Alaska News Roundup: Juneau flood, Tuesday’s primary, Interior fires

Published Aug 15, 2026 · Community · Red Rock Daily staff

Here’s a roundup of recent Alaska news: the Suicide Basin glacial outburst flood moved through Juneau, the state’s Aug. 18 primary is days away, and crews reported progress on Interior Alaska wildfires.

Juneau spared major damage as floodwaters recede

The Suicide Basin glacial outburst flood sent Mendenhall River water through Juneau starting around Aug. 11, and thousands of residents were urged to evacuate (Alaska Beacon, Aug. 12). By Aug. 14, Juneau neighborhoods were spared major damage, to residents’ relief (Alaska Beacon / KTOO, Aug. 14).

Tuesday’s primary draws big outside money

Alaska holds its primary election Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, with an open primary for U.S. Senate and a crowded governor’s race. Super PACs have poured millions into boosting little-known Senate candidates (Anchorage Daily News, Aug. 13; Alaska Public Media, Aug. 14). Elon Musk is spending heavily in a push to repeal Alaska’s final-four ranked-choice voting system (Alaska Public Media, Aug. 11).

Crews report progress on Interior Alaska fires

Alaska Wildland Fire Information mobilized a response to the Tatlanika Fire (fire number 246) in Interior Alaska on Aug. 8. By Aug. 14, firefighters reported progress on Interior Alaska fires (akfireinfo.com).

Runner injured in bear attack near Prospect Heights

An Anchorage runner was injured in a bear attack near the Prospect Heights trailhead (Alaska Public Media, Aug. 14).

Murkowski pushes release of Alaska Native education grants

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski pushed for the release of $41.3 million in delayed federal grants for Alaska Native education (Alaska Beacon, Aug. 10).

For more on the Last Frontier, see the Alaska guide.