Alaska

A New York Times profile examines Mary Peltola's path to political power in Alaska, tracing her rise under the framing 'She's One of Us' and the setbacks along the way. The piece highlights how her local roots and personal background shaped her appeal to Alaska voters, even as her career faced turbulence and criticism during her ascent.

Former staffers of Mary Peltola have raised allegations of hostile workplace behavior, and the claims could shape Alaska's closely watched US Senate race. The accusations add a new complication for a prominent Alaska Democrat as the contest draws national attention in a state that often decides Senate control.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have increased their checked baggage fees, joining several other US carriers. The airlines cite rising fuel costs, which have climbed amid the conflict involving Iran, as pressure on operating expenses. Travellers now face higher costs for checked luggage on domestic flights, and industry watchers expect other carriers to follow with similar fee increases in the coming weeks.

The phrase 'Lower 48' has become a contested term in Alaska's US Senate contest, with candidates and commentators sparring over what it signals about ties to the contiguous United States. Alaskans have long used the term for the states below Canada, but in the campaign it is being debated as a marker of identity and loyalty. The dispute is now a recurring fixture of the race.

Scientists in Alaska say avian keratin disorder is the cause of the fishhook-shaped beaks seen in the state's chickadee population, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The disorder causes abnormal keratin growth, leaving birds with overgrown, curved beaks that can make feeding difficult. Researchers studying the condition continue to investigate what triggers it and why it affects chickadees so heavily in the region.

Alaska is preparing a second round of funding under its Rural Health Transformation Program, which directs money toward improving health care access and services in rural communities across the state. Details on award amounts and application timelines have not yet been released, and rural health providers are expected to be watching closely for eligibility requirements.

The New York Times examines Alaska's tradition of combative, unconventional members of Congress, a lineage often linked to the state's political culture of independence and confrontation. The piece comes amid renewed attention to the state's current delegation and its outspoken style, prompting discussion about how Alaska's political character shapes national debates in Washington.

Afognak, the Alaska Native village corporation from Kodiak's Afognak Island, has taken majority ownership of trucking and fuel companies operating in Alaska. The move expands the corporation's business portfolio and strengthens its role in the state's transportation and energy supply sectors, drawing attention as an example of Alaska Native corporate investment in core regional industries.