Anchorage News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Alaska is finally breaking ground on its first state-run veterans cemetery after nearly 20 years of effort — a $16.7 million federal investment in Salcha that will finally give Interior veterans a dignified, local burial site with full military honors. With the highest veteran-to-population ratio in the nation, this long-awaited facility — made possible by decades of advocacy, legislation, and community persistence — will serve over 12,000 veterans and families. Phase one includes 300 crypts, hundreds of niches, and administrative facilities, with construction wrapping by fall 2027 and burials beginning in spring 2028. Veterans can start planning now via the VA website using their DD Form 214 — a simple step that eases the burden on families later. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/febf282138d1e034

Governor Mike Dunleavy just vetoed nearly $90 million from the state budget — slashing funding for early learning, teacher pay, Head Start, and higher Medicaid rates — while sparing most of the $300 million allocated to K-12 schools. The governor defended the cuts as necessary to preserve general fund stability, especially after a temporary oil revenue windfall. Lawmakers, many of whom had championed the programs, are now preparing to potentially override the vetoes in a joint session — especially as they head to Juneau next week to vote on tax breaks for a natural gas pipeline. This marks another chapter in Dunleavy’s eight-year pattern of vetoing over $1.6 billion in spending. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4dc6f854f0ae0c7a

The city’s digging into its trash—literally—to uncover exactly what’s in the landfill, sorting 1,500 pounds daily into 72 categories, from plastic wrap to salt packets. This deep dive fuels plans for a 2030 Waste-to-Energy plant, but it’s also revealing surprises: vaping cartridges with flammable lithium batteries are popping up more than expected—and causing fires. Officials warn these shouldn’t go in regular trash, only at hazardous waste sites. The study ends this week, but seasonal sampling continues to paint a fuller picture. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ab6568477685abc2

Anchorage’s three key ice arenas are poised for a major management overhaul as the city prepares to vote on contracts that could reshape how they’re run—starting July 1st. The aging Sullivan Arena will fall under All in 49, led by the Anchorage Wolverines, while Boeke and Dempsey will be managed by Anchorage Community Ice Management, a spinoff of the Anchorage Hockey Association. This move follows years of turmoil under O’Malley Ice and Sport, whose mismanagement—including refusing to pay utilities—left the city footing the bill for nearly $2,600 daily. The new deals include $2.89 million over four and a half years to support the Sullivan’s operations and a $450,000 startup grant for the other two arenas. With the vote looming, this shift promises stability and renewed focus for vital community ice facilities. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/19b0270eb6eeb39c

Alaska’s Senate race is heating up in a bizarre legal showdown: a retired teacher named Dan J. Sullivan is challenging incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan in the Republican primary — only to be disqualified by the state for allegedly trying to confuse voters with the same name and party. The state argues it’s within its rights to block a “sham candidate” under the Constitution, while Sullivan’s team fires back, claiming the state oversteps by judging intent and that a simple middle initial fix would resolve the confusion. With court deadlines looming and the judge live-streaming arguments due to public interest, this case could reshape how election officials handle identity confusion — and decide who controls the Senate. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ff14e0a0fdf7c5ab

Fairbanks’ House race just got shockingly simple: Seth Church, the Republican challenger, dropped out—leaving incumbent Will Stapp running unopposed. Church initially entered the race over a tax-cut bill for a trans-Alaska gas pipeline, but after seeing Stapp’s support for it, he concluded they shared the same goals: slashing energy costs and boosting jobs in Fairbanks. Church’s exit joins a wave of withdrawals—six candidates have already pulled, two were rejected—with the final deadline this Saturday. Stapp remains focused on pushing his gas pipeline bill, undeterred by the lack of opposition. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9e2fd879545f2554

A Wright Air Service Cessna Caravan made a dramatic emergency landing in the remote Brooks Range after taking off from Coldfoot, carrying nine passengers and a pilot who suffered a minor injury. Thanks to the plane’s emergency locator and swift helicopter rescue, everyone survived. Federal investigators, led by the NTSB, are now probing a potential engine issue — with weather ruled out — as they scramble to retrieve the wreckage in a high-demand, snow-covered region. The experienced pilot’s skill in choosing a landing spot is being praised, and officials are reviewing maintenance, pilot records, and environmental factors to determine if this is an isolated incident or part of a wider problem affecting Alaska’s air taxi fleet. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/eb6f711baa8fe10c

A Juneau man, 36-year-old Darian Bliss, is facing serious charges after allegedly chasing two teenage girls from a movie theater last Thursday night—scaring them so badly they ran a mile to a store and called for help. Though Bliss claims he was just heading to the store, multiple witnesses say he pursued them. The girls, ages 12 and 13, are shaken and their families are worried about safety if he’s released on $500 bail. Child enticement charges were dropped, but two misdemeanor counts of causing fear of imminent injury could each carry up to a year in jail. He’s scheduled for a pre-trial conference on September 14th. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/f1136cf8879fe5f0

A chilling incident unfolded in Kasilof, Alaska, where a man on a fishing trip with troubled youth was intentionally set on fire while asleep—leading to serious injuries and an emergency airlift to Anchorage. The teen responsible, part of a residential treatment program, poured gasoline and lit him on fire, now facing multiple felony charges. The other two youths were unharmed and released back into care. Authorities are still investigating, revealing how quickly danger can erupt—even in programs designed to help. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9086d1cce39c14fb

Alaska’s democracy is under fire as Governor Dunleavy’s office moves to strip Dan J. Sullivan of his ballot eligibility, sparking fears of a dangerous precedent that could erode electoral fairness. The move is widely seen as paving the way for Dan S. Sullivan — a staunch Trump ally who rarely speaks out against his boss — to dominate the race. Amid rising threats to voting rights, including a proposed SAVE Act that could disenfranchise key groups, the author issues a rallying cry: voters must awaken, organize, and fight to defend the foundations of democracy before it’s too late. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/35dcbc513d300d7b

Alaska’s U.S. House race is heating up with a stark contrast: Matt Schultz, the witty, accessible candidate, faces off against Nick Begich, who’s dodged public forums and aligned closely with Trump’s agenda — from cutting food stamps to staying silent on controversial proposals. Voters in August will choose between openness and opacity, with Schultz’s relatability pitted against Begich’s political loyalty. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e570ca4fee6f1926

A federal judge just slapped Alaska with nearly $2 million in legal fees after Native groups won a four-year battle over subsistence fishing rights — a case that pits Alaska’s equal access constitution against federal law ANILCA, which prioritizes rural hunters and fishers. The state lost even at the Supreme Court, sparking debate over whether the fight was about legal clarity or political theater — with Native leaders calling it vital to protect their culture and some lawmakers accusing the state of costly ideological battles. Alaska now faces a tough choice: appeal the fee order or accept a verdict that underscores the deep tension between state and federal resource management in the Last Frontier. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/48c8d74d238b80bd

Gas prices are falling—about 49 cents a gallon—but President Trump’s blaming big oil, even as refineries and pump owners lag behind. Crude oil drops don’t instantly hit the pump due to complex supply chains, and seasonal demand, holidays, and global supply issues keep prices stubbornly high. Families are feeling the pinch across everything from groceries to flights, reminding us how deeply interconnected our everyday costs are. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/705ec485790c7a99