Sen. Sullivan says a large Russian naval exercise happening in the Bering Sea at the same time as the triple aircraft intercept demonstrates that the Arctic has become a flashpoint.
Military
U.S. investigates ‘unprofessional interactions’ after Russian military confronts Bering Sea fishermen
The altercation interrupted fishing for several boats, and some fishing industry players say they’re worried about continuing impacts from the exercises.
‘Move out of the way’: Bering Sea fishing boats report close encounter with Russian military
The pollock boats were in the U.S. exclusive economic zone, which reserves fishing rights for American boats but doesn’t block international vessels from entering.
Defund the police? Murkowski says no, but they don’t need weapons of war
Murkowski is co-sponsoring an amendment that would ban the Pentagon from transferring certain surplus military weapons to police departments.
Alaska Native vets from the Vietnam era may lay claim to Alaska land
Congress has approved a new Native allotment filing period for veterans who served during the Vietnam War era
Anchorage bids to become headquarters for revamped Space Command
A decision is expected as early as 2021 and would bring 1,400 military and civilian personnel to Anchorage.
From Kotzebue to Ketchikan, Alaskans protest the killing of George Floyd, calling for justice
While Alaska’s rallies and protests have remained peaceful some Alaskans have reported instances of intimidation, backlash, or resistance. More demonstrations are planned for this weekend.
30-bed field hospital arrives in Bristol Bay Borough, courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse
The Bristol Bay borough is the epicenter of fish processing during the short sockeye fishery, and its population grows exponentially as seafood workers and fishermen come to the region.
Alaska National Guard calls up members for state coronavirus response
The Alaska National Guard is mobilizing to assist with the state’s coronavirus response, putting dozens of volunteer Guard members on active duty.
JBER declares emergency after 7 on base test positive for COVID-19
At the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, the installation commander has declared a public health emergency due to an elevated risk on the base for “sustained community transmission.”