By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | March 26, 2026
Several developing issues across Alaska and Washington, D.C. are drawing attention this week. From an Anchorage death investigation to the ongoing Mat-Su school bus strike and political disputes in Congress, here is a roundup of key developments affecting Alaska residents.
Suspicious Death Investigation in Anchorage
The Anchorage Police Department says detectives are investigating a suspicious death at a residence in the 8100 block of Northview Drive.
According to police, officers responded at 10:06 a.m. on March 25 after receiving a report of an adult female who was deceased inside the home. Authorities say circumstances surrounding the death prompted detectives to treat the case as suspicious.
The department’s Crime Scene Team was called in to process evidence at the scene. Two individuals were transported to police headquarters for questioning by detectives.
Police say the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death after completing its examination. The case is being investigated under APD case number 26-8785.
No further details about the identity of the deceased or possible suspects have been released.
Fact Check: Senator Sullivan’s “Schumer Shutdown” Claim
A recent social media post by Dan Sullivan claims Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is responsible for a “Schumer Shutdown” of the Department of Homeland Security.
However, congressional records and reporting on the funding dispute show the situation is the result of a broader legislative stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over immigration policy and other provisions tied to the agency’s appropriations.
Appropriations bills must pass both chambers of Congress and clear procedural hurdles in the Senate that often require bipartisan support. In this case, competing policy demands from both parties have prevented a funding agreement.
The shutdown affects DHS operations nationwide, including agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, rather than targeting any particular state.
Labeling the funding lapse as solely the responsibility of one party reflects political messaging rather than the shared nature of the legislative impasse.
Mat-Su Bus Strike Continues
The ongoing school bus strike in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is still disrupting transportation for thousands of students.
More than 200 drivers represented by Teamsters Local 959 walked off the job earlier this month during a contract dispute with Durham School Services, the district’s main transportation contractor.
The strike has affected roughly 18,000 students in the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough School District, forcing many families to arrange their own transportation.
During a recent joint meeting between the borough assembly and the school board, Edna DeVries addressed questions from residents about whether the contractor had been fined for service disruptions.
“There was some questions from the audience regarding fines that they had understood had not been levied against Durham Bus Transportation,” DeVries said.
She said borough administration officials explained that penalties were being handled the same way they were under the district’s previous transportation contractor.
“The administration did explain that the fines weren’t levied any different than what the previous contractor had,” DeVries said.
She added that the borough assembly is waiting to see what the school board presents before deciding whether additional action is needed.
“So we will, on the assembly, wait to see what the school board presents to us and then the discussions will be held at the assembly,” she said.
Negotiations between the company and union drivers have continued intermittently, but a final agreement has not yet been announced.
“No Kings 3.0” Demonstrations Planned Saturday
Political activism is also expected across Alaska this weekend as part of the nationwide “No Kings 3.0” protests.
In Anchorage, organizers are planning a rally at Anchorage Town Square Park at noon on Saturday, followed by a march to the Delaney Park Strip.
A similar event is scheduled in Wasilla at Newcomb Park from noon to 2 p.m., organized by the group Mat-Su United for Progress.
Organizers say the demonstrations are part of a nationwide day of action focusing on immigration policy and broader political concerns.
Residents interested in finding demonstrations or civic events near them can check the action hub maintained by the American Civil Liberties Union, which lists events and advocacy opportunities across the country.
