Active snowfall can be seen on the Seward Highway at Huffman Road, where large and small snowflakes are falling steadily across the live Alaska 511 view. ❄️ The storm is still moving through, filling the air with snow right now.
A mix of public safety news, travel advisories, and family events are making headlines across Alaska this week, from a homicide investigation in Anchorage to a long-awaited conviction in a Fairbanks cold case and several Spring Break activities for local families.
Woman Found Shot to Death in East Anchorage
The Anchorage Police Department is investigating the death of an adult woman who was found inside a vehicle with a gunshot wound on the 9500 block of Brayton Drive.
Police responded around 1:56 p.m. on March 5 after receiving a report of a shooting. Officers located the woman inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say they believe they have contacted all parties involved and there are no outstanding suspects related to the case. No arrests have been made and the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain under investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Anchorage Police Department at (907) 786‑8900 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Anchorage at (907) 561‑STOP.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
Fairbanks Man Convicted in 2012 Sexual Assaults After Years-Long DNA Delay
Sentencing is scheduled for July 14 for 36-year-old Julian Miranda, who was convicted of two counts of first-degree sexual assault in a case tied to 2012 attacks on two Fairbanks women, according to the Alaska Department of Law.
A Fairbanks jury returned the guilty verdict after a five-day trial, bringing a long-running cold case closer to resolution more than thirteen years after the crimes occurred.
Prosecutors said the assaults occurred in July and October 2012 after the victims accepted rides from Miranda outside downtown Fairbanks bars. Authorities identified those locations as the Mecca Bar and the Drop Inn Lounge.
In both incidents, investigators say Miranda drove the women outside town, sexually assaulted them, and left them along the roadside.
DNA evidence later played a central role in the case. One sexual assault kit was not tested until 2015 because of statewide backlogs in forensic processing, while the second was analyzed in 2017 through a national sexual assault kit review effort.
Testing showed sperm collected from both victims came from the same individual and matched Miranda’s profile in a law enforcement database. The match was confirmed by the Alaska Scientific Crime Detection Laboratory.
At trial, Miranda acknowledged having sexual intercourse with both women but argued the encounters were consensual. Jurors rejected that claim.
Miranda is being held without bail pending sentencing and faces 20 to 30 years in prison for each conviction.
Snow Advisory Issued for Anchorage as Airport Remains Open
Travelers heading through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport are being urged to check flight status and allow extra time as winter weather moves through the area.
The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Anchorage, with snow expected to continue accumulating through the morning.
Airport officials say the airport remains open and operational, but airlines may adjust schedules due to snowfall, visibility issues, deicing needs, or company policy. Travelers are encouraged to monitor their flight directly with their airline.
Airport crews are working around the clock to keep runways, taxiways, and ramps clear.
Officials also noted that airport parking has been tight, with the main garage and long term lot recently full. Travelers may need to use the North Terminal lot, Park Ride and Fly lot, or other off site parking options.
Spring Break Culture Camp Opens for Anchorage Students
The Alaska Native Heritage Center will host a Spring Break Culture Camp for Anchorage area middle school students from March 9 through March 13.
Students will take part in hands-on activities including Alaska Native song, dance, games, traditional crafts, and preparing Indigenous snacks. The cost is $150 per student and includes breakfast and lunch. Limited scholarships and transportation are available.
Fairview Rec Center Offers Open Youth Basketball During Break
The Fairview Recreation Center will operate on a special gym schedule during Spring Break, offering open youth basketball from noon to 5 p.m. daily from March 9 through March 13.
Regular evening gym hours will resume after the break.
Spring Break Dance Planned for Anchorage Youth
The Workshop will host its Annual Spring Break Dance on Saturday, March 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., giving Anchorage youth a place to celebrate the school break.
The event will feature DJ-driven dance music, black lights, and a high-energy dance floor in a supervised environment. Organizers say the gathering is family friendly and open to all ages, with drop-off allowed for youth ages 12 and older.
Tickets cost $10 online or $15 at the door, and organizers encourage families to purchase in advance before the event sells out.
