By Leroy Polk: Seward highway blocked by landslide, isolating commuters from Anchorage
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire & Victoria Taylor: Track Palin facing assault and burglary charges
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Man and woman shot in midtown Anchorage, no suspected shooter identified
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor: Alaska SPCA opens doors to new veterinary clinic
Meadors said the clinic performs up to two dozen spays and neuters on cats, dogs and rabbits each day.

The organization is largely funded through donations and sales from the Alaska SPCA thrift shop.
 
 
 
 
By Kalinda Kindle: Who’s picking up the tab? City to consider proposed alcohol tax
Opponents say the tax could hurt consumers. Peanut Farm’s general manager, Travis Block said responsible drinkers are the ones that would be picking up the tab.

“Five percent is just craziness and they think our business should just absorb a five percent extra tax.” Block said.
Block said, the consumer would most likely end up paying a little more and he said that’s not fair to those who drink responsibly.
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera:Downtown restaurant owner: Vandals ‘were just being mean’
Anderson says it will cost $1,400 to replace the windows. She now worries whoever damaged the store this time, might come back again.
 
 
 
 
Moms Everyday Alaska: Red velvet crinkle cookies

By Cameron Mackintosh: 1,268 wreaths laid at Fort Richardson National Cemetery
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: Walker endorses big changes for the Permanent Fund
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Gov. Walker is endorsing big changes to the Permanent Fund that include drawing on earnings to pay for state services, a first in the fund’s 41-year history. The plan would also see an estimated Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) of $1,216 per person for 2018.
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor: Troopers: Repeat DUI offender found next to a car in a ditch
According to the AST daily dispatch log, 28-year-old Michael Lanz was apparently driving under the influence of alcohol. Troopers said Lanz had his license revoked for a previous Felony DUI conviction, “Lanz had 3 prior convictions for DUI in the preceding 7 years,” Troopers wrote.

AST also charged Lanz with felony refusal to submit to a chemical test. He was taken to the Mat-Su Pre-Trial Facility and held in lieu of a $5,000 bail.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: 5 murder suspects appear linked to Anchorage man’s death
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Convicted rapist held at Goose Creek dies at hospital
“Boyd has been in DOC custody since 2011,” Edge wrote. “He was serving time for third-degree weapons misconduct, three counts of first-degree sexual assault, two counts of third-degree assault and kidnapping.”
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Staff: Suspect crashes stolen SUV in Fairview
 
 
 
 
By Liz Raines: ‘Women have had enough:’ Westlake accuser calls out Alaska Dems
“I think for way too long, way too many people and especially those in power have made far too many excuses for why it’s not a good time to be outing predators,” Garrett said. “’It’s not a good time to address sexual violence,’ or you know, they’ll make excuses saying this person or that person has done a lot of good in other areas and we can’t afford to lose them – ‘You know, we need their votes for this or that’ – and I think women have had enough.”

Westlake’s daughter from the underage relationship, Joslynn Little, said Saturday that she appreciated seeing party officials being called to account for their role in his rise to power.
 
 
 
 
By Victoria Taylor / Cameron Mackintosh: Annual Polar Plunge raises around $300K for Special Olympics Alaska
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Sitka seafood company bolstering marketing in Midwest
The company has a 10,000-square-foot (929-square meter) processing plant in Sitka, and two “Good-Fish Hubs” in the Midwest.

Mink says the new facility will house Sitka Salmon Shares’ distribution, packaging, marketing and retail functions.

Alaska lawmaker resigns as investigation reveals he fathered child with teen girl

Alaska lawmaker resigns as investigation reveals he fathered child with teen girl
Facing accusations of sexual harassment, Rep. Dean Westlake, D-Kiana, announced today that he plans to resign from office. The announcement comes as Channel 2 prepared a report on a child Westlake fathered with a teenage girl in 1988 when Westlake was 28. The girl was 16 when she gave birth to the daughter, who was established as Westlake’s child in a 1990 paternity claim filed by the state division of child support enforcement. SHOW MORE
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: Female assault victim dies at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
The victim, identified as 29-year-old Holly Morgan Rae Charlie of Fairbanks, died a short while later. Fairbanks Police Department detectives detained a person of interest around 10:00 a.m. FPD says “further investigation is ongoing at this time.”
 
 
 
 
By Samantha Angaiak: Governor Walker releases budget proposal for fiscal year 2019
 
 
 
 
By Beth Verge: Alaskan leaders respond to budget proposal with mixed reactions
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: 1 hurt after mobile drill hits Palmer gas line, burns
 
 
 
 
By Rhonda McBride: Kodiak Harbor Lights Festival brightens the holidays
 
 
 
 
By Jack Carney: Bus riders can now use mobile app to pay their way around town
The Muni’s public transportation department says it provides an average 11,000 rides per day around the city.

http://www.muni.org/departments/transit/peoplemover/Pages/default.aspx
 
 
 
 

By Daybreak Staff: Mic Check in the Morning: UAA’s Opera Ensemble

By Associated Press: Alaska jails want more flexibility to grant inmate furloughs
 
 
 
 
By Liz Thomas: U.S. Marshals, APD target sex offenders in operation
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: Anchorage avalanche victim remembered in an uplifting ceremony
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – “He was a legend of his own making, always curious and always seeking new adventure around every corner.” That was how Steve Bergt remembered his brother Randy, the pilot, project manager, Nordic ski coach, world traveler, and experienced backcountry skier who died in an Avalanche, a day before Thanksgiving near Hatcher Pass.
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: DOT worker bears witness to rare sight
 
 
 
 
Laurel Downing Bill: Story Time with Aunt Phil: Sled Dogs
 
 
 
 
Past inspires artists at moose hide tanning workshop

By Leroy Polk: Alaska man arrested for attempted murder after trying to run over, shoot victim
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Anchorage man convicted in murder of ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend
For his crimes, Rodriguez faces life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April of 2018.
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: Soldier at Ft. Wainwright convicted of child pornography charges
Basey was found guilty on both charges, each carrying a range of sentencing from five to 20 years behind bars, in addition to fines of $250,000.

Basey’s sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 23, 2018 in Fairbanks.
 
 
 
 
By Chris Klint: Woman dead, man charged in Wasilla wreck
 
 
 
 
By Daniella Rivera: Anchorage man sentenced in 2015 rape on UAA Campus
When given his chance to speak, Gutierrez said, “I want to participate in the program to learn more and rehabilitate myself and be a good father to my daughter and a better part of society when I do get out, and that I won’t be in here forever.”

His daughter is 3-years-old.

Judge Saxby sentenced Gutierrez to serve 10 years, with two suspended, amounting to eight years of time incarcerated. He will get credit for time he’s served since his 2015 arrest.

Gutierrez will also have to register on the sex offender list.
 
 
 
 
By Samantha Angaiak: Day care center for seniors living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia to close
 
 
 
 
By Beth Verge: Alaska spearheads investigation into ‘one of the most powerful cyberattacks in history’
 
 
 
 
KrebsOnSecurity: Mirai IoT Botnet Co-Authors Plead Guilty

Mirai IoT Botnet Co-Authors Plead Guilty
Krebs on Security
At the end of September 2016, just days after the attack on this site, the authors of Mirai — who collectively used the nickname “Anna Senpai” … is slated to hold a media conference at 2 p.m. today with officials from Alaska (where these cases originate) to “discuss significant cybercrime cases.” Update: …

 
 
 
 
By Nikki Carvajal & Sidney Sullivan: MAP: See where legal marijuana is sold around Alaska
 
 
 
 
By Daybreak Staff: Workforce Wednesday: Culinary Arts

Condolences
By Rebecca Palsha, Kalinda Kindle: Solider from Alaska dies in Afghanistan
 
 
 
 
By Kyle Hopkins: Investigator: Sen. Wilson did not violate sex harassment policy; related investigation ongoing
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Juneau’s shelter for women to open its doors to men
 
 
 
 
By Rebecca Palsha: Artists bring ‘White Christmas’ to Downtown, even if the weather won’t
Need a jolt of Christmas cheer? Call artist Katie Sevigny and her band of high school art students.
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: 2 arrested for stealing mail in the Tudor area
 
 
 
 
By Tracy Sinclaire: Bright lights from tiny pebbles – how to watch Wednesday’s peak meteor shower
 
 
 
 
By Samantha Angaiak: School district asks community for input amid revenue shortfall
The survey will be available through December and findings will be presented to the school board at a public meeting.

To view ASD’s Budget Input Survey click here.
 
 
 
 
By Jackie Purcell/KTUU: Rain-Freezing Rain-Snow-Warmer, Thanks to the Pineapple Express.

By Kortnie Horazdovsky: Former Anchorage tutor sentenced for sex abuse of student
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A former Anchorage tutor was sentenced to serve 23 years in jail with 11 suspended after pleading guilty to sex abuse of a minor and distribution of child pornography.

Evan Fischer was initially investigated by Anchorage Police in 2015 for possessing and distributing child pornography over the Internet, but detectives discovered he had been in a sexual relationship with an underage student.

His total sentence for the two charges includes 10 years probation and registering as a sex offender for life.
 
 
 
 
By Samantha Angaiak: “Those are the murderers right there” accused shooter blames others at arraignment
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire & Leroy Polk: UPDATE: APD says video surveillance validates McDonald’s shooting victim
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: Mom accused of child’s starvation death in court
 
 
 
 
By KTVA Web Staff: ‘Hoverboard’ dentist in court for Medicaid fraud
The Department of Law also alleges Lookhart devised a scheme to send money collected from Medicaid directly to his home.

If convicted, Lookhart and Crandford face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,00.
 
 
 
 
By Associated Press: Flirting, sexting added to Alaska teachers’ code of ethics
FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – An Alaska education commission has added flirting, sexting and inappropriate touching to the list of things that teachers are not allowed to do with students.
 
 
 
 
By Caslon Hatch: The Doctor is in, at downtown Anchorage mall
The 5th Avenue Mall was chosen as a location because there are no other medical service options within the central city grid.

The clinic officially opens Tuesday. Hours of operation will coincide with mall hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Another location will open at the Dimond Center Mall in the spring with plans to expand to more areas in the state.
 
 
 
 
By Patrick Enslow: Seawolf women honored in U.S. Senate
 
 
 
 
By Photojournalist Shawn Wilson: Homeless rehab program begins in the kitchen
 
 
 
 
By Rebecca Palsha: Free syringe program grows to include a mobile health unit
The woman whose husband is addicted to opioids has been able to keep a good job, but she’d still like him to stop.

“I worry every day, from day to day. I don’t know if something is going to happen to him or if he’s going to overdose, or if he’s going to get in trouble with the law. It’s hard to tell from day to day what’s going to happen.”
 
 
 
 
By Kortnie Horazdovsky: UAF Engineering building opens after year-long construction delay
“Most of the high bay facilities at other universities would be encased in concrete walls. Ours is encased in glass,” said Douglas Goering, Dean of the College of Engineering and Mines. “So people can see what engineers do and experience and become engaged with what engineers do.”
 
 
 
 
By Angela Cox: Rasmuson Foundation Awards $6.6 Million
 
 
 
 
By James Gaddis: Teacher of the Week: Frau Lucht
 
 
 
 
Moms Everyday Alaska: Double peppermint chocolate chip cookies

By Leroy Polk: Weekend homicide suspect arrested after Anchorage police deploys SWAT
 
 
 
 
By Liz Raines: Harassment in Alaska’s capitol building: HR perspective
 
 
 
 
One Alaska Update A Note From Gov. Walker…

Coming This Week: Walker-Mallott Budget for FY 2019

This week, the Walker-Mallott Administration will unveil the budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2019. Budgets are moral documents, as they reflect the values and priorities we have for our state. Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Mallott envision a Safer, Smarter, and Stronger Alaska that is thriving for future generations. We can only get there if we get our fiscal house in order.

More:

By Sean Maguire: The Mendeltna Creek Lodge near Glennallen is on fire
The lodge’s owners, Mabel and Russ Wimmer, are both fine but their pets, a cat and two mastiffs, both perished in the fire.
 
 
 
 
By AP: Weather Service cuts balloon launches amid staffing issue
The loss of any input data affects weather models, but the degree it hurts the accuracy of forecasts isn’t easy to quantify.

Weather Service Alaska Region Director Carven Scott says the Weather Service supplements data from weather balloons with data from satellites.
 
 
 
 
By Cameron Mackintosh: Snowmachiners practice for the worst with simulated crash course

On Saturday, a group of 25 snowmachiners put their search and rescue skills to the test, in a hands-on crash simulation organized by Learn to Return, a business that provides survival and first aid training.

Learn to Return director Brian Horner says he usually offers the course to employees in the construction industry or other similar fields. But Saturday’s class was comprised of people who work for events like the Iditarod, Iditasport and Iron Dog, as well as members of search and rescue groups and the Anchorage snowmachine club.
 
 
 
 
Another view: Wilderness Medical Training
By Scott Gross: New Anchorage course offers wilderness medical training

By Sean Maguire: AST: Suspect tried to run over State Trooper during high speed chase on Glenn Hwy
 
 
 
 
By Kyle Hopkins: ‘He should resign. It’s that simple.’ Woman who says she was groped by Alaska lawmaker says apology is not enough
 
 
 
 
By Leroy Polk: With theft on the rise, Fred Meyer’s grocery store looks to police for help
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: Red Cross Alaska deploys 7 volunteers to assist with the California wildfires
 
 
 
 
By Heather Hintze: DOT buys properties, boards up buildings for Glenn Hwy expansion
 
 
 
 
By KTVA: Appeal denied for mom convicted in son’s death
 
 
 
 
By Scott Gross: Struggling Veterans gain some ‘peace of mind’ during holidays
 
 
 
 
By Sean Maguire: VIDEO: Alaska SeaLife Center seal released into the wild