A group of demonstrators clad in white shirts and pants with blood-red splotches over their crotches drew attention in Midtown Anchorage on Sunday.
The protest on the corner of Northern Lights Blvd. and Minnesota Blvd. was organized by The Bloodstained Men, a California-based nonprofit dedicated to ending the common medical practice, which they refer to as genital mutilation. The protest marked the second day of their tour across Alaska, where they plan to visit various locations.
Although protests are a familiar sight in Anchorage, this group’s theatrical appearance stood out. The demonstrators, both men and women, wore white outfits with vivid red markings meant to symbolize what they describe as the physical and emotional harm of infant circumcision.
The organization opposes the surgical removal of the foreskin, which is often performed on newborn boys in hospitals across the United States. Members argue that the procedure is unnecessary, harmful, and performed without the child’s consent.
Signs held by the demonstrators bore slogans such as “Circumcision = Child Abuse,” “Stop Cutting Baby Penis,” and “Nobody Wants Less Penis.”
Circumcision rates in the United States have declined in recent decades, but the practice remains common. In Alaska, rates are lower than the national average, and Medicaid does not routinely cover the procedure unless deemed medically necessary. Many male children born at home or in birthing centers escape the knife.
The Bloodstained Men have taken their protests across the country, often drawing support — and controversy — wherever they appear. They will be touring Alaska through July 13.
As fireworks fade and flags are folded after another Independence Day, the United States quietly stepped from its 249th year into its 250th year as a nation. It has been a quarter of a millennium for a republic that is the mightiest nation in human history, but filled with plenty of struggle, triumph, and transformation.
The official semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — will be celebrated on July 4, 2026.
But as of this month, the nation is already begun its 250th year. The calendar has turned and the countdown has begun to what promises to be one of the largest patriotic observances in human history.
From Philadelphia to Fairbanks, preparations will soon be underway. States are forming their own celebration commissions. Cities are mapping out parade routes. Museums are curating exhibitions.
In Alaska, the commission for the 250th anniversary celebration is known as the America250-Alaska Task Force, established by Gov. Mike Dunleavy through Administrative Order No. 357 on Nov. 6, 2024, and designating the Alaska Historical Commission as the coordinating entity. The commission is responsible for planning and organizing events, educational initiatives, and outreach activities to commemorate the semiquincentennial starting next year. The Alaska commission has set the theme for the celebration as “History for Tomorrow,” highlighting opportunity for the next generation.
Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom chairs the commission that has members Jonathon Ross, Wayne Jensen, Judith Bittner, Rebecca Poulson, Givey Kochanowski, Mark Rollins, and two vacancies.
Schools, too, are preparing by drafting curricula to help a new generation understand the founding ideals and complex journey of the American experiment.
In 2026, the Fourth of July will fall on a Saturday, which will be ideal timing for celebrations.
While the biggest events will be July 4, local efforts are already gaining steam.
In Virginia, re-enactors are preparing for a series of Revolutionary War reenactments. In South Dakota, organizers are planning a special Mount Rushmore illumination. In Alaska, conversations are beginning about how to highlight the state’s unique role in the American story and future.
As the country enters this historic chapter, one thing is clear: The celebration doesn’t have to wait.
The Democrats are done with the “using” of Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Now, they are into the “abusing” phase of the relationship.
US Sen. Ruben Gallego, an Arizona first-term Democrat, was brought in as the featured guest at a virtual “emergency town hall” hosted by the Alaska Democratic Party on Wednesday evening, giving him a platform to bash and trash Alaska’s congressional delegation.
Gallego used the platform to sharply criticize Alaska’s Republican Sens. Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both of whom supported the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The event, which included several Democratic state legislators from Alaska, centered on the sweeping legislative package championed by President Donald Trump and signed into law on July 4.
“Alaska’s senators sold out their constituents by backing billionaire tax cuts while slashing Medicaid and children’s health care,” Gallego said in a statement released alongside the event. “People will die because of these cuts, thousands will lose coverage, and families will face impossible choices.”
Alaska Democrats, who in 2022 effectively cleared the path for Murkowski’s reelection by fielding only token opposition, now appear to be turning against the longtime incumbent. A Democrat flyer circulating on social media reads: “COWARDS DON’T BELONG IN ALASKA — Get Murkowski out in 2028.”
The One Big Beautiful Bill marks one of the most significant legislative victories for Trump-aligned Republicans since he left office. It includes major investments in energy and defense, sweeping tax reforms, and cuts illegal immigration. Supporters say the law promotes economic growth and national strength.
Gallego, who defeated Republican Kari Lake in 2024 to succeed outgoing Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, is seen as a rising Democratic voice despite his party losing Arizona in the last presidential election. His appearance at the Alaska town hall has intensified speculation that he may be considering a 2028 run for the White House.
The Alaska Democratic Party is mobilizing in advance of the 2026 election cycle, in which both Congressman Nick Begich and Sen. Dan Sullivan will be up for reelection. Murkowski’s current term ends after the 2028 election.
Wildfire activity intensified across Interior Alaska on Saturday as hot, dry, and windy conditions fueled aggressive fire growth on multiple fronts. Firefighters and air crews worked through the day to protect communities and critical infrastructure as fire behavior reached extreme levels.
Sunday’s forecast brought a welcome change: lower temperatures, higher humidity, and a light haze. There’s also a chance of rain overnight—offering a glimmer of relief for exhausted fire crews and concerned residents.
Bonanza Creek Fire (#238)
Unfavorable weather conditions drove significant westward growth on the southern flank of the Bonanza Creek Fire, south of the Parks Highway. Firefighters spent much of Saturday suppressing spot fires, supported by air tankers and a Chinook helicopter equipped with a 2,600-gallon water bucket.
The Midnight Sun Hotshots were tested when flames jumped containment lines to the east. Crews worked to re-establish control and reinforce lines on the fire’s northeast perimeter. Meanwhile, the Pioneer Peak Hotshots successfully connected containment lines on the northwest edge to the road, preventing fire runs toward the highway.
Goldstream Creek Fire (#270)
This fire advanced rapidly, making a two-mile run southwest on Saturday. In response, evacuation levels were raised for homes near Little Goldstream Creek. Two hotshot crews, a Type 2 Initial Attack crew, and three bulldozers were deployed to carve new dozer lines and strengthen existing ones. Crews also installed portable water tanks, hoses, and sprinkler systems to protect homes in the area.
Travel Impacts and Safety
Fire suppression efforts are causing significant traffic delays on the Parks Highway. Drivers are urged to proceed with extreme caution, follow pilot car instructions, and prepare for extended wait times.
Fire officials emphasize the need for public cooperation to ensure both firefighter and civilian safety. Motorists are asked by state officials to slow down in fire zones and stay alert to changing road conditions.
For the latest road status updates, visit the Alaska Department of Transportation website.
Fire crews are operating around the clock to protect lives, homes, and infrastructure.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, includes a historic investment in US Arctic security, totaling nearly $9 billion for icebreakers that may put America back in charge of the frozen frontier.
The legislation delivers $4.3 billion for heavy Polar security cutters, $3.5 billion for medium Arctic security cutters, and an additional $816 million for lighter ice-capable vessels. It’s the largest Arctic maritime investment in US history, and it comes at a moment of escalating geopolitical stakes in the Far North.
Congressman Nick Begich is on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee in the House.
“Arctic security is a crucial component of America’s national defense and border security portfolio, but we have deferred that investment for too long. This historic investment strengthens our response capacity, supports ongoing search and rescue missions, and enhances our ability to interdict foreign operators engaged in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) commercial fishing,” Begich said.
‘Upon learning about chronic Coast Guard budget shortfalls as a member of the Coast Guard subcommittee and after meeting with senior Coast Guard leadership in Kodiak, Washington DC, and Tokyo, it was clear: We needed to make a significant Coast Guard investment and quickly. The OBBBA will make that happen,” Begich said.
Why it matters: Russia and China are joining forces in the Arctic
Over the past years when Joe Biden was president, Russia and China intensified joint naval patrols in the Arctic, while Moscow has been building new military bases across the Russian Arctic.
Meanwhile, China has pushed to rewrite the rules of Arctic governance, despite being thousands of miles from the polar region. Although China is not a full member of the Arctic Council, it was admitted as a permanent observer in 2013, which enabled Beijing to pursue push-in strategies, allowing it to speak and propose measures to the voting members. In essence, it gives China the ability to co-opt the voting members.
In 2018, China published a white paper outlining its goal to launch a polar Silk Road. It marketed itself as a “near Arctic state.”
The stakes are immense: the Arctic is estimated to hold 90 billion barrels of oil, 1,669 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, and 44 billion barrels of natural gas liquids.
Yet during the Biden administration, Arctic infrastructure stagnated. The US fleet of operational heavy icebreakers has remained at just one aging vessel, while Russia has more than 40.
President Trump’s Arctic response is a full-spectrum push to retake the initiative and includes:
40 new U.S. icebreakers funded by the One Big Beautiful Bill
A pact with Canada and Finland to build 70–90 additional vessels
A surge in US shipbuilding, reviving dormant shipyards to support Arctic dominance
This massive build-up is intended not just to catch up, but to leap ahead, because whoever controls the Arctic sea lanes and energy routes controls the future, with Alaska’s Arctic now a battleground for world dominance.
Leftists criticize the icebreaker funding as “wasteful.” But for conservatives and national security hawks, this is about sovereignty and survival in a changing geopolitical climate.
With Arctic temperatures warming and sea ice thinning, new maritime routes are opening that could rival the Suez and Panama Canals in global shipping importance.
Chinese overseas mining acquisitions have surged to their highest level in more than a decade, raising alarms in Washington and among US allies seeking to counter China’s dominance over critical minerals.
According to newly compiled data from S&P Global and Mergermarket, there were 10 Chinese mining deals valued at more than $100 million each in 2024—the most since 2013. Analysts reported to Australia Business Review that the trend reflects Beijing’s aggressive push to lock up global raw material supply ahead of mounting geopolitical resistance.
Separate research from the Griffith Asia Institute confirmed that 2024 was the most active year for Chinese mining investment and construction abroad in more than a decade. This momentum appears to have carried into 2025. In April, China’s Baiyin Nonferrous Group acquired a copper and gold mine in Brazil for $420 million. In June, Zijin Mining announced a $1.2 billion acquisition of a gold mine in Kazakhstan, AFR reported.
These moves come as the US and allied nations, including Australia, seek to reduce their dependence on China for materials essential to clean energy and advanced manufacturing, including lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and other battery metals.
The Trump administration, in its second term, has prioritized securing America’s mineral independence under a broader agenda of expanding US natural resource development. President Trump’s recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill includes major investments in domestic mining, exploration, and processing infrastructure, as well as tax incentives for companies developing critical mineral supply chains within the US and allied countries.
China doesn’t share either environmental or labor standards that are found in the US. Many factory workers in China endure 12-hour shifts, 6–7 days a week, with unpaid overtime.
The communist country is exploiting weak governance in developing countries to undercut the West and lock up global resources.
This is the same tactic that China used on Alaska under the weak leadership of Gov. Bill Walker. China attempted to gain ownership and influence over the Alaska LNG project during Walker’s administration, as part of a broader effort by Beijing to secure long-term energy supplies and strategic infrastructure access in North America in its Belt and Road Initiative.
Just this month, Texas has passed a law prohibiting foreign ownership of land in the state. Alaska has yet to pass such a law.
China, which consumes more minerals than any other nation, dominates the refining and processing of many critical materials but relies heavily on imports for raw supply. Through initiatives tied to its Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese state-backed companies have used loans, infrastructure projects, and joint ventures to expand their control of mines and energy projects across Africa, South America, and Central Asia.
Analysts say the latest wave of acquisitions is part of a deliberate strategy to move quickly before Western restrictions tighten. “Chinese groups believe they have a near-term window,” said Michael Scherb of Appian Capital Advisory. “They’re trying to get a lot of M&A done before geopolitics make it impossible.”
That strategy includes acquiring assets in riskier regions where Western firms may hesitate to operate. China’s willingness to take long-term views and accept less favorable terms has given it an edge, especially in countries where governments are nationalizing Western assets or demanding higher royalties.
While most headlines about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” have focused on tax cuts, school choice, and border security, one of the most consequential victories for Alaska has flown under the radar. It was a quiet but powerful change to how Alaska shares in oil royalties on federal lands.
It all began in November, as Nick Begich travelled to DC for Freshman orientation, before the race was even officially called. Long before committee assignments were finalized, before most of his colleagues had even unpacked their boxes, Begich had one big idea: maximize revenues for Alaska on federal oil and gas royalties.
Alaska has lived with a 50-50 royalty split with the federal government since the days of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System legislation. At the time, Alaska’s congressional delegation tried to secure its promised 90-10 federal land royalty split in favor of the state, but had to settle for less to get the pipeline approved. Since then, generation after generation of lawmakers, including the late Congressman Don Young, tried to correct the imbalance. Each effort hit a wall.
That changed this year. In one of the most underappreciated and masterfully executed plays in the Big Beautiful Bill, Begich managed to include language that would shift the split on new leases in NPR-A, ANWR, and Cook Inlet to 90-10, with 90% of royalties staying in Alaska. He got it through the House Natural Resources Committee and passed the 90-10 split even through the full House version as written.
The provision ran into the arcane but powerful Byrd Rule, a rule that limits what can be included in budget reconciliation bills. The Senate Parliamentarian agreed the rate could be adjusted but was negotiated there to 70-30, a 40% increase in Alaska’s royalty revenue.
The full provision represents potentially tens of billions in future revenue that will build and maintain infrastructure, and support Alaska’s future generations.
It was no small feat to keep even that version alive. Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, who chairs the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, took a meeting with Begich and agreed to support the increased formula. Alaska Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski went to bat to ensure it survived the final negotiations. And it did.
But make no mistake: This provision was Nick Begich’s brainchild, and it would not exist without his relentless work from Day One.
It’s worth contrasting this with the record of his predecessor, Rep. Mary Peltola, who not only voted against the Alaska Right to Produce Act, but showed no indication of having either the legislative vision or horsepower to advance such a technical but crucial policy.
Begich understood that Alaska’s economic engine starts with resource development. He didn’t just vote the right way — he built a plan, assembled the coalitions, navigated the legislative gauntlet, and delivered real results. And what is remarkable is how he did it: The split starts in 2034, which is how it got around the Byrd rule in the first place. It’s a creative flair that Begich thought of, that no one else had considered.
These efforts early on were a key reason Murkowski had to vote for this bill, which has President Trump’s signature on it now. The Alaska provisions were that important for our state and had the 70-30 not been in this bill, it’s likely she would have teetered the other way.
In a town where showmanship often overshadows substance, this is a case study in what quiet, focused, intelligent leadership can achieve. And for Alaska, it means more control over our destiny and a future that is finally starting to tilt back in our favor.
As the dust settles on the Big Beautiful Bill, Alaskans would do well to look past the flashy headlines and recognize this provision for what it is: a generational win.
The Haines Borough Planning Commission voted 5-1 on June 19 to recommend approval of an easement request by the Takshanuk Watershed Council, a nonprofit, that would allow the nonprofit to use a portion of the Jones Point Cemetery property — the only cemetery in Haines — for access to and fencing associated with a commercial composting facility.
The meeting drew strong opposition from the public, with dozens of residents filling the room and spilling into the entryway. Many residents voiced concerns about the impact of the project on the cemetery, while acknowledging support for composting in general. The primary concern centered on the use of cemetery land, which is protected by a 1922 deed restricting it to cemetery-related purposes.
The proposed easement includes construction of a 7-foot electrified wildlife barrier that would encroach on the cemetery parcel. Takshanuk Watershed Council, which owns approximately 50 acres of land nearby, including an old mill site, has been criticized for not locating the facility entirely on its own property.
Public testimony during the June 19 meeting lasted approximately 90 minutes. Residents expressed frustration that the nonprofit had already built an industrial structure before obtaining the required land use permit. TWC applied for an after-the-fact permit on Oct. 31, 2023, months after the structure was erected.
Some residents also raised concerns that the project, which involves composting organic waste, could attract wildlife and negatively impact the solemn and sacred character of the cemetery. Others argued that the project’s placement violates zoning regulations and deed restrictions.
Former Haines Mayor Jan Hill, speaking during public comment, cited the property’s historical significance and called on TWC to relocate the project to their own land. “Takshanuk has almost 50 acres,” Hill said. “We just want them to use their own property and leave our cemetery alone.”
During the meeting, Planning Commissioner Derek Poinsette recused himself from voting and presented the project as executive director of TWC. Poinsette told the commission that TWC had contacted the borough years earlier about the possibility of using the area, but admitted the organization was unsure of the exact location of the property line at the time of construction. He stated the project was built based on their understanding of historical use of the area.
Longtime resident Don Turner Jr. pushed back on that claim, referencing deed documents and maps that showed clear boundary lines. He pointed out that the structure was built close to the cemetery despite alternative options on the existing pad, and that the nonprofit failed to obtain a building permit beforehand. “They could have built 11 feet farther away,” Turner said during his testimony.
Zoning concerns were also highlighted, as the composting facility lies in a light industrial zone while the cemetery is located in a rural mixed-use zone. Borough code requires projects that span zoning districts to meet the requirements of the more restrictive zone, which would necessitate a conditional use permit process with public input — a step not yet completed.
Planning commissioners questioned TWC’s planning process, especially its failure to accurately determine property boundaries before beginning construction. When asked about possible errors in planning, Poinsette stated, “There were no errors, or anything made other than, like we said, we didn’t know exactly where that line was.”
Despite the range of concerns, the commission voted 5-1 in favor of recommending the easement to the Haines Borough Assembly.
The final decision will rest with the Assembly at its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 8. The public may submit written comments to the borough clerk at [email protected] until 5 pm on Monday. Public testimony will also be accepted in person and via Zoom. Details are available on the borough’s website under the July 8 Assembly meeting agenda.
A freshman Republican lawmaker from conservative District 28 in Wasilla is facing political backlash from within her own party after the district party leaders drafted a resolution to revoke their endorsement of her.
Rep. Elexie Moore has shown what they call a “consistent pattern” of opposition to the party’s core principles.
In a sharply worded resolution offered this week, the Republican district committee outlined a litany of grievances against Moore, including her votes on education funding and new tax-related legislation. The resolution also criticized her absence during a pivotal vote on a Permanent Fund dividend amendment, which resulted in a reduction to Alaskans’ dividends.
Moore, elected in 2024, is one of the Alaska House’s newest members. Her district committee’s decision to revoke support just 18 months into her term could have serious ramifications as she approaches her 2026 re-election campaign.
The resolution, titled “Resolution Revoking the Endorsement of Representative Elexie Moore,” argues that Moore has strayed from Republican orthodoxy by:
Voting for House Bill 57, which the district says dramatically increased education spending and mandated long-term tracking of high school graduates, a violation of Alaskans’ constitutional right to privacy.
Supporting Senate Bill 113, a revenue-contingent tax proposal nicknamed the “Etsy Tax,” which the district calls a “Democrat tax scheme” and an affront to the party platform’s anti-tax stance.
Missing a key vote on Amendment 1 to House Bill 53, which allowed Democrats to pass a cut to the PFD, a move the resolution frames as a betrayal of Republican values and Alaskan property rights.
Citing these and other actions, the resolution concludes:
“Representative Moore is hereby instructed to immediately remove any and all references to her endorsement by District 28 of the Alaska Republican Party from her campaign materials, websites, and social media platforms.”
In a lengthy Facebook post, Moore acknowledged receipt of the resolution via email and said she was “deeply heartbroken” by the decision. But she emphasized her commitment to transparency and thoughtful policymaking, even amid internal party disagreements.
“This resolution, driven merely by policy disagreements… painfully exposes the chasm in our party,” Moore wrote. “Without repair, that fracture will grow and ultimately inhibit the movement toward our common values.”
Moore defended her votes on HB 57 and SB 113, arguing that each decision was made with consultation, reflection, and the intention of balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs.
“These votes are not taken lightly,” Moore wrote. “They are made with the intention to move the needle and advocate for policies that strengthen Alaska in education, our finances, and individual liberties.”
She pledged to comply with the resolution and expressed gratitude for supporters who had remained in contact with her during what she called “the biggest learning curve of my life.”
Rep. Jubilee Underwood, another freshman legislator from neighboring District 27, came to Moore’s defense publicly, dismissing the resolution’s claims as exaggerated and constitutionally unfounded.
“Nothing in either of these bills or votes violate the Constitution,” Underwood wrote. “These are wild ‘whereas’ statements… I hope that a small group of people—who are refusing to have conversations with you—will talk to you.”
While the withdrawal of endorsement would carry no legal consequence, it signals possible vulnerability for Moore in what could be a heated primary season in 2026. For now, it’s clear she will not be invited to district Republican functions, will not receive funding or volunteer support from the district, and will likely face a Republican who will be recruited by the party to challenge her in 2026.
On Moore’s extended Facebook post, several of her fellow Republican lawmakers added “caring” emojis, including Rep. Jeremy Bynum, Rep. Will Stapp, Rep. Jubilee Underwood, and Rep. Julie Coulombe. Also adding a supportive emoji was Scott Kendall, the political attorney and author of Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system.
In the 2024 Alaska House of Representatives election for District 28, Elexie Moore (Republican) defeated Steve Menard (Republican) in a ranked-choice voting election. After the recount, Moore won by a margin of 9 votes, with Moore receiving 3,243 votes and Menard receiving 3,234 votes after the redistribution of second-choice votes from third-place candidate Jessica Wright.
