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New data shows increase in overdose deaths for 2023 in Alaska

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New data shows increase in overdose deaths for 2023 in Alaska


FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an increase in overdose deaths within the state of Alaska despite the national decrease reported for 2023.

According to the CDC, reported overdose deaths in 2022 totaled 247 which rose to 356 in 2023. The state showed an estimated 44% increase, ranking the highest out of all 50 states. Opioids were the leading drug class, causing about 70% of the drug overdose deaths in the state.

As for the national data, it showed a decrease in overdose deaths, thus exhibiting progress. The CDC, along with their partners, have coordinated federal efforts for prevention, services and harm reduction. This was a part of the Biden Administration’s Overdose Prevention Strategy aimed at treating addiction and saving lives.

However, the data CDC reported shows 100,000 lives lost just last year to drug overdoses. The CDC has stated they are committed to doing what they can to end this epidemic and prevent unnecessary death and suffering.

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The full report with data from the CDC can be accessed here.



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Alaska disability advocates praise progress and push for more at state Capitol

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Alaska disability advocates praise progress and push for more at state Capitol





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West Valley’s Jayden Miranda named Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year

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West Valley’s Jayden Miranda named Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year


West Valley Wolfpack junior guard Jayden Miranda looks to pass the ball during a 56-38 loss to the Forest Wildcats from Ocala, Florida during the opening round of the Alaska Airlines Classic at West Anchorage High School on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Junior Jayden Miranda on Friday became the latest player from West Valley High School to be named Gatorade Alaska Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

“It feels good and it was definitely one of the goals that I had to check off my checklist,” he said. “I woke up, and I didn’t know. My coach told me, and it was just excitement in my heart. My heart was beating and I was just smiling.”

Miranda led the Wolfpack boys basketball team to a Mid Alaska Conference championship and the No. 1 seed at the 2026 ASAA 4A state tournament.

The 5-foot-11 guard also helped lead West Valley to a 22-4 record, and through 23 games, he averaged 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists as well as shooting 51.8% from the floor and 39.7% from the perimeter.

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“Miranda is a great kid on and off the court — gets good grades and never gets in trouble,” North Pole head coach Travis Church said in a statement. “Looking around 4A, I don’t see anyone who would measure up. He’s the best player on the best team in the state. It’s hard for me to imagine going with anyone else.”

Miranda is the second player from the program to receive the award. The first was two-time recipient Stewart Erhart, who was honored in back-to-back years from 2022-23.

The award acknowledges a student-athlete’s athletic achievement, and also recognizes outstanding academic excellence and exceptional character displayed on and off the court.

Miranda maintained a 3.36 GPA and volunteered locally with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, donated time as a youth basketball coach and is a practiced artist who has also taken multiple cooking classes in high school.

He and the top-seeded Wolfpack fell short of advancing to the finals Friday after losing 59-52 to fifth-seeded South Anchorage.

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Noordam Starts Repositioning Cruise to West Coast – Cruise Industry News

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Noordam Starts Repositioning Cruise to West Coast – Cruise Industry News


The Noordam sailed from Australia earlier this month to kick off a 36-night repositioning voyage to the West Coast. Sailing between Sydney and Seattle, the month-long itinerary started in mid-March and includes destinations in the South Pacific, French Polynesia and Hawaii. The cruise is highlighted by overnight visits to Honolulu…



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