By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | February 2026
Today’s digest covers the latest developments affecting Alaska and beyond, including federal policy updates, local law enforcement news, an ongoing national missing-person investigation, public land opportunities, and a sneak peek at a magical community theater production.
Trump, EPA Move to Revoke Greenhouse Gas Finding With Potential Alaska Impact
President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced today that the administration is moving to revoke the 2009 EPA “endangerment finding,” the scientific determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. This finding has formed the legal foundation for federal climate regulations affecting vehicle emissions, power plants, and other major sources.
The White House frames the move as a sweeping deregulatory effort aimed at reducing costs and easing regulatory burdens. Officials say it could produce significant economic savings, including impacts on vehicle standards.
For Alaska, the implications could be substantial. Coastal erosion threatens western communities, thawing permafrost affects roads and infrastructure, and changing wildfire patterns are reshaping the Interior. Federal emissions policy also plays a major role in oil and gas development, refining, transportation, and power generation across the state.
Legal challenges are widely expected, and any final outcome could take months or years to resolve in federal courts.
What Alaska Residents Should Know About Proposed University Land Transfer
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is proposing to relinquish state entitlement land near milepost 178 of the Parks Highway, within the Honolulu Creek Pass and drainage. These lands are currently under federal management and ownership. The purpose of the relinquishment is to facilitate conveyance of the land to the University of Alaska.
This could affect Alaskans by giving the university greater control over how the land is used, including potential research, educational programs, or development projects. Residents, local businesses, and communities near the Parks Highway corridor may see changes in land access, recreational use, or land management priorities.
Public comment on this proposed relinquishment is open through March 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. More information is available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System.
Alaskans Follow Intensifying Search for Nancy Guthrie
Alaskans are closely following the Nancy Guthrie case. Investigators have recovered a pair of gloves near the 84-year-old’s Catalina Foothills home, which are now undergoing forensic and DNA testing. Authorities are asking residents in the area to review home surveillance footage from key dates in January as the search continues. No arrests have been announced, and the FBI continues to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery.
The FBI’s Phoenix field office confirmed that agents conducted an extensive search Wednesday along multiple roadways in the Catalina Foothills area. Officials continue to urge motorists to use caution near law enforcement personnel during search operations.
🕯️ Glennallen Woman Found Deceased, No Foul Play Suspected
Troopers and Village Public Safety Officers responded Feb. 11 at approximately 3:38 p.m. to a report of a possibly deceased female in the Glennallen area. Lillian Weaver, 50, of Glennallen, was confirmed deceased. Authorities report no foul play is suspected. Next of kin have been notified.
🕯️ North Pole Woman Dies of Natural Causes
On Feb. 10 at approximately 10:35 a.m., Fairbanks AST Dispatch received a report of a deceased person. Investigation determined Georgia Armbruster, 77, of North Pole, died of natural causes. Next of kin have been notified.
Fairbanks Vandalism Investigation
Alaska State Troopers in Fairbanks are investigating a report of vandalism at the Hill Top Restaurant and Marketplace. The incident was reported Feb. 11 at approximately 11:53 a.m. No suspects have been identified. Anyone with information is asked to contact AST. Callers may remain anonymous.
Valley Performing Arts Prepares for Willy Wonka Golden Season Finale
Valley Performing Arts is giving audiences a behind-the-scenes look at rehearsals for their Golden Season finale production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. The musical features children and adults working together to bring the fantastical tale of Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to life.
Performances run March 27 through April 5, 2026, and tickets are available at Valley Performing Arts Alaska. The production includes music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Timothy Allen McDonald. Audiences can expect enchanting songs from the 1971 film and new compositions, bringing Charlie’s delicious adventures to the stage.
👉🏿 As always, any charges mentioned in law enforcement dispatches are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
