Alaska has lost a titan
... And Deb Haaland takes out her anger on King Cove
Good morning from Somewhere in Alaska!
Thank you to everyone who has become a paid subscriber since I made the leap to Substack as the newsletter provider. I appreciate your support!
Bob Penney, titan of civic life in Alaska, 1929-2023
We say farewell to an Alaskan who made a positive difference in our state, who lived to age 90 and never wasted a minute of it. There are not enough words to do Bob Penney justice and his passing is a reminder: No matter how long we have, life is short.
Anchorage poll tax is $1.26: Mail-in ballots as metaphor for bonds
If you are an Anchorage voter, your ballot should arrive in the next 48 hours. Like the bonds on it, it will cost you more to vote by mail this year because the crack Assembly could not resist loading up the ballot with 15 bonds and propositions. The ballot required an extra page — and that means an extra stamp. Save money and use a drop box, if possible.
And be sure to vote like your bank balance and mortgage depend on it.
UAF’s ‘Misgendering a trans person is an act of violence’ and other lessons
We lasted most of the way through the painful, nearly comical UAF diversity-equity training video, but the gender overlords finally wore us out after about 15 minutes. So we’ve summarized it for you.
Lawsuit filed over Willow Project; eco industry says oil industry is greedy
The Trustees for Alaska and their fellow plaintiffs claim the Department of Interior broke the law approving Willow. The question is, will the Department of Justice defend the decision or just fake it?
Haaland’s revenge: Land exchanged for King Cove Road is hers now
The government giveth, and the government taketh away. In this case, Sec. of Interior Deb Haaland struck back at Alaska for our “win” on Willow.
Oops. Interior Dept. mapped ANWR wrong
Gov. Dunleavy won in court and a judge sent the map back for revision. What does it mean to get some land back?
Sharon Jackson is US Term Limits statewide chair
Former Rep. Sharon Jackson has a brand new statewide mission.
Charmer Rep. Rauscher introduces wife Elizabeth in gallery
Rep. George Rauscher introduction of guests in House Chambers: “It’s always a pleasure and an honor to introduce my wife…my wife is a retired school teacher, and she was a special education teacher, and for guy like me I kind of lucked out, because I need a little help….
“And she’s probably the reason I’m not in jail now so I’d like to at least thank her very much and welcome her into the gallery along with my grandson…”
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Northrim CEO reassures customers: Bank is strong
Northrim was born out of the ashes of a recession when 13 financial institutions in Alaska folded suddenly. The bank has weathered storms before and has a message.
Permanent Fund has minor exposure to SVB bank meltdown
Hear what Deven Mitchell, executive director of Alaska’s piggy bank, has to say.
Mayor of New York City: Don’t wear masks into stores
You can’t make this up. Store owners are told to not let people in if they have their masks up.
Juneau’s Lions Club Gold Medal Tournament is on again
A Must Read Alaska favorite is back. On the bench for three years as Covid shut down Juneau, now it’s game on!
San Francisco considers $5 million reparation for each black resident
The recommendation was from a panel commissioned by the Board of Supervisors, which is SF’s city assembly. This is the idea it came up with.
Anchorage man arrested for murder of Colorado woman
Sitting in an Anchorage jail this morning is a repeat violent felon who had been arrested earlier for a 2006 murder, but a judge let him out. This time they think they have the evidence.
Thank you to subscribers of the Must Read Alaska newsletter. This publication goes out to 35,500 people three times a week. We try harder at MRAK! Your support is what keeps news balanced in Alaska. Please share with your friends. - Suzanne
Today in history
March 15, assassination of Roman Emperor Julius Caesar. Beware the Ides of March!
Price of Alaska oil: $78.35
Price of Henry Hub gas: $2.61
Alaska North Slope Production: 469,912
Permanent Fund (principal and earnings reserve): $76,507,600,000
COLUMNS
Bob Maier: Ballot neglects to tell voters that Prop. 14 will add homeowner taxes
Another $68 in property taxes for an average house.
Downing: Rep. Peltola voted for colonialism for Alaska
She wants the feds to take over management of all waters, even on private land. Even on Native corporation land.
Rep. Allard: Our girls shall not be erased by Hershey
Putting a trans woman on a candy bar wrapper to celebrate Women’s History Month is an offense against women. Rep. Jamie Allard says we must fight for women again.
MULTIMEDIA
Take a video tour inside Alaska’s largest cold-weather shelter
It’s not a place most on the Anchorage Assembly have ever visited (they say it is unsafe), but you can tag along with John Quick as he videos the inside of the Sullivan Arena and talks to the people trying to help the homeless.
Mayor Dave Bronson, extending olive branch to Assembly
John Quick has a heart-to-heart with Anchorage’s mayor. Find out what the buzz is.
MUST READ ALASKA PODCAST
We’ve had 7,377 downloads of our podcast in the last 7 days. Our last few podcasts, available at any of your podcast providers:
Preservation Alaska. Once it’s gone it’s gone
Dorene Lorenz is a champion for all things historical
Rep. Gray is passionate about foster care, affordable housing, and potholes
Pastor Bob Roberts Jr. is an international peacemaker
Undercover Billionaire star & Tedx Talk Speaker RJ shares his life story
Rachel Ries is running for Anchorage Assembly seat 6
Gwen Adams is a modern day HERO
Rep. Jamie Allard of Eagle River is true to her word
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