By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
Crackdown in the North: Feds Tighten the Net on Traffickers and Predators
Public safety continues to dominate as federal and state agencies ramp up enforcement across Alaska. In Operation Restore Justice, the Department of Justice reports that during a five-day FBI-led sweep in early May 2025, 205 suspected child‑sex offenders were arrested nationwide, including three in Alaska: Jonathan Herra, 25, of Kenai; Donovan Nungasak, 31, of Utqiagvik; and Kristian Seward, 30, of Anchorage. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman and FBI Anchorage Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day praised the coordinated effort involving Anchorage Police Department, State Troopers, and North Slope and Kenai-area law enforcement.
Operation Take Back America has produced 39 federal charges in Alaska as of June 18, 2025, targeting violent crime, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. Among the cases are Sean Mobley, 45, accused of distributing carfentanil in Wasilla; Corey Clifton, 51, and Elizabeth Cruickshank, 44, charged with trafficking over 4.5 kg of fentanyl and laundering $500,000; and Alexander Kawanishi, 32, of Anchorage, allegedly involved in a shooting while illegally armed.
Courtrooms on Alert: Indictments Stack Up as Major Cases Move Forward
Alaska’s federal courts continue to see indictments and sentencing actions tied to ongoing enforcement efforts. Justin Facey, a suspended Anchorage attorney, was indicted May 21, 2025, on charges including maintaining a drug house and illegal firearm possession. Cornelius “C.J.” Smith, 34, of Eagle River, was sentenced to 30 months for trafficking 28 firearms from Alaska to California gang members. Multi-defendant trafficking and money-laundering cases continue moving through the district court system.
Rivers on Pause: Emergency Salmon Closures and a Race to Protect Food Access
The Department of Fish and Game issued Emergency Orders No. 2‑KS‑1‑2‑25 (early-run Kenai River king salmon, May 1–June 30) and No. 2‑KS‑1‑3‑25 (late-run king salmon, June 20–Aug. 15) to protect struggling salmon populations. Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster on November 3, 2025, ensuring uninterrupted SNAP benefits amid federal program uncertainties.
City Decisions, State Duty: Schools Stay Open and New Troopers Hit the Road
The Anchorage School Board voted on November 19, 2025, to postpone a package of proposed elementary-school closures after weeks of public comment, neighborhood testimony, and detailed enrollment briefings from district leadership. The plan, introduced as part of a broader rightsizing effort for the 2026–27 school year, would have consolidated several undersubscribed schools to address long-term declines in K–6 enrollment and rising operational costs.
During the meeting, board members acknowledged the financial pressures but said they were not ready to move forward without additional modeling, updated boundary scenarios, and clearer projections on how closures would affect neighborhood walkability, transportation routes, and classroom capacity at receiving schools. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt told families that the district will continue gathering data and will return in early 2026 with revised options and a more transparent timeline.
Parents, teachers, and students filled the board room and overflow space, urging the district to slow down and consider impacts on bilingual programs, special-education classrooms, and Title I campuses. Several testified that the proposed consolidation would reshape community identities built around longstanding neighborhood schools.
The board’s decision means no elementary buildings will be slated for closure this winter, and any future proposals will undergo another round of public meetings before a vote.
Meanwhile, the Alaska Department of Public Safety graduated a new trooper class, reinforcing patrol capacity statewide.
Storm Aftermath Ledger: Federal Aid Pours In for Alaska as Repairs Begin
Western and northern Alaska are now mobilizing recovery efforts after the major storm system in early October triggered widespread flooding. On October 22, 2025, President Trump approved a major disaster declaration (FEMA‑4893‑DR) for the state. GovInfo+1 The disaster period is officially recognized as October 8–13, 2025, when the remnants of Typhoon Halong made landfall. GovInfo
This declaration unlocks up to 100% federal cost share for certain public assistance efforts over the next 90 days, per the governor’s office — meaning damage repair, debris removal, and infrastructure recovery can move faster without local entities bearing the full cost. Mike Dunleavy
What’s being funded and who’s eligible:
- Public assistance: Local governments, tribes, and eligible nonprofits can apply for FEMA funds to rebuild or repair disaster-damaged facilities. GovInfo
- Hazard mitigation: The state has access to grant programs like the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) to fund long-term upgrades that reduce storm risk, such as improving building resilience and flood defenses. Alaska Federal Funding
- Individual support: Through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP), displaced residents may be eligible for rental assistance, help rebuilding damaged homes, and support replacing critical property lost during the flooding. FEMA
- Small businesses & non-profits: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened low-interest disaster loans to eligible Alaska nonprofits and businesses — up to $2 million for property damage, equipment, inventory, or mitigation improvements. SBA+1
Additionally, IRS tax relief has been granted for individuals and businesses in affected areas. Those in designated boroughs (Lower Kuskokwim, Lower Yukon, Northwest Arctic) now have until May 1, 2026, to file certain tax returns and make payments. IRS
Governor Mike Dunleavy recently amended the state disaster declaration (Oct. 24, 2025) to waive fees for replacing lost driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, and other documentation, a move that removes bureaucratic obstacles to rebuilding. Mike Dunleavy
Stages Bright, Galleries Buzzing: Alaska’s Holiday Arts Season Lights Up
Anchorage’s arts scene is sparkling as the holiday season kicks into gear, and there’s something for everyone, from museum wanderers to theatre lovers.
The Anchorage Museum is hosting a festive lineup that will delight visitors of all ages. Don’t miss “Northern Lights: Alaska Through Artists’ Eyes”, an exhibition of local painters and photographers capturing winter wonderlands, open November 15 through January 15, 2026. Gallery-goers can also catch author talks and signing events, including children’s author Sofia Haines on December 3, and Alaska historian Mark Springer on December 10. Families can enjoy hands-on winter craft workshops every Saturday in December, and the museum’s atrium is glowing with seasonal lights and interactive art installations. (anchoragemuseum.org)
At the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (PAC), theatre and music performances are delivering festive cheer. Highlights include:
- “A Nutcracker Spectacular” by the Anchorage Ballet, running Dec. 12–21. Families can revel in glittering costumes, snow-dusted sets, and Tchaikovsky’s classic score performed live.
- “Holiday Cabaret”, featuring local singers and ensembles, Nov. 28–Dec. 14, offering intimate performances and seasonal favorites in a cozy theatre setting.
- Alaska Repertory Theatre’s production of Elf: The Musical, Dec. 5–20, promises high-energy comedy, dazzling choreography, and plenty of audience participation.
- Winter jazz nights at the PAC, spotlighting rising Alaskan musicians every Thursday evening through December, paired with hot cocoa and themed cocktails for attendees over 21. (alaskapac.org)
Both the museum and PAC encourage early ticketing, as popular shows and workshops sell out quickly. Many events are family-friendly, and several offer discounted student or senior passes.
Whether you want to wander a gallery lit with twinkling installations, tap your toes at a live jazz night, or be enchanted by ballerinas in sparkling tutus, Anchorage’s holiday arts season is in full swing, a perfect excuse to get out, celebrate local talent, and soak in the festive spirit.
Seawolves & Nanooks on the March: Alaska College Women’s Volleyball Eyes Postseason Glory
Alaska college volleyball is heating up as UAF Nanooks and UAA Seawolves gear up for the final stretch of the 2025 season.
The UAF Nanooks, led by Brian Scott, are aiming to build on early-season wins. Captains Elena Guc and Ainsley Smithguide a roster strengthened by six freshmen, including Lucy Braegger, Emma Freeman, and Cori Leavitt. The Nanooks will host Western Oregon University at Carlson Center on November 23, 2025, in a critical GNAC matchup that could shape postseason seeding. Analysts highlight their veteran leadership combined with incoming talent as a key factor for playoff contention.
The UAA Seawolves, coached by Stacie Meisner, prepare for a home game against Western Washington University on November 22, 2025, at the Alaska Airlines Center. After a recent four-set loss to the Nanooks, standout performers Lee Ivakina, Tia Allen, and Martina Riba are expected to lead a rebound effort. The Seawolves’ roster, bolstered by new signees including junior-college transfer Yelizaveta Ivakina, is aiming for a strong GNAC finish.
Fans can follow live stats, rosters, and game recaps on alaskananooks.com and goseawolves.com. With both teams bringing a mix of experience and fresh talent, the last weeks of the season promise high-stakes, exciting volleyball action across Alaska.
Road Warriors’ Report: Your Eyes on Winter Travel and Safety Tools
Travelers are urged to monitor AKDOT’s Alaska 511 Traveler Information system and the National Weather Service (NWS) Anchorage forecasts as winter arrives. Freeze-thaw cycles, early-season snow, and marine wind advisories are in effect, official alerts remain the authoritative guide for safe travel on Parks, Glenn, and Sterling highways.
