This Day in Alaska History-January 17th, 1913
Murkowski Introduces Resolution Affirming U.S. Partnership with Denmark and Greenland
Washington, DC — Thursday, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced a concurrent resolution affirming the United States’ enduring partnership with the Kingdom of Denmark and Greenland. The Senate Concurrent Resolution follows President Trump and his administration’s recent comments about acquiring Greenland, including through the potential use of military force. “Whether through defense […]
Devin Wright, of North Pole, Sentenced to 82 Years for Sexual Abuse of a Minor
(Fairbanks, AK) – Wednesday, Fairbanks Superior Court Judge Kirk Schwalm sentenced 34-year-old Devin Wright, Sr. to 82 years imprisonment for convictions relating to the sexual abuse of a minor in 2021 and 2022. Wright was tried in March 2025 on allegations that he sexually abused the preteen granddaughter of his girlfriend over many months. The […]
Fairbanks Man Sentenced to 34 Years for Kidnapping, Assault in the First Degree
(Fairbanks, AK) – On January 13, 2026, Martin Hietala, 42, was sentenced to 34 years for the 2018 kidnapping and assault of a woman in a Fairbanks hotel room. On July 15, 2018, Mr. Hietala restrained victim J.B. in a Fairbanks hotel room and repeatedly strangled her, twice to unconsciousness, while he interrogated her about spying […]