Author: Alaska Pulse News

[ad_1] The Arctic is experiencing rapid warming, causing dire effects for indigenous communities in Alaska. In September 2022, Typhoon Merbok caused extensive damage in more than 35 communities along Alaska's west coast, leading to the destruction of food, fishing gear, and camps used for subsistence harvesting for generations. Additionally, warmer water temperatures have resulted in low fish numbers in the Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers, leading to closures or severe limits on fishing that disproportionately affect Alaska Native communities. In the midst of these struggles, the Smokehouse Collective, a mutual aid network founded by Ruth Łchav’aya K’isen Miller and Deenaalee Chase-Hodgdon, aims to address food insecurity and promote indigenous sovereignty. The collective was formed from a n...

[ad_1] A large cargo ship with a fire in its hold is being kept 2 miles offshore of an Alaska port as a precaution while efforts are undertaken to extinguish the flames, the U.S. Coast Guard said Saturday. The ship, named Genius Star XI, was carrying a load of lithium-ion batteries across the Pacific Ocean, from Vietnam to San Diego, when the fire started in cargo hold No. 1 on Christmas Day. There were no injuries to the 19 crew members aboard the vessel. The crew released carbon dioxide into the hold and sealed it over concerns of an explosion. They alerted the Coast Guard about the fire, which diverted the 410-foot cargo ship to Dutch Harbor, one of the nation’s busiest fishing ports located in Unalaska, an Aleutian Islands community about 800 miles southwest of Anchorage. Upon arr...

[ad_1] The fear of a precedent being set for raising baggage fees among U.S. airlines has arisen after Alaska Airlines announced an increase in their fees. The airline has raised its checked bag fee from $30 to $35 for economy passengers, with a second bag jumping from $40 to $45. However, other U.S. airlines have not yet followed suit. Alaska Airlines attributed the fee increase to rising operating costs, including high fuel prices. The new baggage fees will go into effect on January 2, 2024. While frequent travelers and those with credit cards affiliated with Alaska will still receive benefits such as a free checked bag, the potential for other airlines to raise their fees remains uncertain. The move has sparked concerns among air travelers, who are already frustrated with the many a...

[ad_1] A recent federal investment in Alaska's energy grid is bringing positive news to the construction, oil and gas industries. The $206 million investment, secured by the state's congressional delegation and the Biden administration, aims to modernize the grid and increase energy generation. One of the benefits of this investment is the protection of consumers from higher energy costs that would result from imported natural gas. The grid modernization also creates opportunities to drive down energy costs, making businesses more competitive and strengthening the mining industry and other energy-intensive sectors. This development is part of the Bipartisan Energy Law, spearheaded by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan, and the late Rep. Don Young, which has generated job opportuniti...

[ad_1] The latest report from the job center indicates positive growth in employment opportunities. According to data released by the center, there has been a significant increase in job openings across various industries. This bodes well for job seekers, as they can explore a diverse range of employment options. The report also highlights that the demand for skilled workers is on the rise. Employers are looking for individuals with specific expertise and qualifications to fill specialized roles within their organizations. This presents an opportunity for individuals to enhance their skills and pursue careers in high-demand fields. Overall, the job center report paints a promising picture for the job market, indicating a healthy and growing economy. Job seekers are encouraged to take a...

[ad_1] Alaska's Permanent Fund Dividend Program Opens for Applications In four days, eligible residents of Alaska will have the opportunity to apply for the state's Permanent Fund Dividend program for the year 2024. The annual application period for this program, which provides direct payments to Alaskans based on the state's mineral revenues, will be open from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024. It is important to note that even if a person has received a payment in the past, they must apply during the application window to receive a payment for the current year. There are a few exemptions that allow residents to apply outside of the regular application period, but for the most part, applications must be submitted between January and March to be eligible for a payment. Additionally, t...

[ad_1] The alcohol industry in Alaska is undergoing major changes that will take effect on Monday and bring significant shifts for business owners and public health groups. The changes, which stem from the passage of Senate Bill 9 in 2022, are aimed at improving public safety and aligning with how Alaskans now consume alcohol. One of the most immediate effects for patrons will be longer taproom hours, with the ability for breweries and distilleries to stay open until 9 p.m., up from the previous 8 p.m. closing time. The new regulations also allow taprooms to hold a limited number of live events per year and enable liquor stores to hold events and serve alcohol samples. The new law is expected to put an end to the "bar wars" between traditional bars and breweries by allowing business ow...

[ad_1] A man from Alaska is facing charges of assault on a peace officer after an incident in Fillmore County, Minnesota. Jayden Andrew, 22, was arrested after allegedly assaulting Rushford Police Officer Caleb Stensgard. Stensgard responded to a call about a disturbance and found Andrew arguing with a woman. The woman claimed Andrew had punched her in the face. When Stensgard tried to arrest Andrew, he allegedly headbutted the officer. Andrew is scheduled to appear in court on December 27 and is facing one felony count of assault on a peace officer, as well as two misdemeanor counts of domestic assault and four counts of misdemeanor obstruction charges. [ad_2]

[ad_1] Alaska State Troopers have identified the woman missing since Saturday as 45-year-old Amanda Richmond. The search for Richmond, an Eagle River resident, resumed on Tuesday with the involvement of multiple groups including the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team, Alaska Solstice Search Dogs, and troopers. Richmond disappeared under the water when she and a man entered to search for their dog that had gone into the water. Efforts to locate her began on Saturday and continued into Sunday, but she was not found. Search efforts resumed on Tuesday and were set to continue during daylight hours. [ad_2]