From courtroom drama to Arctic alarms, extreme winds, and disaster relief updates, Alaska headlines this week span legal, environmental, and community stories affecting residents statewide.
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Passenger Charged in Midair Incident
Kassian William Fredericks, 36, of Wasilla, faces federal charges after allegedly trying to open a cabin door mid-flight on Alaska Airlines Flight 87 from Deadhorse to Anchorage on Dec. 10. Authorities say Fredericks shouted, “We’re all going to die,” before being restrained by other passengers until the plane landed safely in Anchorage. He has been charged in federal court with interfering with flight crew members and attendants and remains in custody at the Anchorage Correctional Complex. As of the latest reporting, no court date or arraignment has been publicly scheduled, and his federal public defender has confirmed he is presumed innocent as the case proceeds.
Former Troopers Indicted
A federal grand jury indicts two former Alaska State Troopers, Joseph Miller and Jason Woodruff, on civil rights violations tied to a 2024 arrest in Kenai. Prosecutors say the officers used excessive force on the wrong man, Ben Tikka, during an attempt to serve a nonviolent driving warrant. Tikka suffered a fractured shoulder, lacerations, and dog bites that required surgery. The indictment is documented in a Justice Department press release.
In-Custody Death Record
Alaska reports 18 in-custody deaths so far in 2025, tying a record previously set in 2022. Reported causes have included suicides, medical events such as heart attacks or illness, overdoses, and deaths following restraint or self-inflicted injuries, according to the Department of Corrections. The DOC says it is reviewing all incidents and working on measures to improve safety and monitoring in detention facilities.
Senate Republican Leadership
Senator Mike Cronk is the new minority leader of the Alaska Senate, replacing Mike Shower, who resigned to run for lieutenant governor. The change was announced following internal party discussions and votes within the Republican caucus.
Anchorage Vacation Rental Registration Approved
The Anchorage Assembly rejects a proposed 5 percent tax on vacation rentals. Instead, members approved a new registration tracking system for short-term rentals, aiming to improve oversight while avoiding new taxation for property owners. Short-term rental listings in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks show varied markets, with Anchorage averaging about 2,200 active listings and a 69 percent occupancy rate, Wasilla hosts earning roughly $35,000 annually, and Fairbanks listings typically rented 237 nights a year with about 65 percent occupancy. Officials hope the improved registration system will help track the impact on housing and tourism.
Anchorage Adopts New Municipal Seal
The Anchorage Assembly ushers in a new municipal seal featuring Dena’ina-inspired quillwork. The design honors the heritage of the region’s Indigenous people and will replace the previous city seal on official documents and city buildings.
State Budget Proposal
Governor Mike Dunleavy is proposing a state budget that relies on approximately $1.5 billion from savings. Senate leaders have voiced opposition to using the savings to balance the budget, indicating further negotiations ahead.
Warming Arctic Impacts
The 20th annual NOAA Arctic Report Card shows the Arctic continues to warm faster than the global average, with this past year ranked among the warmest on record and surface air temperatures rising significantly above long-term averages. Scientists report that more than 200 rivers and streams in Arctic Alaska are showing “rusting rivers” as thawing permafrost releases iron and other elements into waterways, degrading water quality and threatening fish and biodiversity. June snow cover across the Arctic has declined by roughly 50 percent over the past six decades, and winter sea ice maximums hit record lows, contributing to increased glacial melt and higher flood risk in some regions. (wmo.int)
Caribou Herd Decline
Arctic migratory tundra caribou populations are on the decline and have declined by about 65 percent over the last 2–3 decades, according to the NOAA Arctic Report Card. The decline reflects long‑term shifts in climate, including warmer summers and altered snowfall patterns that affect forage, survival, and migration. While some of the smaller coastal herds in the western Arctic have shown signs of modest recovery in recent years, the larger inland herds, including Alaska’s Western Arctic Herd, remain at historically low numbers or continue to decline. Warmer tundra conditions are linked with increased insect harassment, changes in winter snow and ice that make it harder for caribou to reach food, and other stresses that compromise herd health and sustainability.
Disaster Aid Extended
Deadlines for federal and state disaster assistance for those affected by the remnants of Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska are extended into February 2026, allowing more residents to apply for relief. Survivors are encouraged to register for both State of Alaska Individual Assistance and FEMA Individual Assistance by February 20, 2026. To apply for State assistance, Alaskans can call 1‑844‑445‑7131 or apply online at ready.alaska.gov/Recovery/IA. To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, call 1‑866‑342‑1699 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov. Low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, and businesses are also available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) at sba.gov/disaster or by calling 1‑800‑659‑2955.
Extreme Winds in Southcentral Alaska
Southcentral Alaska hit by another round of strong winds this week, with gusts over 70 mph in Anchorage and 80 mph in the Mat‑Su Valley. Some areas, including Palmer, have reported gusts topping 90 mph, causing widespread power outages and prompting emergency shelters to open in Wasilla. Officials say the winds, while slightly less intense than a recent Mat‑Su storm, are still strong enough to affect travel and outdoor activity. High wind warnings remain in effect for Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton, Chickaloon, and Big Lake. Forecasters expect breezy conditions to continue through the week, with cold, dry weather and wind chills adding to frigid conditions across the region.
Anchorage Parks and Recreation: Family RPG Night
Step out of the cold and join a cozy winter adventure at Family Roleplaying Game Night. This free program at the Spenard Community Recreation Center welcomes players ages six and up to create characters and embark on quests guided by Game Master Chris J.
Upcoming session: Tuesday, December 23rd from 5 to 8 PM. All materials are provided.
