Alaska

Alaska delegates react to Biden ending 2024 reelection bid, endorsing VP Harris

Published

2 years ago

July 21, 2024

Alaska delegates react to Biden ending 2024 reelection bid, endorsing VP Harris

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – After Sunday’s announcement from President Joe Biden that he will not seek reelection in 2024 and instead endorses Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic party’s presidential nominee, Alaskans on both sides of the aisle shared their impressions and concerns.

Among them was Mike Wenstrup, chair of the Alaska Democratic Party.

“My biggest reaction was just seeing yet another example of how selfless and how much of a patriot President Biden is,” Wenstrup said. “He’s putting this country ahead of his own interest in what he wants. He’s been one of the most consequential presidents of my lifetime. And I think this is just another example of him, putting America first.

Wenstrup also explained how the nomination for president would go forward since many delegates have already pledged votes to Biden.

“Because of President Biden ending his campaign, all his pledged delegates are free to vote for any candidate of their choosing. I do believe there’s going to be a groundswell and movement towards everyone endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris moving forward. I’ve spoken to several of our delegates currently — I’ve spoken also to our leadership — and many of us are at this point that, those that I’ve spoken to, are all strongly supporting Vice President Harris.”

While members of the party decide who will lead their ticket in November, Wenstrup said he supports Harris as the next Democratic presidential nominee.

“I think there’s a ton of great Democratic leaders across the country who would make a great president. Nobody has vice President Harris’s record and her ability to not only unite the party but unite the country and become the first woman president,” he said.

The Alaska Republican Party’s chairman Carmela J. Warfield said in a statement posted to social media that the state’s party stands behind former president Donald Trump.

“The Alaska Republican Party stands united behind President Donald J. Trump and we will win in November,” Warfield wrote.

Other members of the party expressed support for Biden’s decision to withdraw from the upcoming election. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said in a social media post that she respects his decision not to seek reelection.

“I respect President Biden’s decision to act in the best interest of the country by stepping aside in the 2024 presidential election,” Murkowski said.

Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River, was a delegate at the 2024 Republican National Convention last week that endorsed former president Donald Trump. She doesn’t think the change on the ticket will have much affect on her constituents.

“I don’t think it impacted the constituents in my district — and I say that because we’re going full speed ahead with President Trump and getting him elected with our vice president J.D. Vance,” Allard said. “I wasn’t shocked. I mean, it was coming. We all knew it. There was no surprise. I was like, it’s about time.”

Allard remains steadfast in her support of Trump.

“I believe President Trump will be uniting our country, and we need to move forward. And we all need to come together, reach across the lines to be a unified country. But that doesn’t mean we compromise our values, or compromise our direction in which the country should go in order to be the greatest country in the world.”

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Alaska

Pilot’s quick thinking averts disaster in Alaska emergency landing

Published

2 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

Pilot’s quick thinking averts disaster in Alaska emergency landing

A small plane made an emergency landing in Alaska after a loud noise was heard about 20 minutes into the flight, according to one of the nine passengers on board. The pilot reported engine trouble and began searching for a place to land. Helicopters later rescued everyone. Passengers praised the pilot’s experience and quick thinking, crediting him with saving their lives. The FAA and NTSB are investigating.

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Alaska

Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

Published

12 hours ago

June 25, 2026

Press Room

Kasilof River Sockeye Salmon Limits Increased

Spawning Coho. Image-BLM

(Soldotna) – To allow anglers additional harvest opportunity of Kasilof River sockeye salmon, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, 16 inches or greater in length, to six fish per day and twelve fish in possession; however, no more than two salmon per day and two in possession may be coho salmon, in all portions of the Kasilof River open to salmon fishing. These provisions are effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 26 through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2026.

The biological escapement goal on the Kasilof River is 140,000-320,000 sockeye salmon. Through June 23, a total of 117,665 sockeye salmon have passed the Kasilof River sonar site. The current escapement of sockeye salmon into the Kasilof River is proceeding at a rate that is projected to exceed the biological escapement goal.

In addition to increasing the bag and possession limit for sockeye salmon, ADF&G issued emergency order 2-RS-1-32-26 expanding the area open to the personal use dip net fishery on the Kasilof River.

For additional information, please contact the Soldotna ADF&G office at (907) 262-9368.

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Alaska

Crews continue making progress on Delta Fires

Published

22 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Crews continue making progress on Delta Fires

By Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection on June 24, 2026

A White Mountain Crewmember feels for any remaining heat along the Rapeseed Fire (#275) outside of Delta Junction on June 24 2026. Photo/ Sam Porter

#222 Granite Fire– The Clackamas Crew joined the Southwest Type 1 Crew and TCC Squad A on the Granite Fire today. The fire is now 85% contained.
A thermal detection drone was flown over the fire to identify any remaining heat. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place and will continue tomorrow, meaning aircraft and drones that are not supporting firefighting operations are prohibited from flying over or near the incident.
Crews are also checking windrows for remaining heat. Windrows are rows of trees left standing to reduce wind erosion on farmland. Firefighters will pile and burn dead or downed trees, as well as hazard trees with burned roots.

#257 Barley 2 Fire– All personnel have been demobilized from the Barley 2 Fire after it was declared contained and controlled. The fire will remain in monitor status. This will be the last update for this fire unless significant changes occur.

#268 Moosehead Fire– A boat is transporting TCC Squad C to the Moosehead Fire, where they are gridding the interior and checking for any remaining heat.

#275 Rapeseed Fire- The Rapeseed Fire is 80% contained. The White Mountain Type 2 Initial Attack Crew is constructing sawline and cold trailing the fire’s edge to locate and extinguish any remaining heat.
A Nodwell continues to provide an effective way to transport personnel, equipment, supplies, and water through the remote, sensitive terrain while supporting suppression efforts.

#223 Pogo and #226 Shaw Fires continue to be in monitor status.