For the first time since Election Day, votes against repealing Alaska's ranked-choice voting system now lead by 192 votes. With roughly 5,100 ballots left, trends suggest the current system will remain for at least two more years. The margin is razor-thin, under 0.1%, and recounts can be requested by December 5 following certification on November 30.

Meanwhile, Republican Nick Begich’s lead in Alaska's U.S. House race narrowed to 7,223 votes over Democrat Mary Peltola. Ranked-choice tabulation is set for Wednesday.

Alaska’s seafood industry lost $1.8 billion last year due to low prices and closed harvests, marking its worst year since 2001. Employment also hit record lows, with fewer than 5,900 harvesters on average. Contributing factors include climate change, global competition, and aging infrastructure.

State officials are exploring solutions, including modernization, workforce development, and increased marketing, with recommendations expected in early 2025.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Alaska's campaign finance rules requiring disclaimers on political ads and disclosures for contributions over $2,000. The regulations, part of a 2020 election reform initiative, had previously survived legal challenges and remain in effect alongside the state’s open primary and ranked-choice voting systems.

Alaska's annual disease report shows high rates of STDs, with over 5,000 chlamydia cases and 2,280 gonorrhea cases in 2023, both among the highest in the nation. Syphilis cases also increased, with congenital syphilis surging.

Flu and COVID-19 cases declined compared to prior years, but vaccination rates were well below national averages, with only 23.7% of adults vaccinated for flu and 13.4% up to date on COVID shots.