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Alaska Department of Natural Resources Prepares to Relinquish Up to 5.7 Million Acres of Statehood Act Land Claims

Alaska Department of Natural Resources Prepares to Relinquish Up to 5.7 Million Acres of Statehood Act Land Claims

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced its intention to surrender claims to as much as 5.7 million acres of land scattered across the state. This decision comes as Alaska approaches its goal of acquiring 105 million acres of federal land under the 1958 Statehood Act. Federal law limits the state's selections to no more than 125% of the remaining acreage to be transferred. As the state gets closer to its 105 million-acre target, its current requests exceed this federal limit, necessitating the relinquishment of some claims. The DNR is prioritizing giving up low-priority selections, which are either unlikely to be transferred or are less valuable than other potential acquisitions. The public notice from the DNR listed 18 specific targets for relinquishment, including land under Eielson Air Force Base, a bombing range near Fort Greely, and areas surrounded by other owners in western Alaska. Each relinquishment involves a separate public process, and more are expected to follow.
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Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act Passes Senate, Heads to President's Desk

Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act Passes Senate, Heads to President's Desk

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Southcentral Foundation Land Transfer Act, sending the legislation to President Trump for his signature. The bill, H.R. 3620, was championed by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and U.S. Congressman Nick Begich, all Republicans from Alaska. The legislation will transfer ownership of a small parcel of land in downtown Anchorage, currently held by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to the Southcentral Foundation (SCF). This land is the site of the Quyana Clubhouse, which provides behavioral health care services, incorporating cultural values and traditions, to Alaska Native people. The Senate's passage by unanimous consent, following Senator Murkowski's motion, marks a significant step towards empowering SCF to expand its services and facilities.
AP NewsAP News
Trump unveils $54 billion in South Korean investment in Alaska, site of a tight Senate race

Trump unveils $54 billion in South Korean investment in Alaska, site of a tight Senate race

President Donald Trump has announced plans for South Korea to invest roughly $54 billion in a project to export natural gas from Alaska
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Congress Challenges Army Corps of Engineers on Project Pauses

Congress Challenges Army Corps of Engineers on Project Pauses

Both chambers of the 119th Congress are actively advancing competing versions of the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA 2026). These legislative efforts include specific provisions designed to push back against project pauses initiated by the Army Corps of Engineers. The House of Representatives has already overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan water infrastructure bill that would authorize and modify Army Corps projects nationwide. This indicates a strong legislative intent to influence the Corps' decision-making regarding the continuation or suspension of various water-related infrastructure projects across the country. The legislative actions suggest a concern within Congress about the impact of these pauses on local communities and national infrastructure development.
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President Trump Launches America.gov, an AI-Powered Government Services Website

President Trump Launches America.gov, an AI-Powered Government Services Website

President Trump officially launched America.gov, a new artificial intelligence-powered government website designed to streamline Americans' interactions with federal services. The platform, introduced at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., features a chatbot-style interface that allows users to ask questions about government programs, benefits, and services in plain language. The administration describes America.gov as a 'front door' to federal resources, aiming to consolidate information currently spread across numerous agency websites. President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to integrate their online services with America.gov, envisioning it as a single digital portal for accessing government information and completing transactions. The platform is powered by Google's Gemini and Elon Musk's Grok, and the administration plans to expand its capabilities to include tasks like renewing passports and enrolling in Medicare.
Palm Springs Desert SunPalm Springs Desert Sun
Why most Californians are excluded from $500 ACA refunds

Why most Californians are excluded from $500 ACA refunds

Refund checks tied to ACA coverage begin Sept. 30, but most Californians are not eligible.
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Vermont Poll Reveals Majority Support for New Second Home Tax

Vermont Poll Reveals Majority Support for New Second Home Tax

A recent Vermont Public poll indicates that 57% of respondents believe the state should implement a new annual tax on second homes. Conversely, 28% disagreed with the proposal, and 15% remained unsure. This issue has become a central point in Vermont's current election cycle. Amanda Janoo, the Democratic nominee for governor, advocates for taxing 'luxury second homes' and 'commercial vacation rentals' at higher rates as part of her housing platform. Molly Gray, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, suggests such a tax could fund universal primary care for Vermonters. Republican incumbents Governor Phil Scott and Lieutenant Governor John Rodgers, however, express caution about new taxes, emphasizing the need to control education costs and expand Vermont's tax base to reduce property taxes for primary homeowners. Support for the tax is higher among Democratic-leaning voters (70%) compared to Republican-leaning voters (43%) and independent or minor party respondents (54%).
Asheville Citizen-TimesAsheville Citizen-Times
Trump starts $500 ACA refunds today. Who's eligible in North Carolina

Trump starts $500 ACA refunds today. Who's eligible in North Carolina

Trump's administration states that the refunds will be issued due to claims of Affordable Care Act overcharging.
ReutersReuters
Trump set to tout Korean investment in Alaska LNG, other projects

Trump set to tout Korean investment in Alaska LNG, other projects

By Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump could announce as soon as Wednesday that his administration intends to use South Korea's strategic investment fund for several major US projects including roughly $54 billion for the planned Alaska LNG
ReutersReuters
Trump set to tout Korean investment in Alaska LNG, other projects, sources say

Trump set to tout Korean investment in Alaska LNG, other projects, sources say

By Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt WASHINGTON, Sept 29 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump could announce as soon as Wednesday his administration intends to tap South Korea's pledged strategic investment package for about $54 billion to build a liquefied natural gas facility in Alaska and
1Weather1Weather
Arctic Air Brings First Freeze to Anchorage

Arctic Air Brings First Freeze to Anchorage

Arctic air is sweeping across Alaska, bringing significant temperature drops and the first freeze of the season to Anchorage by the end of the week. Interior Alaska and the North Slope are already experiencing lows in the 20s °F (-6 to -2 °C), with light snow accumulations expected in these regions. High elevations could see 1 to 3 inches of snow, particularly Tuesday night into Wednesday and again Wednesday night into Thursday. Meanwhile, Southeast Alaska is seeing scattered rainfall, with totals ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 inches, while temperatures remain near 50 °F (10 °C). Western Alaska is experiencing cooler temperatures in the low 40s °F (4-6 °C) with mostly dry conditions, though light showers are possible in parts of the Aleutian Chain.
El Paso TimesEl Paso Times
Trump sending out $500 checks to 1 million Americans. Here's why

Trump sending out $500 checks to 1 million Americans. Here's why

The checks are expected to go to residents in 30 states, including Texas, and are expected to begin arriving in October.