Anchorage News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

GOP lawmakers are locked in bitter infighting that’s grinding progress to a halt ahead of November’s elections, with key bills like government funding, defense policy, and the farm bill stalled. Speaker Mike Johnson pushes for a big election-security and waste-reduction bill, but Senate Republicans can’t agree—even on a voter ID bill. With a 60-vote hurdle and Democrats holding the balance, Republ...

This month’s literary buffet delivers spine-tingling vampire tales set in 19th-century Paris, reimagined detectives from beloved series, and supernatural stories where ghosts and dragons walk among us—each exploring raw human emotions like loss, love, and resilience. Meanwhile, non-fiction dives into the roots of American fascism, environmental consequences, and the global history of nightlife. Wh...

SEACAD strikes big in Southeast Alaska, seizing $31,400 worth of drugs in two major busts—Juneau and Hydaburg—with arrests made across the board, including a 39-year-old in Juneau and two seniors in Hydaburg, all facing serious drug charges as task forces ramp up efforts to dismantle fentanyl distribution networks. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/...

Alaska’s Department of Fish and Game is ramping up lethal predator control—killing hundreds of brown bears and wolves—to supposedly revive the Mulchatna Caribou Herd for hunting, despite mounting evidence that bears aren’t the real problem. Even mothers and cubs are being targeted, while conservation groups largely stay silent—except for the Alaska Wildlife Alliance. With over 250 bears killed sin...

Julia Quinn, the brains behind the global Bridgerton phenomenon, is hitting local libraries this fall—October 16th and 17th at Loussac and Chugiak-Eagle River Libraries. With Harvard and Radcliffe credentials, 19 NY Times bestseller titles, and a spot in the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s literary royalty. Expect a moderated Q&A and limited book signing—all free thanks to the Frien...

Alaska’s Anchorage Assembly member George Martinez faces maximum penalties after misusing campaign funds for personal Florida trips — a move the state watchdog called “particularly egregious.” While the Assembly initially paused action to sort out legal procedures for removal or censure — a rare move with no precedent — members are split: some push for ouster, others favor a public rebuke to honor...

In Southeast Alaska, a grassroots food bank born from a local guy’s simple observation is now a vital lifeline—feeding more people year-round, even in summer. Started by Jim Wilcox and friends who saw food being wasted, it’s grown into a nonprofit powerhouse. Demand keeps climbing, and they’re counting on YOU: donations of food, cash, or support are critical—especially for hard-to-find items like...

Anchorage School Board just approved $11 million in state funding from two bills to hire 59.5 teachers, add special education and Indigenous coordinators, fund student activities, and cover rising fuel costs. They’re using “holdback” positions to strategically place teachers where class sizes are largest, freeing up 50 spots. All 259 previously laid-off teachers have been rehired. The district opt...

Alaska’s rural communities are getting a lifesaving boost as the Alaska Federation of Natives teams up with a local veterinary group to bring critical animal care directly to remote villages. Focused on controlling unmanaged dog populations and stopping zoonotic diseases like rabies, this “One Health” initiative offers spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and disease prevention—all vital for protec...

Alaska’s bold bear culling program—targeting over 250 predators in Southwest Alaska—is sparking debate as it aims to revive the struggling Mulchatna caribou herd, with state officials claiming success in boosting calf survival and hunting opportunities. Helicopters spot and shoot bears, whose hides are sold to fund the program, while officials argue it’s essential to manage wildlife for Alaskan be...

A former Olympic canoeist, David Hearn, faces felony charges for allegedly damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool—just days after its costly renovation. Though he pleaded not guilty and was released without conditions, prosecutors say they’ve gathered substantial evidence and want to move quickly. His defense argues the charges are a misuse of court resources, claiming it’s not a crime to t...

Alaska’s top news outlets are teaming up to simplify your voting experience this election cycle—by giving you one clear, unified questionnaire for every candidate. After months of careful planning, they’ve tailored questions to what matters most to voters, with each outlet focusing on specific races. Candidates get one shot to answer honestly, with a July 13 deadline—and you can help by nudging th...

Glenn Highway Shut Down Near Eagle River | Anchorage News

Glenn Highway Southbound Closed After Crash | Anchorage News

Little Rituals just exploded in downtown Anchorage—selling out of bagels by noon on opening day! Owners Sam Lilly and Nicole Smith, who delayed launch for renovations, transformed the former Cafe Clash into a cozy, community-focused spot serving local bagels and coffee. With plans to add evening vibes, live music, karaoke, and a patio, this woman-owned gem is already turning heads—and hearts—with...

Bonnie Tyler, the powerhouse voice behind the global anthem “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” has died at 75 after an unexpected hospital stay in Portugal. Her career, marked by three Grammy nods, a Eurovision appearance in 2013, and a 2022 MBE honor, was defined by her iconic, husky vocals — forged after throat surgery in 1976 — and unforgettable performances that transcended generations. Though she...

The feds are loosening Arctic National Wildlife Refuge lease rules after Alaska sued over a 2025 sale that drew zero bids, promising more domestic energy and fewer foreign dependencies. A new agreement delays restrictions until at least 2,000 acres are developed — potentially paving the way for pipelines and drilling. This follows a 2017 law and Biden-era limits Alaska challenged in court, calling...

A woman in Anchorage, Alaska, discovered a massive bee swarm nestled in her house’s exterior wall—turning what could’ve been a bug spray moment into a community rescue. Recognizing the signs from her beekeeping background, Abigail Wright posted online and connected with local experts who safely relocated the hive. This story highlights how warming weather brings unexpected wildlife encounters—and...

Oblaron Fire near Selawik, Alaska is now 90% contained at 21 acres, thanks to firefighters’ hard work reinforcing lines and tackling hot spots — though the threat isn’t over. Originating at the Selawik landfill, the blaze raced through tundra before crews deployed helicopters, water buckets, and hoses to douse flames. Eight smokejumpers are being reassigned, while four and a chopper stay behind to...

Diesel shop owner Mac Spurlock, who pleaded guilty to tampering with emissions devices on 20 trucks and received a five-year probation and $32K fine, was unexpectedly pardoned by the president — a move he called a huge relief. The pardon, requested by Senator Dan Sullivan and approved on the same day the president announced pardons for six others deemed unfairly targeted for “fixing their car,” wa...

For the 20th year, the Armed Services YMCA’s Combat Fishing Tournament in Seward, Alaska, has given junior enlisted service members a rare chance to unwind, fish deep sea, and soak in Alaska’s wild beauty — all thanks to local volunteers who donate boats and time. This annual event, open only once to each service member ranked E-5 and below, not only kicks off the local charter season but also cel...

Fairbanks City Hall turned up the heat with a patriotic block party Tuesday, celebrating the U.S.’s 250th birthday with food trucks, games, bouncy houses, and a thrilling flyover by the 356th Fighter Squadron. Attendees also got to see first responder gear, tour City Hall, and witness a public reading of the Declaration of Independence — a moment Mayor Mindy O’Neall framed as both a historical tri...

A Connecticut family’s Fourth of July morning turned wild when a juvenile black bear charged toward their six-year-old son—until their fearless 11-year-old dog, Bella, leaped in between, herding the bear off the property without a scratch. Colton stayed calm, Bella wagged her tail, and the whole family walked away unharmed—proof that sometimes the bravest heroes are on four legs. Listen in comfort...

Alaskans are reeling from skyrocketing gas prices—some hitting five bucks a gallon, even more in remote areas—making everything from food to heat and travel a financial burden. Senator Dan Sullivan, who voted for Iran-related actions and then against easing them, is under fire as prices climb. Instead of answering critics, he reportedly asked supporters to cover his campaign gas costs—while his ow...

Bear encounters in Anchorage are sparking a heated debate across Alaska, with locals arguing whether the problem stems from population density or flawed wildlife management. While officials credit predator control programs for maintaining balance, critics say limited hunting in urban areas like the Anchorage Bowl has left bears less wary of humans. The divide is stark: most Alaskans, especially hu...