Republicans have taken control of the U.S. House, joining the Senate majority and President-elect Donald Trump to cement GOP power. With this majority, Republican leaders plan to advance Trump’s vision, including tax cuts and stricter immigration policies.
In Alaska, final election results remain pending, including for the state’s lone U.S. House seat. Ballot Measure 2, which seeks to repeal Alaska’s open primaries and ranked-choice voting system, leads by just over 2,400 votes. Ranked-choice voting results and final unofficial tallies are expected Wednesday, with certification due by the end of the month.

Governor Mike Dunleavy is rumored to be in talks for a cabinet position in President-elect Trump’s administration, potentially as Secretary of the Interior or Energy. If appointed, Dunleavy would likely champion Trump’s energy agenda, focusing on reducing restrictions on Alaska’s federal lands. Reactions are mixed, with some state lawmakers optimistic and others disappointed. If Dunleavy leaves office, Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom would step in as governor.

President-elect Trump has nominated former Congressman Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Gaetz, under scrutiny for a past sex trafficking investigation and an ongoing House Ethics Committee probe, denies wrongdoing and has resigned from Congress. If confirmed, he would oversee the Justice Department, which Trump has heavily criticized. The nomination has drawn skepticism, with some Republican senators doubting Gaetz’s confirmation chances. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski joked about the nomination, saying it wasn’t on her “Bingo card.”

The Juneau School District reports a rise in student fights this semester, especially at Juneau-Douglas High School, which recorded 11 incidents between August and October—more than double last year’s total. About half involved law enforcement. Thunder Mountain Middle School has reported eight fights, consistent with past trends. Officials link the increase to the recent consolidation of schools due to budget cuts.