Alaska News Roundup: Shutdown Looms, ANWR Lawsuit Lost, and Fat Bear Fever Rages

Alaskans are tracking major developments across politics, public safety, and wildlife this week, as the state navigates the serious threat of a federal government shutdown and a significant court defeat over oil and gas development.

Political and Fiscal Tensions

Federal Shutdown Threatens State Services
The looming federal government shutdown remains a top Alaska concern, with the White House warning of potential mass terminations of non-essential personnel. Alaskans should be alert to possible disruptions, as this shutdown shares some familiar features with past budget standoffs. Get the latest on impacts and guidance for Alaskans here 👉🏿 Headline Living Magazine.

Major Legal Defeat Over ANWR

In a blow to the state’s revenue outlook, Alaska lost its long-running lawsuit over the western boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). This federal court decision may finally close an 11-year dispute and has big implications for oil and gas prospects. U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason ruled in favor of federal regulators who set the border on the western bank of the Staines River instead of the Canning River. This keeps 20,000 potentially oil-rich acres under federal control, meaning Alaska loses out on direct revenue and royalties that would have come from state-managed oil and gas development in the area. As a result, the state’s expected income from these natural resources will likely be significantly lower, impacting long-term budgets for education, infrastructure, and social programs.

Juneau Property Tax Vote & PFD News
In local politics, Juneau residents are heading to the polls to decide on a measure that seeks to cap the city’s property tax mill rate. Meanwhile, it’s official: the 2025 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is set at $1,000 for eligible residents with check being mailed out to residents starting October 2nd.

Public Safety and Community Challenges

Anchorage Police Launch $12M Tech Rollout
Anchorage Police are rolling out a $12 million upgrade in tech, with new drones, tasers, and an expanded camera network in the works. Officials say these tools will help boost public safety and support de-escalation. More on this in the official APD press release.

Meanwhile, police are also investigating a recent homicide in the 400 block of E 36th Avenue in reference to a stabbing. APD reports on Facebook when officers arrived, they found an adult male with trauma to the upper body. Anchorage Fire Department arrived on scene and performed CPR, but the individual was declared deceased on scene. The victim’s identity will be released once next-of-kin notification procedures are complete. Police say a suspect was later identified as Greg Cholok. Cholok was remanded to Anchorage Jail on the charge of Murder I.

Hikers Attacked Near Seward
On the wildlife-safety front, two hikers were recently injured in a bear attack near Seward on the Exit Glacier Trail. State Troopers say the pair was about a quarter-mile up the trail when the brown bear encounter happened. The hikers were able to fight off the bear and sustained non-life threatening injuries. Troopers say the hikers drove themselves to the hospital. Kenai Fjords National Park encourages visitors to take precautions while traveling in bear country:

👉🏿 Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

👉🏿 Make your presence known consistently while hiking, groups of 3 or more are noisier and easier for bears to detect.

👉🏿 If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and don’t run.

👉🏿 Talk to the bear, move away slowly, but don’t turn your back.

Be safe and be bear aware in Kenai Fjords National Park.

Travel in Remote Alaska: St. Paul Island Residents Face $1,300 Flights After Losing Regular Air Service

Travel in remote Alaska continues to be an adventure, and sometimes an expensive one. Residents of St. Paul Island, a small community in the Bering Sea, are currently paying up to $1,300 one-way to Anchorage after the island lost its regular commercial air service in August 2025.

With no scheduled carrier operating, St. Paul has been relying on chartered flights from Security Aviation. The company uses an eight-passenger Learjet to make the 770-mile trip, and the city government has stepped in to help coordinate flights and resell individual seats. For residents, that means prices are far higher than what they once paid on standard commercial flights, which typically cost hundreds less … around $700 to $800 depending on the season.

The charter service has kept the island connected for now, but the situation highlights the fragility of air links in Alaska’s most remote communities. St. Paul’s population of about 400 relies on Anchorage for medical care, school travel, groceries, and other essentials that can’t be met locally.

Community leaders say they’re hopeful a more permanent solution will arrive soon. Kenai Aviation and other carriers are exploring options to restore scheduled flights, though no start date has been set. Until then, residents must plan carefully, and dig deep into their wallets, to make the trip off the island.

Culture Corner: Fat Bear Week Update 🐻

In lighter news that’s luring global attention, Fat Bear Week is officially at the midpoint! Katmai National Park’s champion, Grazer, is holding her own, snagging another bracket victory as fans cheer on their favorite bulked-up bruins in this quirky, beloved Alaskan celebration. Vote now!

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