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Monday, Oct 5

Air Guard helicopter rescues pilot after crash 35 miles north of JBER

A pilot had minor injuries after his single-engine plane crashed north of JBER on Oct. 1. A Guard helicopter crew flew him to an Anchorage hospital.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Air Guard helicopter rescues pilot after crash 35 miles north of JBER

Doctoral student from Wales and Nome wins BSNC's Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship

Aapiaq Cheryl Ongtowasruk, who grew up in Wales and Nome, won BSNC's $10,000 Tim Towarak scholarship for her doctoral work on intergenerational learning.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Bering Strait, Alaska
Cover image for article: Doctoral student from Wales and Nome wins BSNC's Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship

Live Alaska local results: Fairbanks, Kodiak and Wasilla report first totals

Fairbanks Assembly Seat D is separated by 123 votes, Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly by 16 and Kodiak Island Borough Assembly by six.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News1mo ago11 min readFrom
Alaska
Cover image for article: Live Alaska local results: Fairbanks, Kodiak and Wasilla report first totals

Vance announces Railbelt transmission project at Fairbanks rally

The Trump administration will fund up to $150 million toward a 223-mile transmission line on Alaska's Railbelt grid, Vice President JD Vance announced Monday.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Beluga to Healy transmission corridor, Alaska
Cover image for article: Vance announces Railbelt transmission project at Fairbanks rally

Anchorage judge sentences Mario Jackson to 198 years for 2025 double murder

Anchorage Superior Court Judge Jack R. McKenna sentenced Mario Jackson to 198 years, the maximum possible term, for the October 2025 shooting deaths of two people in Anchorage.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage judge sentences Mario Jackson to 198 years for 2025 double murder

North Pacific council's SSC keeps snow crab buffer at 40%, not 50%

Alaska's Bering Sea snow crab catch ceiling rises to 12.73 kilotons after the North Pacific council's science committee kept a 40 percent safety buffer instead of increasing it to 50 percent.

Bill AlaskaNewsby Bill AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Bering Sea, Alaska
Cover image for article: North Pacific council's SSC keeps snow crab buffer at 40%, not 50%

Prince William Sound parallel cod season closes to pot gear at noon Wednesday

Alaska closes pot fishing for Pacific cod in Prince William Sound at noon Wednesday, Oct. 7, following a federal season closure, while longline and jig seasons stay open.

Bill AlaskaNewsby Bill AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Prince William Sound parallel cod season closes to pot gear at noon Wednesday

Alaska proposes Medicaid coverage of traditional healing through Tribal health programs

Alaska seeks federal approval to cover traditional healing through Tribal health programs under Medicaid starting in 2028, with public comment due Nov. 4.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska proposes Medicaid coverage of traditional healing through Tribal health programs

More from Southcentral

Mat-Su Planning Commission backs Oil Well Road community council district

Mat-Su Planning Commission recommended the Assembly create a community council district for Oil Well Road property owners, which would let them seek state grants if incorporated.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Mat-Su Planning Commission backs Oil Well Road community council district

State tentatively approves Pitkas Point cemetery lease

The state tentatively approved a no-rent, 55-year lease of 1.15 acres to Pitka's Point's tribal council for a public cemetery. Comments are due Oct. 28.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min readFrom
Cover image for article: State tentatively approves Pitkas Point cemetery lease

Sterling Highway to close overnight Wednesday between mileposts 45 and 47

Sterling Highway closes overnight Wednesday to Thursday between mileposts 45 and 47 for Cooper Landing bypass construction, the only road connecting western Kenai Peninsula communities to Alaska.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Sterling Highway, Alaska
Cover image for article: Sterling Highway to close overnight Wednesday between mileposts 45 and 47

Ship Creek moose permits available online only starting Tuesday

Fish and Game opens 100 Ship Creek moose permits online Tuesday at 8 am. Last year the hunt closed after 12 days; in 2015, after four. Bring your legs.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Ship Creek moose permits available online only starting Tuesday

Troopers arrest Anchorage man after 100 mph pursuit in Wasilla

Alaska State Troopers arrested Anchorage man Xavier Cropley after he drove over 100 mph and fled on foot in Wasilla, facing a felony charge of failure to stop for an officer.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Troopers arrest Anchorage man after 100 mph pursuit in Wasilla

Health care workers tell Alaska high school students many jobs don't need a four-year degree

Some health care jobs take 6 to 12 weeks of training, and Alaska teens can get a pharmacy tech license at 16, students heard at a state career session.

Bill AlaskaNewsby Bill AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Health care workers tell Alaska high school students many jobs don't need a four-year degree

State presents $5.63 billion transportation plan Tuesday, seeks public comment

Alaska's draft four-year transportation plan commits $5.63 billion, $130 million more than it counts on. Anchorage planners have notes. Comments due Oct. 29.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: State presents $5.63 billion transportation plan Tuesday, seeks public comment

Bering Sea Interior Tribal Commission tribes sign agreement forming a USDA conservation district

Tribes of the Bering Sea Interior Tribal Commission signed an agreement Oct. 1 forming a USDA tribal conservation district to set local conservation priorities.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min readFrom
Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Bering Sea regions, Alaska
Cover image for article: Bering Sea Interior Tribal Commission tribes sign agreement forming a USDA conservation district

About Southcentral

Southcentral Alaska is the region of the state centered on Anchorage, its population center and transportation hub. It spans the Kenai Peninsula, the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet, and reaches communities such as Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, Seward, Cordova, Palmer, Wasilla and Eagle River.

Much of the region's civic life runs through the Anchorage Assembly, the Kenai Peninsula and Matanuska-Susitna borough assemblies, and city councils. Questions of housing and zoning come up often, along with who pays to extend water and sewer lines to building sites. School budgets, road safety on its highways and oil and gas operations in Cook Inlet also return.

The Kenai River and Cook Inlet tie the region to fishing, and the Parks Highway and Seward Highway link its communities. Windstorms that cut power and trooper reports from the Matanuska-Susitna area are common subjects as well.

More from Southcentral

Alaska LNG report targets 2028 completion for in-state pipeline

Alaska LNG's latest federal report keeps its 2028 pipeline target and, as always, lists no long-term contracts. Seoul says its money is under review.

Melinda Communities.Newsby Melinda Communities.News1mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: Alaska LNG report targets 2028 completion for in-state pipeline

Bridge inspections close a lane on West Dimond Boulevard in Anchorage

The right lane of westbound W Dimond Boulevard near Carnelian Street is closed until 6 pm Monday, Oct. 5 for bridge inspections.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Bridge inspections close a lane on West Dimond Boulevard in Anchorage

Two drivers hospitalized after four-vehicle crash at Seward Highway mile 74

Two drivers were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a four-vehicle crash at Seward Highway mile 74 on Thursday when rain and snow caused a Prius to lose control.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min readFrom
Cover image for article: Two drivers hospitalized after four-vehicle crash at Seward Highway mile 74

Planners urge dropping Seward Highway and 5th and 6th rebuilds unless state's numbers add up

Anchorage planners want the Seward Highway rebuild and the 5th and 6th rebuild cut from the long-range plan unless the state's numbers add up. Vote Oct. 15.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago3 min readFrom
Cover image for article: Planners urge dropping Seward Highway and 5th and 6th rebuilds unless state's numbers add up

LaFrance names Lynn McNamara to Anchorage library board seat

Mayor LaFrance appointed former school librarian Lynn McNamara to the Anchorage Library Advisory Board, with Assembly confirmation set for Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: LaFrance names Lynn McNamara to Anchorage library board seat

Kenai silver salmon derby canceled over unclear coho run data

Kenai Chamber canceled the 2026 Silver Salmon Derby over unclear coho run data, and Fish and Game cut the daily coho limit to two fish through November.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min readFrom
Cover image for article: Kenai silver salmon derby canceled over unclear coho run data

Crews at Richardson Highway Chena bridges begin winter shutdown prep

Richardson Highway bridge crews at Milepost 346 are consolidating materials for winter shutdown, with reduced lanes 9 am to 3 pm on the $89.2 million Chena Flood Control bridges project.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Fairbanks, Alaska
Cover image for article: Crews at Richardson Highway Chena bridges begin winter shutdown prep

Dunleavy proclaims Winter Weather Preparedness Week, urging safe driving and emergency kits

It's Winter Weather Preparedness Week. Dunleavy's proclamation says car crashes are winter weather's leading indirect killer, so pack the car kit and slow down.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Dunleavy proclaims Winter Weather Preparedness Week, urging safe driving and emergency kits

Anchorage Assembly weighs selling Westpark school site for housing

Anchorage may sell the 53.8-acre Westpark school site in Southwest Anchorage for housing and give the money to the school district.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly weighs selling Westpark school site for housing

Anchorage ordinance would raise transit-corridor density target from 8 to 36 homes per acre

An Assembly proposal would raise the housing density target along Anchorage transit corridors from 8 homes per acre to 36. Testimony is Tuesday.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage ordinance would raise transit-corridor density target from 8 to 36 homes per acre

Vance visit brings flight limits to Anchorage and Fairbanks

Flight restrictions posted for Vance's Alaska trip cover Anchorage twice and Fairbanks once. Merrill Field pilots, plan around Monday and Tuesday.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska1
Cover image for article: Vance visit brings flight limits to Anchorage and Fairbanks

Sunday, Oct 4

APD policy lays out rooftop drones for 911 calls; chief said technology was not yet in use

APD has adopted rules for rooftop drones that could reach 911 calls before officers, but its chief said Sept. 25 the technology was not yet operating.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: APD policy lays out rooftop drones for 911 calls; chief said technology was not yet in use

Anchorage Assembly takes up Eklutna water deals without RCA condition

Anchorage Assembly votes Tuesday on three Eklutna Lake water agreements after a condition Assembly members imposed in December became impossible to meet in court.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly takes up Eklutna water deals without RCA condition

Alaska Jewish Campus registers lobbyist to seek state grant for indoor play center

Alaska Jewish Campus hired a lobbyist to seek a state capital budget grant for an indoor play center for children with disabilities, which has raised $1.83 million toward its $4.2 million cost.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min readFrom
Cover image for article: Alaska Jewish Campus registers lobbyist to seek state grant for indoor play center

Eklutna begins clearing five acres it bought beside Chin'an gaming hall

Eklutna is clearing five acres it bought next to Chin'an gaming hall, outside the approved gaming site. Public records don't say what's planned there.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min readFrom
Birchwood, Alaska62% read
Cover image for article: Eklutna begins clearing five acres it bought beside Chin'an gaming hall

Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau clinics join federal program requiring 24-hour crisis care

Clinics in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau joined a federal Medicaid program Oct. 1 that requires 24-hour crisis care and serving people who can't pay.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min readFrom
Alaska
Cover image for article: Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau clinics join federal program requiring 24-hour crisis care

GOPAC fund gives $50,000 to group buying Juneau election ads

A Virginia political fund gave $50,000 to the Sitka-based Alaska Voter Project, which spent nearly $19,000 on Juneau ads urging votes for pro-business candidates ahead of Tuesday's election.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: GOPAC fund gives $50,000 to group buying Juneau election ads

Wasilla man, 29, arrested on DUI charge; troopers also found suspected LSD

Alaska State Troopers arrested a Wasilla man, 29, on a DUI charge early Saturday near Knik-Goose Bay Road and reported finding suspected LSD tabs and empty bottles in his vehicle.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago1 min read
Cover image for article: Wasilla man, 29, arrested on DUI charge; troopers also found suspected LSD

No on 2 reports $8.76 million in cumulative contributions after $2.13 million influx

No on 2 reported $8.76 million in cumulative contributions. Repeal Now's conflicting filings do not support a clean fundraising comparison.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago3 min read
Cover image for article: No on 2 reports $8.76 million in cumulative contributions after $2.13 million influx

Northrim shareholders vote Oct. 20 on buying Oregon bank, its first expansion outside Alaska

Northrim shareholders vote Oct. 20 on buying an Oregon bank, which would give the Anchorage bank its first branches outside Alaska. Not voting counts as a no.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min readFrom
Cover image for article: Northrim shareholders vote Oct. 20 on buying Oregon bank, its first expansion outside Alaska

Wind advisory for Unalaska and Nikolski Sunday with gusts up to 50 mph

Gusts up to 50 mph are forecast for Unalaska and Nikolski on Sunday. Anything not tied down may relocate. Nikolski gets it first, Unalaska later.

Alaska Newsby Alaska News1mo ago1 min read
Unalaska and Nikolski, Alaska
Cover image for article: Wind advisory for Unalaska and Nikolski Sunday with gusts up to 50 mph

Anchorage Assembly recognizes October as Filipino American History Month

Anchorage Assembly is set to approve a resolution Tuesday recognizing October 2026 as Filipino American History Month, a tradition it has repeated yearly since at least 2014.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Anchorage Assembly recognizes October as Filipino American History Month

Snow and freezing rain advisories cover Copper Valley and McCarthy into Sunday morning

Winter weather advisories cover Copper Valley and McCarthy through Sunday morning, with 2 to 4 inches of snow and freezing rain expected to make travel very difficult.

Maggie AlaskaNewsby Maggie AlaskaNews1mo ago2 min read
Cover image for article: Snow and freezing rain advisories cover Copper Valley and McCarthy into Sunday morning

NTSB report details fog, aborted landing and second attempt before fatal Cape Newenham crash

An NTSB preliminary report lays out the Aug. 20 Cape Newenham crash that killed eight: fog, an aborted landing, a dropped diversion and a second attempt.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews1mo ago3 min readFrom
Cape Newenham, Alaska
Cover image for article: NTSB report details fog, aborted landing and second attempt before fatal Cape Newenham crash