Columbus meets Indigenous People's Day
Today's newsletter dedicated to the late, fearless Dr. Russell Biggs
Good morning from Somewhere in Alaska!
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Whatever your day holds for you … Be a force for good …
Russell Biggs, MD, Rest In Peace
We’ve received word through close friends of Dr. Russell Biggs, who was an Anchorage doctor, father, husband, and civic activist, that he perished in a paragliding accident in Turkey.
Russell had an active lawsuit against members of the Anchorage Assembly to force the release of secret documents relating to several things, including the use of federal Covid relief funds. He was a well-known commentator on Anchorage Assembly antics on his Facebook page, “Reclaim Midtown,” and was an avid adventurer, whether it be rock climbing, whitewater rafting, or paragliding. Dr. Biggs was much admired for his courage to step up and speak out with his facts in a row about the insanity going on on the Anchorage Assembly. He was much admired and will be sorely missed.
Columbus Day comes with closures
The government stops working today, (but maybe that is ok.) This would be a good day to visit a statute of Christopher Columbus, because they are being destroyed across this country right and left.
Muni closed on Monday for Indigenous People’s Day
The day is no longer Columbus Day in the government of Anchorage but city workers get the day off, so no municipal services for Anchorage.
Interior Department holds surprise public meetings to determine if Alaskans want NPRA shutdown
The Interior Department is taking back land set aside for oil and is springing this on Alaskans, without consultation even with the Natives in Alaska.
Peltola ordered back to work as Democrats must show up for roll call
She has been told she must vote for Hakeem Jeffries for speaker, which she did multiple times in January, so this will be easy.
Biden administration released billions to Iran weeks before Israeli attack
Iran is being credited with funding the attack by Hamas that has now claimed over 1,000 lives. Are we at the brink of World War III?
Get ready for skyrocketing gasoline and home heating prices
The price of oil is going to spike this week after war broke out in Israel. Oil prices jumped by 4% on Monday. West Texas Intermediate rose to more than $86 a barrel. Looks like Alaska North Slope crude is up over $3 a barrel this morning.
Israel loosens gun laws in wake of horrid Hamas attack
There is no Second Amendment in Israel, but the government has decided maybe it better have an armed citizenry after all, since otherwise, they’re all sitting ducks.
Nine Americans known dead in Israel
At least nine Americans were killed by Hamas during the Saturday attack on Israel, the U.S. State Department said this morning, and that number is expected to rise, per Matthew Miller, spokesman for the department.
Department of why we can’t do two things at once…
Who has filed
Dmitri Fonov has filed for Mat-Su Borough Assembly.
John Coghill has made it official that he is running for Fairbanks borough mayor.
Sen. Click Bishop of Fairbanks has filed for the 2024 primary, for his Senate seat.
On the move
Riley Rogerson, paid for by the nonprofit leftist group Report for America as a political reporter at the Anchorage Daily News, has moved on to the even-farther-left The Daily Beast.
James Brooks has taken his wife’s last name, “Cascade.” So it’s now James Cascade legally, but he’ll write under the nom de plume Brooks at the Alaska Beacon. Way to crush the patriarchy, Mrs. and Mr. Cascade.
I appreciate all of the generous Alaskans who keep this conservative project going!
Undercover op: Troopers bust up gambling operation in Kenai, Soldotna
If you’ve been gambling at these places on the Kenai, the Troopers probably have your number.
RFK Jr. and Ramaswamy will speak at CPAC
A major coup for the conservative gathering to be held in Las Vegas, getting two very interesting presidential candidates — one of them is a Democrat for now.
Alaska Seaplanes ends service to Petersburg, Wrangell
The numbers were just not adding up on these destinations, which are now once again left with Alaska Airlines.
Ravn cuts flights to Kenai and Aniak
In a similar announcement, another regional carrier is trimming its flaps.
Richard McSpadden, legendary pilot, crashes
He was senior vice president at Airplane Owners and Pilots Association and a familiar and welcome face in Alaska.
Red king crab season to open in Bristol Bay
But no Bering Sea snow crab fishery this season.
New Alaska regs say cannabis shops can give free samples starting Sunday
First one’s free, kid. This opens up a whole new world of incentive, bonus-point marketing.
High times: Anchorage city workers may use pot without penalty
The Anchorage Assembly wants to take a more “empathetic” approach to city workers who get stoned. We’re guessing the public employee unions will go along.
Short-term rental operators in Juneau must now register
The government of Juneau wants to know if you are renting out your rooms or apartments on a short-term basis. The registration requirement went into effect on Sunday. If you don’t comply, it’s a $25 a day fine. Register online at bit.ly/cbjstrform. Really, this is the first step toward regulating rentals.
Fairbanks election
Final results for the Fairbanks-area elections will be released on Tuesday after over 1,100 absentee ballots and nearly 600 questioned ballots are processed. Turnout for last week’s local election in the city and borough stands at 18% but could reach 20% on Tuesday.
Wasilla elections
Wasilla reelected Mayor Glenda Ledford by a huge margin: 71% of voters gave her a mandate to continue on. For city council, Ian Crafton beat incumbent Simon Brown, with Crafton taking 65% of the vote for Seat D. Timothy Johnson was unoppesed for Seat C. The election will be certified at the Oct. 9 meeting of the Wasilla City Council.
Question of the week
This day in history
Oct. 9, 1923, the MV Kennecott, a freighter carrying copper from Alaska, wrecked on the rocks at the Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C., during her maiden voyage from Alaska. Read more at this link.
Columns
Linda Boyle: Officials are at a loss for how to regain public’s trust
After all we were told about Covid by government-pharma — masks, lockdowns, and magic vaccines — is it any wonder?
Tim Barto: Trevor Bauer takes on his accusers, the media, and the Dodgers
The media declared the man guilty until proven innocent, but he fought back. Justice deserved better.
Alex Gimarc: Solar energy in the Railbelt
Let’s be realistic, Alaska. There are about 2,000 solar panels connected to the Railbelt grid, producing perhaps 5% of the total energy of the three existing utility-scale solar farms statewide.
Daniel Smith: The truth about the most recent Anchorage elections
A look at the timeline for what happened with the vote tabulation procedures, and what should not have happened.
Jim Crawford: The people and the Permanent Fund
The state has strayed far away from the original plan for the Permanent Fund and the dividend. Now, more and more is going to government. It’s time to get back to basics.
Alaska oil: $87.76
Henry Hub gas: $3.34
Alaska North Slope Production: 446,045
Permanent Fund (principal and earnings reserve): $75,050,200,000
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Get rid of all election machines and computers. Paper ballots, voter ID, in person Election Day voting , hand count at precincts , must be reinstated for fair elections. We did it before and we can do it again.