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‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Catherine Bach Looks Radiant in New Pics

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‘Dukes of Hazzard’ Star Catherine Bach Looks Radiant in New Pics

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2026 NFL Draft First-Round Primer: Team Needs, Mock Picks, Draft Selections

It’s time for all of us to put our pencils down on our previews for the 2026 NFL Draft. After many days, weeks, months and even years of mock drafts, the 2026 draft has arrived. Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza will almost certainly hear his name called when the Las Vegas Raiders make the No. 1 overall pick, but after that, it seems like anyone’s guess as to what might happen. What we do know, though, is that all 32 teams have at least one pick in the first two rounds entering draft night. How should every team use those top selections? We determined the top needs for each time, while our draft expert, Rob Rang, mapped out how the first 64 picks should go in his most recent mock draft. So, let’s dive in and share how we think each team should attack the 2026 NFL Draft. Team needs: QB, DL, OL, RB Eric D. Williams: The Cardinals moved on from Kyler Murray. Last year’s starter, Jacoby Brissett, remains on the roster and Arizona signed Gardner Minshew in free agency. However, those two journeymen are considered stop gaps, with most NFL observers believing new head coach Mike LaFleur could be eying Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson as the team’s quarterback of the future with a Day 1 or early Day 2 pick. Although incumbent starter James Conner reworked his contract to stay on the roster and the Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency, Arizona still could look to add a player who some consider the best in this year’s draft in Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love at No. 3 if they do not trade down. With four straight losing seasons, the Cardinals are in desperate need of some sizzle on their roster. The Cardinals averaged 93 rushing yards a contest last season, which was 31st in the NFL. Mock selection: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (No. 3 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 3Round 2: 34Round 3: 65Round 4: 104Round 5: 143Round 6: 183Round 7: 217 Team needs: LB, WR, OLB Greg Auman: Atlanta gave up its first-round pick last year to get outside linebacker James Pearce, whose off-field issues could create another positional need. Losing linebacker Kaden Elliss to the Saints, Atlanta could use an upgrade in his replacement, like Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez, though the Bucs could grab him two spots earlier in the second round. Receiver depth still needs help, as does the defensive front, ranking in the NFL’s bottom 10 against the run. That starts inside, but they could take an edge if they think Pearce is lost to a significant suspension. Jake Matthews is 34, so if it’s possible to line up a successor at tackle, that would make sense. Mock selection: Christen Miller, DT, Georgia (No. 48 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 2: 48Round 3: 79Round 4: 122Round 6: 215Round 7: 231 Team needs: OL, WR, TE Ben Arthur: The team that Jesse Minter inherited from John Harbaugh is stacked, especially with the return of QB Lamar Jackson and the addition of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. But the loss of center Tyler Linderbaum is huge and the Ravens need to beef up their offensive line to protect Jackson and power their run game. They could also use more weapons for Jackson, including a No. 2 receiver and a tight end to replace the departed Isaiah Likely. And they’re not looking for developmental players either. They are good enough to make a run at the Super Bowl, so at least in the first few rounds, they need players who can plug holes right now. Mock selection: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (No. 14 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 14Round 2: 45Round 3: 80Round 4: 115Round 5: 154, 162, 173, 174 Round 6: 211Round 7: 250, 253 Team needs: Edge, LB, WR, CB Henry McKenna: Often, when a team hires an offensive-minded head coach like Joe Brady, the general manager’s first inclination is to equip that coach with the tools and weapons on that side of the ball. I doubt that’s what’s going to happen for Buffalo in the draft, in part because the Bills already used their second-rounder to get D.J. Moore, one of Brady’s guys from their Carolina days. Instead, this should be a defensive-focused draft from Buffalo to help newcomer, defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, make the most of a unit that appears sorely lacking in talent. Mock selection: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State (No. 26 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 26Round 3: 91Round 4: 126Round 5: 165, 168Round 6: 182Round 7: 220 Team needs: S, WR, OT Auman: Carolina aggressively upgraded its defensive front by giving huge contracts to edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Is finding a starting safety the next step in that effort? That’s the obvious spot on defense, perhaps at 19 with a player like Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman. Tackle is tricky with Ikem Ekwonu sidelined and Rasheed Walker just a one-year stopgap for now. They can do better than Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders at tight end, and as much as they’ve invested at receiver, they had only four pass plays of 40-plus yards last season, showing a need for speed to add to the downfield arsenal. Mock selection: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama (No. 19 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 19Round 2: 51Round 3: 83Round 4: 119Round 5: 158, 159Round 6: 200 Team needs: S, Edge, C, OT McKenna: Last year, the Bears got the right players in place for coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams to thrive. I think we’ll see those guys continue to trend upward, particularly if general manager Ryan Poles can find offensive line depth in the draft. But the primary focus for this year’s draft will likely be to get the right players — talents that fit defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme. That’s where the emphasis will land for Poles in Year 2 of this new era. Mock selection: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson (No. 25 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 25Round 2: 57, 60Round 3: 89Round 4: 129Round 7: 239, 241 Team needs: DL, DB, WR Arthur: The Bengals traded for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, but that shouldn’t preclude them from adding to the D-line. They have four defensive tackles who are at least 28 years old near the top of the depth chart, while they’re also lacking a true No. 1 edge rusher. The secondary should be addressed, too. At safety, Jordan Battle is set to be an unrestricted free agent next offseason and veteran Bryan Cook has no guaranteed salary after 2026. The Bengals could also use a Day 1 starter at nickel and must be cognizant of their future at outside cornerback, where both Dax Hill and DJ Turner are set to hit free agency in 2027. At wide receiver, Andrei Iosivas is entering the last year of his rookie contract. With two players at the position making big money (Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins), Cincinnati could be eyeing a WR3 for 2027 and beyond. Mock selection: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson (No. 41 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 2: 41Round 3: 72Round 4: 110Round 6: 189, 199Round 7: 221, 226 Team needs: OT, QB, WR, Edge McKenna: It’s a sad situation in Cleveland where they need good players at every one of the premium positions, where it’s hardest to get good players. Quarterback might be a need, but they aren’t likely to address it. They should focus on hitting every premium position that’s not QB in hopes that when their selection rolls around in 2027, they can draft a young signal-caller and support him in ways that they haven’t done (sustainably) since Bernie Kosar. Mock selection: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (No. 6 overall pick), Denzel Boston, WR, Washington (No. 24 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 6, 24Round 2: 39Round 3: 70Round 4: 107Round 5: 146, 149Round 6: 206Round 7: 248 Team needs: Edge, LB, CB Arthur: The Cowboys had the league’s worst scoring defense last season (30.1 points allowed per game), so they need help everywhere for a unit that brings in a first-time coordinator in Christian Parker. Dallas traded for Rashan Gary in March, but it still needs a true No. 1 edge rusher. At cornerback, there are injury concerns with DaRon Bland and second-year pro Shavon Revel Jr., while veteran acquisition Cobie Durant didn’t receive starter money in free agency. The Cowboys’ off-ball linebacker spot is also very thin. DeMarvion Overshown, who missed 15 games over the last season, is a projected starter alongside 2025 fifth-rounder Shemar James. Mock selection: Rueben Bain, Edge, Miami (Fla.) (No. 12 overall pick), Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee (No. 20 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 12, 20Round 3: 92Round 4: 112Round 5: 152, 177, 180Round 7: 218 Team needs: LB, TE, DL Auman: Denver lost its first- and third-round picks in acquiring receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Dolphins, and three of their seven picks are in the final 12 picks overall, so there’s less to work with than any other team in the league. Alex Singleton is 32, so addressing linebacker could be a priority for their lone top-100 pick. Evan Engram has two touchdowns total in the last two years, so a mid-round tight end would be smart. Defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers got $21 million a year from the Titans, so putting one of those fourth-rounders to bolster the interior defensive front is a must. Mock selection: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State (No. 62 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 2: 62Round 4: 108, 111Round 5: 170Round 7: 246, 256, 257 Team needs: OL, Edge, CB Arthur: Priority No. 1 for the Lions should be remaking their offensive line. They need a new left tackle following Taylor Deck’s release, and the interior offensive line — particularly left guard and center — could use depth. All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell is an option to flip to the left side, but Detroit would need to find a reliable replacement at right tackle. Defensively, the Lions need a No. 2 edge rusher to pair with Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson — veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad (11 sacks in 2025) departed in free agency — and insurance at cornerback, where starters Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed missed a combined 15 games last season. Mock selection: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia (No. 17 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 17 Round 2: 50Round 4: 118, 128Round 5: 157, 181Round 6: 205, 213Round 7: 222 Team needs: Edge, CB, OL, DT McKenna: The Packers have a well-built roster, with a few Achilles heels. So it will be interesting to see whether they draft to plug the obvious holes. They traded away Rashan Gary, which opened up a starting spot on their defensive line. It also wouldn’t hurt to snag a starting-caliber CB. However, given that their first selection falls in the second round, I’m not sure they’ll be able to find an immediate starter at either spot in this year’s draft. Mock selection: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee (No. 52 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 2: 52Round 3: 84Round 4: 120Round 5: 153, 160Round 6: 201Round 7: 236, 255 Team needs: G, DT, OLB Auman: Few NFL offensive lines have undergone — or needed — more overhaul than Houston’s in the last two years, and that’s an ongoing process. The Texans have four picks in the top 70, thanks to deals last year for Laremy Tunsil and when the Giants moved up for Jaxson Dart. At 28, they might be able to get the second guard off the board, and as much as they’ve committed financially to Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, they can still add young depth so they don’t have to play their elite edges too much. Defensive tackle would be smart for the 38th pick, keeping the defensive interior strong. Lots of assets for a team already loaded with talent, so it’s possible they try to land some 2027 draft capital as well. Mock selection: Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech (No. 28 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 28Round 2: 38, 59Round 3: 69Round 4: 106Round 5: 141, 167Round 7: 243 Team needs: Edge, LB, S, WR, OT Arthur: The Colts need a three-down edge rusher that can be paired with Laiatu Latu, a need that only became reinforced with Kwity Paye’s departure in free agency. Lou Anarumo’s defense is also very thin at linebacker — Akeem Davis-Gaither and Austin Ajiake are currently the projected starters — and needs a safety replacement for Nick Cross, who signed with the Commanders in free agency. At wide receiver, not only is there a hole after trading Michael Pittman Jr., but general manager Chris Ballard revealed this week that new No. 1 option Alec Pierce could miss three months because of ankle surgery. Indy could also use a third offensive tackle behind Bernhard Raimann and Jalen Travis following Braden Smith’s departure in free agency. Mock selection: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (No. 47 overall) Draft picks: Round 2: 47Round 3: 78Round 4: 113Round 5: 156Round 6: 214Round 7: 249, 254 Team needs: OLB, DT, TE Auman: Jacksonville gave up its first-round pick to the Browns in moving up from 5 to 2 to get corner Travis Hunter in last year’s draft. They do have four picks between 56 and 100, including two extra third-rounders gained in trading down during last year’s third round. With 11 overall picks, some consolidation (moving up) would make sense – they lack depth at edge behind two well-paid starters in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, and could use help on the interior even after acquiring Ruke Orhorhoro from Atlanta. An inside linebacker to challenge Ventrell Miller would be smart after losing Devin Lloyd in free agency, as well as a second tight end to pair with Brenton Strange. Mock selection: Gennings Dunker, G, Iowa (No. 56 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 2: 56Round 3: 81, 88, 100Round 4: 124Round 5: 164, 166Round 6: 203Round 7: 233, 240, 245 Team needs: CB, Edge, OT, WR McKenna: It’s weird to see the Chiefs picking in the top 10 — and twice in the first round. But it’s a good thing for KC, which has seen its talent depth erode steadily over the last few years. Their secondary seems lacking in high-end starting talent, particularly after trading away Trent McDuffie. And then their offense was brutal last year, as they continue investing in receiver and tackle while getting disappointing returns. Mock selection: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (No. 9 overall pick), Akheem Mesidor, DL, Miami (Fla.) (No. 29 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 9, 29Round 2: 40Round 3: 74Round 4: 109Round 5: 148, 169, 176Round 6: 210 Team needs: QB, WR, DL, DB Williams: The Raiders will draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick, solving their need for a long-term answer at quarterback. General manager John Spytek also improved the roster in free agency, with the addition of a mentor for Mendoza in veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, center Tyler Linderbaum, receiver Jalon Nailor and linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. However, the Raiders had a handful of receivers in for pre-draft visits and could be looking to add another playmaker on the perimeter for Mendoza through the draft. Las Vegas kept one of the top pass rushers in the game after the Baltimore Ravens rescinded the Maxx Crosby trade, but the Raiders need an interior defensive lineman to help push the pocket and stop the run. Along with that, new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard could use a couple more athletic bodies in the secondary. Mock selection: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana (No. 1 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 1Round 2: 36Round 3: 67Round 4: 102, 117, 134Round 5: 175Round 6: 185, 208Round 7: 219 Team needs: OL, DL, CB, WR Williams: Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz says protecting Justin Herbert is the team’s top priority this offseason after the Oregon product took the most hits of any quarterback last season. The Chargers addressed that issue by bringing in new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, along with signing center Tyler Biadasz, offensive guard Cole Strange, tight end Charlie Kolar and fullback Alec Ingold in free agency. Hortiz expects to continue that effort by drafting an interior offensive lineman early to pair with bookend offensive Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from season-ending leg injuries. The Chargers also could use another playmaker on the perimeter, along with defensive help at edge rusher and cornerback, to help new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary. He replaces defensive guru Jesse Minter, who left to take the head coaching job with the Baltimore Ravens. Mock selection: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State (No. 22 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 22Round 2: 55Round 3: 86Round 4: 123Round 6: 204 Team needs: WR, OL, LB Williams: The Rams have not been this high up in the draft since selecting Jared Goff No. 1 overall in the 2016 draft. Los Angeles already made big moves this offseason, trading the team’s other first-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs for cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing his teammate Jaylen Watson to a lucrative deal in free agency. The Rams also were close to consummating a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for A.J. Brown, so head coach Sean McVay taking a receiver early makes sense. The Rams could also add depth up front on the offensive and defensive lines, along with an athletic linebacker for this team looking to return to the Super Bowl, hosted in their home facility at SoFi Stadium this season. Mock selection: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M (No. 13 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 13Round 2: 61Round 3: 93Round 6: 207Round 7: 232, 251, 252 Team needs: WR, CB, OLB Auman: Miami has seven picks in the top 100, but there are glaring needs from veterans jettisoned for those bonus picks in the past year. New coach, new GM, and a chance to start rebranding the franchise. Losing Jaylen Waddle (and not re-signing Tyreek Hill) makes receiver a strong need and a good match at No. 11 overall. Losing Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb makes edge a priority as well. Can you name a starting Dolphins defensive back? Putting multiple second-day picks into the secondary will help as well, with the back end getting completely retooled. There’s much work to be done for Jeff Hafley’s first season, but the draft can be a huge first step in the right direction. Mock selection: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State (No. 11 overall pick), Treydan Dukes, DB, Arizona (No. 30 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 11, 30Round 2: 43Round 3: 75, 87, 90, 94Round 4: 130Round 5: 151Round 7: 227, 238 Team needs: C, S, WR, Edge, TE, OT Arthur: Ryan Kelly’s retirement leaves Minnesota with a hole at center. Elsewhere on offense, the Vikings need a new WR3 — Jalen Nailor signed with the Raiders — and tight end and offensive tackle are worthy of taking a long-term outlook. TJ Hockenson is entering the year of his deal, while insurance is needed behind left tackle Christian Darrisaw (injury concerns) and right tackle Brian O’Neill (entering the last year of his contract). Harrison Smith hasn’t decided if he’s returning yet, but even if he does, he’ll be 37 and the Vikings will need a young, starting-caliber safety for Brian Flores’ defense. Edge becomes a need if veteran Jonathan Greenard gets traded. Mock selection: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon (No. 18 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 18Round 2: 49Round 3: 82, 97Round 5: 163Round 6: 196Round 7: 234, 235, 244 Team needs: Edge, LB, TE, OT McKenna: The Patriots still need help rushing the passer — and all over their front seven. Injuries depleted their defense last year, and they weren’t deep enough to deal with injuries to Harold Landry and Robert Spillane. So it would help to get younger there. But Drake Maye began to regress in the Patriots’ playoff run, and New England would be smart to give him more support — maybe with a young tackle or with a tight end (or both). Mock selection: Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State (No. 31 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 31Round 2: 63Round 3: 95Round 4: 125, 131Round 5: 171Round 6: 191, 198, 202, 212Round 7: 247 Team needs: WR, edge, CB Auman: The Saints finished 2025 with four wins in their last five games, and despite the positivity surrounding QB Tyler Shough, there are still needs on both sides of the ball. Finding a solid receiver to complement Chris Olave is a must, and they’re well-positioned at No. 8 to perhaps get the second receiver off the board. They’ve struggled to draft an edge rusher despite multiple high-round picks, and the secondary needs replenishing after losing Alontae Taylor in free agency. Two picks were acquired from Seattle for wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, so a second receiver with an eye on returns wouldn’t be a bad idea. Mock selection: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State (No. 8 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 8Round 2: 42Round 3: 73Round 4: 132, 136Round 5: 150, 172Round 6: 190 Team needs: DB, DT, G, WR Vacchiano: The Giants have a lot of holes to plug, particularly on a defense that was bad before they traded away defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. John Harbaugh believes he can make his new team competitive, and maybe a contender, if he can get some playmakers on that side of the ball. And really, they can pick any position except edge rusher, where they have plenty of depth. They’re in better shape on offense, but they always need offensive line help, and maybe a second receiver. With two top-10 picks and three in the top 40, they’re in position to get a lot of instant help. Mock selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State (No. 5 overall pick), Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami (Fla.) (No. 10 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 5, 10Round 2: 37Round 4: 105Round 5: 145Round 6: 186, 192, 193 Team needs: QB, WR, Edge Vacchiano: What don’t the Jets need, really? With their best defensive players traded away, they’re thin at every position except maybe running back and tackle. They did a nice job of re-stocking their defense in free agency, so outside of an edge rusher (which they’ll likely get at No. 2), they can focus their attention on offense. What they really need is a quarterback, but it’s unlikely they’ll get more than a developmental one on Day 3. For now, their focus will be on a starting receiver for their offense and that edge rusher. After that, it’s wide open because every pick will fill some sort of hole. Mock selection: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech (No. 2 overall pick), Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn (No. 16 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 2, 16Round 2: 33, 44Round 4: 103, 140Round 5: 179Round 7: 228, 242 Team needs: Edge, OL, TE Vacchiano: Despite their disappointing season, the Eagles are still loaded for a Super Bowl run. They just need to get back to what got them to the Super Bowl in two of the last four years — dominance in the trenches. They need more strength on the offensive line, particularly on the interior. And they need an edge rusher to replace the departed Jaelen Phillips. Filling those two needs makes them an instant championship contender. One other thing to watch, though: If they trade A.J. Brown — and they might — receiver will become a sneaky need, though a tight end to eventually replace the aging Dallas Goedert is a bigger priority. Mock selection: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo (No. 23 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 23Round 2: 54Round 3: 68, 98Round 4: 114, 137Round 5: 178Round 6: 197 Team needs: QB, WR, G, S Vacchiano: Assuming 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers eventually decides to play, then the Steelers have a quarterback for this season, but they still don’t have one for the future. Unfortunately for them, that likely will have to wait until 2027. For now, they need to get Rodgers another weapon to join DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in Mike McCarthy’s pass-heavy offense. They could use interior offensive line help to keep Rodgers protected too. They need players who are ready to play, at least from the first three rounds, because with a quarterback that old, they’re not building for the future yet. They’re trying to make one more playoff, and maybe even a championship run. Mock selection: Makai Lemon, WR, USC (No. 23 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 21Round 2: 53Round 3: 76, 85, 99Round 4: 121, 135Round 5: 161Round 6: 216Round 7: 224, 230, 237 Team needs: WR, DE, S, OL Williams: The 49ers added veteran pass catchers in Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency, but could use a young receiver to groom as a big-bodied, long-term target on the perimeter for Brock Purdy. San Francisco also needs an eventual replacement at left tackle for Trent Williams, who turns 38 in July. Defensively, new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris could use some pass rush help up front, with Nick Bosa and last year’s first-round pick Mykel Williams recovering from season-ending knee injuries. Along with edge rusher, San Francisco could use a playmaking safety to upgrade the defensive secondary. Mock selection: Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF (No. 27 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 27Round 2: 58Round 4: 127, 133, 138, 139 Team needs: CB, RB, DE, OL Williams: The defending champs lost Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to the Chiefs in free agency. And while they signed former Green Bay Packer running back Emanuel Wilson in free agency and have starter Zach Charbonnet returning from a season-ending knee injury, the Seahawks would like to add another dynamic playmaker early in the draft to the running back room. With defensive backs Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant also departing in free agency, adding reinforcements to the secondary should be a priority for general manager John Schneider. Finally, head coach Mike Macdonald could always use another pass rusher, so expect Seattle to scour the draft for a pass rush specialist. Mock selection: Jadarian Price, RB, Notre Dame (No. 32 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 32Round 2: 64Round 3: 96Round 6: 188 Team needs: OLB, LB, TE Auman: Tampa Bay’s draft is just their original seven picks, with nary a trade, though it’s very possible that changes if they trade down from 15, not seeing an obvious match at edge or linebacker. Those two are the most glaring positional needs, and positions they’ve struggled to draft in recent years. Losing Mike Evans on offense is tough, but they used their top pick last year on Emeka Egbuka, so a pass-catching tight end is the more likely offensive replacement, perhaps on the second day of the draft. They invested in Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison at corner, but if they’re unsure of either, they could put another high pick into an outside corner. Mock selection: Olaivavega “Vega” Ioane, OG, Penn State (No. 15 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 15Round 2: 46Round 3: 77Round 4: 116Round 5: 155Round 6: 195Round 7: 229 Team needs: C, G, Edge, WR, ILB, S Arthur: The Titans have invested heavily in the defensive line this offseason (John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson), but they’re still a piece away on the edge for Robert Saleh’s defense. The linebacker and safety spots could use more talent and depth as well. But apart from edge rusher, Tennessee’s biggest priority should be supporting Cam Ward. The team needs starting-caliber talent at both center and right guard, while an early-round receiver would round out the pass-catching group. Mock selection: Arvell Reese, Edge, Ohio State (No. 4 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 4Round 2: 35Round 3: 66Round 4: 101Round 5: 142, 144Round 6: 184, 194Round 7: 225 Team needs: WR, CB, C Vacchiano: They are expecting instant improvement this season with a healthy Jayden Daniels, and that seems likely to happen. But it sure would be easier if they got him someone other than Terry McLaurin to catch his passes. McLaurin is incredibly reliable, but he’ll be 31 in September and coming off injuries. The Commanders really have no one else he can count on, especially with Deebo Samuel gone. They also really need someone to snap Daniels the ball, which is why they made an offseason run at free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum after letting their old center go. They have a hole at corner, too, and an edge rusher wouldn’t hurt. They also only have six draft picks this year and just two in the first two days. They’ll really have to prioritize what holes they fill. Mock selection: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State (No. 7 overall pick) Draft picks: Round 1: 7Round 3: 71Round 5: 147Round 6: 187, 209Round 7: 223​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

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Civil rights groups sue Alaska Division of Elections for sharing voter rolls with DOJ

Voters at Anchorage City Hall wait in line to cast their ballots on Nov. 4, 2024, the day before Election Day. City Hall, in downtown Anchorage, was one of the designated early voting sites in the state's largest city. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Voters at Anchorage City Hall wait in line to cast their ballots on Nov. 4, 2024, the day before Election Day. City Hall, in downtown Anchorage, was one of the designated early voting sites in the state’s largest city. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

A group of state and national civil rights groups has filed a lawsuit against the Alaska Division of Elections challenging the decision to share Alaska’s voter rolls with the U.S. Department of Justice as unconstitutional.

The lawsuit filed on Wednesday charges the division with violating the right to privacy enshrined in the Alaska Constitution when officials complied with a Department of Justice’s request and turned over a copy of Alaska’s voter rolls, as well as signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to remove voters the federal government identifies as ineligible. 

The lawsuit names Lieutenant Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom and Carol Beecher, director of the Division of Elections, in their official state capacities.

Alaska is one of 12 states that has complied or said it will comply with the DOJ demand issued last July. In August, Alaska shared a copy of voter rolls including previously confidential information — voters’ full names, dates of birth, residential addresses and drivers’ license numbers or partial social security numbers. 

The Alaska Beacon first reported on the state signing the agreement in February. The news prompted public alarm and debate around confidentiality of voter information, purpose of collecting voter data, and federal overreach in state elections. Lawmakers questioned state elections officials in legislative hearings

The lawsuit is filed in Anchorage Superior Court and brought by the League of Women Voters of Alaska, and the Alaska Black Caucus, non-profit membership voting and civil rights organizations. They are represented by the ACLU of Alaska, the ACLU national chapter, the Voting Rights Project and Electronic Privacy Information Center.

“The right to vote and our right to privacy are two core values held dear by Alaskans,” said Eric Glatt, legal director for the ACLU of Alaska, in a statement announcing the lawsuit. “Rather than fiercely defending the rights of Alaska’s voters, our Division of Elections acceded to federal overreach. Now, we are asking the court to step in and ensure that DOE upholds its constitutional and legal obligations to Alaskans.” 

The lawsuit highlights that the Department of Justice is sharing voter information with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to search for noncitizens and to compile a national database.The lawsuit alleges that is in order to “conduct criminal and immigration investigations.” 

Plaintiffs argue the state’s agreement to remove voters the federal government has found to be ineligible and resubmit an updated list to DOJ within 45 days violates constitutional due process rights. They argue that “by giving DOJ the power to select which Alaskans have the right to vote and by obligating Defendants to purge voters from the voter list without any stated basis in law or process to challenge such an action.”

A spokesperson with the Alaska Department of Law, Sam Curtis, said the department had not yet been served, and so he declined to comment on its specific claims on Wednesday. Curtis said the issue has been addressed in public hearings and the state’s cooperation with the federal government complies with federal and state laws, in particular those allowing the state to share confidential information “for authorized government purposes.” 

In a Mar. 19 letter to members of the Legislature by Alaska Attorney General Designee Stephen Cox defended the state’s decision, saying the disclosure was authorized under the National Voter Registration Act and other state elections laws to permit sharing otherwise confidential voter information.

“The memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with DOJ limits the use of the information to federal voting-rights enforcement and voter-list maintenance and imposes strict confidentiality and data-security requirements,” he wrote. 

“The division’s actions also reflect Alaska’s longstanding practice of cooperating with DOJ’s Civil Rights Division across administrations,” he added. 

The Trump administration has sued thirty states and Washington D.C. for refusing to comply, according to a tracker by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, a critic of the Trump administration’s requests. 

In the Alaska lawsuit, plaintiffs are asking the court to void the state’s agreement with the federal government, and beyond the scope of the defendants’ authority. 

They’re also asking the court to grant permanent injunctive relief and require the state to make “reasonable efforts” to ensure the Department of Justice immediately destroys all copies of Alaska’s voter rolls previously shared.

Anchorage Democratic Sen. Bill Wielechowski has been working on elections issues for several years and was a main driver of elections legislation passed this year that’s now on Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s desk awaiting a final decision. The bill aims to streamline the state’s voting process and update voter rolls. He said the lawsuit was appropriate.

“I support it. I think it’s a good thing,” Wielechowski said Wednesday. “I think the department should have never sent that information. They probably did violate the law.”

Wielechowski said there is discussion among state lawmakers about filing an amicus brief in support of the lawsuit. 

“The big concern was that there were going to be Alaskans who were taken off the voter rolls. And the division is turning over control and running of state elections to the federal government. And state elections have always been in the purview of the states,” he said. “So I think there’s tremendous concern in Alaska.”

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The Pruning System For More Tomatoes In Tight Garden Spaces

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Alaska News

In court, Pebble developer says 27 salmon stand in the massive mine’s way

The Bristol Bay region, pictured here in 2011, is home to the Pebble mining deposit. It’s also the site of the largest wild sockeye salmon run in the world. (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)

No mining proposal in recent Alaska history has generated more concern for the state’s salmon runs than the Pebble project.

The huge copper and gold deposit extends into multiple salmon-bearing watersheds, and sits upstream from Alaska’s most lucrative salmon fishery.

But now, in a new court filing, Pebble’s developer says just a tiny number of salmon are blocking the mine’s construction — 27 fish, to be exact, and all one species.

Federal regulators, who halted the project in 2023, are “preserving” 27 coho salmon “at the cost of $800 billion” in minerals, lawyers for Pebble Limited Partnership wrote in a recent brief filed in Alaska’s federal district court.

The remarkably specific fish figure aligns with the number of spawning salmon counted years ago in a stream directly within the proposed mine site.

But Pebble’s opponents say it’s a gross mischaracterization: They’ve long worried that mining could harm the prolific Bristol Bay salmon runs downstream.

“I don’t think it’s a valid number,” said Daniel Cheyette, an executive at Bristol Bay’s Indigenous-owned regional corporation, which is opposed to the mine.

“It’s well documented in the administrative record that the mine is going to have very specific impacts to the mine site itself — and lots of impacts to the habitat below the mine site,” Cheyette added.

Pebble’s lawyers acknowledge that salmon at various life stages have been observed in streams near the mineral deposit. But they cite the specific number of spawning coho eight times across the 66 pages of their recent legal brief.

The figure has taken on a life of its own online, where it sparked outrage among Pebble advocates and stockholders who see those fish as an obstacle to huge profits.

“27 SALMON DUDE WTFFFFFFF,” one mine booster recently posted on X. She added, in a YouTube video: “Tell me where they are. I’ll kill them all right now, with my bare hands.”

The 27-fish-versus-800-billion-dollars narrative comes as part of the latest attempt by Pebble’s owner, Vancouver-based Northern Dynasty Minerals, to overturn a 2023 decision by the federal government that effectively quashed the development.

And it’s further evidence that Pebble is committed to a long-term effort to save the embattled project, which would tap into one of the world’s largest copper, gold and molybdenum deposits.

Pebble lacks key approvals, and its efforts to obtain them have been tied up in litigation and bureaucratic processes for years. But its owners continue to spend millions of dollars each year on legal fees and administrative expenses.

The project is still attracting investment because of its enormous size — and because global demand for copper is rising, according to David Hammond, a Colorado-based mineral economist with decades of industry experience.

“These investors, the ones that really provide the money, have to have a very long-term horizon on their investment strategy. And by long term, I don’t mean five years, I mean two decades,” Hammond said.

“Their feeling is, this is going to eventually go into production,” he added.

Pebble expects to spend some $14 million this fiscal year, primarily on litigation, according to a recent corporate disclosure with Canadian securities regulators.

Pebble has fueled debate across the Bristol Bay region and the state for years.

Supporters, including the Dunleavy administration and two local Indigenous-owned corporations, say building the mine would boost the rural region’s economy and create much-needed jobs.

But opponents, including a broad coalition of commercial fishermen, conservation groups and Alaska Native organizations, say the mine’s benefits are not worth the risk it poses to Bristol Bay’s salmon runs.

Pebble’s recent legal brief was filed by a Colorado-based lawyer at a high-powered international firm. It responds to a move by the Trump administration earlier this year to defend the Biden-era project veto.

In a statement shared with Northern Journal, Pebble’s chief executive, John Shively, said the company reiterates its view that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s actions against the project contradicted an earlier federal environmental review, “which clearly states that the project can be done without harm to the salmon fishery in Bristol Bay.”

Pebble’s boosters have long argued that the mine’s impacts would be minimal and that it could coexist with a fishery that generates hundreds of millions of dollars a year. They note that many Bristol Bay salmon spawn in watersheds other than those where the mine is located.

But mine skeptics note that the project is expected to result in the loss of more than eight miles of anadromous fish streams and 91 miles of streams that support anadromous fish habitat. Federal regulators also say mining could affect downstream ecosystems through changes in flow — and opponents fear a failure at Pebble’s proposed waste disposal site could cause an environmental disaster.

Pebble’s lawyers, in their recent filing, point to a federal finding six years ago that the mine likely would not have a measurable impact on the Bristol Bay fishery, and they say the streams at the mine site “are especially low in salmon.”

“Only 27 have been observed spawning, in only one reach, and from only one species,” the lawyers wrote. Those fish “naturally might disappear in any given year anyway,” the brief said.

A Pebble spokesperson could not immediately confirm the source of the 27-salmon figure, though it corresponds with data from Pebble’s fish counts conducted nearly two decades ago.

Those data were published in a 2020 federal environmental review of the proposed mine. The document also says that surveys found juvenile salmon in streams within the mine’s proposed footprint, and that those streams support rearing habitat not just for coho but also king salmon.

The Trump administration’s lawyers, in their court brief earlier this spring, said that Pebble’s fish surveys were limited, and likely undercounts.

Northern Journal contributor Max Graham can be reached at max@northernjournal.com. He’s interested in any and all mining related stories, as well as introductory meetings with people in and around the industry.

This article was originally published in Northern Journal, a newsletter from Nathaniel Herz. Subscribe at this link.

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Music

Tracy Lawrence Expands 2026 No Alibis Tour With 33 New Dates

Tracy Lawrence has announced the second leg of his 2026 headlining No Alibis Tour, adding 33 new dates.

Lawrence is heading into the third month of his headlining tour with no signs of slowing down. The businessman, artist, and philanthropist has added 33 shows to his current run, with select dates presented by Peachtree Entertainment.

The tour launched last month and will now go through October, hitting areas like San Antonio, Tucson, and Green Bay, while also bringing the show home to Nashville for a stop at the Ryman Auditorium on May 3. This marks the third year in a row he will take the stage at the iconic Music City venue, following back-to-back sellouts.

Tracy Lawrence; Photo Courtesy of Facebook
Tracy Lawrence; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

The “Time Marches On” singer has already drawn massive crowds on previous stops on the tour, including in Texas and Florida. He’s next set to head to the Midwest with performances in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“I’ve felt such an incredible response from fans showing up for the No Alibis Tour night after night,” said Lawrence. “The energy has been unreal. It only made sense to keep that momentum going, so we’re adding more dates into the fall and taking this thing even further.”

Presale tickets for the newly added dates are available now, with general on-sale beginning Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. local time.

Tracy Lawrence spent 2025 touring with Josh Turner and performing his own headline shows, along with returning to the NFR for Rodeo Live.

Outside of music, Lawrence continues his philanthropic efforts through his Mission: Possible organization. Last year, the organization notched a milestone year as it helped provide over 50,000 meals to those in need during the 20th annual Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert. The Nashville community united and were able to distrubut a new total of 5,350 cooked and frozen turkeys.

Additionally, the night featured a celebratory special benefit concert featuring performances by Lawrence, Gretchen Wilson, Chris Cagle, Eric Paslay and Halfway to Hazard, raising over $355,000 in total.

A full list of Lawrence’s upcoming tour stops can be found on Tracy Lawrence’s official website.

No Alibis Tour  Recently Added Dates:

April 24, 2026 in Prior Lake, Minn. at Mystic Showroom at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

May 9, 2026 in Brandon, Miss. at Brandon Amphitheater+

June 5, 2026 in Fayetteville, Ga. at Fayetteville Amphitheater

June 6, 2026 in Orange Beach, Ala. at The Amphitheater at the Wharf+

July 5, 2026 in Crystal Beach, Texas at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach

July 11, 2026 in South Padre Island, Texas at South Padre Island Convention Center

July 17, 2026 in Abilene, Texas at Abilene Convention Center Auditorium*

July 18, 2028 in San Antonio, Texas at Freeman Expo Hall

July 24, 2026 in Kearney, Neb. at Buffalo County Fairgrounds

July 25, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at El Pomar Great Hall at Pikes Peak Centerfor the Performing Arts*

July 31, 2026 in Harrington, Del. at Delaware State Fairgrounds

Aug. 6, 2026 in Brownstown, Ind. at Rock the Rind Music Festival

Aug. 13, 2026 in Glen Allen, Va. at Innsbrook After Hours Concert Series

Aug. 14, 2026 in Pikeville, Ky. at Appalachian Wireless Arena*

Aug. 15, 2026 in New Bern, N.C. at Maola

Aug. 23, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall*

Aug. 27, 2026 in Prescott Valley, Ariz. at Findlay Toyota Center

Aug. 28, 2026 in Chandler, Ariz. at The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass

Sept. 4, 2026 in Folsom, Calif. at Stage 1 Theater at Harris Center for the Arts

Sept. 11, 2026 at Shreveport, La. at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium*

Sept. 12, 2026 at Nacogdoches, Texas at Festival Park

Sept. 17, 2026 in Pryor, Okla. at Born & Raised Music Festival

Sept. 24, 2026 in Akron, Ohio at Akron Civic Theatre*

Sept. 25, 2026 in Albany, N.Y. at Palace Theatre*

Sept. 26, 2026 in Rochester, N.Y. at Main Theater at Kodak Center*

Oct. 1, 2026 in Bismarck, N.D. at Bismarck Event Center*

Oct. 2, 2026 in Rapid City, S.D. at The Monument – Fine Arts Theatre*

Oct. 3, 2026 in Sioux City, Iowa at Orpheum Theatre Sioux City*

Oct. 15, 2026 in Erie, Pa. at Liberty Park*

Oct. 16, 2026 in Saginaw, Mich. at Theater at Dow Event Center*

Oct. 22, 2026 in Green Bay, Wis. at EPIC Event Center*

Oct. 23, 2026 in Toledo, Ohio at Stranahan Theater*

Oct. 24, 2026 in Wabash, Ind. at Ford Theater at Honeywell Center*

* presented by Peachtree Entertainment

+ co-headline with Gary Allan

The post Tracy Lawrence Expands 2026 No Alibis Tour With 33 New Dates appeared first on Country Now.

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Entertainment

Kendra Duggar’s Parents Praise ‘Courageous’ Joseph Duggar Accuser For …

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Kendra and Joseph Duggar might be receiving plenty of support from his family as he battles child molestation charges.

But Kendra’s family is being much more objective about this situation, choosing to believe the teenage girl who came forward and alleged that Joseph molested her in 2020, when she was just 9 years old.

In a statement posted to their Instagram page, Kendra’s parents, Paul and Christina Caldwell, praised the accuser for having the courage to talk to police.

Joseph Duggar has been arrested for the alleged molestation of a 9-year-old girl.
Joseph Duggar has been arrested for the alleged molestation of a 9-year-old girl. (Washington County Sheriff’s Office)

“We are devastated for the young girl, a child who was courageous in every way to share her truth. We stand by her, both in support and prayer, and forever will,” the Caldwells wrote.

“Our love for this child remains at the forefront of our family’s priorities and minds. We are proud of her for being strong enough to share her story while also retaining her own identity and joy,” the couple continued, adding:

“We pray all victims of crimes can be as courageous as this young girl is. They should be able to share their story, to trust in the judicial process, and to do so without fear of retaliation. You are not alone.”

While the Caldwells might not be on speaking terms with their daughter and son-in-law (more on that later), they made sure to express their love and concern for their four grandkids by Joe and Kendra.

“At the same time, we also recognize how traumatic this incident has been for our grandchildren as well and continue to pray for their strength. Our love for them, and our daughter Kendra, remains,” the Caldwells wrote.

The Caldwells and the Duggars used to be quite close.

In fact, Paul Caldwell was the Duggars’ pastor for several years, and we probably don’t need to tell you that this family takes their religion quite seriously.

But these days, there are unconfirmed reports that the Caldwells were the ones who reported Joseph’s crimes to the police.

We don’t know if that’s true, but there’s definitely been some sort of falling out.

Joseph Duggar has been extradited to Florida, where he'll be arraigned on child molestation charges.
Joseph Duggar has been extradited to Florida, where he’ll be arraigned on child molestation charges. (Bay County Sheriff’s Department)

In one of Joseph and Kendra’s prison phone calls, we learned that they owned the house that Kendra’s parents were living in, and they were planning to kick them out.

“The only way to freedom is to shine light in the darkness. And in this time, part of the light in our lives has come through the outpouring of love and prayer from people near and far,” the Caldwells wrote in their statement, adding:

“Thank you who have given in all the ways, through prayer, finances, time, energy and words of encouragement. We love you all.

“At this time, we have no further comment and request privacy,” they concluded.

Joseph entered a not guilty plea at his April 20 arraignment. He is currently free on $600,000 bail.

We will have further updates on this developing story as new information becomes available.

Kendra Duggar’s Parents Praise ‘Courageous’ Joseph Duggar Accuser For … was originally published on The Hollywood Gossip.

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Alaska News

America doesn’t depend on the Strait of Hormuz — but rural Alaska does

The city of Unalaska, with the museum and the Aleut Corp. building, is seen in the winter of 2004. Unlaska, a seafood-industry center with about 4,000 residents, is the part of the Aleutians West Census Area and is the largest community in the Aleutians. (Photo provided by the Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs)

The city of Unalaska, with the museum and the Aleut Corp. building, is seen in the winter of 2004. Unlaska, a seafood-industry center with about 4,000 residents, is the part of the Aleutians West Census Area and is the largest community in the Aleutians. (Photo provided by the Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs)

All over the world, nations are grappling with the ripple effects of the war in Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for the global oil market. In the United States, however, President Donald Trump has emphasized that the country imports little oil through the strait, arguing that it “doesn’t need it.”

At a national level, that’s largely true. The United States consumes roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day and imports only a small fraction through that chokepoint. But for diesel-reliant communities in Western Alaska, the story looks very different. The supply chains that vendors rely on are often tied to refineries in Asia, and those routes are deeply exposed to disruptions in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

It may come as a surprise that much of the fuel consumed in rural Alaska is not from Alaska. This reflects both the state’s limited refining capacity and the constraints of global shipping routes and tanker availability. There are some exceptions. Yukon River communities, for example, receive fuel sourced from the Petro Star refinery and delivered by companies like Ruby Marine, providing a more stable and predictable supply. Much of Southeast Alaska, meanwhile, is supplied from refineries in Canada.

But in much of Western Alaska — including the Aleutians, Alaska Peninsula, and Bering Sea coast — nearly all fuel has, at least in the recent past, been refined in Asia and shipped thousands of miles to reach its final destination, often on voyages that can take more than 40 days. These deliveries must occur within a narrow summer window, when sea ice retreats just long enough to allow access.

And planning for those shipments is happening now.

At a recent community meeting in Kotzebue, fuel suppliers laid out a sobering reality due to the recent market turmoil. Voluntary export controls in Japan and South Korea have introduced significant uncertainty into the availability of fuel for Western Alaska — regardless of price. 

Vendors like Crowley are now pivoting to Canadian suppliers, but those markets are under strain as well. Tom Atkinson, the chief executive of Kotzebue Electric Association, said that fuel quotes for the cooperative are roughly double what they were last year. Fuel is by far the largest cost driver in rural electric systems, and when it rises, everything else follows.

Even so, Mr. Atkinson expects he will be able to secure supply for the cooperative. Prices will be high, but the fuel should arrive. He is far more concerned about smaller, upriver communities with fewer resources and even less flexibility. Their costs will almost certainly be much higher.

State programs like the Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Fund can help communities finance fuel purchases, but they do little to shield them from the underlying volatility of global markets.

Even more concerning is the cost of heating oil. In Kotzebue, Atkinson said residents are already paying around $8 a gallon — a price that is quickly becoming untenable for many households.

In more remote areas, such as the Kusilvak Census Area further south along the coast, households spent on average about 16 percent of their income on electricity alone even before this impending crisis. When heating oil is included — essential in a region with few trees or other options for heating — that share can rise to as much as 45 percent. That is among the highest energy burdens anywhere in the United States. And that was last year.

At the same time that residents are bracing for a sharp increase in costs, the Trump administration has proposed, in its latest budget plan, eliminating funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which helps offset heating costs for low-income households. For many communities in Western Alaska, that support is not supplemental — it is essential. 

But the more troubling possibility is not just higher prices or the loss of assistance — it is supply itself. If deliveries are delayed or fall short, some communities could face shortages in the depths of winter, when a fuel shortage would become a true emergency. 

This is not the first time rural Alaska has been disproportionately exposed to global events.

Consider the war in Ukraine. For years, fuel deliveries to Western Alaska quietly depended on a surprising player: Russia.

Shipping routes serving Western Alaska often fall under the International Maritime Organization’s Polar Code, which establishes safety and environmental requirements for vessels operating in Arctic waters. Depending on the route and conditions, this can include ice-class design, specialized equipment and additional crew training. These requirements add cost to already expensive supply chains, particularly in remote regions with limited shipping options. Compounding the challenge, ice-strengthened tankers are relatively scarce worldwide, with Russia maintaining one of the largest fleets.

As a result, fuel bound for Western or northern Alaska communities was often carried on Russian-built or Russian-operated vessels, sometimes under foreign flags, traveling from Asian refineries to the Alaskan coast. The system was largely invisible, but it worked. In 2012, for example, the Russian ice-capable tanker Renda, escorted by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Healy, delivered an emergency winter fuel shipment to Nome after early sea ice and fall storms cut off the community — an event that made the national news.

That system began to unravel after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sanctions sharply curtailed access to Russian-linked vessels, and almost overnight, the availability of Polar Code-compliant tankers tightened. Shipping costs rose dramatically. And that additional cost is not limited to transporting fuel to Western Alaska. These vessels are often stationed offshore for extended periods, effectively serving as floating tank farms while smaller barges shuttle fuel to individual communities along the coast and river systems. The expense is therefore not just delivery, but time — standby charges of many thousands of dollars a day that accumulate quickly and are ultimately passed on to customers. Those costs rose several-fold after the invasion and they have not come back down.

This is what energy insecurity looks like in America.

If there is a lesson here, it is not simply that global events matter. It is that Alaska is not insulated from them — especially in the places that can least afford it.

We have built an energy system in rural Alaska that depends on long, fragile supply chains stretching across oceans and geopolitical fault lines. For decades, this system has held together. But it is becoming more expensive, more uncertain and more exposed with each passing year.

This reality should shape how we think about energy policy in this state. Reducing fuel use, diversifying local energy systems and maintaining the programs that help households afford basic energy services are not abstract goals — they are essential to keeping communities viable in the long run.

In the short term, there are also practical steps the state can take: increasing the loan cap in the Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Fund, ensuring adequate support for the Alaska Heating Assistance Program and preparing for potential shortfalls in the Power Cost Equalization program. 

These steps are not precautionary — they are necessary. When global systems falter, it is not the Lower 48 — or even more urban places in Alaska — that feels it first or most acutely. It is communities like Kotzebue, Emmonak, and Hooper Bay. 

The lesson is not simply that global events matter. It is that our energy system is far more interconnected — and far more unequal in how it distributes risk and cost — than we tend to acknowledge. 

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Music

Bailey Zimmerman Switched It Up and Tattooed His Tattoo Artist

Ever wonder what artists get up to backstage while they’re waiting for the show to start? Bailey Zimmerman recently inked a tattoo on somebody for the first time. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country