House Control and Arctic Oil Exploration
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With fewer than 20 races left to call, control of the U.S. House remains undecided. In Alaska’s lone House seat race, Republican Nick Begich holds a narrow lead over Democrat Mary Peltola. Thousands of absentee, early, and questioned ballots are still being counted, with more results expected by Nov. 15 and Nov. 20. Ranked-choice voting will ultimately determine the winner if no candidate secures over 50% of the vote. Alaska’s state-owned development agency has allocated $750,000 for legal expenses in support of Arctic oil exploration and the Ambler Road mining project. The agency is contesting recent federal decisions that halted these projects, with hopes that a Trump administration could bring favorable policy changes. Despite public opposition, agency leaders emphasize Alaska’s constitutional duty to develop its natural resources as justification for the legal action. In an unexpected gesture, President Biden has invited President-elect Trump to the White House for a transition meeting on Wednesday. This is a historic moment, as it will mark the first time since 1992 that an outgoing president meets an incoming one after competing against each other in a campaign. Biden has assured a smooth transition, contrasting Trump’s 2020 exit, when he declined to attend Biden’s inauguration. The forecast for Bristol Bay’s sockeye salmon run, the world’s largest, anticipates a harvest of 51.21 million fish, 38% above the long-term average. However, market challenges like low prices and small fish sizes continue to impact fishers. Despite a significant harvest this year, industry revenue remains low, with hope for recovery if global market conditions improve.
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