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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...

Alaska’s bold new Prevent Together plan is changing the game on child sexual abuse—focusing on prevention, not just reaction. By breaking down stigma and empowering communities to talk openly, the initiative targets the shocking truth: up to 70% of abuse is committed by teens, but with the right support, 97% don’t reoffend. This statewide effort, the first of its kind, builds safer spaces online a...

Ballot Measure Two flips the script on elections: instead of picking just one candidate, voters rank their choices, letting the collective wisdom of the electorate decide who truly represents the majority. With an open primary and ranked-choice voting, it creates a “final four” of top contenders — even if you don’t rank everyone, your top pick still counts. The goal? A system where voters’ broader...

Alaska’s governor just vetoed a landmark bill that would’ve extended civil rights protections to 44,000 non-profit workers statewide—leaving many without local recourse and forcing them to rely on under-resourced federal agencies. The proposed law aimed to modernize the state’s human rights commission and ensure fair treatment for all Alaskans, regardless of employer size or location. With the vet...

Fire Contained in Goose Lake Park | Anchorage News

Senator Wielechowski’s latest commentary on the Alaska natural gas pipeline is full of contradictions and misleading claims. He cherry-picks a $5 billion annual earnings figure to argue the project is a bad deal, then uses the same number to claim we can’t afford not to tax it—either it’s profitable or it’s not. His claim that a new producer tax targets “Outside billionaires” is false; it would hi...

Anchorage is launching a new Public Safety Partnership Commission to bridge the gap between residents and first responders, aiming to build a safer, more transparent city through community-driven reforms. After a year of listening, the commission will focus on improving systems, not investigating individual cases — leaving that to trained professionals. Designed to be community-led and diverse, it...

Democratic Senate hopeful Graham Platner has dropped out of Maine’s race just two days after a sexual assault allegation surfaced, citing political pressure—not guilt—as his reason for stepping aside. His exit leaves Democrats scrambling to find a replacement before July 21st, using an unprecedented delegate-based convention. With Maine’s seat currently held by Republican Susan Collins, Platner’s...

True North Recovery’s bid to open an addiction treatment center in Anchorage’s Fairview neighborhood sparked heated debate, as neighbors and Assembly members demanded guarantees it wouldn’t become a crisis center—despite the group’s initial promise to offer only outpatient services. After revising their plan to address concerns, they still faced pushback, with some officials pushing for written co...

Get ready to explore Alaska’s backyard—Fairbanks is back with its summer trails challenge, offering 20 scenic routes for all ages and abilities, from easy strolls to rugged hikes, with prizes for completing them all. Whether you’re solo or with the crew, this free, family-friendly adventure kicks off around the solstice and runs through September. Grab your map, lace up your boots, and hit the tra...

Twelve Alaskan schools shut down last year — the most in two decades — as nationwide enrollment drops and districts scramble to cover budget gaps. But closing schools doesn’t always save money and can hurt students by forcing longer commutes or leaving families with fewer options. With shrinking populations, rising school choice, and inflation outpacing state funding, districts are under pressure....

Anchorage schools are rebounding after massive cuts, thanks to a $11.6 million state funding boost that’s bringing back over 50 teachers and 5 nurses, while also keeping key programs like riflery and Dome sports alive—and even launching a new language arts curriculum pilot for grades 6-10, all aimed at giving students the support they need. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http:...

A viral AI-generated hoax about a beluga whale escaping Alaska’s SeaLife Center fooled millions—until the center stepped in to debunk it. With a 25-year track record and zero escape attempts, the center’s credibility was at risk, but their quick, clear statement helped cut through the noise. Experts warn that misinformation spreads fast, especially with AI, and while platforms and legal action can...

A woman in Willow, Alaska, Misty Rehder, facing 24 animal cruelty charges after 23 dead dogs were found on her property, has been released on a $5,000 bond—down from the original $25,000. Local residents, including a nearby sled dog operator, say they’ve been sounding alarms for months. Authorities are still investigating, and Rehder’s next court date is July 31, with trial set for August. Listen...

This week, Anchorage’s streets are alive with music and celebration—from ’80s throwbacks at “I Like Robots” to free local jams at Storck Park. Eagle River’s Bear Paw Festival turns 41 with parades, foosball, and family fun. Friday night brings hip-hop heavyweights Atmosphere and G. Love to F Street, while Palmer’s Hatcher Romp showcases Alaska’s top bands over two days. And Saturday? Ty Dolla $ign...

Rep. Vance faces ethics scrutiny after an ethics committee found probable cause that she violated legislative rules by using official letterhead to send a partisan letter criticizing a newspaper’s coverage of a conservative activist. The letter, which urged a boycott and warned of reputational fallout, was deemed improper use of government resources. While the committee took no punitive action, Va...

A 31-year-old Indiana man crashed his Toyota 4Runner into a building in Sitka, Alaska, around midnight on June 28th—reportedly after driving under the influence. The SUV veered off Sawmill Creek Road, punched a hole in the structure, and came to rest inside. The driver, Stephen Beall, was found outside the vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. He now faces one count of DUI—a sobering reminde...

Trump faces a looming deadline on a bipartisan housing bill poised to become law without his signature—despite previously hinting he might not sign it. The bill, which passed Congress with strong backing, aims to boost housing supply and modernize federal loan programs, addressing the nation’s urgent need for four million new homes. While White House staff initially supported it, Trump now priorit...

Nicole Herbert, Juneau School District’s chief financial officer since March 2023, is stepping down to take a new role, with her last day August 5. She’s the third finance officer to leave since 2023 — following Lisa Pearce, whose short tenure uncovered a nearly $10 million deficit that led to school closures. Herbert praised her time at the district, crediting her team for streamlining financial...

Gray whales are dying at alarming rates, with 145 strandings this year alone — 13 in Alaska — sparking urgent calls to relist them under the Endangered Species Act. Climate change is suspected as the root cause, as melting Arctic ice disrupts their food supply, forcing whales to wander into unfamiliar waters and starve. Though NOAA is reviewing a petition to relist the species — removed from the e...

A tragic river-rafting accident near Healy, Alaska, claimed a man’s life when he was ejected from the raft on the Nenana River. Despite guides’ immediate efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Alaska State Troopers are investigating, with no suspicion of foul play yet, but are still gathering witness statements. The rafting company, Denali Raft Adventures, expressed deep sorrow,...

Alaska’s Medicaid program is under siege as investigators uncover a staggering $1.8 million in fraud, charging 15 people across five cases that threaten patient care and public trust. Graystone Assisted Living faces the largest accusation—$1.1 million for missing documentation—and the Bates couple, charged with $619K, allegedly funneled $1.7M to an employee for personal luxuries. A Soldotna dentis...

Swimmer’s itch is turning July Fourth pool hops into painful surprises at Tanana Lakes—locals like Mirabel Estrada say it feels like relentless mosquito bites, so bad she needed a shot. The culprit? Tiny parasites mistaking humans for ducks, drawn by heat and motion. Scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are investigating if climate change is fueling the outbreak—and they’re asking bitt...