Alaska
Government shutdown: Alaska’s 14,000 WIC families to receive funding through October, Murkowski’s office confirms
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The USDA has allocated $300 million to keep Alaska’s Women, Infants and Children program, known as WIC, running through October during the government shutdown, Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s office confirmed to Alaska’s News Source Thursday.
“Senator Murkowski was relieved that USDA has found the funding to ensure WIC participants will continue to receive benefits through the end of October should the government shutdown persist,” Murkowski spokesperson Joe Plesha said Thursday. “While our office is still awaiting details about how the funding will be implemented and whether this transfer of funds will at all impact school or childcare nutrition programs, this program is too vital to lapse. She is pleased that a temporary solution to this specific problem has been reached to allow time for negotiations to continue.”
WIC, according to the Alaska Department of Health, “offers free healthy foods, nutrition, and breastfeeding assessment, education, and support.” The program serves pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five, and foster parents who meet income and nutritional need guidelines.
Alaska had 14,319 participants in the WIC program in 2024, according to the USDA, about 2% of Alaska’s population that same year. Nationally, the program served more than 6.5 million participants.
“As of today, Alaska WIC remains fully operational,” according to the program’s website, which includes an alert reading, “Alaska WIC clinics are open for business as usual, and you may continue to shop for your WIC foods.”
WIC is the second Alaska program to receive additional funding since the government shutdown began nine days ago.
Promises from Trump and Dunleavy
The White House had promised funding for the program earlier this week, though the amount was left unclear until Thursday’s announcement.
“The Democrats are so cruel in their continual votes to shut down the government that they forced the WIC program for the most vulnerable women and children to run out this week,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on social media Tuesday. “Thankfully, President Trump and the White House have identified a creative solution to transfer resources from Section 232 tariff revenue to this critical program.”
Section 232 tariffs are imposed on goods which “threaten to impair” U.S. national security, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Before Thursday’s funding announcement, Georgia Machell, president and CEO of the National WIC Association, welcomed the efforts from the Trump administration but noted “families need long-term stability, not short-term uncertainty.”
The National WIC Association has not released a statement since the Murkowski office announcement.
If that initial promise from the Trump administration didn’t materialize, or the expected funding runs out, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s spokesperson Jeff Turner said in an email the state would step in, expecting USDA reimbursement.
“If the state needs to fund WIC benefits, the funds will not be diverted from anywhere else,” Turner said. “We are early enough in the fiscal year that the Department of Health has sufficient funds on hand until the USDA can reimburse the state.”
Turner added the state received notice for a federal award of $500,000 in WIC food funds Thursday morning.
“WIC benefits will be covered by the state if federal funding expires during the shutdown,” Turner said. “SNAP is a mandatory program that will also continue.”
WIC in Alaska
Shannon Davenport, president of the Alaska Nurses Association, said WIC is essential in Alaska.
“At Providence Hospital, that’s where I work, we do the best we can for our patients, but WIC is also an organization that can kind of step in and help those families that need a little bit more,” Davenport said.
She said if WIC wasn’t available the results could be disastrous.
“I think we’re going to see more people in our emergency rooms,” she said. “I think we’re going to see more people in our food banks and our homeless shelters.”
Davenport added that she believes a lack of funding could also increase disease and infection rates within the state due to confusion in where to get access to the same resources.
Davenport is not alone in her concerns. Rachel Miller, chief advocacy officer at the Food Bank of Alaska, said that while the food bank does not use WIC funding, the program plays a critical role in Alaska.
“We know that our state can’t afford any cuts to WIC, but we also can’t afford any gaps in time with WIC,” Miller said. “I hope the state has enough funds encumbered to cover any gap that we’re going to see in WIC due to the federal shutdown.”
Both women have reported seeing increased demand from Alaskans as winter approaches but say cuts and the shutdown is also playing a role.
“Anytime there is a shutdown, anytime there is a gap in any government assistance or resource, there is uncertainty, and unfortunately, food is the most flexible budget line in a household,” Miller said.
“The more that these cuts come down, the more the shutdown continues, it means more and more people are going to be coming to the hospital,” Davenport said. “And when are they coming? … They’re gonna wait till they’re really sick.”
Alaska’s News Source reached out to the Alaska Department of Health’s WIC program. A staff member said the department was working on a statement but had not provided that as of publication.
Shutdown enters day 9
After more than a week of impasse, congressional leaders continue to make little progress in passing a plan to fund the government.
Republicans say Democrats have refused to pass what they call a “clean continuing resolution” in the Senate, a bill that maintains current government spending levels without policy changes or additions.
If the resolution receives 60 votes, it will end the government shutdown. With almost all Republicans voting for it (Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., cast the lone no vote) Democrats would need to provide the remaining votes.
Democratic leaders dispute that characterization, arguing the Republican bill isn’t truly “clean” because it ignores Democratic demands to restore nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts and extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits set to expire Dec. 31. Democrats say the credits would preserve health insurance for 3.8 million people.
In his statement to Alaska’s News Source confirming the USDA funding, Plesha said “Senator Murkowski continues to aggressively pursue solutions with her colleagues that will bring an end to this shutdown as soon as possible.”
Murkowski has proposed a plan she said would “avert government shutdown,” which includes $30 million for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, an extension of enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the beginning of August, and three appropriations bills.
“What’s going to happen next week is it’s going to get serious because we’re looking at getting close to the 15th,” David Owens, a national representative with the American Federation of Government Employees, said Thursday, referencing when federal employees would receive their last paycheck until the shutdown ends.
“It’ll have a major impact on the military. And I think a lot of members of Congress will start thinking a little bit different when the military members aren’t being paid and they’re in harm’s way,” he added.
Owens said federal employees will still receive one more paycheck before the shutdown affects their pay.
If the Senate doesn’t pass the current resolution, Congress would need to introduce and pass a new resolution through both chambers. The president would then need to sign the proposal for it to become law.
Alaska’s News Source reached out to Alaska’s entire congressional delegation for comment on WIC and the government shutdown. Sen. Dan Sullivan’s office told Alaska’s News Source, “The Trump administration is working on a solution to keep WIC funded through tariff revenues. We will be getting more details on that in the coming days.”
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Two US soldiers were wounded by a brown bear during a training exercise in Alaska on Thursday, the US Army stated.
Anchorage Daily News reported that the soldiers were from the 11th Airborne Division, and that the exercise had been a “land navigation training event” near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
State wildlife officials said that the bear attack seemed to be a defensive one, from a bear which had recently emerged from its den. Staff members from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game collected evidence at the scene in an attempt to learn more about the bear, such as its species and gender.
“The incident is currently under investigation, and we are working closely with installation authorities and local wildlife officials to gather all relevant information and ensure the safety of all personnel in the area,” the 11th Airborne Division said in a statement, reported ABC News.
ABC News also cited an 11th Airborne Division spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Jo Nederhoed, who said that the two soldiers had been seriously wounded, but were receiving care at a hospital in Anchorage, and had shown improvement by Saturday morning.
“We hope both individuals have a full and quick recovery, and our thoughts are with them during this time,” Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Cyndi Wardlow said in a statement reported by Anchorage Daily News. “In this case, having bear spray with them in the field may have saved their lives.”
Both of the soldiers reportedly had and used bear spray during the attack.
The bear’s condition and whereabouts are currently unknown.
Up, up and away … that’s where most travel prices are going.
It’s true. Not only are our nation’s geopolitical thrusts in the Mideast affecting the cost of your fill-ups, every component of your trip from airfares to car rentals and hotel stays are subject to price hikes.
Imagine filling up a jetliner with jet fuel that’s doubled in price. It’s enough to melt your credit card, regardless of the number of points you get for every dollar spent!
Because the price of oil affects everything, higher prices are eating away at your travel budget in many ways.
Bag fees
There’s lots of press on this. All airlines are increasing their checked-bag fees because of the jump in fuel prices.
Back in 2009, Alaska Airlines instituted a $15 fee for the first checked bag and $25 for the second bag. At the time, there was no charge for the first bag and a second bag was $25.
Last week, Alaska Airlines, along with other major airlines, increased its fees to $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second bag. Delta Air Lines charges the same.
Even if the cost of oil comes down, I don’t expect bag fees will ever be reduced.
Travelers who live in Alaska are somewhat insulated from the new hikes because both Delta and Alaska Airlines offer two free checked bags, with conditions:
1. Alaska offers two free checked bags for travelers flying to or from Alaska who are enrolled in Club 49. This does not affect other flights on Alaska. Separately, ATMOS credit card holders can get a free checked bag. Also, elite members of the ATMOS scheme get one or two free checked bags systemwide.
2. Delta offers two free checked bags for travelers flying to or from Alaska who are SkyMiles members who live in Alaska. Again, this does not apply to other Delta flights. Separately, Delta American Express cardholders can get a free checked bag.
3. Elite-level travelers with the oneworld airline cartel, including Alaska Airlines, can get one or two checked bags on American, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qantas or other oneworld carriers.
[Anchorage’s international airport rolls out self-driving wheelchairs]
Main Cabin vs. Basic Economy
The spread between the lowest available price, Basic Economy, and a more flexible ticket, Main Cabin, has increased. While the difference used to be $20-$30 each way when the Basic Economy scheme was introduced in 2018, the round-trip upcharge now can exceed $100.
For example, the lowest Basic fare to Portland is $337 round-trip on Alaska Airlines. The upcharge to Main Cabin, with full loyalty points, pre-assigned seats and more flexibility on changes and cancellations, is $447, a 33% upcharge.
This trend is not specifically attributable to the new Iran War. It’s just a cost that continues to rise.
New fees
I’m impressed at the creativity of airline people who dream up new fees. Here are some of my favorites from Alaska Airlines:
1. Phone reservations: $15
2. Partner award booking fee: $12.50
3. Pet travel fee: $100 in the cabin, $200 in the baggage compartment with a kennel
4. Left on board item return fee: $20
On Condor Airlines, operating the only nonstop service from Anchorage to Europe, travelers can choose from four different bundles in economy class. The least-expensive, Economy Zero, from $840 round-trip, features fees for travelers:
1. Carry-on bag fee, up to 8kg: $35; a small bag like a purse always is included for free
2. Checked bag: $75
3. Airport check-in: $30
All three of these fees are included in the next-highest fare bucket, Economy Classic, from $900 round-trip. It’s cheaper to buy the bundle than it is to buy the components a la carte. Seat assignments are additional, from $25 for economy.
Airfares on the rise
There are a few good deals available for travel to select West Coast/Intermountain destinations in May, including:
1. Anchorage-San Francisco on Alaska Airlines, from $307 round-trip. Fly May 15-28 only. Add $90 round-trip for Main cabin.
2. Anchorage-Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines, from $317 round-trip. May 15-25 only. Add $90 round-trip for Main.
3. Anchorage-Phoenix on United, Delta or Alaska, from $267-$287 round-trip. Fly May 8-June 9 only. Add $90-$100 for Main.
4. Anchorage-Denver $357 round-trip on Delta. Fly May 8-June 9 only. Add $90 round-trip for Main.
For travel to other destinations, or later in the summer, be prepared to pay more.
Flying to Hawaii? Alaska Air’s nonstop prices out at $706 round-trip between May 30 and June 6. Add $110 round-trip for Main.
Nonstop flights from Anchorage to Salt Lake City start at $669 round-trip with Delta on May 17. That’s $100 more than the cost for the same flights last month. Add $90 more for Main.
Hotel costs continue to rise, accompanied by pesky resort fees.
The Outrigger on the Beach in Waikiki is a very nice beachfront hotel. It’s not plush, or the nicest property. But it’s solid. The cost is $334 per night.
But there’s more: a $50 per night resort fee, plus a variety of taxes and charges, totaling $112.55 per night.
Down in Seattle, the Sound Hotel in the Belltown neighborhood is marketed by Hilton. The discounted rate for “Honors” members — it’s free to join — is $313.34 per night for a king room in late May. Taxes and fees add an extra $56.40 per night.
There’s no appreciable bump yet for hotel rates as a result of the oil price surge. Yet. But if these hotel rates seem high, they’re in line with hotel rates in Anchorage this summer. At the Sheraton in Anchorage in June, it’s $450 per night, plus $54 in taxes and fees, when booked at Expedia.
Car rentals are not cheap
My go-to site for car rentals is the Costco site, which compares major brands and automatically includes Costco discounts.
In Las Vegas, for a one-day rental in May, Budget charges $67 per day, which includes taxes and fees of $22.77. In Anchorage, the same kind of car, medium SUV, costs $92.97 with Alamo.
The biggest differences so far in car rental rates seems to be the bill you’ll pay when you fill up the tank before returning. There’s no appreciable jump in prices because of the new war.
When it comes to making travel arrangements for the spring and summer, it’s more risky making completely non-refundable arrangements.
I made the decision to purchase most of my summer travel plans in advance, but only after determining I would not need to change the dates. Particularly with airline tickets, it’s expensive to change your dates.
There’s lots of uncertainty regarding travel arrangements, particularly international travel. As fuel prices go up due to oil shortages, travel companies will look for ways to recoup the increased costs. In most cases, those higher costs will be borne by travelers.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a decrease in oil prices nationally, but Alaska’s senior senator said the state faces a different situation that could threaten rural communities.
“If you can’t produce power because you don’t have the diesel or you just can’t pay the prices, your little communities can collapse,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said at a Friday press conference at the Arctic Encounter Summit in Anchorage.
The price of oil has been a double-edged sword for Alaska. On one hand, the increased price of North Slope oil brings more revenue to the state, but consumer prices can also rise.
North Slope oil prices were $106.36 a barrel on Thursday.
“This is a very precarious time,” Murkowski said. “Our state has enjoyed a bounty because we have benefited from the higher prices of oil that goes into our treasury, but it’s the Alaskans in … the off-road communities that are threatened to be hit most hard.”
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Copyright 2026 KTUU. All rights reserved.
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