From federal gridlock to local ceremonies, here’s what’s shaping Alaska today
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
Federal Shutdown Enters Sixth Week: Lawmakers Push for Compromise
The U.S. federal government remains largely shut down after 41 days, and the Senate is now inching toward a deal to reopen federal agencies. A bipartisan group of eight Senate Democrats broke ranks and joined Republicans to advance a stop‑gap measure that would fund operations through the end of January.
Senator Tim Kaine (D‑Va.) reported hearing from Republicans: “We know we have to fix this, but you’ve got to help us save face and … we’ll only talk about fixing this once you reopen government.”
Many Democrats remain skeptical, arguing that the “promise of a vote” is not enough without concrete assurances. Even if the Senate approves the measure, it must still pass the House and be signed by the President before federal operations can resume.
Alaska Acts Amid Food‑Aid Uncertainty
With federal SNAP benefits in flux, Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a 30‑day disaster and allocated up to $10 million in direct assistance for Alaskans who rely on food aid.
In a letter to state legislative leaders, Dunleavy noted that while the state cannot fully replace the federal program, it will work with contractors and food banks to ensure eligible households receive support.
Alaska Fishing Jobs Hit Record Low
A report from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development shows commercial seafood harvesting employment has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 2001.
In 2024, the monthly average number of fishers was 5,393, down 443 jobs from the previous year. Even the July peak reached only about 17,361 workers—a nearly 30% drop from early 2010s highs.
Analyst Joshua Warren cites rising costs, foreign competition, unpredictable fish runs, and declining fishery abundance as key factors in the decline.
Veterans Day 2025: Celebrations and Cancellations Across Alaska
Alaskans are honoring veterans statewide, though the federal shutdown has forced some event cancellations.
Events proceeding today and tomorrow:
- Anchorage: Community ceremony hosted by the city and the Alaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, with local businesses offering free meals, haircuts, or vouchers for veterans and active-duty service members.
- Wasilla (Mat‑Su Borough): Chapter 43‑3 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association hosts a ceremony at the Veterans Wall of Honor, 11:00 a.m., Nov. 11.
- Prince of Wales Island (Thorne Bay): Veterans Day breakfast at Thorne Bay School, Nov. 11.
Events cancelled due to federal shutdown:
- Joint Base Elmendorf‑Richardson (JBER): Annual ceremony cancelled due to “lapse in appropriations and inability to host public events on base.”
- Fairbanks (Interior region): Festival Fairbanks cancelled its annual Veterans Day event because base honor guards and public affairs staff were unavailable.
