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Alaska Voters to Decide Key Races in Upcoming Primary Election

Alaska Voters to Decide Key Races in Upcoming Primary Election

Alaska's primary election on August 18 will determine which candidates advance to the general election in November. Voters will choose from candidates running for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, governor, and state Legislature. Under Alaska's open primary system, all candidates appear on the same ballot regardless of political affiliation. The Anchorage Daily News, in collaboration with Alaska Public Media and other partners, has provided a voter guide featuring candidates' responses to issue-based questions. This initiative aims to inform voters about candidates' positions on various topics, many of which were suggested by the public.

EPA Transfers Hazardous Waste Management Authority to Alaska, Enhancing State Control

EPA Transfers Hazardous Waste Management Authority to Alaska, Enhancing State Control

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially transferred the authority for hazardous waste regulation to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. This move makes Alaska the 49th state to achieve hazardous waste primacy under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The transfer, which was several years in the making, was marked by a signature ceremony. Emma Pokon, the EPA’s Pacific Northwest regional administrator, highlighted that the state has been working alongside the EPA for years, ensuring a smooth transition. Alaska has developed a hazardous waste program and team, with state regulations that became effective a year ago. The program is part of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Environmental Health, supported by regular appropriations from the Alaska Legislature.

Palm Beach Post

Palm Beach sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

Palm Beach sunrise, sunsets times under permanent daylight saving time

What changes could West Palm Beach, Florida, expect in sunrise, sunset times under permanent daylight saving time?

Trump says Exxon, Chevron are 'making too much money' amid Iran war

Trump says Exxon, Chevron are 'making too much money' amid Iran war

President Trump called out the nation's two largest oil companies, accusing ExxonMobil and Chevron of "making too much money" during the Iran war.

Tariff Refund Act of 2026 Introduced to Support Small Businesses

Tariff Refund Act of 2026 Introduced to Support Small Businesses

Tariff Refund Act of 2026 Introduced to Support Small Businesses

House Advances Farm Bill with Safety and Innovation Provisions, Awaits Senate Action

House Advances Farm Bill with Safety and Innovation Provisions, Awaits Senate Action

The 2026 Farm Bill is currently under consideration in Congress, with significant implications for farmers, ranchers, equipment manufacturers, and rural communities. The House has passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which includes provisions for precision agriculture and farm safety. Notably, the bill features an AEM-endorsed initiative led by Representatives Randy Feenstra and Josh Riley to establish a cost-share grant program for retrofitting tractors with rollover protection structures. This aims to enhance safety for farmers. The Senate is now tasked with advancing the bill, with Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman leading the efforts. The Senate's version, the Agricultural Act of 2026, also supports precision agriculture and farm income protection. However, the Senate has yet to include the tractor safety provision, and negotiations are ongoing.

Stansbury Co-Sponsors Legislation to Enhance Tribal Public Health Preparedness

Stansbury Co-Sponsors Legislation to Enhance Tribal Public Health Preparedness

U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury, alongside Senator Martin Heinrich and Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, has introduced the CDC Tribal Public Health Security and Preparedness Act. This legislation aims to provide Tribal nations with equal access to federal investments for public health emergency preparedness. Currently, Tribal public health departments are not eligible for the CDC's Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement program, which is crucial for funding state, local, and territorial public health departments. The proposed act would allow Tribal nations to apply directly to the CDC PHEP program, ensuring they receive necessary resources to respond effectively to public health threats. The bill also includes provisions to exempt Tribes from matching funds and reduce administrative burdens. The legislation is co-sponsored by several U.S. Senators and Representatives, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, and is endorsed by major Native American health organi...

Sanctions on Russia Fuel Growth of Parallel Shipping Economy

Sanctions on Russia Fuel Growth of Parallel Shipping Economy

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to significant changes in global oil trade, with sanctions imposed by a coalition of over 40 countries, including the G7, reshaping the maritime shipping industry. The sanctions have created a 'shadow' shipping market, where unregulated vessels transport Russian oil to countries like China and India, bypassing Western sanctions. This parallel economy has grown rapidly, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 tankers now operating outside Western regulatory reach. The U.S. Senate is advancing a bill to impose tariffs on nations importing Russian oil, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season

Senate leaders reach funding deal to avoid shutdown during campaign season

Key senators have unveiled a short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown during the middle of campaign season

Senate Bill Proposes 12 Weeks of Paid Leave for Federal Employees

Senate Bill Proposes 12 Weeks of Paid Leave for Federal Employees

Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) has introduced the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act (S. 5168), which aims to provide federal employees with 12 weeks of paid leave per year for situations covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The bill, cosponsored by seven other senators, including Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), was referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. This Senate bill mirrors a similar House bill introduced by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) in June. Both bills seek to supplement, not replace, existing leave options, and require employees to have at least 12 months of federal service to qualify. However, the Senate and House versions differ in certain provisions, such as coverage for survivors of domestic violence and other personal circumstances.

Congresswoman Erin Houchin Introduces Bill to Enhance 988 Lifeline Geolocation for Crisis Response

Congresswoman Erin Houchin Introduces Bill to Enhance 988 Lifeline Geolocation for Crisis Response

Congresswoman Erin Houchin, alongside three bipartisan House colleagues, has introduced the '988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act.' This legislation aims to enhance the geolocation capabilities of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, thereby improving the connection between callers and local emergency services. The bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to address challenges in transmitting location data for 988 calls and mandates the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study related policy, legal, technical, financial, and privacy issues. Additionally, the bill seeks to address geolocation concerns for individuals using the American Sign Language (ASL) line through video services. The initiative has received endorsements from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and APCO International, with supporters emphasizing the importance of timely and effective crisis response.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Can U.S. survive another 2 years of Trump unchained? | Letter

Can U.S. survive another 2 years of Trump unchained? | Letter

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