From a Fairbanks homicide to Greenland diplomacy, January 6 claims, local jobs, and Fur Rondy festivities
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Fairbanks Homicide Under Investigation
Alaska authorities are investigating a tragic homicide in Fairbanks after an elderly woman was found shot to death in her home. Police say officers responded Tuesday afternoon to a residence on 22nd Avenue, where they discovered 87-year-old Velma Koontz seated in her wheelchair with a gunshot wound to the back of her head. According to police, Koontz’s husband reported leaving the house briefly and returning to find his firearm outside and his wife deceased inside. Officers then contacted her grandson, Brian Davenport, who reportedly admitted to stealing the handgun and killing his grandmother. Davenport allegedly told investigators he had initially planned to kill someone else but changed his mind. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bail at Fairbanks Correctional Center. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Fairbanks police investigations at fpdinvestigations@fairbanks.gov or call 907-450-6500..
Trump Pauses Tariffs After NATO Meeting on Greenland
President Donald Trump said Tuesday morning that he will not impose tariffs scheduled to take effect February 1 after what he described as a “very productive” meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the two had formed “the framework of a future deal” involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region, calling it a potential win for the United States and all NATO nations if finalized.
Trump did not provide specifics on what the framework includes or how Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, would be affected. He said additional discussions are underway, including talks about what he referred to as “The Golden Dome” as it pertains to Greenland. Trump said Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will handle negotiations and report directly to him.
The announcement marks a notable shift from earlier rhetoric, when Trump had floated tariff pressure amid renewed focus on Greenland’s strategic importance in the Arctic.
Trump Amplifies Claims About FBI Informants
In a separate Truth Social post, Trump shared an article from Just the News, alleging that the FBI under President Joe Biden paid openly anti-Trump activists known online as “Sedition Hunters” as informants during investigations related to January 6 and a probe referred to as Arctic Frost. The article cites statements attributed to FBI Director Kash Patel, who characterized the alleged practice as a misuse of bureau authority.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the claims have not been independently confirmed by other major national news organizations, and no underlying FBI memos have been publicly released beyond those referenced by Just the News.
January Marked as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January continues to be recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a designation established in 2010 and observed by every president since. The U.S. Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons uses the month to highlight forced labor and sex trafficking, promote victim protection, and emphasize prosecution efforts.
An estimated 27.6 million people worldwide, including in the United States, are subjected to human trafficking. While most countries have adopted laws aligned with international anti-trafficking standards, officials warn that traffickers continue to exploit instability caused by conflict, natural disasters, and economic disruption. Each January proclamation ends with a call for Americans to learn the warning signs and take action when exploitation is suspected.
Identity Theft Awareness Week Focuses on Prevention and Recovery
Federal officials are also urging Americans to stay alert to identity theft as Identity Theft Awareness Week runs from January 26 through January 30, 2026. The initiative is led by the Federal Trade Commission and its partners and is aimed at helping consumers recognize scams, protect personal information, and recover if their identity is stolen.
The FTC says identity theft remains one of the most common consumer complaints each year, affecting people of all ages. Criminals may use stolen information to open accounts, steal tax refunds, or file fraudulent health insurance claims. Throughout the week, the FTC is hosting free webinars, podcasts, and online events covering topics such as protecting veterans’ benefits, supporting older adults, and helping families and communities respond when identity theft occurs. Many of the events are available on demand.
Consumers who believe their identity has been compromised are encouraged to report it at IdentityTheft.gov, where the FTC provides step-by-step recovery plans tailored to more than 30 types of identity theft. Additional resources and event details are available through the FTC.
Local Jobs: Patriot Towing & Recovery Hiring Mechanics and Tow Truck Drivers
Patriot Towing & Recovery in Alaska is expanding its team and hiring both mechanics and tow truck drivers. Mechanics will maintain and repair the company’s heavy-duty and light-duty tow and recovery fleet, handling diagnostics, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. Tow truck drivers will perform light-duty towing, accident recovery, winch outs, roadside assistance like jump-starts and lockouts, and represent the company professionally in the community.
The company seeks dependable, motivated individuals with mechanical experience (diesel preferred for mechanics) or valid driver’s licenses and a clean driving record (CDL a plus, not required, for drivers). Both roles require a strong work ethic, ability to work independently and with a team, and a positive attitude.
Patriot Towing & Recovery offers competitive pay based on experience, steady work, well-maintained equipment, opportunities for growth within a fast-growing company, and a supportive, team-focused work environment. Interested applicants can email resumes to Info@ptr.com.
Fur Rondy Kicks Off with a Beach-Themed Winter Bash
Anchorage’s signature winter festival officially begins Friday, February 27, 2026, with the first-ever Rondy KickOff: Wasting Away in RONDYRITTAVILLE at the Egan Civic and Convention Center. The 21-and-over opening night party runs from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., and promises a tropical escape in the middle of Alaska winter.
The event features live music from the Buffett Beach Band, a nationally recognized Jimmy Buffett tribute group, along with tropical drinks and a high-energy dance atmosphere. General admission tickets are $50, military tickets are $40, and tickets at the door are $60. Valid identification is required, and attendance is limited to guests 21 and older. Full festival schedules and additional events are available at furrondy.net.
