SEATTLE, Sept. 23 -- Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, issued the following news release: * * * Alaska Airlines unveils bold Lounge expansion plans in San Diego Summary * A 13,000 square foot Alaska Lounge will be one of the largest lounge spaces at San Diego International Airport. * Construction is slated to begin in early 2027. *The Lounge will serve guests traveling to at least 45 nonstop destinations on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines - the most of any carrier at SAN. *   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance released the following written testimony by Cathy Cahill, director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unmanned and Unchecked: Confronting the Rising Threat of Malicious Drone Use in America": * * * Chairman Jordan, Ranking Member Raskin, Chairman Biggs, Ranking Member McBath, and Members  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Alaska Chamber has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, endorsing the agency's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The organization argues that this move is essential for restoring responsible access to vital resources and enhancing economic opportunities in Southeast Alaska. Representing over 700 businesses and approximately 58,000 workers, the Alaska Chamber advocates for a healthy business e  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 -- The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey regarding the 2025 Draft List of Critical Minerals. This letter expresses support for the inclusion of copper and silver on the list while advocating for the retention of tellurium and the addition of metallurgical coal. In its correspondence, the DNR emphasized the vital role copper plays in various sectors, including electric vehicle  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of the Commissioner has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture expressing strong support for the agency's initiation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and rulemaking aimed at rescinding the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The letter emphasizes that lifting these restrictions would not only restore local decision-making but also create vital economic opportunities acr  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following written testimony by Clarence R. Clark, a board member of the Alaska Forest Association, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * EXECUTIVE ORDERS There have been several EOs signed by President Trump that should have positive effects on how the federally owned forest resources within Alaska are managed. They inclu  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The Alaska Governor's Council on Disabilities and Special Education has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regarding proposed modifications to the regulations implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The letter expresses deep concern over the potential impacts these changes could have on employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Alaska. In its letter, the council highlight  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- Brian McMahon, a liver specialist from the Alaska Native Medical Center, has submitted a public comment letter to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), voicing serious concerns about a potential recommendation to eliminate the Universal Hepatitis B birth dose and routine childhood hepatitis B vaccination. The letter highlights the critical public health implications for Alaskans if such a recommendation were enacted. The medical professional, who has d  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following written testimony by Deantha Skibinski, executive director of the Alaska Miners Association, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * Chairman Gosar, Ranking Member Dexter and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today on "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential.  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Alaska Wilderness League has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing deep concern over the potential repeal of the Roadless Rule, a key conservation measure that has safeguarded approximately 58 million acres of national forest since its establishment in 2001. The organization warns that rescinding these protections could lead to irreversible damage to forests throughout the country, notably impacting Alaska's   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following testimony by Ethan Tyler Sr., director of public policy and lands for the Aleut Corporation, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * Chairman Gosar, Ranking Member Dexter, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Ethan Tyler, Sr. Director of Public P  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release: * * * Blumenthal Demands Answers from FAA About Proposed Inadequate Fine Against Boeing for Severe Safety Violations * U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) yesterday demanded answers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the agency's proposed $3.1 million fine against Boeing for persistent safety violations in the months leading up to the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 door plug a  more

BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 27 -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued the following fact sheet on Sept. 26, 2025: * * * Medicare Open Enrollment in Alaska, 2026 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers seniors, people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and people with disabilities several insurance options, including Medicare Fee-for-Service, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare prescription drug plans. The costs an  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following testimony by Dutch Kuyper, vice-president of lands and real estate for Cook Inlet Region Inc., from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * Thank you Chairman Gosar and Ranking Member Dexter for inviting me to participate in the hearing today. I appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony on Unleashing Alaska's Extr  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following testimony by Clark Penney, a partner and senior financial advisor with Cypress Wealth Services, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * Chairman Gosar, Ranking Member Dexter, Congressman Begich, and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for holding a hearing on Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential,  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 -- The Senate Indian Affairs Committee released the following testimony by Jocelyn Fenton, director of programs at the Denali Commission, from a Sept. 10, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Indian Energy - Examining Federal Programs at the U.S. Department of Energy": * * * Thank you for your leadership and dedication to advancing energy security for rural and Tribal communities in Alaska and throughout Indian Country. My name is Jocelyn Fenton, and as Director of Programs   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- Generations United submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advocating for improved technical assistance related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The organization, committed to enhancing the lives of children, youth, and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, emphasized the urgent need for better support for grandfamilies-children and youth raised by grandparents or other relatives. The organization coord  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 -- The U.S. Department of Labor issued the following news release: * * * ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer celebrates National Tradesmen Day during America at Work listening tour in Alaska * FAIRBANKS, AK - In recognition of National Tradesmen Day, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer brought her America at Work listening tour to Alaska last week where she highlighted how the Trump Administration is investing in rebuilding the skilled workforce needed to restore Ame  more

SEATTLE, Sept. 25 -- Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, issued the following news release: * * * Introducing Atmos for Business - an innovative ecosystem for business travel that rewards companies and their employees Right on the heels of the successful launch of Atmos Rewards, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are rolling out a new self-managed business travel program that will revolutionize how employees from small and mid-sized businesses travel across our global networ  more

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Sept. 23 [Category: Education] -- The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities posted the following news release: * * * Members of Congress call for investment of federal resources across the full spectrum of MSIs * Over 80 members of the United States House of Representatives signed a letter to U.S. Department of Education expressing strong concern regarding the rescission of federal resources from Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Hispanic-Serving  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The National Mining Association (NMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service advocating for the rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. This rule currently restricts activities including road construction and timber harvesting on approximately 44.7 million acres of National Forest System lands, including significant areas in Alaska. The NMA argues that this regulation creates undue limitations on local re  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following testimony by John Christensen, president of the Native Village of Port Heiden, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * Representative Dexter, Representative Huffman, and Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify today at this hearing. My name is John Christensen, and I serve as the Presiden  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 (TNSrpt) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the following news: * * * NOAA Fisheries Releases 2025 Alaska Aquaculture Accomplishments Report In 2025, NOAA Fisheries provided science to help grow Alaska's aquaculture industry. * The NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office has released the 2025 Aquaculture Accomplishments Report. It highlights the growth of the aquaculture industry in Alaska and provides details about local, state, and federal eff  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 (TNSFR) -- U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service has prohibited directed fishing for pollock by trawl vessels in the Winter Herring Savings Area of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area. This temporary rule is a closure intended to prevent exceeding the 2025 herring bycatch allowance. The prohibition also affects vessels participating in the Community Development Quota Program. The 2025 h  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25 -- The Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Geological Survey advocating for the inclusion of potash on the list of critical minerals. This recommendation underscores the importance of potash to the agricultural economy of both the U.S. and Canada, highlighting its role in food production and national security. PNWER represents a coalition of five U.S. states-Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Washington-and five Canad  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- SalmonState, an Alaska-based conservation organization dedicated to the protection of wild salmon and their habitats, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service expressing strong opposition to the proposed repeal of the 2001 Roadless Rule. This rule has historically protected millions of acres of undeveloped forest across the nation, including critical habitats for salmon populations in the Tongass National Forest. In their  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 -- The U.S. Department of War issued the following news: * * * Security Forces in Alaska Take Part in Specialized Training * Eight airmen assigned to the 673rd Security Forces Squadron participated in a Fly Away Security Team training course at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 15-19. Fly Away Security Team training is a five-day, 40-hour course that challenges airmen physically and mentally to enhance their lethality while protecting aircraft, aircrew, ca  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 -- Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, submitted a public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) expressing strong support for the rescission of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it pertains to the Chugach and Tongass National Forests. The letter highlights the impact of roadless area designations on multiple-use management obligations, asserting that these restrictions disproportionately affect Southeast Alaska. According to the correspon  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The Sitka Conservation Society has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service advocating for the preservation of the 2001 Roadless Rule in the Tongass National Forest. The society's statement comes in response to a recent notice of intent from the agency regarding the management of inventoried roadless areas on nearly 45 million acres of National Forest System lands, which includes Alaska. As the oldest conservation organizatio  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, issued the following news release: * * * Sullivan Welcomes $16 Million Award to Build First-Ever VA Alaska Veterans Cemetery * WASHINGTON --U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), today welcomed a grant of up to $16,712,172 awarded by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration (NCA) to the State of Alaska for the establishment of the Interior Alaska Veter  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 -- Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, issued the following news release: * * * Sullivan Welcomes $183.4 Million in Federal Highway Funds to Alaska DOT * WASHINGTON-- U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed the announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), through the Federal Highway Administration, has redistributed a record-setting $183.4 million in federal funds to the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. These funds will be used   more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following written testimony by Philip A. Wight, an associate professor of history and Arctic and northern studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * Thank you, Chairman Gosar and Ranking Member Dexter, for the opportunity to testify on this timely subject. I am an energy and enviro  more

WASHINGTON, Sept. 23 -- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations released the following written testimony by Nagruk Harcharek, president and CEO of the Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, from a Sept. 16, 2025, hearing entitled "Unleashing Alaska's Extraordinary Resource Potential": * * * Good morning, Chairman Gosar, Ranking Member Dexter, and members of the Committee. I am Nagruk Harcharek, President and CEO of the Voice of the Arctic Inupiat, also known simply as VO  more