Alaska

Former staffers of Mary Peltola have raised allegations of hostile workplace behavior, and the claims could shape Alaska's closely watched US Senate race. The accusations add a new complication for a prominent Alaska Democrat as the contest draws national attention in a state that often decides Senate control.

A New York Times profile examines Mary Peltola's path to political power in Alaska, tracing her rise under the framing 'She's One of Us' and the setbacks along the way. The piece highlights how her local roots and personal background shaped her appeal to Alaska voters, even as her career faced turbulence and criticism during her ascent.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has concluded a trip taking in the United States and Mexico, with a stop in Alaska on his way home. Chosunbiz reports he used the visit to promote his diplomatic agenda, highlighting ties with Washington and engagement with Mexico. The Alaska stop drew attention as an unusual waypoint for a Korean leader returning from the Americas.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have increased their checked baggage fees, joining several other US carriers. The airlines cite rising fuel costs, which have climbed amid the conflict involving Iran, as pressure on operating expenses. Travellers now face higher costs for checked luggage on domestic flights, and industry watchers expect other carriers to follow with similar fee increases in the coming weeks.

Scientists in Alaska say avian keratin disorder is the cause of the fishhook-shaped beaks seen in the state's chickadee population, the Anchorage Daily News reports. The disorder causes abnormal keratin growth, leaving birds with overgrown, curved beaks that can make feeding difficult. Researchers studying the condition continue to investigate what triggers it and why it affects chickadees so heavily in the region.