Alaska officials added over 8,500 ballots to the statewide count on Wednesday, but no changes occurred in race leaders. The additional ballots continue to narrow the lead for “yes” votes on Ballot Measure 2, which would repeal Alaska’s ranked-choice voting and open primary system. Meanwhile, U.S. House candidate Nick Begich holds a lead over Rep. Mary Peltola, though ranked-choice tabulation scheduled for Nov. 20 could shift the outcome if Peltola gains enough second-choice votes.

Governor Mike Dunleavy and Lt. Governor Nancy Dahlstrom canceled a scheduled Facebook live announcement late Wednesday without explanation. Dunleavy remains a top contender for U.S. Secretary of the Interior in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, a position that would influence federal lands and natural resources, including in Alaska.

Josiah Kelly of Anchor Point faces multiple charges following three separate shootings that targeted a reproductive clinic and a recovery organization in Homer. Kelly is charged with second- and third-degree misconduct involving weapons and criminal mischief. No injuries were reported.

The Department of the Interior is advancing a land swap proposal to construct an 18.9-mile road through Alaska's Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, connecting King Cove with Cold Bay's airport for emergency evacuations. The swap would exchange nearly 500 federal acres for over 31,000 acres to expand the National Wildlife Refuge system. Public comments on the proposal are open until Dec. 30.

A federal judge has scheduled April 14 for a retrial in Sarah Palin’s libel case against The New York Times if settlement talks fail. Palin's suit alleges reputational damage from a 2017 editorial linking her rhetoric to a mass shooting. The Times admitted errors, calling it an honest mistake.

Juneau’s Douglas Crimson Bears volleyball team will compete in the state tournament this weekend after clinching the Region V title. The tournament begins tomorrow in Anchorage.