Attorney General Confirmation: The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced acting AG Todd Blanche to the full Senate after GOP holdouts John Cornyn and Thom Tillis got written assurances that the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund is rescinded and that Trump-family IRS audit protections are limited to the plaintiffs. Tribal Public Safety Funding: The Justice Department opened a Fiscal Year 2026 grant competition totaling more than $107 million for federally recognized tribes and tribal consortia to build coordinated public safety and victimization approaches. Alaska Voting Logistics: Early voting for Alaska’s Aug. 18 primary is underway statewide, with absentee in-person options available in places like Ketchikan, where voters must complete required oath paperwork. Local Elections Watch: Kodiak’s borough and city races will see new faces as some incumbents step aside ahead of the Oct. 6 municipal election filing window. Courtroom Update (Child Welfare): Alaska’s foster care class action appeal was dismissed by the Ninth Circuit, preserving a March 2026 district court rejection of claims. Energy & Land Use: A proposed Caribou Creek hydro project near the Matanuska Glacier is drawing community concerns over landslides, flooding, and impacts to mining claims and recreation. Critical Minerals Push: Reuters reports Lockheed is in talks to secure U.S.-sourced scandium and germanium for defense supply chains, reflecting pressure to reduce reliance on China.