking down the FBI documents that describe a disturbing encounter in Anchorage and the search for more potential victims. Later, we're continuing to follow the case of a Soldotna mother and her children deported in a matter of hours. She says it was all a misunderstanding with her court date, but ICE acted swiftly. Our Investigative team looks into the legal battle currently unfolding.

First Alert continues as our winter storm path is now spanning across the Interior bringing over 8 inches of snow beginning tonight lasting through Tuesday.And an Alaskan brings home Olympic gold. How the hockey player contributed to Team USA's win. Plus, teams are off and running on the Su Dog 300 trail. We hear from mushers about their excitment for the new race.

Meteorologist Bailey Braun details the winter storm our weather team has been tracking as it is finally making landfall in Western Alaska. And The Iron Dog finish line is lit up! We will get you up to date with the race.  

On today's Morning Edition, Alaska's News Source spoke with Senator Dan Sullivan on Thursday ro discuss issues the state is facing. The Anchorage School District nurses are raising the alarm about a proposed nursing model for the district and parents are concerned for the health of their children. 

A Mexican woman and her three children were taken into custody by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement in Soldotna Tuesday morning, and by Wednesday afternoon, the mother and two minors were in Tijuana, Mexico while her 18-year-old son remains in custody of Alaska’s Department of Corrections, according to Alaska immigration attorney Lara Nations. Senator Dan Sullivan visited Fairbanks this week, where he sat down with Alaska’s News Source to discuss various topics from around the state and the nation. A woman has died following a mobile home fire in Anchorage over the weekend, according to the family.  

On today's Morning Edition, "the Alaska comeback," Sen. Sullivan proclaims to the legislature, outlining his vision for the state and how he sees Alaska moving forward. We'll break down what you need to know from his annual address to lawmakers. Plus, firefighters have seen declining numbers in recent years, and departments are coming up with innovative ways to recruit and educate, including providing training courses for students. We'll have the details.

A woman was hit and killed by a car along a Fairview neighborhood street Tuesday morning, according to the Anchorage Police Department. Touting an Alaska comeback, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R, leaned on his record to the Alaska State Legislature during his annual speech Wednesday. It’s the same approach he’s using against former Congresswoman Mary Peltola.  

A woman was hit and killed by a car along a Fairview neighborhood street Tuesday morning, according to the Anchorage Police Department. Touting an Alaska comeback, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R, leaned on his record to the Alaska State Legislature during his annual speech Wednesday. It’s the same approach he’s using against former Congresswoman Mary Peltola.  

On today's Morning Edition, a lot of uncertainty as questions about the PFD and the amount for this year float around the state. Rumors have been swirling that there won't even be a PFD this year. Well, we asked lawmakers what is happening and we'll fill you in on the important details. Plus, ice art championships in Fairbanks are underway. We'll take a look at some of what's being made and find out how much more there is to enjoy.

The Anchorage School Board will once again consider the closures of Fire Lake and Lake Otis Elementary Schools, along with two other schools. A woman was hit and killed by a car along a Fairview neighborhood street Tuesday morning, according to the Anchorage Police Department. Rev. Jesse Jackson’s support in Alaska ran true in the frontier days of the state.  

Today on the Morning Edition, celebrations as the Yukon Quest 750 crowns a new winner and champion. We'll share the sights and sounds from the victory. Later, a missing snowmachiner has been found and rescued thanks to a shared effort with multiple groups in the search. We'll share what the family is saying as we're learning the good news.

 Western Alaska man missing since Saturday has been rescued, according to state officials. We hear from his father. Plus, Alaska senators will vote this week on a bill to enable new funding streams for Mt. Edgecumbe High School, but it’s unclear if it can survive another veto from Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who rejected identical funding eight months ago — months before lawmakers toured the school and called conditions “deplorable.”

On today's Morning Edition, ConocoPhillips on the North Slope have voted to unionize. We'll bring you the details on what's been discussed. Plus, get ready for some summer fun and music headed our way. The Sundown Summer series of concerts is set for five weekends of music and fun instaed of just one this year. We'll tell you why and what you can expect.

A man is found dead in a Western Alaskan village. And the evidence is prompting investigators to look into the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.  Plus, temperatures are on a cooling trend to start the week, with the next winter storm making landfall in Western Alaska by tomorrow.And Iron Dog racers make their way past the first major check point. We check in with them on the trail, including a title contending team that's now out of the race.

Our weather team has been keeping an eye on the wintry impacts for much of Alaska leading into this weekend and called a First Alert Day for today.Plus, it's called the world's longest, toughest snow machine race! The 42nd running of the Iron Dog is underway. We check in with our team in multiple parts of the state.

Three elementary schools in the Anchorage municipality have been put on the chopping block to close at the end of this year, according to the district’s latest update. Plus, new pictures released Thursday show deteriorating conditions inside Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, and state lawmakers are questioning why. And, as federal investigators work to determine the probable cause of a Bering Air crash that killed 10 last year, the case is shedding light on the intricate web of factors that can lead to regional aviation disasters in Alaska.

On today's Morning Edition, what is to become of the Beast? Doyon 26 is still laying on the frozen tundra, three weeks after it toppled. We'll tell you the official plan. Later, state and federal officials announce that a coordinated effort against drugs, such as opioids and fentanyl, is paying off here in Alaska, with overdose deaths dropping 19% over last year. We'll bring you the details.

The husband of one of 10 people killed on Bering Air Flight 445 said he will not sue the company because of the vital services it provides to rural northwest Alaska, even as new details emerge about what may have caused the crash. Gov. Mike Dunleavy, R-Alaska, and various law enforcement officials informed the public Thursday on the state’s latest narcotics interdiction in Alaska. A look at the latest from the Yukon Quest.  

Today on the Morning Edition, new details and audio just released one year after Bering Flight 445 crashed, tragically ending the lives of 10 people as lawsuits have been filed. We'll fill you in on the details. Later, the request is in; Alaska Chief Justice has requested a new judge for Palmer, but the state budget is tight and may not be able to afford the expense. We'll break it down.

The National Transportation Safety Board released a docket Wednesday of over 3,000 pages worth of investigative information on the crash of a commuter plane near Nome last year that killed 10 Alaskans. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) United Service Organization (USO) celebrated 10 years on base on Wednesday. The organization arrived on base in 2016 and has been focusing on providing service members a home away from home ever since. Alaska Chief Justice Susan Carney asked lawmakers Wednesday for $775,000 to hire a new judge in Palmer, citing progress on court backlogs as proof the judiciary deserves more funding during tight budget times.

Today on the Morning Edition, lawmakers visited Mt. Edgecumbe High School and noticed several issues that need attention, including rats. We'll fill you in on what they're saying about it now. Later, Mat-Su Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani mistakenly listed Galena, Illinois assests as those of Galena, Alaska, which is raising a lot of questions about the accuraqcy and reliability of his decision making at the district. We'll fill you in on the details.

School consolidation could be coming to Anchorage, and how the Department of Corrections is driving up costs for the state.

The Anchorage School Board held a special meeting Monday evening to discuss a resolution regarding school consolidation as the district faces a $90 million budget deficit. Alaska State Troopers (AST) are reminding people to know their ice depth before heading out on frozen rivers or lakes to recreate. The 11th Airborne Division commander will not testify before Alaska lawmakers this week about a reported stand-down order affecting more than 1,500 Alaska soldiers who had been on standby to deploy to Minneapolis to protect ICE agents, the legislative committee chair said Monday.

Today on the Morning Edition, the Anchorage School District is holding a special meeting to address the budget shortfall with a resolution aimed at gathering short-term savings to lessen the harsher impacts down the road. We'll fill you in on when that meeting may be. Later, if you or someone you know was affected by former-Typhoon Halong, the deadline to apply for FEMA aid is drawing near. We'll give you the details.

The day's headlines from across Alaska.

From a Black Business Expo in downtown Anchorage to Alaskans representing the state at the Super Bowl, we have the latest headlines from Alaska's News Source. 

For the first time, a Fairbanks father is speaking out after his son pleaded not guilty to killing his mother, who is also his son’s grandmother. At the Anchorage Airport finding a spot close to the terminal can be challenging even though the parking garage has over a thousand spaces. On many days nearly all of them are full.  The Fairbanks North Star Borough voted unanimously last week in favor of offering a tax incentive for new housing in the area.

Today on the Morning Edition, the Alaska Legislature talks tax proposals. How much, when and what types, information that can and possibly will affect all Alakans and tourists when they come to visit. We'll break it down for you and tell you what you need to know. Later, have you heard of temperature blankets? Designs that take a year or more to make. We'll showcase a special blanket or two and share them with you.

An Anchorage teen changed his plea to guilty Thursday as part of a plea agreement in the death of a 17-year-old Service High School student killed in a drunk driving crash in 2024. An avalanche impacted part of a lower-mountain chairlift Thursday at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, closing the lift to skiers and snowboarders, officials said. A state judge sentenced a Wasilla man to 20 years in prison Thursday for his role in the 2024 overdose death of 16-year-old Alena Toennis.  

On today's Morning Edition, Gov. Mike Dunleavy is asking the Alaska Legislature for a supplement to the budget to the tune of just over $1 billion to address shortfalls and legal systems and healthcare. We'll fill you in on the detials. Plus, downtown Anchorage is set to get a new library, beginning construction this summer. We'll let you know when and where you'll be able to enjoy it.

A hit-and-run crash that left a female pedestrian in the hospital with what police are calling life-threatening injuries has left more questions than answers for those who witnessed. Some Alaska lawmakers say they’ll “grudgingly” approve Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s $1.1 billion emergency funding request, but expressed frustration Wednesday over years of prison cost overruns they say are driven by systemic problems—from union contracts to retirement rules—that the state has struggled to control. An attorney for Brian Davenport entered a not guilty plea on his behalf Wednesday to first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of his 87-year-old grandmother.

On today's Morning Edition, the Anchorage Assembly meeting was a little hot and testy as members argued over meals and who's paying for them. We'll share the sights and sounds from the chamber. Plus, the Alaska Legislative session turned its attention to evacuees from former Typhoon Halong with some unfortunate updates and assessments on the situation. We'll bring you the latest on the villages devastated by the storm.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough may be reallocating $11.4 million in school district funds, after a preliminary annual audit completed by the district found the district’s fund balances to be in excess of the amount allowed by borough code. Rep. Nellie Jimmie, D-Toksook Bay, fought back tears testifying before a joint committee meeting on the impact from former Typhoon Halong. Lawmakers beside her had tears running down their faces and reached for tissues as she described the horrors of the night Halong made landfall. A massive logging project on Revilla Island east of Ketchikan has Southeast Alaska debating whether to prioritize timber jobs or forest protection—and the Trump administration just made that debate a lot more urgent.

Today on the Morning Edition, the Anchorage School Distirct is dealing with a budget deficit that's leading to difficult decisions on what to cut and where. We'll share what we learned from a conversation with the superintendent. Later, after weeks of negotiations, new contracts for Anchorage School District teachers are one step closer to becoming a reality, but steps still remain to make it happen.

Anchorage School District Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt said there is no magic fix and no money to make up for a budget deficit projected at $90 million for the next school year. The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is calling for more teachers and elementary school music education in its budget for the 2026-2027 school year, touting a $2.6 million budget surplus. Arguing on the basis of First Amendment violations, breweries in Alaska have found a victory in loosening restrictions on hosting live entertainment at their premises.  

On today's Morning Edition, the Anchorage School District is looking at drastic measures to address their budget shortfall, and primarily their proposals to cut the atheltic programs significantly. We'll hear how parents and students feel about the proposal. Plus, homeowners in the Fairbanks North Star Borough are beginning to receive their property tax assessments and are looking at likely increases to their rates. We'll share what it means for your property tax bill and how to appeal if you disagree.

The latest headlines from Alaska's News Source.

A 67-year-old woman was found dead in a residence on the 700 block of North Park Street on Wednesday, the Anchorage Police Department says. The high-stakes manhunt for a “career criminal” linked to a half-million-dollar burglary has come to a quiet end in a Fairbanks residential neighborhood. The Anchorage School District is facing a $90 million deficit for fiscal year 2027, prompting officials to propose sweeping cuts that would eliminate more than 380 full-time positions and numerous programs, district officials announced Friday.

On this Morning Edition, a former correctional officer pleads guilty to the murders of his wife and teenage daughter. We hear from the victims' family on their continuing grief and their message of hope to others. Later, a security guard shot while checking receipts at Carrs. Prosecuters say they can't disprove self-defense. Coming up, Rebecca Palsha investigates, filing open records requests to see the evidence.

The Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) is continuing to remove snow from the roads and sidewalks left from January’s record snowfall. This month, Anchorage received 40.2 inches of snow, officially making it the snowiest January on record. An Anchorage man pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of murder for the deaths of his wife and child in 2022, according to the Alaska Department of Law. Kendrick McFarland was shot while working security at a Carrs grocery store in September. Prosecutors determined they couldn’t disprove a self-defense claim.

On today's Morning Edition, lawmakers push the DOT to answer questions on whehter the Dalton Highway can handle the increased strain and stress of a major LNG project push. Later, the Fairbanks City Council is advancing a motion to raise their stipend despite the majority of public comment opposing the motion.

The Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on clearing priority sidewalks following January’s record-breaking snowfall. After Anchorage’s record-breaking January snowfall, experts warn that improper shoveling technique can lead to heart attacks, broken bones, and serious injuries ConocoPhillips Alaska executives eulogized the destruction of Doyon Oil Rig 26 — colloquially known as “The Beast” — before lawmakers Wednesday, but said impact to the environment and oil production would be minimal.

Today on the Morning Edition, embracing winter; we have the snowiest January on record, with plenty of snow to play, or work in, or both. Find out how some are making the best of the snowfall. Plus, when there's over a foot of snow on the ground, what would you prefer; the snow or a deep cold, so cold that it hurts to breathe? We asked some of those from the Interior what they prefer. We'll share what we heard.

Relentless snowfall contributed to dangerous road conditions Tuesday in Anchorage and other areas of Southcentral Alaska, authorities say. All Anchorage School District after-school activities, sports and community rentals were canceled Tuesday due to poor weather conditions, according to district officials. University of Alaska Anchorage stayed open until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, leaving students to navigate challenging winter conditions to get to class.  

On today's Morning Edition, questions surrounding the collapse of the largest oil rig on the continent, like what it means for the future of Alaska's oil injury, and if harmful damage was done to the environment as well. We'll bring you the latest. Plus, details emerge about Gov. Dunleavy's sales tax proposal, we'll share what we mean so far and what it could all mean for your pocketbook in the long run/

A car crashed into the front of the Carrs grocery store on Debarr Road in Anchorage on Monday afternoon, leaving the driver hospitalized and causing significant damage to the store’s entrance. There is evidence of a diesel spill after Doyon 26, the largest mobile oil rig in North America, toppled over on Friday, according to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Alaska's News Source speaks with a man who helped build the toppled oil rig.

On today's Morning Edition, as we wake up to continual fallout from this weekend's shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, we'll take a look back at the protests against ICE that happened locally in Anchorage. Plus, we sat down with Mayor LaFrance and talked to her directly about the property tax increases that many have seen here in Anchorage to find out exactly what's driving the hikes and why. We'll share what we found out.