During a press conference regarding crime in Washington, D.C., Donald Trump mistakenly stated he was going to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin. The meeting is actually scheduled to take place in Alaska, a detail quickly clarified by both Trump and Senator Lisa Murkowski. This summit marks the first meeting between a US president and Putin since 2021, amidst ongoing concerns about the war in Ukraine. While Russia has expressed approval, critics have noted the historical connection between Russia and Alaska, further complicating the situation.
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Senator Murkowski had co-sponsored an amendment to extend tax credits for solar and wind energy projects in Alaska’s Railbelt, aiming to mitigate an impending energy crisis. This amendment was intended to provide a 12-month window for clean energy projects. However, a subsequent executive order from Trump aimed to eliminate these tax credits, thus disrupting the agreement. Murkowski has since expressed feeling misled by the administration regarding the executive order.
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Senator Lisa Murkowski, despite expressing concerns about the devastating impact of President Trump’s tax bill, ultimately voted in favor of it. She secured several provisions specifically benefiting Alaska, such as delaying cuts to food assistance and securing funds for rural hospitals. However, the bill is expected to negatively impact many Alaskans by potentially leading to a loss of health insurance and food assistance. Murkowski’s actions sparked debate, with critics questioning her decision to prioritize Alaska’s interests even as the bill harms vulnerable populations.
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After intense negotiations, the Senate narrowly passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with the final version totaling 887 pages. Senator Murkowski secured key provisions, including waivers for SNAP cost-sharing that favored Alaska and tax breaks for Alaskan fishing interests, despite failed attempts to include Medicaid provisions. The bill’s passage involved a “wraparound” amendment, which eliminated certain taxes and also doubled the rural hospital fund to $50 billion, while also phasing out solar and wind tax credits. The bill faces challenges in the House, where concerns exist among both conservative and moderate members regarding its financial implications.
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In a close 51-50 vote, Donald Trump’s controversial bill narrowly passed the Senate, largely due to the support of Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski. Republicans included provisions benefiting Alaska to secure her vote, but a last-minute change impacted the Medicaid funding that Murkowski was hoping to gain. Despite her reservations about the bill’s readiness, she voted in favor, citing concerns about potential negative impacts on her state. As a result of her vote, Murkowski secured a tax break for Alaskan fishing villages and whaling captains along with an exemption that would apply to 10 states with the highest payment error rates, including Alaska.
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Murkowski votes to advance GOP megabill after early misgivings over Medicaid, SNAP cuts, and it seems, the inevitable disappointment is here. It’s like watching a movie where you already know the ending. Despite expressing initial concerns about the bill, particularly regarding potential cuts to Medicaid and SNAP programs, Senator Murkowski cast her vote to move it forward. The recurring theme here, it seems, is that her “misgivings” often don’t translate into a vote that aligns with those concerns.
The bill itself, as many have noted, carries a significant price tag, potentially adding billions to the national debt. Some suggest this very fact is appealing to Republicans.… Continue reading
In response to perceived economic threats from the U.S., British Columbia Premier David Eby announced plans to levy fees on U.S. commercial trucks traveling through the province to Alaska. This action, spurred by concerns over potential U.S. annexation, will be implemented via upcoming legislation. While details remain scarce, the move risks retaliatory tariffs and could impact Alaskan communities reliant on Canadian goods and services. The practicality and potential economic ramifications of this plan are yet to be fully disclosed.
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On Tuesday, NORAD intercepted four Russian military aircraft—two Tu-95 Bear bombers and two Su-35 Flanker fighter jets—that flew through the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone for 15 hours. The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not violate U.S. sovereignty. This action, while prompting a response of four F-16s and support aircraft from NORAD, is consistent with past Russian activity and is considered legal under international law. Similar intercepts have occurred previously, including joint Russian-Chinese flights in the area.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood