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Friday, August 29, 2025: Alaska Headlines 

Today's top news headlines in Alaska, reflecting the latest developments affecting communities, education, and local affairs.

Key News Highlights

Arrests Impacting Local Communities

The FBI reported the arrest of the owner and manager of the Chelsea Inn, a move expected to have significant consequences for the local community.

Education Reform Urgency

Governor Mike Dunleavy strongly criticized the Alaska Legislature for failing to address urgent educational policy reforms. Alaska currently ranks 51st nationally in educational outcomes, and the governor emphasized that continued legislative delays have a direct negative impact on students’ futures. Dunleavy has threatened to call additional special sessions if meaningful changes are not made soon.

State Attorney General Appointment

Governor Dunleavy named Stephen J. Cox as Alaska’s new state attorney general today. The announcement marks a shift in legal leadership for the state. *More to this story below.

Local Crime and Missing Persons Case

The body found near Nome was identified as a man missing for months from Nunivak Island, bringing closure to a long-standing case and concern for affected families.

Healthcare Education Expansion

The University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Kuskokwim Campus unveiled a new learning space aimed at supporting its nursing program, signifying continued investment in healthcare education in rural Alaska.

Military Incident Report Released

A crash report was published regarding an F-35 fighter jet accident at Eielson Air Force Base, offering more detail for the public and those involved.

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*Governor Dunleavy Demands Urgent Education Reform as Alaska Ranks Last Nationally

Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a sweeping rebuke of the Alaska Legislature today, citing their persistent failure to enact policy reform aimed at improving educational outcomes for the state’s students. Alaska currently ranks 51st in the nation, and Dunleavy emphasized that legislative delays are directly harming students’ prospects every year.

Governor’s Call to Action

Dunleavy stressed that “every single year is invaluable for a child’s learning, and it shapes their future trajectory significantly. Alaska’s education system can do better, and we can do better right now. Every time the legislature kicks the can down the road, they are subjecting another cohort of students to an education system that is failing to meet the needs of many students”.

Funding vs. Reform

The governor made it clear that simply increasing funding without addressing underlying systemic issues will not lead to improved student outcomes. He described the need for “significant reform” rather than a blank-check increase in education budgets.

Legislative Warning

Governor Dunleavy warned that if the Alaska Legislature does not enact meaningful education policy reform in the upcoming regular session, he is prepared to call additional special sessions until they take decisive action.