Alaska
Where Alaska US House candidates stand on banning assault weapons
![Where Alaska US House candidates stand on banning assault weapons Where Alaska US House candidates stand on banning assault weapons](https://media.ktoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/assault-rifles-aspect-ratio-16-9.jpg)
Forty-eight candidates are working within the particular election to fill the remainder of Congressman Don Younger’s time period. It’s probably the most candidates ever in a single election in Alaska. First up is the first. Ballots are out now and should be returned by June 11.
To assist Alaskans type by way of the handfuls of choices, we’re asking every candidate the place they stand on the problems.
Right here’s how they responded, in their very own phrases, to the next query about banning assault weapons:
Would you assist a ban on the manufacture and importation of semiautomatic assault weapons, as outlined within the federal assault weapons ban that expired in 2004? Please clarify your response in not more than 50 phrases.
Jay Armstrong (R): “NEVER. Learn the preamble to our Invoice of Rights. They’re restrictive clauses in opposition to Our US authorities we created. Constitutionally ALL our civil rights are off limits to them together with proudly owning excessive capability semi automated rifles. Extra accountable firearm house owners are the reply.”
Tim Beck (Undeclared): “I see no purpose to not reimpose the ban because it was in 2004. There was no restriction on hunters. Should you can’t hit what your taking pictures at with one shot you want extra observe along with your weapon of selection or stalking your prey to place your self in vary.”
Nick Begich (R): “I strongly assist the Second Modification. I might not assist reinstating the ban that expired in 2004.”
Gregg Brelsford (undeclared): “I’m the proud hunter-owner of a gun, belong to a taking pictures vary and the NRA, maintain a hid carry allow, and passionately assist the twond Modification. I be part of thousands and thousands of conservative-American, safety-conscious gun house owners like me who acknowledge the necessity for widespread sense state-laws, like Florida’s, on gun buying.”
Robert Brown (nonpartisan): “I might not assist any gun bans. Most gun management disproportionately discriminates in opposition to the center and decrease class, in addition to minorities.”
Arlene Carle (nonpartisan): “No. With thousands and thousands of those weapons already within the arms of residents, banning newly manufactured or imported ones wouldn’t meaningfully deal with issues just like the Uvalde bloodbath. Extra productive Laws would attempt to establish and deal with probably perpetrators.”
Santa Claus (undeclared): “YES – IF AMENDED: take away quite a few exceptions, embrace weapons with/with out modification and/or equipment, increase age to 21, limit use to energetic army forces and on-duty regulation enforcement officers, embrace 117th Congress HR7910 and SB736 provisions, secure storage, no-exception UBCs, crimson flag protections, and repeal gun trade immunity.”
John Coghill (R): “I don’t assist an assault weapon ban. A nation broad ban violates our second modification for all regulation abiding residents. Regulation breakers can be empowered with gun management as a result of they care not for the regulation or the lifetime of others. Safe gun free zones. enhance our public security responses.”
Chris Fixed (D): “Sure. We’ve got to rigorously navigate the Second Modification, nonetheless, gross sales have elevated almost yearly over the previous decade, and can improve with out additional motion. We’ve got far more weapons than individuals within the U.S. We’ve got to do one thing. Extra assault rifles is not going to assist save kids.”
Al Gross (nonpartisan): “I assist common background checks and interviews by native authorities for assault weapon purchases that are held to a nationwide commonplace. I used to be interviewed by a TSA agent to get my 5 yr TSA pre-check card. This stage of scrutiny is suitable if somebody desires to purchase an AR-15.”
Andrew Halcro (nonpartisan): “Sure.”
Ted Heintz (nonpartisan): “No. That was a confirmed failure. Any actual discount in crime should deal with psychological well being and substance abuse with a concentrate on prevention.”
John Wayne Howe (AIP): “No. All gun management legal guidelines are unconstitutional, their existence is the same as making the US structure void. We have to take away gun legal guidelines, not make extra.”
Don Knight (nonpartisan): “I recommend a authorities appointed particular person be a part of any gun buy. They’d consider and be accountable for sponsoring the applicant to buy. If any illegal actions happen because of the applicant sooner or later, the evaluator could lose their license and be in any other case liable.”
Jeff Lowenfels (nonpartisan): “Completely assist! Navy type, semiautomatic weapons weren’t contemplated by the second modification, however even when they had been, I’d be in favor of the bans.”
Sherry Mettler (undeclared): “I’ve to imagine that there are lots of untapped methods to have security in our society with out infringing on our 2ndAmendment rights.”
Mike Milligan (D): “No, there are thousands and thousands in circulation since 2004, a brand new ban would simply be a fundraising gold mine for the NRA. Prohibit semi auto buy and possession, together with pistols, for anybody beneath 25, exceptions for .22 caliber rimfire. Anybody convicted of taking pictures a freeway signal is barred firearms for all times.”
J.R. Myers (Libertarian): “No, I might not assist a ban on the manufacture and importation of semi automated assault weapons, as I imagine is exterior the reputable scope of Constitutional authority for the federal authorities.”
Robert Ornelas (American Impartial Get together): “No, I don’t assist it. I absolutely assist the 2nd Modification of our U.S. Structure. Alaska has an issue like Ukraine with the Russian Navy in occupation. A well-regulated militia is critical to expel Russian army from Wrangell Island, Alaska within the Arctic Ocean.”
Sarah Palin (R): “No. The time period “assault weapons” doesn’t actually have a universally agreed-upon definition, and politicians have confirmed again and again that they’re greater than prepared to abuse ambiguity like that to infringe on our freedoms.”
Silvio Pellegrini (undeclared): “On precept alone, no. A number of research have proven the Assault Weapon Ban of 2004 had little to no impact on the discount violence from the firearms focused.”
Mary Peltola (D): “I assist the creation of a bipartisan congressional committee tasked with bringing widespread sense gun laws to Congress that helps forestall tragedies in our communities, preserves the subsistence way of life that many individuals rely upon, and respects our 2nd modification rights.”
Tara Sweeney (R): “I’m a steadfast supporter of Alaskans’ Second Modification rights and couldn’t assist measures that may infringe on the constitutional rights of law-abiding residents.”
David Thistle (undeclared): “do NOT assist a ban on any sort of weapons. The 2nd Modification could be very clear. Disarming American’s is strictly what the Russians, Chinese language and Cartels have been praying for. I imagine in correctly Funding and Coaching our Police.”
Ernest Thomas (D): “Sure l would assist such a invoice. Higher but, management the ammunition. No bullets no deaths.”
Adam Wool (D): “I discover this kind of query a bit unrealistic. The assault weapons ban that was beforehand in regulation was acceptable, but it surely’s a special political panorama proper now. I do imagine we have to restrict entry to a majority of these weapons however the particulars matter.”
Stephen Wright (R): “No, I might not assist a continued ban on assault weapons. I really feel that it’s the particular person’s proper to maintain and bear arms. It’s our second modification proper that shall not be infringed. We should uphold our structure.”
Editor’s observe: We’ve left solutions largely unedited. If candidates exceeded the phrase depend we didn’t embrace the final sentence(s).
The next candidates are on the poll, however Alaska Public Media has not but obtained a response to our emails: Dennis Aguayo, Brian Beal, Chris Bye, John Callahan, Girl Donna Dutchess, Otto Florschutz, Laurel Foster, Tom Gibbons, Karyn Griffin, William Hibler, David Hughes, Robert Lyons, Anne McCabe, Mike Melander, Emil Notti, Josh Revak, Maxwell Sumner, Richard Trotter, Bradley Welter, Jason Williams and Jo Woodward.
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Alaska
Ukrainian refugees in Alaska uncertain what to expect after Trump announces possible negotiations
![Ukrainian refugees in Alaska uncertain what to expect after Trump announces possible negotiations Ukrainian refugees in Alaska uncertain what to expect after Trump announces possible negotiations](https://gray-ktuu-prod.gtv-cdn.com/resizer/v2/2V4FV6ACABERLD6A5DKT32D6KY.jpg?auth=9fa07ea977bc90372d29d790e0fc78532b71599222b87c623aedd71adf7f31fc&width=1200&height=600&smart=true)
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – A phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin prompted local refugees to consider what comes next for their home.
According to Trump the call between the leaders Wednesday struck an agreement to begin negotiations and end the Ukraine war; beginning with a prisoner swap.
Alaska hosts a number of Ukrainian refugees, according to Catholic Social Services Refugee Assistance Services — the only refugee resettlement agency in the state — it’s seen an influx of Ukrainians entering Alaska since 2022 when the war first broke out.
Based on Trump’s statements there is potential for negotiations, but Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also said Wednesday that Ukraine should give up any NATO aspirations.
One Alaskan who came to the U.S. as a child in 1998 said many Ukrainians are simply overwhelmed.
“We don’t have the emotional capacity to have a big response,” said Zori Opanasevych, who now operates the Ukraine Relief Program.
“I think that when it happens there will be a relief,” said Opanasevych, but before there is more information about what might come out of the negotiations Opanasevych said there is both a lot of hope and a lot of uncertainty.
Opanasevych anticipates there will be many who question Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. about their immigration status, and worries there may be talks of deportation even for people who have obtained residency through all the proper channels.
If refugees who have sought safety in the U.S. were sent back to Ukraine, they would be stripped of everything they’ve built, according to Opanasevych.
“Their concern is that they don’t have a home to go to because a fifth of Ukraine is destroyed,” Opanasevych said. “The economy is nonexistent, almost, and they’ve built their lives here.”
According to Catholic Social Services, they currently serve 735 Ukrainians, but estimate there are more than 1,000 Ukrainians in the state. Not all of them are enrolled in the services CSS provides.
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Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.
Alaska
Alaska Senate leaders suggest new revenue measures to address looming budget deficit
Alaska Senate leaders signaled Tuesday that they were open to considering new revenue measures this year to help stabilize the state’s looming budget deficit.
“We haven’t addressed revenue for decades,” Sen. Lyman Hoffman, a Bethel Democrat, told reporters. “I think it’s high time the Legislature looks at raising new revenues if we want to accomplish the many things that we want to do. If not, I don’t see a clear path forward to balancing not only this year’s budget, but next year’s budget.”
Budget analysts predict that without additional revenue, the state could face a $500 million shortfall during the coming year, even without increasing the state’s education budget — a top priority for leaders of both the House and Senate.
Hoffman, who has served in the Legislature for more than 38 years, said “the state of Alaska is probably facing its largest fiscal problem in 30 years.”
He said the fiscal crisis is driven in part by the Legislature’s efforts this year to significantly increase education funding, a task lawmakers have not undertaken in more than a decade. A bill backed by House leaders would increase the state’s education budget by around $150 million in the coming fiscal year compared to the current one, and hundreds of millions more in the following two years.
Hoffman said the Senate majority had already discussed new revenue measures during a retreat before the beginning of the session.
“I’m glad to report that new revenues are on the Senate’s list of things that need to be addressed this year,” he said.
Rep. Andy Josephson, an Anchorage Democrat who co-chairs the House Finance Committee, said the House majority had not collectively discussed new revenue measures.
“I suppose we would entertain other revenue measures, but we’re also very aware that this governor vetoed a tobacco tax bill, he vetoed a Turo tax bill,” said Josephson. “So I think the 21 of us don’t want to just chase windmills and pursue things that simply aren’t going to happen.”
Gov. Mike Dunleavy in December proposed a largely status quo budget with a projected deficit of $1.5 billion. He has not introduced new revenue measures this year.
In 2023, Dunleavy introduced legislation to allow the state to bring in revenue from carbon sequestration. The law has yet to yield income for the state. He signaled two years ago that he would introduce a sales tax in the final weeks of the legislative session. But he never introduced the measure.
Senate President Gary Stevens, a Kodiak Republican, said the Senate majority has not discussed a sales tax or an income tax. Instead, both Hoffman and Sen. Bill Wielechowski, an Anchorage Democrat, pointed to possible measures that could increase taxation of oil and gas companies in the state by hundreds of millions annually.
“I think there are things that can be done which would have very little impact on investment, very little impact on Alaskans, and would help us solve our budget deficit,” said Wielechowski.
Those include a reduction in the per-barrel tax credits given to oil companies, and an amendment to the state’s tax code to apply corporate income tax on certain private corporations, including Hilcorp Alaska.
Sen. Robert Yundt, a freshman Republican from Wasilla who serves in the minority, on Monday introduced legislation meant to ensure the state’s corporate income tax is applied equally to companies in the state.
Stevens said his caucus was “really pleased” to see that legislation introduced by Yundt and said the Senate would be “moving forward” with that bill.
A similar measure considered by the Senate — and ultimately abandoned — last year would have increased taxation on Hilcorp, one of Alaska’s top-producing oil companies, by over $100 million.
In a written statement, Yundt said he introduced his bill because he thinks all companies should be “treated and taxed exactly the same — which, unfortunately, is not currently happening.”
“This legislation has the ability to create the even playing field that will benefit both industry and residents alike,” Yundt said.
Sean Maguire reported from Juneau and Iris Samuels from Anchorage.
Alaska
Grammy-winner Sean Paul to perform at 2025 Alaska State Fair
![Grammy-winner Sean Paul to perform at 2025 Alaska State Fair Grammy-winner Sean Paul to perform at 2025 Alaska State Fair](https://www.adn.com/resizer/v2//-rKFSCrc51j8hmIGwd6xqUEVpOo=/1200x630/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/adn/OYOI74GZ4MQNLKVERYNKGUHNJI.jpg)
Grammy-winning Jamaican singer Sean Paul will perform at the 2025 Alaska State Fair.
The platinum hitmaker with multiple chart-topping songs will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, the fair announced Tuesday.
Paul rose to prominence in the 1990s, collaborating with other artists until his solo debut, “Stage One,” in 2000.
A master of the Jamaican dancehall genre, he won a Grammy for his 2004 album “Dutty Rock,” which featured hit singles “Gimme the Light” and “Get Busy.”
Tickets for the show go on sale 10 a.m. Friday at alaskastatefair.org.
Paul joins “Weird Al” Yankovic, Foreigner, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Chris Tomlin, Billy Currington and 3 Doors Down on the fair’s performer lineup.
The fair runs from Aug. 15 to Sep. 1 at the state fairgrounds in Palmer.
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