By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | January 2026
Alaska is delivering a mix of the serious, the strange, and the downright sizzling this week. From top-level political controversy to quirky crimes, campus protests, survivor alerts, and even a dance festival, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your one-stop look at the latest news across the state.
Republican Senators Call for DHS Secretary Noem to Resign Amid Controversy
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina are calling on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign following federal immigration enforcement actions that resulted in a fatal shooting.
“I think it is probably time for her to step down,” Murkowski said, citing concerns about department management and handling of ongoing operations. Tillis added, “Her leadership in these situations has been amateurish and has put lives at risk. The American people deserve competent leadership at the Department of Homeland Security.”
Other Republican senators, including Alaska’s Dan Sullivan, have expressed support for law enforcement but have not joined the resignation call, according to Alaska Public Media. Noem has not issued a public response.
The situation has drawn attention from House Democrats, some of whom are considering impeachment proceedings if the administration does not act, highlighting growing bipartisan scrutiny of Noem’s leadership.
Kodiak Man Charged with Impersonating ICE, Confronting Shoppers
KODIAK, Alaska – A Kodiak man is facing felony charges after allegedly posing as a federal immigration officer and demanding identification from customers at two grocery stores.
Maximillian I. Kaplan, 31, was charged with impersonating a public servant in the first degree, a Class C felony under Alaska law. Authorities say Kaplan confronted shoppers at Walmart and Safeway on Jan. 21, demanding “papers” and claiming he was with ICE.
Police located Kaplan nearby, where he admitted telling people he was an ICE agent, saying he was “doing what he was told” and believed God instructed him to act. He was arrested, and bail was set at $500. Kaplan is barred from entering the stores while the case proceeds, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 11.
Court filings also raised mental health concerns, and the Office of Public Advocacy was appointed to represent him after the Public Defender Agency withdrew. Conviction could carry up to five years in prison.
UAF Student Arraigned After Eating AI-Generated Artwork in Gallery Protest
FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A University of Alaska Fairbanks student has been arraigned on misdemeanor charges after allegedly eating artwork during a protest against artificial intelligence in art.
Graham Granger, an undergraduate, is charged with fifth-degree criminal mischief for consuming 57 Polaroid-style photographs from a student exhibition on Jan. 13. The estimated value of the damaged artwork is about $220. Granger told police he was protesting the use of AI in art.
He pleaded not guilty during arraignment and was ordered to avoid the gallery and have no contact with the artist. The case remains pending.
FBI Urges Sex Trafficking Survivors to File Claims Before Backpage Remission Deadline
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The FBI is reminding survivors of sex trafficking that the deadline to apply for compensation through the Backpage Remission Program has been extended to March 31, 2026.
The program allows victims who were trafficked via online ads on Backpage.com or CityXGuide to seek financial compensation. Officials emphasized the process is free and warned against anyone seeking fees for participation.
Survivors may submit petitions online or by mail without reporting the trafficking, testifying in court, or identifying their trafficker. For emergency assistance, victims can call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888.
More information and petition forms are available at backpageremission.com.
Alaska Salsa Festival Promises Four Days of Dance, Music, and Celebration
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Get ready to dance! The Alaska Salsa Festival returns Feb. 19–22, offering four days of workshops, performances, and social dancing for all skill levels.
Hosted by Alaska Dance Promotions, the festival features Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, and more, with evening shows and themed parties. Full-event passes start at $150, with single-day and evening passes available. No partner is needed to join the fun.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned dancer, organizers promise an atmosphere of learning, celebration, and connection. So put on your dancing shoes—Alaska is heating up this winter with some serious salsa moves.
