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

Fat Bear Week is back bigger than ever—this year featuring 16 grizzly bears competing in a wild, salmon-fueled bracket tournament from September 22nd to 29th. What began as a small online phenomenon has exploded into a global spectacle, with millions voting for their favorite bear based on who’s fatter, gained the most weight, or just has the best vibe. Rangers hand-picked this year’s field, reflecting a thriving ecosystem and record-breaking salmon runs. Follow the contenders, see their transformation photos, and join the fun—your vote decides the ultimate Fat Bear champion.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.ktoo.org/2026/09/18/fat-bear-week-returns-for-fall-2026/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/e298bbb75d535466

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A pedestrian died instantly after being struck in Anchorage Thursday morning, prompting charges against 60-year-old driver Vaiee Samuelu for leaving the scene and failing to render aid. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity as they notify their family, marking this the sixth pedestrian fatality in Anchorage this year. Samuelu was booked into jail and scheduled for her first court appearance Friday, as details of the crash remain under investigation.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://alaskapublic.org/news/public-safety/2026-09-18/anchorage-woman-arrested-after-fatal-hit-and-run

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https://sources.thednn.ai/5e09597330ea7519

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A tragic motorcycle collision in Juneau claims the life of 26-year-old Ryan Jollimore, who was struck by a USPS vehicle on North Douglas Highway just before 2:30 p.m. The impact was severe; Jollimore died at the scene while the postal driver escaped injury. Authorities are investigating whether lane changes contributed to the crash and have not yet ruled out charges. This heartbreaking loss leaves a community reeling — a sobering reminder of road dangers and the fragility of life.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.ktoo.org/2026/09/18/juneau-motorcyclist-dies-after-collision-with-u-s-postal-service-vehicle-on-douglas-island/

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https://sources.thednn.ai/ef78ba2d21633a49

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Get ready for a busy week in Juneau—The Bridge Adult Day Program hosts an open house Wednesday, September 23rd, and the Rotary Club’s annual Capital Brewfest kicks off Friday, September 25th, with a Beerfeast dinner and brewers from across Alaska pouring local craft beer. It’s community, connection, and celebration all rolled into one unforgettable weekend.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.ktoo.org/2026/09/17/bridge-adult-day-program-open-house-perseverance-theatre-and-national-new-play-network-rotarys-capital-brewfest-beerfeast/

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The DOJ just declared a major legal shift: federal law banning handgun sales to 18-20-year-olds from licensed dealers is unconstitutional, aligning with Supreme Court Second Amendment rulings. This reinterpretation of 18 U.S. Code 922 means dealers can’t be criminally penalized for selling to responsible young adults in that age group — a landmark move with big implications for gun policy and future legal battles.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/09/18/doj-decides-18-20-year-olds-can-buy-handguns-strikes-down-federal-bans/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/3e2c8bb8b5e36b00

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In Eagle River, Alaska, conservative Rep. Jamie Allard faces a fierce reelection battle as three challengers—Democrat Jim Arlington, Republican Ruby Jones, and Democrat Lee Hammermeister—seek to unseat her. With a history of controversial stances, including opposing pandemic restrictions and alienating allies, Allard’s hardline conservatism clashes with her opponents’ calls for bipartisan cooperation. Jones, backed by labor groups, positions herself as the policy-focused alternative; Arlington returns for a second shot on cost of living and education; Hammermeister, running without party support, champions community projects. The race could reshape Juneau’s political balance as voters weigh governance over partisanship.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.adn.com/politics/alaska-legislature/2026/09/18/eagle-river-gop-lawmaker-faces-criticism-from-challengers-on-the-right-and-left-in-reelection-bid/

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A tragic motorcycle crash on North Douglas Highway claimed the life of 26-year-old Ryan Jollimore after his bike collided with a postal truck around 2:30 PM near the Douglas Bridge. The driver of the truck escaped injury, but Jollimore was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are still investigating how the collision occurred and have not yet filed charges. His family is devastated by the sudden loss — a sobering reminder of road dangers and the fragility of life.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/09/18/juneau-motorcyclist-killed-collision-with-mail-vehicle/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/0ddfc2a6ba6f4234

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In Soldotna, Alaska, Derek Berry’s May disappearance turned deadly when his body was found — confirming a homicide. Suspect Joseph Mesa, 35, faces multiple charges including first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, burglary, and drug offenses after allegedly covering up the crime. Arrested on a separate warrant, Mesa was questioned about Berry’s death, leading to an indictment by a Kenai Grand Jury. More charges may follow as the investigation continues — Mesa is set to appear in court Friday.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/09/18/arrest-made-murder-soldotna-man/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/cf9d17c324a0ede1

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The House just passed a groundbreaking bill requiring big data centers to pay for the electricity they consume — a rare bipartisan win that’s sparking fierce debate. While lawmakers agree these energy-hungry facilities are straining the grid and utility bills, opinions diverge on how to handle them: some want outright bans, others push for local control, and progressives demand stronger regulations. President Trump dismisses the concerns as a “hoax,” while environmental groups say the bill’s too weak. With the Senate yet to act and tax incentives under fire, this contentious issue is heating up as elections near — and the future of AI’s energy appetite hangs in the balance.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/09/18/repub/trump-likes-data-centers-congress-seems-stuck-the-midterms-could-deliver-a-verdict/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/a221bd5b694c5ac7

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Whittier’s $80 million cruise ship dock — a landmark opening just two years ago — is now a total loss after a devastating fire erupted on September 15, destroying the facility and damaging a nearby tour boat. Firefighters battled the blaze with over 112,000 gallons of water, hauling it in from across town since the dock’s hydrants failed. The Norwegian Jade escaped unscathed, but the Klondike Express suffered smoke and flame damage. State fire marshals are investigating the cause, scrutinizing construction plans to determine if code violations played a role — a major blow for a community that relied on this secure, high-profile infrastructure.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://alaskapublic.org/news/2026-09-18/whittiers-new-80m-dock-considered-total-loss-after-fire

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/aa923a639ba6ebf0

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