By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | December 2025
Wasilla House Fire Death Investigation: Body Identified
Alaska State Troopers say a residential fire on West Discovery Loop in Wasilla was reported around 6:50 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2025, with the structure fully engulfed when troopers, local fire and EMS arrived; other residents escaped safely. The State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the origin and cause of the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing.
On Dec. 14 at 2 p.m., troopers reported that the remains of an adult male were recovered from the scene and were being sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification, with the cause-and-origin investigation still underway. On Dec. 15 at 3:35 p.m., troopers said preliminary investigation indicates the deceased male found in the residence is 46-year-old Ryan McDonough, whose remains were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy and formal identification, while the fire investigation continues.
FBI seeks tips in Brown University shooting
Federal and local authorities are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect in a mass shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. The suspect is described as a male, about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a stocky build, and is considered armed and dangerous.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible, and is encouraging people to share any personal videos or photos related to the incident through the FBI’s Brown University Shooting portal. Anyone with information is urged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), contact Providence Police at (401) 272-3121, reach out to a local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Warning on scammers posing as law enforcement
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is warning Alaskans about a rise in fraud schemes using unsolicited phone calls from scammers impersonating law enforcement or government officials to extort money or steal personal information. The scammers spoof official phone numbers, names and credentials, falsely claim missed jury duty or court dates, and assert that an arrest warrant has been issued while pressuring victims to pay a supposed fine immediately.
Payment demands often involve cash placed into cryptocurrency ATMs, prepaid cards or wire transfers, and scammers may use artificial intelligence, realistic documents or existing personal data to appear legitimate. Authorities stress that the FBI and other legitimate law enforcement agencies do not call to demand payment or threaten arrest, and urge people to pause before acting, refuse to share or verify personal information with unsolicited contacts, and never send money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or other assets to such callers. Victims are encouraged to cut off contact, notify financial institutions, contact local law enforcement and file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, with additional prevention resources available at fbi.gov/takeabeat.
Heavy snow and icy roads in Juneau
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities reports Juneau saw more than 6 inches of snow overnight, with another 1 to 2 inches expected through the day, along with forecast winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts up to 40 mph. Crews are out plowing, but roads are currently described as icy even after plowing.
Drivers are urged to slow down, adjust speeds for winter conditions, use headlights for visibility, stay at least 200 feet (about 10 car lengths) behind snowplows and avoid passing them, and leave extra following distance from all vehicles. Residents are also asked to keep shoveled snow on their property and not push it into the roadway, and to check current road conditions at 511.Alaska.gov and review winter maintenance priorities at dot.alaska.gov/stwdmno/wintermap/ before traveling.
New Year’s Eve bash in the Valley
The Chop House is promoting its Annual New Year’s Eve Bash on Dec. 31, inviting guests to ring in 2026 with music from DJ Ondago, an elegant buffet, craft cocktails and a fireworks show at midnight. Tickets start at $125 per person for parties of 1–8, with a link available through the venue’s bio for reservations.
Attendees can extend the celebration with a stay at the Best Western by calling 907-373-1776 and mentioning “NYE” for a special rate. Organizers encourage people to reserve tickets in advance and promise a memorable countdown to 2026 in “true Chop House style.”
