Alaska Today: Major Oil Layoffs, Political Moves, and Rising Environmental Alerts on September 9, 2025
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| White Mountains National Recreation Area, Alaska, for Trails Surrounded by Rugged Beauty and Northern Lightshow Source: mypubliclands |
Alaska Political and Economic News
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| Ryan M. Lance has served as chairman and chief executive officer of ConocoPhillips, one of the world’s leading exploration and production companies, since 2012. |
ConocoPhillips, Alaska’s largest oil producer, has announced plans for significant layoffs—potentially affecting 20-25% of its global workforce, or about 2,600 to 3,250 jobs. Most of these job cuts are expected before the end of 2025 and could slow or reverse recent growth in Alaska’s oilfield employment. The company has begun notifying employees, with layoffs set to begin as early as November 10, 2025.
A national advocacy group is suing the state to force reforms in Alaska’s foster care system, spotlighting ongoing concerns about child welfare and state oversight.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
The U.S. House of Representatives voted to undo a major resource management plan for Alaska, drawing criticism from many Alaskans opposed to federal plans affecting land and resource use. Concurrently, an appeals court sided with the federal government in a subsistence management lawsuit against Alaska.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
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| US Rep Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) |
Political attention is building around what Representative Mary Peltola will do in the 2026 elections, alongside increasing advocacy for expanded resource development across the state.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
Local News and Crime
Former trooper Joseph Miller Jr., 50, is charged in connection with a violent arrest of the wrong man during a Kenai suspect search. Another former trooper also faces charges related to the incident.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
Animal cruelty charges have been filed against Kevin Neher, 42, following the discovery of multiple dead and neglected animals in June.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
Concerns have surfaced about Alaska’s inactive voter rolls, with hundreds of voters flagged as noncitizens. State officials note this may include false positives and are reviewing the list.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
Environment, Weather, and Science
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| File: Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska |
The Alaska Volcano Observatory has raised the alert level for Shishaldin Volcano to “yellow/advisory” due to increased gas emissions, frequent small earthquakes, and signs of volcanic unrest. The last eruption was between July and November 2023.
[Source: Alaska Volcano Observatory]
Fall foliage is arriving early across Fairbanks and the North Slope, with birch and aspen trees turning vibrant yellow and orange. Higher elevations are also expecting their first measurable snowfall of the season soon.
[Source: Fox Weather]
Culture, Education & Events
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| Alaska Public Media's station in Anchorage, Alaska at 3877 University Drive. Source: Alaska Public Media |
A virtual panel discussion on the future of public media in Alaska is planned, hosted by KUAC and PBS President Paula Kerger.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
The latest flat test scores in Alaska schools have renewed debate on policies aimed at improving educational outcomes statewide.
[Source: Alaska Public Media]
These stories outline major developments shaping Alaska’s politics, economy, environment, and community life as of September 9, 2025.
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