By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
Alaska
- First big snowfall sets record & triggers dozens of crashes in Anchorage area
The Anchorage region experienced its first significant snowfall of the season, roughly 8 inches in parts of the city.
- The Glenn Highway north of Anchorage was shut down for several hours after multiple crashes and slick conditions.
- Officials reported 38 crashes on Thursday, with 13 injuries, and many more slide‐offs and vehicles in distress. Alaska Public Media+1
Why it matters: Southcentral Alaska is now officially into winter mode, which means travel and commuting will become trickier, and responded services will need to stay alert.
Tip: If you’re driving, especially on major arterials like the Glenn, allow extra time and consider alternate routes.
- Traffic incident surge in Anchorage & Mat-Su Valley amid slippery conditions
The storm didn’t just affect Anchorage proper: more than 40 vehicle accidents were reported in Anchorage since Thursday morning; nearly 20 collisions and about a dozen distress calls surfaced in the Matanuska‑Susitna Borough (Mat-Su) area.
Why it matters: The Mat-Su corridor is a crucial commuter and logistics artery; a spike in incidents there affects not just local traffic but supply chains and emergency response times.
Tip: If you live or work in the Mat-Su Borough and have an early weekend trip — consider waiting until roads have been plowed or cleared of major risk.
- Offshore drilling lease sale proposed for Alaska’s Cook Inlet in 2026
The Donald Trump administration announced a plan to hold an oil & gas lease auction in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska (≈1 million acres) on March 4, 2026. The sale is part of a larger Gulf of Mexico leasing strategy and marks the start of six annual sales in Cook Inlet from 2026-2032.
Why it matters: This could have significant economic and environmental implications for Alaska (jobs, royalties, industry activity, regulatory scrutiny), and may factor into state-federal relations over resource development.
Tip: Keep an eye on how Alaska Native corporations, and local governments respond. There will likely be commentary and perhaps opposition or conditions attached.
United States
- Major flight cancellations nationwide amid government shutdown
More than 700 flights were cancelled nationwide on Saturday as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instructed airlines at 40 major airports to cut approximately 4 % of flights, due to air traffic controller staffing issues tied to the federal government shutdown.
Why it matters: Many people view travel as “business as usual” even in a shutdown — but infrastructure and staffing disruptions can ripple widely. This could impact Alaska airlines too, depending on routing and inter‐connectivity.
Tip: If you’ve got upcoming travel plans, check airline status early, arrive at the airport early to allow buffer time, and prepare for rebooking challenges.
- Federal shutdown drags on; Senate to work through weekend amid no new compromise
The government shutdown continues, with Senate Republicans rejecting a Democratic proposal. The Senate nonetheless scheduled a weekend session. Meanwhile, President Trump signalled he won’t compromise on reopening without his terms.
Why it matters: A prolonged shutdown has cascading effects, from federal employee pay to national services, consumer sentiment, and even broader economic stability.
Tip: For Alaska, federal operations (including parks, some transport, air traffic support, research) may be impacted. Consider contingency plans for any work with federal agencies.
- U.S. consumer sentiment plunged to near-record lows amid the shutdown
The CivicScience Economic Sentiment Index shows a sharp decline entering November, with confidence across multiple categories falling simultaneously, a sign of broad economic anxiety intensified by the ongoing federal shutdown.
Why it matters: When consumers feel uneasy, they spend less. That can slow travel and businesses, including those in Alaska. For local economies tied to retail, tourism, or service industries, this is a warning sign.
Tip: Watch for local business reports in Alaska over the next 1-2 weeks, if spending dips significantly, it may foreshadow slower growth in the region.
- Rising voter anger at high electricity bills and data-centers could shape 2026 midterms
Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, voter discontent is mounting around rising electricity bills and the proliferation of data centers, both seen as contributing to energy costs and local tax burdens.
Why it matters: Alaska may not be the epicentre of data-center growth, but rising utility costs or energy policy discontent are relevant everywhere. Also, national trends often filter into state politics.
Tip: If you follow Alaska state politics, watch whether local candidates start talking more about energy cost burdens and tech-infrastructure impacts.
World
- Rodrigo Paz sworn in as Bolivia’s new president, ending two decades of one‐party rule
Rodrigo Paz took office on Nov. 8 after defeating the left-wing Movement to Socialism (MAS) party, which has dominated Bolivia for nearly 20 years. He inherits an economy with depleted reserves and a fractured legislature.
Why it matters: South America’s political shift may affect mining, lithium investment, trade, and regional alliances. For Alaska, which has interest in rare-earths, minerals, energy, and mining policy, these global trends matter.
Tip: Keep an eye on how Bolivia engages with international mining companies, the ripple from its shift could influence global supply chains.
- Indonesia proposes bill to redenominate the rupiah currency to boost efficiency
The Indonesian finance ministry announced plans to introduce a bill to redenominate the rupiah, aiming to simplify the currency and enhance economic efficiency.
Why it matters: Currency reforms are rare and signal significant economic shifts. For global investors or companies trading with Indonesia (or across Asia), this matters.
Tip: For Alaska businesses with export/import links to Southeast Asia, this may be a good time to review contracts or cost structures involving Indonesian partners.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders U.S. airlines to cut flights amid staffing shortfall, travel disrupted globally
A broader perspective on the U.S. flight cancellation story: the FAA is mandating cuts across major U.S. airports, in part because of staffing shortages tied to federal funding and the ongoing shutdown.
Why it matters: Travel disruptions in the U.S. can affect international routes, cargo links, and tourism flows, including Alaska’s inbound/outbound travel markets.
Tip: If you’re managing travel or shipping logistics internationally, check both U.S. and Alaska‐based carriers and anticipate ripple effect disruptions.
Wrap-up
From Alaska’s winter hazards to national economic strain and shifting global dynamics, today’s headlines reflect a landscape defined by rapid change and mounting pressure points. Whether it’s the impact of weather on daily life, federal decisions shaping travel and consumer confidence, or international developments reshaping regional power, each story underscores how interconnected these forces have become. As the weekend unfolds, these trends will continue to influence markets, policy debates, and communities at every level.
