A pedestrian accident on Douglas Highway in Juneau early yesterday involved a 69-year-old woman driving a red Honda CRV and a 61-year-old male pedestrian, who was critically injured and transported to Bartlett Regional Hospital. Both lanes near Cordova Street were closed for two hours as police and rescue teams responded. The Juneau Police Department’s Major Accident Response Team is investigating the incident. In the final week of Alaska’s U.S. House race, campaigns have started airing ads aimed at supporters of lesser-known candidates. Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s campaign has released ads endorsing Alaskan Independence Party candidate John Wayne Howe to draw votes away from her main Republican opponent, Nick Begich. Similarly, Republicans have encouraged progressive voters to support the Democratic candidate Eric Hafner, who is currently imprisoned and likely ineligible to serve. These strategies have stirred reactions from both parties as Election Day nears. Alaska’s population held steady in 2023, with a slight increase and lower birth and death rates. Births continued to decline, with 9,022 babies born this year compared to 9,832 in 2019. Oliver and Charlotte were the most popular baby names in Alaska. Seniors now represent 15% of the state’s population, and males comprise 52% of residents, the highest percentage in any U.S. state. The state’s leading causes of death remain cancer, heart disease, and accidents. A report by Alaska’s Department of Health reveals that 70% of adults in the state are overweight or obese, with chronic conditions like high blood pressure linked to Alaska’s leading causes of death. The report also found that many high school students are overweight, and 40% of women over 40 have missed recent mammograms. To support health, the report encourages lifestyle changes and wellness policies, with programs like Fresh Start and Play Every Day promoting fitness and disease prevention. Juneau RecycleWorks and Juneau Composts are partnering for a fourth year to collect pumpkins for composting. Drop-off bins will be available from November 1 through November 16 at the Recycling Center on Tonsgard Court, operating Tuesday to Saturday. Pumpkins must be decoration-free to be composted.