Nationwide Technology Outage and Calls for Police Accountability

Local First News (News of the North)

A major technology outage is disrupting 911 and non-emergency call centers across the U.S. Alaska State Troopers report significant issues with emergency call systems statewide. Anchorage police confirm 911 is still operational, but alternative numbers are available for affected areas. The outage is linked to a global disruption affecting Microsoft services, impacting flights, banks, and media outlets worldwide.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has reappointed Ethan Schutt to the Alaska Permanent Fund Corp.'s board of directors, despite earlier uncertainty about his reappointment. Schutt, who has been a board member since 2020, is recognized for his role as chair and his commitment to managing the state's $81.8 billion fund.

U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred resigned following a report of inappropriate conduct, including sexual relationships with staff and attorneys. The Judicial Council has referred the case for possible impeachment, and Alaska state prosecutors are reviewing conflicts of interest in criminal cases previously handled by Kindred.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is considering whether to lift a stay on a lower court's order that could halt Southeast Alaska's king salmon fishery. The Wild Fish Conservancy argues that fishing practices are harming endangered killer whales, while the state of Alaska and other groups advocate for maintaining the stay.

Alaska state prosecutors are investigating the police shooting of Steven Kissack, a man who experienced homelessness by Juneau Police Officers and an Alaska Wildlife Trooper. The shooting, which is the ninth officer-involved shooting in Alaska this year, has raised concerns about police practices and accountability.