Alaska's News Source

As the holiday season is in full swing, flu activity is up this month. We check in on the numbers. And Kwanzaa celebrations have started. We learn about the holiday at an Anchorage celebration.

Saturday and Sunday are First Alert Weather Days as high winds and heavy snow move from Southwest to Southcentral and Southeast Alaska. A suspect is in custody following a December 15 shooting at a Safeway on College Road in Fairbanks that left one person injured. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, is asking the Inspector General to investigate whether the Justice Department complied with federal law when releasing heavily redacted documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.  

Interior Alaska has faced frigid temperatures for weeks, placing the most vulnerable at risk, including a youth shelter in Fairbanks that is is now at capacity. Plus, the family of a 28-year-old woman found dead at an Anchorage trailhead is speaking out.

Interior Alaska, has faced frigid temperatures for weeks placing the most vulnerable at risk. Subsequently, The Door, a youth shelter in Fairbanks, is now at capacity, leaving little in the way of options for youth that don’t have stable housing. As temperatures continue to drop into the negatives, HVAC technicians have a few tips and tricks to ensure your house is warm and safe during the Alaska winter. Investigators with the Anchorage Police Department have identified the woman found dead at the Basher Trailhead last week as 28-year-old Kaitlyn Kaganak.

Anchorage police are asking for the public’s help as they continue investigating the death of a woman found near a popular trail. Plus, a popular destination in Fairbanks may be getting a name change — reverting back to a former moniker.

Nine Alaska tsunami detection stations will stay online after the University of Alaska stepped in with emergency funding, but their long-term future remains uncertain. Southeast and Southcentral remain 10 to 15 degrees colder than normal as more high winds return to each region. An ordinance before the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly proposes to change the name of Pioneer Park, a popular local and tourist destination along Airport Way, back to Alaskaland, the name it held between around 1971 and 2001.

Today on the Morning Edition, a non-profit known for lending a hand is in need of a hand themselves after the recent windstorms in the Mat-Su. We'll tell you how you can assist. Plus, the Alaska Native Heritage Center held a large potluck for those displaced by former Typhoon Halong. We'll tell you how they're trying to give them a taste of home for the holidays.

A man who is suspected of killing two and wounding several others at Brown University has been found dead in a New Hampshire storage facility where he had rented a unit, officials said. Starting bright and early Thursday morning, volunteer chefs alongside people displaced by Typhoon Halong worked on crafting a potluck meal to feed up to 200 people who were displaced from the natural disaster. A passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight from Deadhorse to Anchorage has been charged in federal court after authorities say he repeatedly tried to open a cabin door midflight, prompting passengers to restrain him and flight crew to consider diverting the plane.

Today on the Morning Edition, troops across the nation are waking up to the news that they are to receive a warrior dividend that's due to arrive before Christmas. We'll tell you what we know about the announcement from President Trump's address. Later, two former Alaska State Troopers have been indicted by a federal court on serious charges. We'll tell you what the charges are and what they mean for the former State Troopers.

President Donald Trump delivered a politically charged speech Wednesday carried live in prime time on network television, seeking to pin the blame for economic challenges on Democrats while announcing he is sending a $1,776 bonus check to U.S. troops for Christmas. Two former Alaska State Troopers accused of using excessive force to hospitalize a man mistaken for someone else last year in Kenai have been indicted by a federal grand jury of criminal civil rights violations. A passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight from Deadhorse to Anchorage has been charged in federal court after authorities say he repeatedly tried to open a cabin door midflight, prompting passengers to restrain him and flight crew to consider diverting the plane.

A Wasilla cardiologist who was facing 10 counts of possession of child sex abuse material is dead after being found in the remnants of a house fire Saturday in Wasilla. Plus, Alaska lawmakers are divided over whether new legislation is needed for a liquified natural gas pipeline, with the state’s energy consultant calling it “essential” while some legislators say existing laws are sufficient.  

On this Morning Edition, the windstorm over the past few days left damage and chaos in its wake. We hear from those affected by it and show you the destruction. Later, the intense cold in Fairbanks has brought snow removal efforts to a halt. We'll tell you why and when it's expected to resume.

Winds ripped through Southcentral Alaska over the weekend into Monday as records were set for peak wind gusts. Plus, authorities say human remains found at the scene of a fire at a Wasilla home over the weekend were those of a Wasilla cardiologist who had been previously charged with possession of child sex abuse material, according to state troopers.

On today's Morning Edition, we look back at a weekend filled with violence and marred by tragedy. In Rhode Island, students are struggling to cope and understand why their school was the target of a still unknown gunman. Plus, the Jewish community across the world mourns together for the victims of a mass shooting in Australia in Bondi Beach, targeting a celebration to mark the beginning of Hanukkah, scarring what should have been a joyous occasion with terrible loss and tragedy.

Strong winds are once again in Southcentral Alaska. We have details on that, as well as the snow in Southeast Alaska. Plus, Alaska State Troopers say human remains have been found at the scene of the Wasilla house fire where a cardiologist recently charged with possession of child sex abuse material lived.

First alert weather conditions continue, and Meteorologist Bailey Braun gets us up to date on what people in Southeast and Southcentral need to know.Plus, despite a chilly, windy day, hundreds gather at JBER.Hear about the wreath laying ceremony, which is just one of thousands across the country this holiday season.

Today on the Morning Edition, a lot of talk as Gov. Dunleayv unveils his budget for the state for 2027, most notably, proposing the max allowance for the PFD for all allowance. We'll take a look at how the governor is planning on leading the state forward. Later, Bartlett High students got their hands on and feet wet with some real ocean researchers. We'll dive into the deep end and find out what the students are able to see and learn along side them.

Today was a record setting day for snowfall in Fairbanks, with 10.3″ of snow recorded. Western Alaskans who had to leave their dogs behind after ex-Typhoon Halong devastated the region in October have until Monday to claim them or the animals will be spayed or neutered and made available for adoption, according to the State Veterinarian’s office. The Blood Bank of Alaska is experiencing a drop in blood donations amid harsh weather conditions and the holiday season. According to the Blood Bank of Alaska, during the holiday season, donations tend to drop by 20 to 30%.  

Gov. Mike Dunleavy released his proposed 2027 fiscal budget Thursday, detailing how the state will spend nearly $12.1 billion in crucial departments like healthcare and education. A well-known restaurant and lodge in the Matanuska Valley is temporarily closing to repair substantial damage wrought by hurricane-force winds over the weekend. Anchorage firefighters are responding to emergencies in trucks that Fire Chief Doug Schrage said should have been replaced years ago.

On this Morning Edition, uncertainty for some this morning as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska ends its programs for good. For those who rely heavily on the Clubs' services, questions abound. We take a look at why and what paths lie ahead. Plus, the governor issues a disaster declaration for the Mat-Su Valley following the destructive windstorm that swept through over the entirety of the past weekend. If you were affected by the storm, we'll tell you how this can benefit you.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the state both declared a disaster after a prolonged windstorm brought hurricane-force gusts that damaged homes, toppled power lines and shutdown businesses across the region from Dec. 5–9. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska and its licensed childcare operations are ending all programs and services, according to a memo sent to staff obtained by Alaska’s News Source. The son of a Tribal judge is still on the loose after Alaska State Troopers say he kidnapped a Tribal Police Officer in Toksook Bay on the night of Nov. 29.

On today's Morning Edition, educator turnover is on a concerning trend this year in Alaska. This morning, we break down the data and numbers to clearly define what's happening in our state. Later, the Anchorage municipality has evolved quite a bit over the past 20 years, which is when the last fire protection plan was created. We'll take a look at the new plan that's been signed to cover the next 10 years.

Anchorage officials signed the Community Wildfire Protection Plan on Tuesday, formalizing the city’s long-term wildfire resilience strategy after more than a year of technical analysis and community engagement. One adult was found dead in a camper fire in Nikiski Sunday, according to the Alaska State Troopers. Winter season brings its risks in harbors across Alaska – including sinking boats, ice, and wind.

Today on the Morning Edition, the Mat-Su Valley waking up today to careful optimisim that the worst of the wind has passed. We'll show you how the wind storm has caused damage and power outages across the valley on a widespread scale. Later, it's not a secret that the cost of living is higher in Alaska than the national average, but food banks and others are reporting increasing demand as increasing prices are straining families across the state.

Thousands of Mat-Su residents are hunkering down as high winds continue to rock the valley, leaving many without power amid harsh winter conditions. The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) announced on Nov. 12, that they will reorganize the Center for Teaching and Learning, which includes slashing staff positions and some programs. Alaska leads the nation in package theft, and this holiday season the state’s postal inspector is warning the problem is getting worse, with criminals using sophisticated scams to steal credit card numbers and personal data from unsuspecting shoppers.

On today's Morning Edition, hurricane-force winds continue to rip through the Mat-Su Borough, leaving thousands without power, some for much of the weekend and even into this morning. Find out how the Red Cross is helping people through the frigid temperatures and power outages, and how you can get help if you need it. Plus, a second mascot has appeared in the halls of Wendler Middle School, but it's about more than just the mascot itself, as the school welcomes and embraces 40 new students from the west coast of Alaska.

On this First Alert Weather Day, wind continues in Southcentral, Alaska.We're in Wasilla where people are sheltering as power outages have been ongoing during the windstorm.We have details ahead on which Mat-Su schools will be open Monday, as many in that area are closed.

Power outages span across parts of southcentral, and dangerous weather is not over as hurricane force winds tear through southcentral this weekend.Plus, a large earthquake hits the Yakutat area. What we know so far and what experts expect from aftershocks.And state efforts on the ground in western Alaska are slowing down as winter weather makes it difficult, but work is continuing in Anchorage.

Today on the Morning Edition, we're waking up this morning to new snow on the ground and on our roofs, and you may be asking, "how much snow can we let build up before we need to worry about it?" We asked the same question, and we'll tell you what we learned. Later, if you're a landowner in Anchorage, new rules could mean fines if you block access to public trails. We'll break down the debate over private property vs public rights.

State and federal authorities say they have found and arrested a North Pole man who was wanted in connection to the shooting death of a 15-year-old at a “college party.” A man accused of breaking in and burglarizing several Anchorage businesses last month has been arrested and taken into custody by Homer police. Alaska is seeing a significant increase in postneonatal deaths. These types of death, the CDC reports, occur when the baby is 28 days to a year old. New data from the State of Alaska Epidemiology shows that Alaska’s postneonatal mortality rate has been increasing since 2017.

On today's Morning Edition, a mother's grief turned into motivation to fight against fentanyl on a national level. The latest on the recent signing of Bruce's Law. Later, the Wolverines took to the Dimond Center Ice Rink to skate with fans and sports reporters, who may not be the best on the ice, but still managed to capture the heart of the moment.

Some state lawmakers are questioning the legality of five Alaska National Guard members providing administrative support to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An Anchorage woman is pushing forward in her fight against fentanyl and her efforts to rename it a weapon of mass destruction. Alaska’s commercial driving schools remain unaffected by a federal crackdown threatening to close nearly 7,500 training programs nationwide, state officials confirmed this week.

On today's Morning Edition, a close call when a school bus carrying elementary school students tips over in Wasilla. Plus, what you need to know as the Anchorage Assembly held public discourse on the sales tax proposal as it makes its way to appearing on ballots.

A school bus carrying Mat-Su Borough School District (MSBSD) students flipped over in a Wasilla neighborhood Tuesday morning as icy roads plagued the area. A woman was found dead early Monday morning after a residential fire burned a cabin north of Fairbanks, according to Alaska State Troopers. A missing Valdez woman is believed to be dead weeks after a massive fire burned down a hotel in Glennallen, according to an Alaska State Trooper dispatch report.

Today on the Morning Edition, southwest Alaska is under an ice storm warning this morning, potentially impacting recovery efforts, schools and local infrastructure across the area. We'll let you know what to expect. Later, the Hilltop Ski Area has opened early, providing a way to enjoy the wintry mix of weather. Even if you don't have much snow in your yard, you might be able to find it on the hill.

Icy and wet weather wreaked havoc Monday in Southcentral Alaska, resulting in treacherous driving conditions. In one instance, video captured at 9:54 a.m. by Borealis Broadband shows a driver losing control in the northbound lanes of the Glenn Highway near the Eagle River weigh station and sliding backwards into a light pole, knocking it over onto the roadway. Deputy Fire Marshals and K9 units searched in and near the Caribou Hotel late last week for a missing Valdez woman, according to Austin McDaniel, the Communications Director for the Alaska Department of Public Safety. Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s claim he made to a Korean media outlet that a legally-binding deal with South Korea will come in December doesn’t match the expectations of the lead developer for an Alaska liquified natural gas pipeline project, Genfarne Group.  

On today's Morning Edition, the holiday season is in full swing now, and we bring you all the sights and sounds from the annual tree-lighting ceremony and an appearance by none other than the big red man himself. Plus, this weekend the Greater Fairbanks NAACP is hosting its Freedom Fund Banquet. We'll give you all the details so you can be sure not to miss anything.

As we in a first alert weather day, there's another weather-related concern. Avalanches were reported in Turnagain Pass this weekend as avalanche danger remains high in that area. And the holiday spirit is out in full force in Downtown Anchorage. We check out the tree lighting ceremony.

Meteorologist Bailey Braun explains the Winter weather alerts ahead for most Alaskans as the first of two storms begins to make landfall, making Sunday and Monday First Alert Weather Days. Plus, two Alaskans are now Senators after the Senate confirms the governor's pick. And Anchorage's Small Business Saturday concludes with a tree lighting downtown.

Two West Virginia National Guard members shot near the White House Wednesday are in critical condition, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The Anchorage Animal Care and Control has caught a pack of three dogs they issued a public safety alert regarding Wednesday. As families across Alaska prepare for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, hundreds of people from Kipnuk displaced by former Typhoon Halong in early October will be celebrating hundreds of miles from home, as their houses in the village remain unlivable.

Two West Virginia National Guard members shot near the White House Wednesday are in critical condition, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The Anchorage Animal Care and Control has caught a pack of three dogs they issued a public safety alert regarding Wednesday. As families across Alaska prepare for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow, hundreds of people from Kipnuk displaced by former Typhoon Halong in early October will be celebrating hundreds of miles from home, as their houses in the village remain unlivable.

On this Morning Edition, a woman saved this summer after being mauled by a bear is giving thanks to those who saved her life and gave her a chance to enjoy the holiday season. Plus, the AFD is giving advice to avoid having an emergency as an unexpected guest this Thanksgiving.

Authorities have identified a vehicle destroyed in a Glennallen hotel fire earlier this month as belonging to an 86-year-old Valdez woman who has been missing for weeks, according to the Valdez Police Department. Alaska’s Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski is defending Democratic lawmakers now under FBI and Pentagon investigation for appearing in a social media video that urged U.S. troops to refuse illegal orders from their commanders. A man from Kipnuk is now leading local recovery efforts from former Typhoon Halong after his family home was flooded.

Today on the Morning Edition, Indigenous people took center stage at COP30 this year in Brazil with historic firsts for Indigenous rights and climate change both happening. Later on, an indepth look at the recovery efforts in Kipnuk; the progress they've made, the challenges their facing and when some might be able to return from their homes.

Three murders and a case of attempted murder were reported in Fairbanks within the last month. Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation (ABI), and the Alaska Department of Public Safety gave a press conference Monday morning about the four separate cases in Fairbanks. A 78-year-old Fairbanks woman who walked away from an assisted living home Monday was found dead, according to Alaska State Troopers. Authorities have identified a vehicle destroyed in a Glennallen hotel fire earlier this month as belonging to an 86-year-old Valdez woman who has been missing for weeks, according to the Valdez Police Department.  

On this Morning Edition, this Washington pipeline has been shut down for a week; what that could mean and how that could potentially impact air travel. Plus, the Anchorage Fire Department says there are less structure fires than in recent years, but there are more outdoor fires. Their tips on being fire safe and fire-wise.

The latest headlines from Alaska's News Source.

A search and rescue effort in Western Alaska. A teenager's body is found after he fell into the Yukon River. What trooper say happened. Plus, surveying damage in Kipnuk. Our crew is on the ground, seeing what repairs still need to be done as winter is setting in.

A Palmer man is being charged with terroristic threatening and assault after bringing a gun into the Santa Claus House and threatening a grocery store employee in North Pole. A former Anchorage resident was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison Friday after investigators reopened a cold case from a crime that happened 30 years ago. An Alaskan company has coordinated a big donation to help people in need. It’s supporting people who were displaced from Western Alaska After Former Typhoon Halong hit last month.

On today's Morning Edition, answers to questions that have been asked since last weekend, as a string of drive-by shootings left one man in the hospital and gave several others close calls. Plus, Nikolaevsk has been fighting for their very own charter school for years at this point, but they finally secured approval for it.

Two Anchorage men face more than a dozen felony and misdemeanor charges after investigators say they carried out a series of drive-by shootings Sunday afternoon in a Mountain View neighborhood that injured one man and left several others, including children, in fear for their lives. A Harbin Y-12 plane with Chinese registration departing from Russia made an unexpected landing in the small village of Teller Wednesday night, according to FlightRadar24, dozens of miles from its intended destination. Critical tax credits for Alaskans are in further jeopardy after President Donald Trump said Tuesday he would only support a bill, “sending the money directly back to the people,” opening questions over if affordable care act, or Obamacare, enhanced premium tax credits will be extended.