Trump endorses Begich and Alaska Airlines Buys Hawaiian Airlines

Local First News (News of the North)

During a town hall in Flint, Michigan, former President Donald Trump mixed up Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) with Afghanistan’s Bagram air base while discussing his energy policies. Trump inaccurately claimed ANWR held oil reserves comparable to Saudi Arabia’s, though ANWR’s recoverable reserves are much smaller. The former president's confusion drew criticism, including remarks on social media questioning his mental clarity. Trump had signed a bill allowing oil drilling in ANWR during his presidency, but the Biden administration later canceled the lease sale.

Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Nick Begich for Alaska’s U.S. House race after Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom withdrew. Trump praised Begich as an "America First Patriot" and predicted his victory over Democratic incumbent Rep. Mary Peltola. Begich thanked Trump and criticized Peltola for not supporting Kamala Harris in the presidential race. Other candidates include Alaskan Independence Party’s John Wayne Howe and Democrat Eric Hafner, who is currently imprisoned. Election Day is set for Nov. 5.

Former U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred, who resigned in July after being investigated for ethical lapses, has been referred to the U.S. House for impeachment. Senator Lisa Murkowski supports the move, stating that Kindred’s misconduct and conflicts of interest should not be tolerated in the judiciary or any other workplace. If convicted, Kindred would be prevented from holding future public office.

Alaska Airlines finalized its $1 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines on Wednesday, assuming an additional $900 million in debt. To gain regulatory approval, the airlines agreed to maintain service levels on key Hawaii routes. Alaska plans to keep the Hawaiian brand intact and will not repaint its planes. The Justice Department did not challenge the deal, unlike its opposition to JetBlue’s attempt to acquire Spirit Airlines.

The U.S. military has deployed 130 soldiers and mobile rocket launchers to Shemya Island in response to Russian military activity near Alaska. Russian planes and navy vessels have been approaching U.S. territory, prompting the U.S. to send additional forces to monitor the situation. Senator Dan Sullivan has called for a stronger U.S. military presence, emphasizing Alaska’s strategic importance in the global power competition with Russia and China.

Juneau’s Parks and Recreation department is starting its fall outdoor Clue games this weekend. The first event will take place at Gastineau Meadows Trail, inviting participants of all ages to solve a mystery by finding clues on the trail. Players can download Clue cards and submit their guesses online for a chance to win prizes. Additional games will be held in October on Auke Lake Trail and Point Caroline Trail, with a grand prize drawing on October 21.