The California Senate and now a key Assembly committee have passed a bill that would allow cities to charge businesses up to $650 for returning shopping carts stolen from them.
The measure, Senate Bill 753, was introduced at the urging of the city of San Jose, which faces major homelessness and budget crises.
“[San Jose] Mayor Mahan has a homelessness problem and a budget problem, and his solution to solve both of those is to charge retailers more to get their stolen property back,” said Daniel Conway of the California Grocers Association at the California Assembly Local Government Committee hearing that advanced the bill. “Our property is being stolen and taken offsite.”
Under current law, cities can only charge businesses $50 for each shopping cart found and retrieved by the city off of the businesses’ property after the first three violations within a six-month period, or for failing to pick up retrieved carts within three business days.
Shopping carts also currently have to be held for 30 days before the city disposes of them, which bill author state Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, said creates a nuisance for cities. Cortese’s bill would authorize cities to return the carts to businesses, and charge the businesses up to $500 for the service of returning each cart and up to an additional $150 in fines.
“The bill modernizes California law by allowing cities to immediately collect abandoned shopping carts, return them directly to retailers without a three-day waiting period, and recover the actual costs associated with managing cart recovery program,” said Cortese in support of the bill.
Assemblywoman Rhodesia Ransom, D-Tracy, who abstained from voting for or against the bill — which passed with zero “no” votes but four abstentions — shared her concern that it’s unfair to charge businesses for being victims of crime.
“This is not happening because of their negligence or nuisance,” said Ransom at the hearing. “This is happening because people are taking the shopping carts off the property, and I do not think it is fair to allow the city to impose something without giving them the opportunity to retrieve what is stolen property.”
While fighter jets roared overhead during the annual Red Flag exercises at Eielson Air Force Base in late June, a quieter and far less known military trial was underway 20 miles away on a training range near Fort Wainwright, where the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) was running live-fire tests of small, long-range attack drones. The tests, according to Defense News, fell well short of expectations.
The purpose of the exercise was to put inexpensive, expendable drones through their paces in a simulated combat environment. The drones were challenged to strike targets while simultaneously being under electronic attack, including attempts to jam their signals. The exercise produced a string of crashes, with some drones slamming into hillsides and erupting in flames, Defense Newsreported, with photos of the fiery crashes.
The DIU, a Pentagon office tasked with bringing commercial technology into military use, had selected a group of companies to showcase their drone prototypes as part of a broader push to also strengthen the US drone manufacturing industry.
Speaking to Defense News, Trent Emeneker, who leads several DIU autonomy projects, said the exercise highlighted the uncomfortable reality that the US military’s drone capabilities have fallen behind faster-moving global competitors.
These trials come as the Pentagon puts more focus on drone warfare, driven in part by lessons from Ukraine, where drones have played a central role on the battlefield. Military leaders, including Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth, have made no secret of their intent to close the gap and expand America’s use of autonomous systems.
In a sign of that urgency, Hegseth issued a memo on July 10, directing a wide range of reforms to how the services buy small drones, according to Defense News. The changes are meant to cut through procurement bureaucracy and give ground units more freedom to test and buy drones directly from the commercial market.
The Trump Administration has also pushed for more domestic drone production and the removal of policy barriers that have slowed the Pentagon’s ability to field these systems.
The sketchy performance of the drones in Alaska shows both the promise and the pitfalls of the Pentagon’s modernization efforts. Inexpensive drones could transform the battlefield—but only if the military can overcome the very system that too often keeps new technology grounded.
The man who was pronounced dead at the scene of a shooting in downtown Anchorage has been identified as 23-year-old Leroy Manogiamanu.
The shooting took place at about 2:50 am outside the Gaslight Lounge, which is nearly directly across from the Anchorage Police Department’s downtown headquarters.
When officers arrived, they found three victims, one of whom had non-life-threatening injuries, one with life-threatening injuries; and one deceased adult male victim, who was identified on Monday morning. Medics transported the victims to the hospital. A fourth victim was later located with non-life-threatening injuries. The Crime Scene Team has responded to process the scene. The suspect is still at large.
Manogiamanu, who lived with family members in the Muldoon area of Anchorage, has no prior run-ins with the law in Alaska. His court record has just minor vehicle-related violations.
US Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) secured a key endorsement on Monday from President Donald Trump, bolstering his re-election campaign with the backing of the Republican Party’s most influential figure.
Trump announced his endorsement on Truth Social, praising Sullivan’s record and support for conservative priorities. The endorsement comes as Alaska’s political landscape heats up ahead of the 2026 elections, with Sullivan expected to seek a third term in the U.S. Senate.
“Senator Dan Sullivan is doing a fantastic job representing the Great People of Alaska! Prior to becoming a very distinguished and Highly Respected Senator, Dan served as State Attorney General and the Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources,” Trump wrote in his social media post.
Trump highlighted Sullivan’s work on national defense, energy policy, and economic growth, adding, “Dan is a GREAT man, has ALWAYS delivered for Alaska (which I won three times by BIG margins in 2016, 2020, and 2024!), and will continue doing so in the U.S. Senate.”
The former president pointed to Sullivan’s efforts to lower taxes, reduce regulations, and support American energy independence. He also emphasized Sullivan’s support for securing the nation’s borders, defending the Second Amendment, and backing military service members and veterans. Sullivan is a retired Marine colonel.
“Dan Sullivan has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote.
Trump carried Alaska by more than 54% of the vote in the 2024 presidential election, marking his third consecutive victory in the state. He won outright, without having to go though the complicated ranked-choice voting processs.
Sullivan, first elected to the Senate in 2014, has maintained strong ties to Alaska’s energy sector and military community and is considered a frontrunner for re-election.
No major Democratic challengers have announced a run against Sullivan as of Monday, but Alaska newcomer Ann Diener, a Democrat, is in the race. In 2020, the Democrats backed Al Gross, a medical doctor from Juneau-Petersburg-Anchorage, who failed to capture the trust of Alaska voters, garnering only 41.7% of the vote.
Alaska Democrats appear to have found their challenger in the 2026 US Senate race. Ann Diener, a Democrat and newspaper sales executive at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, filed to run against incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who has served since being elected in 2014.
Diener moved to Alaska in 2021 and was involved in Democratic politics through the unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign of Democrat Les Gara in 2022. With no other Democrat yet stepping forward and no signs of a late entry from former Rep. Mary Peltola, who is currently tied up in a lawsuit involving the death of her husband Buzzy, Diener looks to be the party’s default standard-bearer.
On her campaign website, Diener emphasizes themes of economic development and community-building. “We need to work hard to serve Alaskans and those who move to our state,” she writes, adding that Alaska must “create win-wins and care about creating flourishing local communities” amid concerns over population decline.
However, parts of Diener’s biographystand out for their unusual tone. She describes her political experience as including an effort to “defeat the overlord who had attempted to harm my planet” and claims to have stopped an attack on “our start (sic) system.” She often refers to herself as “we.”
In a section titled “Biography of Our Work for Sovereignty,” she pledges to uphold “Constitutionalism with Oversight against all Malfeasance.”
In comments about her political role models, Diener lists former US Sen. Dianne Feinstein (misspelled as “Diane” on her website), while also promoting a platform that mixes traditional Democrat priorities like workers’ rights and housing with a broad focus on foreign policy and energy. She also advocates for increased tourism promotion and attracting outside talent to Alaska. She claims to have vast foreign policy experience.
On her Ballotpedia profile she says, “We need to improve our state and encourage people to see that Alaska has a thriving future. This is something that is currently not happening, and it is time to elect someone with fresh eyes on the challenges we face. Coming from California, where we faced overdevelopment I stood against, I can work for Alaskans to encourage positive growth with constituents interest in mind. I will encourage direct communication and put your needs first. My goal is to engage everyone in an interactive way online, in person and over the phone.”
Her website features photos of protest signs, such as one that says, “No Justice No Peace.”
Diener has never run for elected office before and her professional background is in advertising sales. She was born in Colorado and got a college degree from San Diego State University, according to Ballotpedia, where she has completed the candidate profile and survey. She has a campaign website, a Facebook page, a campaign page on X, and some other social media tie downs.
Barring a last-minute entrant, Diener will face Sen. Sullivan, who is seeking his third term. The Alaska Democratic Party has yet to formally endorse a candidate, but Diener’s early filing in December 2024 and lack of alternatives suggest she may be their nominee by default.
The Department of Justice has initiated formal requests for voter registration records and other election-related data from at least nine states, according to official state confirmations and federal documentation. The states contacted include Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
The requests, sent through the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, focus on how states manage voter registration, clean their rolls, and identify ineligible voters.
The DOJ is seeking information on processes used to verify voter eligibility, such as checks against state databases to flag duplicate registrations, noncitizens, deceased individuals, and those disqualified due to felony convictions or mental incompetence.
Here is the letter sent to Alaska Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom:
Last week, nearly three weeks after the Justice Department request was made to Dahlstrom, the Alaska Division of Elections sent out a social media post explaining how voters are removed from the voter rolls:
In Colorado, the Justice Department asked for “all records” related to the 2024 general election, which may include ballots and voting equipment records. State officials have described the scope of the request as highly unusual.
Similar letters were sent to other states with varying levels of detail and specificity, ranging from general voter roll maintenance procedures to inquiries about voter verification methods, such as Arizona’s use of driver’s license numbers for identity confirmation.
These requests are issued under the authority of a March 2025 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, directing the Department of Justice to investigate suspected election-related crimes. The executive order also allows the DOJ to withhold certain federal funds from states that fail to comply with such investigations.
State responses to the DOJ inquiries have varied. Some, like Wisconsin, referred the DOJ to publicly accessible voter information portals that require payment of a nominal fee. Others, like Arizona, provided limited data consistent with federal law, while affirming their existing voter verification safeguards. Pennsylvania confirmed its cooperation with the DOJ but did not publicly disclose the extent of its data sharing.
The Alaska Division of Elections, under the direction of Dahlstrom, is working on a response.
Election officials in Colorado expressed concern over the unprecedented scope of the DOJ’s demand, noting that public voter data is readily accessible under state law but emphasizing restrictions on sensitive information such as Social Security numbers or drivers’ license numbers. Additionally, election officials in several states have cited statutory limitations on releasing certain types of data, even to federal agencies.
Under federal law, including the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, the Department of Justice is empowered to monitor voter roll maintenance to ensure accuracy and prevent ineligible voting. Federal law permits oversight of voter list maintenance, demands for records encompassing all election materials and voting infrastructure could test the boundaries of federal authority.
Multiple people were apparently injured early Sunday morning after gunfire erupted near the Gaslight Lounge in downtown Anchorage.
3:30 pm update: When officers arrived, they found three victims, one of whom had non-life-threatening injuries, one with life-threatening injuries; and one deceased adult male victim. Medics arrived and transported the victims to the hospital. A fourth victim was later located with non-life-threatening injuries. The Crime Scene Team has responded to process the scene. Suspect still not detained.
According to the Anchorage Police Department, officers responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 2:50 am in the area of 4th Avenue and G Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered several victims at the scene. The extent of their injuries has not yet been released.
As of Sunday morning, no suspects have reported to have been detained. Police say they are actively following up on leads but have not released any suspect description or details about what may have led to the violence.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the shooting — including surveillance footage from nearby businesses or residences — to contact Anchorage Police Dispatch at 3-1-1 (option #1) or (907) 786-8900 (option #0).
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, as do any potential connections between those involved. Police said further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
This story will be updated as new information is available.
Police have still not released information about the Friday shooting incident near an active baseball game at Mulcahy Stadium in midtown. The name of the suspect is still unknown, but he was reported to have been bitten by police K9 Kevin and was taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Former US Rep. Mary Peltola filed a civil lawsuit Friday in Bethel Superior Court, possibly seeking damages related to the plane crash that killed her husband, Eugene “Buzzy” Peltola Jr. on Sept. 12, 2023.
The lawsuit names defendants Bruce Werba, a registered master guide, and Alaska Pike Safari’s and Wilderness Adventures LLC, owned by Werba. Neitz Aviation, is also named in the complaint. Frank Neitz is the former owner of Arctic Circle Air.
Peltola’s husband died during a guided moose hunting trip along the Yukon River in 2023. The small plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff from a remote wilderness camp. The accident drew national attention and widespread condolences, as Peltola was serving in Congress at the time.
The case, assigned to Bethel Superior Court Judge William Montgomery, was filed through Bethel attorney Myron E. Angstman and Anchorage attorney Russell L. Winner. Peltola is demanding a jury trial.
While the precise allegations are unknown to Must Read Alaska, the filing has a mark of someone seeking restitution for her husband’s death.
Werba, through his guiding business, conducts annual Yukon moose hunts. Neitz, known for decades of bush flying experience, previously owned a cargo airline before running his current aviation operation.
Bethel is one of the few jurisdictions in America known for high jury awards and it is a venue that plaintiffs’ lawyer prefer for that reason. In the courts, her claim to Buzzy Peltola’s estate is still open, and will likely be open for some time, at least until this matter is settled.
Peltola has been rumored to be preparing to run for statewide office, but these lawsuits throw that rumor into doubt.
On July 15, the US Senate took on one of the most controversial issues of our time — vaccine injuries and the power of Big Pharma. In a hearing titled “Voices of the Vaccine Injured,” Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI), chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, gave a national platform to families devastated by vaccine injuries, alongside medical experts who question the current system of pharmaceutical immunity.
The hearing exposed heartbreaking personal stories and raised bipartisan concerns about corporate accountability, government oversight, and the unchecked influence of pharmaceutical advertising.
The goal was to magnify the silenced stories of vaccine harm along with a broader debate on vaccine safety, efficacy, and policy. To ensure a balanced presentation, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) provided a counterpoint, focusing on the life-saving benefits of vaccines and sharing accounts of losses from preventable diseases. You can watch the entire meeting here.
“All of the witnesses presented powerful testimony and engaged in respectful discussion. I believe all of these stories needed to be told and listened to. I sincerely hope that the hearing helped to bridge the gap and demonstrate how to heal and unify our horribly divided nation,” said Sen. Johnson.
Five witnesses discussed vaccine injuries, and two witnesses discussed vaccine efficacy. One of the witnesses was one of our speakers from last year’s Alaskans 4 PersonalFreedom conference — Dr. Brian Hooker, chief scientist at the Childrens’ Health Defense. He spoke of his son who developed autism after an MMR vaccine.
Testimonies are available in links below.
Emily Tarsell, mother of Christina Tarsell, witness’ daughter died following Gardasil vaccination
Eric Stein, brother of Jessica Stein, witness’ sister died of influenza
Brian Hooker, PH.D., father of Steven Hooker, witness’ son is vaccine injured with autism
Polly Tommey, mother of Billy Tommey, witness’ son is vaccine injured
Serese Marotta, mother of Joseph Marotta, witness’ son died following flu illness
Krystle Cordingley, mother of Corbyn Cordingley, witness’ son died following quadrivalent flu vaccination
One of the positives that came out of the hearing was a shared belief between Democrats and Republicans that the pharmaceutical industry does not have much oversight. Both sides showed concern for the “immunity from legal responsibility” enjoyed by Big Pharma since 1986.
Johnson brought up one of my pet peeves that the FDA allows pharmaceutical companies to advertise on TV. I can’t watch a show without hearing about some new drug for some disease I should ask my doctor about.
Johnson said a whopping $10 Billion was spent by Big Pharma on consumer advertising in 2024, making up just about 25% of the evening ad minutes.
Wouldn’t it be great if that money instead could be directed to those injured by these new great “wonderful” drugs?
Johnson stated the massive amount of money gained from this advertising allows the industry to “control the narrative and suppress stories of drug and vaccine injuries.”
The panel’s ranking Democrat Sen. Blumenthal agreed with Johnson’s concerns of Big Pharma and stated he’d co-sponsor a bill banning pharmaceutical advertisements on TV.
That would certainly be a step in the right direction. I pray it’s time now. A bipartisan push in the Senate would make a difference.
Committee members also shared an interest in reforming the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. This is the program established in 1986 that gave legal immunity to pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The vaccine manufacturer immunity occurred when lawsuits threatened to drive companies out of the market. Since they received immunity and we went to VICP instead, the explosion in childhood vaccine recommended doses went from 7 to 76 today.
Although the government does have the VICP, one witness on the panel stated the program has not provided relief to his family over 16 years to support his son who requires around-the-clock care.
Blumenthal asked if the U.S. government holds the pharmaceutical industry to the same standards as other industries.
“I am extremely suspicious as a lawyer that immunity is granted in any blanket way across the board to any manufacturer,” Blumenthal said.
It looks like the Senate (or at least some of the members of this committee) may be looking to write similar legislation.
Sen. Johnson should be applauded for exposing the serious injuries from vaccinations. The testimonies from the family members were hard to listen to without tearing up. Something needs to be done to stop the protection of Big Pharma and its shareholders.
Instead of protecting the industry, we should be protecting our children and ourselves. Remember, the Hippocratic Oath says, “First Do No Harm.” That is the principle that should always be followed, especially for our defenseless children.
Linda Boyle, RN, MSN, DM, was formerly the chief nurse for the 3rd Medical Group, JBER, and was the interim director of the Alaska VA. Most recently, she served as Director for Central Alabama VA Healthcare System. She is the director of the Alaska Covid Alliance/Alaskans 4 Personal Freedom.
