Nearly 300,000 people in Alaska have been told to prepare for a possible volcano eruption with fears that Mount Spurr will blow after dozens of earthquakes have been recorded
There are major fears Mount Spurr could erupt(Image: U.S. Geological Society)
Panic buying has hit fever pitch in Alaska as fears of a massive volcanic eruption send thousands scrambling for essentials. Nearly 300,000 locals are on tenterhooks as Mount Spurr, near Anchorage, threatens to erupt after a flurry of earthquakes.
The Alaska Volcano Observatory warns that “volcanic unrest persists,” following around “’55 earthquakes in the last week.”
Mount Spurr, a mere 81 miles from Anchorage, has locals on high alert as the threat of eruption looms large. This has triggered a rush for batteries, pet food and protective gear.
Cloe Turner, who spent nearly £400 at Costco getting in the essential goods, admitted she is preparing for the worse ahead of the looming natural disaster, reports the Mirror.
Mount Spurr last erupted in 1992(Image: ADGGS)
“We might not be able to work, and stores might not open,’ she said. ‘The last time something like this happened, the city was blanketed in ash for an entire month.”
Another Anchorage resident took to TikTok to say she rushed to Walmart to get “weird and random” items to help protect her family from the impending disaster. “So a volcano is supposed to erupt in Anchorage, Alaska.
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“Am I prepared for said volcano? No. I’m here at Walmart today buying all of the things that I need to protect me from volcanic ash pouring all over the city,” the user said while walking inside a Walmart store. Some of these items are so weird and random, but they serve a genius purpose, people are very clever when it comes to this stuff.”
Nearly 300,000 Alaskans are on high alert(Image: Gallo Images via Getty Images)
She was also seen purchasing pairs of swimmer’s goggles to “protect our eyes” as volcanic ash can irriate the nose, throat and eyes. It can cause serious health issues for people with asthma, other forms of lung disease and severe heart problems, the International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) said.
While another local resident took to social media to share tips for people with contact lenses if they encouter volcanic ash. “I saw a post circulating on Facebook yesterday and it had some tips and tricks I haven’t seen before so I wanted to share them with you,! a user posted on TikTok.
“If you wear contact lenses you need to remove them immediately when [the volcano] erupts’ the user warned, adding that “the ash will tear your eyes up.”
The fear is the area could be left covered in ash(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
The advice comes as experts at the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO) warned multiple earthquakes had been recorded in the last week. It said: “Unrest continues at Mount Spurr volcano. Seismicity remains elevated with occasional small, shallow volcanic earthquakes detected beneath the volcano over the past day.
“AVO continues monitoring activity at Mount Spurr for signals indicating that the volcano is moving closer to an eruption.”
Meanwhile, the US Geological Survey (USGS) has detected hundreds of small tremors within a 30-mile radius of the volcano since the start of the month.
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President Donald Trump has suggested a possible oil and gas deal for Alaska with China following his meeting with the Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday: “A very large scale transaction may take place concerning the purchase of oil and gas from the great state of Alaska.”
Why It Matters
China has previously avoided purchasing U.S. crude oil, and has been reselling U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) since early this year. America only accounted for around five percent of China’s LNG imports and two percent of its crude oil imports in 2024, according to Chinese customs data. Trump’s announcement indicates a change in China’s trade policy.
It comes after trade tensions escalated rapidly between the U.S. and China this year, with tariffs being imposed by both nations.
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This has included China’s 44 percent tariff on U.S. soybean exports, which was a huge blow to American farmers. Soybeans make up about 14 percent of total U.S. agricultural exports, making them America’s most valuable foodstuff sold abroad.
Trump also threatened earlier this month to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods starting in November following China’s tightening restrictions on rare earths exports.
What To Know
Trump said on Truth Social that China had agreed to “begin the process of purchasing” American energy, and added that Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum would be meeting to see if a deal “can be worked out.”
The president also said that President Xi had authorized China to begin purchasing “massive amounts” of soybeans and other farm products. “Farmers should immediately go out and buy more land and larger tractors,” he said.
Trump added that China had agreed to “openly and freely” continue the flow of rare earths and critical minerals, and that Beijing would “work diligently” with the U.S. to stop the flow of fentanyl.
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Trump has previously said that China had not done enough to prevent the flow of precursor chemicals – which are used to make fentanyl – into the U.S.
It comes after the Trump administration announced last week that it had finalized plans to open Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to potential oil and gas drilling, reviving a decades-long political and environmental battle over one of America’s most pristine and contested landscapes.
The move fulfilled a campaign promise by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to restore energy exploration in the Arctic region.
What People Are Saying
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I had a truly great meeting with President Xi of China. There is enormous respect between our two countries, and that will only be enhanced with what just took place. We agreed on many things, with others, even of high importance, being very close to resolved.
“I was extremely honored by the fact that President Xi authorized China to begin the purchase of massive amounts of soybeans, sorghum, and other farm products. Our farmers will be very happy! In fact, as I said once before during my first Administration, farmers should immediately go out and buy more land and larger tractors. I would like to thank President Xi for this!”
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What Happens Next
Trump said that Wright and Burgum will be meeting to work on the details of the deal, but it is not yet clear when the discussions will take place.
Glaciers so immense and blue they don’t seem real. Snow-dome mountains. A never-ending parade of caribou, whales, bears and seals. All the spectacular things you’ll see on an Alaska cruise will take your breath away — but the price tag doesn’t have to.
These voyages can be pricey, and costs can add up beyond the cruise fare. However, with smart planning, you can experience all the soul-stirring beauty Alaska has to offer without breaking the bank.
Entry-level cabins cost less than you think
Alaska cruises may seem like a splurge, but entry-level cabins are surprisingly affordable. Inside cabins (those without windows) offer the best value, with prices around the $500 mark. For instance, a seven-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” sailing with Princess Cruises in May 2026 starts at just $433 per person. It’s a clever hack if you value adventure over comfort, giving you more cash to spend on shore excursions, the cost of which can quickly add up to more than the actual fare. While you will miss out on private views, you’ll find no shortage of viewing decks and lounges.
Ocean-view cabins add a window and natural light, sometimes for only a few hundred dollars more. Prices vary by cruise line, ship and itinerary. Balcony cabins cost more again but offer front-row seats and a private viewing platform for all the action that makes an Alaska cruise so breathtaking. Watching whales breach or a glacier calve from the privacy of your balcony is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many travelers don’t mind spending for.
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At the top end are luxury suites, with the price tag to match. These cost north of $2,000 and come with perks like priority boarding, premium dining and sometimes even shore excursions — making them the ultimate way to cruise Alaska in style.
The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
Extras can add up
Luxury cruise lines can seem expensive, but they often deliver more value than you’d expect. Per-person prices for a luxury Alaska cruise generally start around $3,000 or $4,000 but can climb to more than $6,000 for the most exclusive lines and cabins. On lines like Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line and Crystal, fares typically include premium drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and curated shore excursions such as glacier hikes and dogsled rides. These experiences can run into the hundreds if booked separately. Add the convenience, attentive service and style that come with a high-end cruise, and the appeal becomes clear.
PRINCESS CRUISES
Budget cruise fares, by contrast, rarely tell the whole story. Taxes, fees and steep port charges are usually added at checkout, and once on board, expenses can mount quickly. Drink packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities and even bottled water often come at an extra cost. Shore excursions — a highlight of any Alaska cruise — can range from $50 to several hundred dollars per person. Meals, souvenirs and transfers off the ship can further stretch your budget. Tally up the costs, and the difference between a high-end cruise and a mainstream sailing may be smaller than you think.
Flights can make one-way cruises pricier than they seem
One-way sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska (or the reverse) can look like a bargain. However, it’s a good idea to check flight prices before booking a spot. Getting to and from different ports, particularly in more remote Alaskan towns, can be expensive due to limited schedules and higher fares. Bad weather can also cause cancellations and delays, sometimes for days.
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Round-trip cruises from Seattle seem more expensive but often work out cheaper overall — and that’s because you are getting to and from a major airport. Whether you fly, drive or take the train, reaching Seattle is generally easier and more affordable than coordinating one-way travel in and out of Alaska.
How much does a cruise cost?
Cruising is sometimes the only way to explore Alaska
Juneau, Alaska, is the only U.S. state capital without road access, so you have to fly or cruise there. The same is true for Alaska’s remote towns and wild coastal areas, many of which rely on ships as their main connection to the outside world.
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Add in the cost of accommodations, food, entertainment and travel between ports, and that Alaska cruise suddenly offers a good value. Plus, it also offers a seamless way to explore Alaska’s untamed frontier.
Cruisetours that combine a coastal cruise with guided inland adventures are another great option. These offer an affordable way to experience both Alaska’s dramatic coastline and its vast interior without the hassle of booking multiple trips or facing hidden costs along the way.
Consider shoulder season for fewer crowds and better deals
Alaska’s shoulder season — typically April through May and again in September — is a sweet spot for travelers looking to avoid peak-season prices and crowds. The weather is cooler, the days are shorter and there’s a higher chance of rain. However, you’ll also enjoy spectacular fall foliage, a chance to spot the northern lights and a quieter, more relaxed onboard experience outside of school holidays. Plus, lower demand often means better deals on cabins and excursions.
15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise
Longer cruises can offer better value
A 10- or 11-night Alaska cruise might seem high in price, but don’t let the price put you off. Longer itineraries often offer better value per night than shorter ones, with more ports, more time in the wild and a more relaxed pace — plus fewer logistics to worry about once you’re on board.
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And the savings don’t stop there. Cruise lines regularly roll out deals during wave season and other promotional periods, offering perks like drink packages, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Bundled offers can bring the overall cost down more than you might expect, sometimes making a longer cruise the smarter choice even if the upfront fare looks higher. More days in Alaska for less money per day? That’s a win.
21 tips and tricks that will make your first cruise go smoothly
Bottom line
Alaska cruises aren’t just for big spenders. With the right timing and itinerary and a little research, you can sail through glacier country without blowing your budget. When you go can matter just as much as how long you stay, what ship you are on and which cabin you choose. It pays to shop around, compare what’s included and look for bundled perks that stretch your dollar further. With a bit of planning, that dream Alaska cruise can come in under budget — and leave you with memories that are priceless.
The GCI store at Northern Lights Boulevard and C Street. (Bill Roth / ADN)
Some Alaskans are pushing back against a request by a billionaire to take a controlling interest in GCI Liberty, the state’s dominant telecommunications provider.
GCI Liberty and John Malone, a Colorado billionaire and one of the largest private landowners in the U.S., are also asking the Regulatory Commission of Alaska for a waiver to keep secret financial statements associated with the proposal. They argue in part that public disclosure could cause financial harm.
The Alaska Beacon first reported on the requests on Monday.
More than 40 individuals have commented against the proposal and the requests for secrecy in a comment period that ends at 5 p.m. Tuesday before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. The majority of the comments were uniquely written, not form letters.
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Many said they oppose giving one person, particularly a non-Alaskan, control of a company that plays a vital role statewide, providing services in more than 200 Alaska communities.
Malone filed his request with the agency early this month.
The chair of GCI Liberty, Malone holds 53.5% of the aggregate voting power at GCI Liberty, the agency says.
But his voting power is restricted to 49.32%, based on agreements entered into by entities related to him, the agency says.
“GCI Liberty and Dr. Malone seek approval for Dr. Malone to increase his voting power to above 50% of the aggregate voting power of GCI Liberty, a level that would constitute control of GCI Liberty and its certificated subsidiary GCICC (GCI Communication Corp.),”the state regulatory agency said.
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GCI Liberty recently reported revenue for the first six months of this year at $527 million.
Net earnings during the period, after expenses, were $62 million, according to financial reports on its website. The company came close to doubling its net earnings from the same period in the prior year.
In a statement from spokesperson Josh Edge, GCI said it “is deeply committed to Alaska and to serving Alaskans. Our headquarters and senior leadership team are all based in Alaska, and we continue making decisions locally to serve communities across the state. While our parent company, GCI Liberty, is involved in this regulatory filing, we remain focused on connecting Alaskans and investing in the state’s future, just as we’ve done for more than 45 years.”
In written comments to the agency, critics of Malone’s request and the desire for secrecy assert that Malone seeks increased control to boost profits, which would come at the expense of GCI customers in the form of higher bills and reduced services.
“Internet and phone services are necessary public services, often life saving,”wrote Christine Niemi, of Douglas. “These services should not be controlled by those whose goal is for profit. The interest of the public must be the primary concern.”
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“I believe it is imperative that this process remain transparent and accountable to the public,” Jo Ann Gruber wrote.
“… The request to keep financial documents confidential undermines the principles of open governance and public oversight,” Gruber added. “These documents are critical for understanding the implications of the proposed takeover, including potential impacts on service quality, pricing, rural access, and long-term investment in Alaska’s communications infrastructure. Allowing secrecy in this context sets a dangerous precedent and erodes public trust.”
The state agency said it “will rule on the petition for confidential treatment and motion for waiver” following the comment period. At that time, it will also determine if the application from Malone is complete.
GCI, launched in Alaska in 1979, has undergone major changes in recent years. It was sold to Liberty Broadband of Colorado in 2017, upsetting some customers who wanted the ownership to remain local. Among other developments, it has outsourced its call center to the Philippines, affecting dozens of Alaska jobs, and ended its cable TV platform in favor of an internet streaming service.
