Featured Stories
National Organized Retail Crime Crackdown Leads to More Than 1,900 Apprehensions and Arrests
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release:
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National Organized Retail Crime Crackdown Leads to More Than 1,900 Apprehensions and Arrests
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON - The results of the second National Organized Retail Crime Blitz were announced today by the National Retail Federation, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, the Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force and the Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Association. This coordinated enforcement initiative took place across 32 states from Aug. 1 to 9 and brought together
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release:
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National Organized Retail Crime Crackdown Leads to More Than 1,900 Apprehensions and Arrests
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON - The results of the second National Organized Retail Crime Blitz were announced today by the National Retail Federation, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, the Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force and the Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Association. This coordinated enforcement initiative took place across 32 states from Aug. 1 to 9 and brought togetherlaw enforcement agencies and retail partners to combat organized retail crime through intelligence sharing, collaboration and targeted investigations.
"Organized retail crime continues to pose a significant threat to retailers and communities. Initiatives like the National Organized Retail Crime Blitz demonstrate what is possible when retailers and law enforcement come together toward a common goal," NRF Vice President of Asset Protection and Retail Operations David Johnston said. "We commend the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for its leadership in coordinating this nationwide effort, and for creating the partnerships necessary to disrupt sophisticated criminal networks and hold offenders accountable."
During the nine-day event, 84 law enforcement agencies from 32 states participated in the coordinated effort. The operation brought together 40 retail brands and resulted in more than 1,900 apprehensions and arrests, as well as the recovery or prevention of more than $2 million in retail theft losses.
Among those arrested, 42 cases involved the recovery of controlled substances. Participating agencies also developed seven leads involving "fencing" or the sale of stolen merchandise, recovered six stolen vehicles and seized eight weapons. In one specific case, an apprehension resulted in the recovery of a trafficked individual who was exploited and forced to steal for her abductors. This individual was provided with medical care, and the trafficking investigation remains ongoing.
"Organized retail crime is most effectively addressed when retailers and law enforcement work together," Cook County Regional Organized Crime Task Force Deputy Director Edward Henkel said. "The campaign spotlights the impact of intelligence sharing and coordinated investigations in disrupting criminal activity and supporting safer communities across the country."
According to NRF's Impact of Theft & Violence 2026 report, retail theft levels are stabilizing, but external theft and fraud continue to rise. While on average, shoplifting incidents declined 12.4% and merchandise theft fell 8.1% in 2025, retailers reported higher frequencies of repeat offenders, walkout and pushout theft, and ORC-related shoplifting events, highlighting the ongoing issue around organized retail crime.
NRF urges the U.S. Senate to pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act, following its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives in May. The legislation would strengthen federal coordination and equip state and local law enforcement to better identify and investigate cross jurisdictional and transnational retail crime groups.
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About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs -- 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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About CCROC
Founded by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office in 2010, CCROC is one of the nation's premier public-private intelligence and investigative partnerships focused on dismantling organized criminal enterprises. By integrating the capabilities of law enforcement, prosecutors, retailers, financial institutions, and private industry, CCROC facilitates intelligence-driven investigations, regional collaboration, specialized training, and strategic crime reduction initiatives that target organized retail crime, financial fraud, cargo theft, money laundering, and transnational criminal networks.
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About LAORCA
Founded in December 2007, the Los Angeles Organized Retail Crime Association (LAORCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professionals in asset protection, loss prevention, retail security, and law enforcement. Guided by a volunteer coalition of retail leaders and law enforcement partners, LAORCA unites cross-industry expertise to combat organized retail crime and strengthen collaboration across jurisdictions. Through education, training, workshops, and networking opportunities, LAORCA provides the resources and strategic partnerships needed to investigate, prevent, and combat organized retail crime in Southern California and beyond. laorca.org
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URL: CCROC
URL: LAORCA
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Original text here: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/national-organized-retail-crime-crackdown-leads-to-more-than-1-900-apprehensions-and-arrests
[Category: Business]
National Alliance for Care at Home: Over 150 Advocates Convene on Capitol Hill to Champion Care at Home
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 18 -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release:
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Over 150 Advocates Convene on Capitol Hill to Champion Care at Home
09.16.2026
National Alliance for Care at Home Hosts Second Annual Advocacy Week on Capitol Hill
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(Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC)- This week, more than 150 care at home advocates from across the country met with 285 congressional offices to discuss key legislative and regulatory priorities for expanding and protecting access to care at home. The meetings were part of the 2026 National Alliance for Care at
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ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Sept. 18 -- The National Alliance for Care at Home issued the following news release:
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Over 150 Advocates Convene on Capitol Hill to Champion Care at Home
09.16.2026
National Alliance for Care at Home Hosts Second Annual Advocacy Week on Capitol Hill
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(Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC)- This week, more than 150 care at home advocates from across the country met with 285 congressional offices to discuss key legislative and regulatory priorities for expanding and protecting access to care at home. The meetings were part of the 2026 National Alliance for Care atHome Advocacy Week, an important opportunity to unite the entire care at home continuum under one voice.
Alliance Advocacy Week, now in its second year, offers a unique opportunity to bring together leaders, advocates, and supporters to amplify that home is where care happens, driving positive change and shaping the future of care to ensure that access to these essential services is protected and expanded.
"This is a defining moment for care at home. When more than 150 advocates walk the halls of Congress together, speaking with one voice on behalf of patients, families, and providers, we send an unmistakable message. Care at home already has bipartisan support and recognition as a cost-effective, patient-preferred solution. As demand continues to grow, we are committed to being a strong partner with Congress to help federal policy grow with it," said Jennifer Sheets, CEO of the Alliance. "Our strength has always been our unity, and Advocacy Week proves what we can accomplish when the entire continuum stands together to protect and expand access to the care people need, where they want to receive it most."
Advocates focused on five key issues during their congressional meetings:
* End the home health and hospice provider moratoria and instead focus on implementing existing mechanisms to apply targeted, risk-based enforcement that roots out bad actors while protecting patients and legitimate providers.
* Ensure that Medicare and Medicaid program integrity strategies are targeted and data-driven, focused on stopping fraudsters without harming legitimate providers or access to care, and supporting the Protecting Seniors and Stopping Fraudsters Act.
* Stabilize Medicare home health payment rates by supporting the Medicare Home Health Payment Integrity and Protection Act to reverse an access crisis that has already left more than one-third of patients referred for home health without the care they need.
* Protect and strengthen access to Medicaid HCBS by supporting policies and funding that let people receive care in their homes and communities, and that strengthen the direct care workforce making that possible.
* Expand access to home care services by supporting the Credit for Caring Act to provide a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 to support family caregivers who provide 49 billion hours of unpaid care to relatives.
In addition to congressional meetings, Alliance Advocacy Week featured in-depth policy briefings, a training for first-time advocates, and a panel discussion with seasoned government affairs professionals. The Alliance celebrates another successful Advocacy Week on behalf of care at home providers across the country and looks forward to continuing its work with policymakers and key stakeholders.
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About the National Alliance for Care at Home
The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is the leading authority in advancing care in the home. We envision an America where everyone has access to the highest quality, person-centered healthcare wherever they call home. Through advocacy, education, and convening, we connect providers and stakeholders to strengthen care delivery across the home-based care continuum -- spanning home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and Medicaid home and community-based services. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.
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Original text here: https://allianceforcareathome.org/over-150-advocates-convene-on-capitol-hill-to-champion-care-at-home/
[Category: Health Care]
NCBA Responds to Stand-Up Program Announcement
CENTENNIAL, Colorado, Sept. 18 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following news release on Sept. 17, 2026:
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NCBA Responds to Stand-Up Program Announcement
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON - Yesterday, Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the creation of U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Stand-Up Program during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's (NASDA) Annual Meeting. Secretary Rollins shared that the program would provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal-state meat inspection programs through the Cooperative Interstate
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CENTENNIAL, Colorado, Sept. 18 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following news release on Sept. 17, 2026:
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NCBA Responds to Stand-Up Program Announcement
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON - Yesterday, Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the creation of U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Stand-Up Program during the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's (NASDA) Annual Meeting. Secretary Rollins shared that the program would provide up to $50 million to help states join or expand federal-state meat inspection programs through the Cooperative InterstateShipping Program (CIS).
Currently, 30 states participate under the Meat and Poultry Inspection Program (MPI) program, but only 11 of the 30 eligible states participate in the CIS program. High regulatory and compliance costs have been barriers for further state participation. Additionally, persistent labor challenges in the processing sector continue to create challenges and uncertainty around efforts to diversify processing options for producers around the country. While the announcement includes funding, structural changes need to happen within the program to help support additional states participation.
While additional resources are certainly welcome and needed, farmers and ranchers need USDA to make progress on the real and persistent hurdles state meat inspection programs face. NCBA looks forward to further details on this new effort in the days to come.
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Original text here: https://www.ncba.org/news-media/news/details/50929/ncba-responds-to-stand-up-program-announcement
[Category: Agriculture]
NAR Statement on FHFA's Move to Educate Borrowers on Unnecessary Mortgage Insurance
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The National Association of Realtors issued the following statement:
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September 18, 2026
WASHINGTON - Today, NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn released the following statement after the FHFA announced a move to help make borrowers aware of when they no longer need to pay mortgage insurance:
"The National Association of REALTORS(R) appreciates the latest effort by FHFA Director Bill Pulte to reduce the burden on homeowners. Mortgage insurance is a critical tool for helping more Americans achieve homeownership, particularly for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The National Association of Realtors issued the following statement:
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September 18, 2026
WASHINGTON - Today, NAR Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer Shannon McGahn released the following statement after the FHFA announced a move to help make borrowers aware of when they no longer need to pay mortgage insurance:
"The National Association of REALTORS(R) appreciates the latest effort by FHFA Director Bill Pulte to reduce the burden on homeowners. Mortgage insurance is a critical tool for helping more Americans achieve homeownership, particularly forbuyers who may not have the ability to make a large down payment. At the same time, consumers should be aware when mortgage insurance is no longer needed and should have the information necessary to make informed decisions about their finances. This change will put more money in some homeowners' pockets, allowing them to pay down debt, save for needed home improvements, build their savings, or put those dollars toward their next home purchase. Helping homeowners better understand their mortgage costs and ensuring they are not paying for coverage they no longer need can strengthen household finances and support long-term homeownership."
Mortgage insurance, or another form of credit enhancement, is generally required for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac financing when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than 20%. It is no longer required when the mortgage has fallen below 78% of the home's value, either through monthly principal payments or home price appreciation. Prior to this announcement, Fannie Mae restricted when servicers could inform consumers that mortgage insurance was no longer necessary.
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About the National Association of REALTORS(R)
The National Association of REALTORS(R) is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR(R) is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTOR(R) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes - from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation - visit facts.realtor.
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Original text here: https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-statement-on-fhfas-move-to-educate-borrowers-on-unnecessary-mortgage-insurance
[Category: Real Estate]
ERIC Report Warns: No Surprises Act Arbitration Is Driving Billions in Hidden Costs for Employers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (TNSrpt) -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2026:
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ERIC Report Warns: No Surprises Act Arbitration Is Driving Billions in Hidden Costs for Employers
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON - The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today released a new white paper, Employer Exposure Under the No Surprises Act, finding that the costs of the federal arbitration process created under the No Surprises Act (NSA) have grown exponentially past what Congress and federal forecasters projected, with self-funded employers, not insurance companies,
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 (TNSrpt) -- The ERISA Industry Committee issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2026:
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ERIC Report Warns: No Surprises Act Arbitration Is Driving Billions in Hidden Costs for Employers
September 17, 2026
WASHINGTON - The ERISA Industry Committee (ERIC) today released a new white paper, Employer Exposure Under the No Surprises Act, finding that the costs of the federal arbitration process created under the No Surprises Act (NSA) have grown exponentially past what Congress and federal forecasters projected, with self-funded employers, not insurance companies,paying the resulting costs.
"Employers are shouldering these unintended, unsustainable costs, and we are shouting from the rooftops about the need to fix this system," said James Gelfand, President and CEO of ERIC. "Our member companies work tirelessly to be good stewards of employees' health care dollars and protect them from unnecessary costs. An arbitration process with no basis on real prices, no brakes, and no way to appeal is making that job impossible. This report gives Congress the opportunity to hear directly from the employers funding this system, not just the industries profiting from it."
Based in part on confidential interviews with large self-funded employer plan sponsors, the report shows that Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) awards are no longer a marginal backstop for rare billing disputes. Instead, employers described the process as an increasingly costly and opaque line item in their health plan budgets, one they often cannot predict, audit, or control.
The report highlights several findings from confidential employer interviews:
* One large self-funded employer saw IDR-related payments rise from approximately $3.5 million in 2025 to more than $6 million in the first half of 2026 alone, putting it on pace to exceed $12 million for the year.
* Another employer estimated that IDR awards are adding 1 to 3 percent to the annual health care trend.
* A third employer projected that IDR payouts alone could consume 5 to 6 percent of total 2026 health care spending.
* Employers reported that IDR outcomes can be difficult to forecast, and impossible to mitigate, with one sponsor describing arbitration decisions as "functionally random."
* Several employers said they lack full visibility into which providers are driving IDR exposure, how disputes are being handled by third-party administrators, and whether plan assets are being protected effectively.
The report also shows that employer interview findings align with wider national data showing rapid growth in IDR dispute volume, high provider win rates, and arbitration awards that routinely exceed market-based payment benchmarks - creating a severe perverse incentive for providers to choose to stay out of network.
ERIC has engaged with federal regulators and Congress on this for over a year, joining a coalition of more than sixty employer, labor, and consumer groups in February 2026 to demand tighter arbitrator oversight, then joining 47 other organizations in May 2026 to call for a federal investigation into high-volume filers gaming the system.
The new report continues that advocacy by demanding a concrete fix: restore meaningful market-based cost controls, improve transparency into IDR filings and outcomes, strengthen oversight of certified IDR entities, and ensure employers have the information they need to fulfill their fiduciary obligations and manage plan spending responsibly.
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About The ERISA Industry Committee
ERIC is a national advocacy organization that exclusively represents large employers that provide health, retirement, paid leave, and other benefits to their nationwide workforces. With member companies that are leaders in every sector of the economy, ERIC advocates on the federal, state, and local levels for policies that promote flexibility and uniformity in the administration of their employee benefit plans.
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REPORT: https://www.eric.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/9-17-26-Compressed-ERIC_NSA_White_Paper_Formatted_FINAL-440.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.eric.org/press_release/new-eric-report-warns-no-surprises-act-arbitration-is-driving-billions-in-hidden-costs-for-employers/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA Launch Partnership to Advance Boating Safety and Education Nationwide
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Sept. 18 -- Boat Owners Association of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA Launch Partnership to Advance Boating Safety and Education Nationwide
New partnership brings together two leading boating organizations to advance safety education, strengthen collaboration with states, and support America's boaters
September 17, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, Va. - BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Heather Lougheed and NASBLA Executive Board Chair Christopher Jones have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Virginia, Sept. 18 -- Boat Owners Association of the U.S. issued the following news release:
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BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA Launch Partnership to Advance Boating Safety and Education Nationwide
New partnership brings together two leading boating organizations to advance safety education, strengthen collaboration with states, and support America's boaters
September 17, 2026
SPRINGFIELD, Va. - BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water President Heather Lougheed and NASBLA Executive Board Chair Christopher Jones have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizingthe organizations' shared commitment to advancing recreational boating safety, education and environmental stewardship for the benefit of boaters nationwide.
Through the partnership, the BoatUS Foundation and NASBLA will work together to identify opportunities that advance recreational boating safety and education at both the national and local levels. Areas of collaboration may include supporting the National Boating Education Standards, exploring recreational boating safety certification initiatives, and identifying opportunities for educational programs and outreach efforts that assist the boating community.
"Boating safety is most effective when organizations work together toward common goals," said Lougheed. "Our partnership with NASBLA creates an opportunity to explore innovative approaches to boating education, support the development of national standards, and identify proposals that help make the water safer for everyone. We look forward to combining our strengths to expand the reach and impact of boating safety education across the country."
The organizations will also pursue opportunities to collaborate on boating safety and education initiatives, including programs supported by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. By sharing expertise and coordinating efforts, the partnership aims to maximize the value of programs and resources available to boaters, state agencies, and boating organizations nationwide.
"For decades, boating education has played a critical role in helping people enjoy the water safely and responsibly," said Jones. "As the boating landscape evolves, there is tremendous opportunity to explore new approaches, share expertise, and ensure educational programs continue to meet the needs of current and future generations of boaters."
For more information on the BoatUS Foundation and to take our free state boating safety course, visit https://boatus.org. For more information on NASBLA, please visit https://community.nasbla.org/home.
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About BoatUS Foundation:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 740,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses - including the nation's only free online boating safety course - can be found at BoatUS.org. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a four-star charity, the highest rating awarded by Charity Navigator.
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About NASBLA:
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that develops public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of the U.S. states and territories. We offer a variety of resources, including training, model acts, education standards, publications and more. Through a national network of thousands of professional educators, law enforcement officers and volunteers, we affect the lives of over 85 million American boaters.
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URL: National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
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Original text here: https://www.boatus.com/news-room/release/boatus-foundation-and-nasbla-launch-partnersh
[Category: Travel]
AARP Alaska Poll: Older Voters Will Be Influential in U.S. Senate, Gubernatorial and Congressional Races
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- AARP issued the following news release:
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New AARP Alaska Poll: Older Voters Will be Influential in U.S. Senate, Gubernatorial and Congressional Races
Older voters - including 50+ swing voters, who make up 15% of Alaska's electorate - are concentrated on rising prices for groceries, gasoline, and healthcare ahead of November's elections.
September 17, 2026
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WASHINGTON - Today, AARP released new polling underscoring the outsized role that Alaska voters 50 and older will play in the state's tight gubernatorial, congressional and Senate races in November -- and the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- AARP issued the following news release:
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New AARP Alaska Poll: Older Voters Will be Influential in U.S. Senate, Gubernatorial and Congressional Races
Older voters - including 50+ swing voters, who make up 15% of Alaska's electorate - are concentrated on rising prices for groceries, gasoline, and healthcare ahead of November's elections.
September 17, 2026
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WASHINGTON - Today, AARP released new polling underscoring the outsized role that Alaska voters 50 and older will play in the state's tight gubernatorial, congressional and Senate races in November -- and theissues that they will have top-of-mind while casting their votes.
Older voters are highly engaged and motivated to turn out at the polls: nearly nine in 10 (87%) voters 50+ rated themselves a "10" on a 10-point motivation-to-vote scale, compared with 62% of voters under 50. Older swing voters make up nearly 15% of the Alaskan electorate and roughly half of swing voters statewide, highlighting their potential to have a decisive impact on both closely watched races.
"Voters age 50 and older are the most decisive voting bloc in American elections, and our data confirms that Alaska's races will be no different," said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer. "Older voters are struggling with rising prices and concerned about issues like Social Security and Medicare. Candidates looking to secure their vote must be able to speak to these issues and set forward a clear vision for protecting older Alaskans' retirement security and financial futures."
With Ranked Choice Voting, Alaskan voters rank as many or as few candidates as they choose among the top four candidates who qualified for the general election.
In the race for Senate, Democrat Mary Peltola leads among all likely voters, polling at 46%, followed by incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan with 41%. Candidates Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. and Republican Gerald Heikes follow at 4% and 3%, respectively. Among voters 50+, however, S. Sullivan holds a 7-point lead over Peltola (49% - 42%), with J. Sullivan and Heikes following at 3% and 2%. Swing voters 50+ favor Peltola over S. Sullivan 36%-33%.
In the gubernatorial race, Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins holds the lead, polling at 40%, followed by Republican Bernadette Wilson at 20%, Republican Dave Bronson at 14%, and Republican Treg Taylor at 7%. Among voters 50+, the candidates fall into the same ranking, with Kreiss-Tomkins holding 39% of the vote, Wilson at 24%, Bronson at 14%, and Taylor at 8%. Among swing voters 50+, 25% favor Kreiss-Tomkins, 18% favor Bronson, 12% favor Wilson, and 8% favor Taylor.
In the race for Congress, Republican Incumbent Nick Begich leads Independent Bill Hill 45% to 31%, with 9% picking Democrat Eric Hafner, 3% favoring Libertarian James McDermott and 11% undecided. Begich's lead is driven by voters 50+, among whom he leads Hill by 22-points.
"With a crowded electoral field in Alaska's elections, it's more important than ever that candidates choose messaging that resonates with voters, especially older Alaskans," said AARP Alaska State Director Teresa Holt. "Alaskans age 50 and older are focused on the issues affecting their everyday budgets, including rising prices for essentials like groceries, gas, and health care. They are looking for leaders who will listen to their concerns and put forward practical solutions that help them maintain their independence and quality of life as they age."
AARP's polling found that affordability is the top issue for voters 50+, followed by threats to democracy and taxes, government spending, and debt.
Among voters age 50+:
* 78% say Social Security is an important issue when deciding their vote, and 90% are more likely to support a candidate who will make sure workers receive the Social Security benefits they earned.
* 70% say Medicare is an important voting issue, and 81% are more likely to support a candidate who would expand Medicare's ability to negotiate prescription drug prices.
* 78% support creating a public-private partnership retirement savings program for Alaskan workers without access to one.
* 68% favor restoring state pension benefits for public safety workers, teachers, and other public employees.
AARP commissioned the bipartisan polling team of Fabrizio Ward (R) and Impact Research (D) to conduct the survey of likely Alaska voters. This is the sixth poll in AARP's 2026 battleground polling series, following surveys of Texas, Michigan, Arizona, Ohio and Georgia. The firms interviewed 800 likely voters statewide. The survey was done between September 8-11, 2026. The interviews were conducted via live interviewer on cell phone (40%) and landline (15%), as well as SMS-to-web (45%). The sample was randomly drawn from the Alaska voter list. The margin of sampling error at the 95% confidence level for the 800 statewide sample is +-3.5%.
View the full survey results at www.aarp.org/ak2026voterpoll and more information on our poll at www.aarp.org/AKpoll. Additional information about AARP's 2026 battleground polling series is available at www.aarp.org/voterpolls2026.
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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org, aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.
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Original text here: https://www.aarp.org/press/releases/2026-09-17-new-aarp-alaska-poll-older-voters-will-be-influential-in-u-s-senate-gubernatorial-and-congressional-races/
[Category: Sociological]
