By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
Earthquake Shakes Southcentral Alaska
At 6:38:56 a.m. AKST on November 22, 2025, the Alaska Earthquake Center recorded a magnitude 4.9 earthquakecentered approximately 9 miles north of Tyonek at a depth of 38.5 miles (62 km). (earthquake.alaska.edu)
Residents across Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula, and Matanuska-Susitna Borough reported feeling shaking. The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there was no tsunami threat from the event. (tsunami.gov)
Fatal Road Crash on Richardson Highway
The Alaska State Troopers (AST) reported a collision at Mile 267 of the Richardson Highway on November 21, 2025, at 8:02 a.m. (dailydispatch.dps.alaska.gov)
A 32-year-old man from Delta Junction, identified as Murphy Mackenzie, was pinned in a vehicle. First responders extricated him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The highway was closed for several hours while troopers investigated and removed a crashed tractor. Troopers reported no signs of impairment or foul play.
Arrest on Kidnapping and Assault Charges
According to AST dispatches, on October 23, 2025, a victim reported being shot in the leg and assaulted by Jonathan Critchfield and associates in North Pole. The victim described being forced to remain in a residence for roughly five hours while being tortured and threatened. (dailydispatch.dps.alaska.gov)
On November 22, 2025, at 7:30 a.m., AST arrested 44-year-old Jonathan Critchfield on charges of:
- Kidnapping
- Assault in the 2nd degree
- Assault in the 3rd degree (dailydispatch.dps.alaska.gov)
Four additional individuals were also arrested for tampering with evidence, hindering prosecution, and theft of surveillance equipment.
Anchorage Police Respond to Disturbance with Weapon
At 12:21 a.m. on November 22, 2025, the Anchorage Police Department (APD) responded to multiple disturbances with a weapon in the South Anchorage area, with reports originating near the Glenn Highway. (anchoragepolice.com)
The suspect was later located near the Eagle River Nature Center, at Cirrus Way and Eagle River Rd, where they fired at officers before turning the weapon on themselves. The suspect sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound and was declared deceased at the scene.
The APD listed the cases as 25-36059, 25-36099, and 25-36109. The report remains initial, with investigations ongoing.
Anchorage Police Target Retail Theft Citywide
Since late September 2025, APD has conducted a focused citywide detail to combat organized retail theft, recover stolen property, and reduce related crime across Anchorage. (anchoragepolice.com)
- 60+ individuals charged, including several chronic offenders
- Recovered property totaling $58,000 in losses so far
The detail will continue through December 31, 2025, with increased holiday-season patrols around businesses and malls. APD is also expanding technology-driven crime-reduction strategies, including live video feeds at Town Square Park connected to the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC).
Chief Sean Case:
“Stopping theft at its source plays a key role in reducing crime throughout the community.”
Mayor Suzanne LaFrance:
“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community … We are giving the Anchorage Police Department the tools they need to make it clear that criminal activity has no place in our community.”
Trump Administration Proposes Offshore Drilling Plan
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) released a draft 11th National OCS Oil & Gas Leasing Program on November 20, 2025. (doi.gov)
- 21 potential lease sales in federal waters off Alaska, including Cook Inlet, Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, and additional Gulf of Alaska and Arctic locations (boem.gov)
The program is currently in draft / public comment phase and has not been finalized.
Upcoming Community Event: Lighting the Arch
The Anchorage Mushing District will host Lighting the Arch – First Friday Celebration on December 5, 2025, 5:00–6:00 p.m. at 4th Avenue & D Street, near the bronze dog statue. (facebook.com/event)
The event celebrates Anchorage’s mushing heritage, features art and photo opportunities, and marks the official lighting of the new Mushers Arch.
