It’s time for Page Two: news that might not make the front page on Monday September 22, 2025
Fall officially begins today. Summer ends at 10:19 this morning, the moment of the fall equinox.
At that time, the sun is directly over the equator. Daylight and darkness are nearly equal over most of the world. The word equinox comes from the Latin word aequinoctium (ek-wuh-NOCK-tee-uhm ) or “the time of equal night and day.”
Only day and night aren’t exactly 12 hours today – the day is a bit longer. Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, adding a little more daylight. And sunrise is defined as the moment when the top edge of the Sun’s disk becomes visible over the eastern horizon. Similarly, sunset occurs when the top edge of the disk dips below the horizon, giving us a few extra minutes of day. True equality comes a few days later.
As a precursor to the long winter nights to come, look for a waxing crescent moon this evening. At just 1 percent illuminated, it is a striking view for the crisp late fall, early winter nights ahead.
The fall equinox is also a reminder for drivers about Alaska’s studded tire laws. It’s time for the seasonal question of “to stud or not to stud?”. State law allows studded tires north of Ninilchik from Sept. 15 through May 1. In Anchorage, however, city ordinance bars them until Oct. 1.
Beyond the higher purchase price for studded tires, drivers pay a $5 fee per studded tire. The state has collected this fee for the last 20 years to help pay for the damage studded tires cause to roads. The fee is listed separately on receipts and is not subject to local sales tax. With this fee, a studded tire typically cost $15 to $25 more than a conventional tire. Lightweight studded tires run about $10 to $20 more.
The widespread use of studded tires carries even bigger costs overall. A 2022 Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities study found that studded tires reduce the life of asphalt roads by nearly half. The department estimates the damage at $13.7 million per year— about 42 times greater than the fees collected. The study did not include higher fuel costs associated with studded tires or safety concerns arising from rutted pavement.
A survey of households in major Alaska cities shows a slight decline in studded tire use. In 2019, 43% in the Palmer-Wasilla area responded to using studded tires. That’s down from 49% statewide in 1990.
There’s so much to consider when deciding on snow tires. Several manufacturers, including Bridgestone, Nokian and Michelin, now sell all-season winter tires. They often perform as well as studded tires on snow, slush and wet roads, though studs still have the advantage on smooth ice. It is less expensive to buy just one set of tires for all seasons, and yet, switching out tires every fall and spring extends the life of a set of tires.
On Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 at Valley Cinemas there’s a screening of a film about the Infant Learning Program here in the Valley. Dinner is included in the is free event.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday September 22, 2025 for today and the news on Page Two on Monday September 22, 2025.