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Sarah Palin heads for the border rallies, Golden Lion is now emergency shelter
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Golden Lion: Just another low-barrier homeless shelter
Harsh weather. Influx of mentally ill, criminals, inebriates, and hard-luck cases from all over the state. Assembly shenanigans for years. File this one under: “Predictions coming true in 2024.” Next prediction: Armed security guards at New Sagaya market. Midtown gets an emergency homeless shelter.
Palin and Ron Duguay on the border in Texas
(Credit: Monica Madden, Capitol correspondent for @KXAN_news + Nexstar Texas.)
Former Gov. Sarah Palin was in Dripping Springs, Texas, where she spoke about taking the country back.
“The eyes of the world are on Texas right now,” Palin said to over 1,000 people at the “Take our Border Back” rally.
“Our federal government is sanctioning to allow this invasion [across our border. We’re going to take our country back.” On Saturday, the convoy has invited Americans to join them in border towns to park, rally, and hear speakers.
Breaking: Anchorage residents, businesses asked to conserve energy, bundle up during cold snap, as Cook Inlet gas is challenged
A hasty press conference, natural gas well at risk, a blackout in the valley, and temps in the -30 area. What a winter.
Klatt Elementary School closed after boiler fails
Update: The boiler is still not working, so it’s remote learning on Friday.
Friday - Alaska House and Senate
House Education, 8 am
SB 13, University: Textbooks/Materials Cost
Senate Finance, 9 am
Administration Response to Prior Meetings
House Finance Subcommittee - Law, noon
Overview: FY25 Budget
House, Lunch and Learn, noon
Science Education is Key to Equity in Learningcand Life Opportunities by Patty Brown, Teacher, Haines; and John Welkener, Alaska Science Teachers Association. Sponsored by Representative Himschoot
Senate, Lunch and Learn, noon
An Emerging Market - Perspectives on CarbonCapture & Storage Potential in AlaskaPresented by: Kyle Kohman, Senior Manager -Energy Solutions, Santos; Brooke Ivy, Senior Advisor - Government Affairs, Santos; Sponsored by: Senator Giessel & Representative Rauscher
House Judiciary, 1 pm
Bills previously heard.
House Resources, 1 pm
HB 222 Permanent Fund Appropriations/Investments
House Finance, 1:30 pm
Presentation: Extreme Winter and Event, response by Katherine Keith, Deputy Commissioner; and Sean Holland, Central Region Director, Department of Transportation and PublicFacilities
Senate Finance, 1 pm
Bills previously heard
Senate Judiciary, 1:30 pm
Bills previously heard.
Senate Labor & Commerce, 1:30 pm
EO 127 Eliminating Board of Massage Therapists
EO 129 Eliminating Board of Barbers and Hairdressers
EO 130 Eliminating Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives
House Labor and Commerce, 3:15 pm
HB 251 Exemptions for Homemade Foods
HB 237 Temporary Permit for Lapsed Nurse License
HB 147,Retired Teacher Certificate
HB 192 Delivery / Pick up of Alcohol, Licensing
SB 37 Crime of Counterfeit/Nonfunctioning Airbag
Senate Resources, 3:30 pm
SB 118 Critical Natural Resources; Reports
EO 132 Eliminating the Alaska Chilkat Bald Bald Eagle Preserve Advisory Council
On the move
Sen. Matt Claman said he was in Anchorage this past week for a medical emergency but has received a clean bill of health now.
Gary Scott is the new communication director at the Rasmuson Foundation.
Podcast
Join host John Quick in this inspiring episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, featuring Ryan Sheldon, anywhere where you listen to podcasts.
Ryan, the owner of Talkeetna Landing, shares his unique story, starting from his grandfather Don Sheldon's creation of the historic Sheldon Mountain House in 1966. This iconic structure, a 212-square-foot hut built in the heart of Denali, has been a beacon for adventurous travelers, and the now Sheldon Chalet is one of the most sought-after lodges in the world.
Ryan discusses the legacy of this remarkable site and his journey to acquiring Talkeetna Landing. He also delves into his commitment to social causes, particularly his support for homeless youth through Covenant House Alaska. Tune in to hear about the blend of heritage, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy in Ryan Sheldon's life.
This interview with Ryan Sheldon was our most downloaded podcast in January.
No milk in Juneau?
On Monday and Tuesday, there was no cows milk in Juneau stores for the 30,000 residents of the Capital City. We can’t blame it on the pandemic, but the low-ceiling weather had been an issue. There was a rush on milk on Wednesday and it seems that everyone now has two gallons in their coolers and there may be another shortage by Sunday.
We appreciate all generous Alaskans who keep this conservative enterprise going!
Senate passes a pension plan for government workers, Bjorkman says it will be ‘cost neutral’
This bill is now rushing over to the House, still without a fiscal note, but Sen. Cathy Giessel says she has seen the Buck Report on pension risks and everything is going to be just fine.
Genius Star XI is at dock in Unalaska, while Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley now in Kodiak after 45 days in Bering Sea on
After spending the holidays mostly in the Bering Sea, the Alex Haley was called to respond to the freighter Genius Star XI, which had reported a cargo hold fire west of Dutch Harbor in heavy weather around Christmas.
Terrorists increasingly use northern border for infiltration into U.S.
This new report shows that terrorists are switching to the Canadian border. The Mexican border is just too crowded?
Rise in congenital syphilis concerns Alaska officials
The rate of babies born with syphilis went from 0 to 12, causing officials to request that everyone who is of childbearing age and who is having sex get tested.
Family sues Mat-Su schools because gender-confused child can’t use boys’ bathrooms and won’t use gender-neutral bathroom either
Here come the lawsuits. This is a child who has always acted boyish and the parents agree the child should be called a boy. The ACLU is going to test the theory that science does not apply to sexual differences in the human species.
Read the poll: Trump is bringing back voters from swing states, according to Morning Consult
This is a general election poll, and brings in the independent candidates, not just Biden and Trump. Is it just a curiosity or will those voters swing the election?
Question of the week: Let’s just say that Biden nationalizes the Texas National Guard and forces them to cut down the razor wire…
This day in history
Feb. 2, 1862, the District of Columbia abolished slavery.
Feb, 2, 1931, the flag was raised for the first time over the new Capitol building at Juneau. Gov. George Parks raised the flag.
Columns
https://mustreadalaska.com/win-gruening-juneau-school-districts-financial-challenges-require-deliberate-thoughtful-response/
Win Gruening: Juneau School District’s financial challenges require deliberate, thoughtful response
For years, previous school administrators and Board of Education leadership ignored their own demographic projections and painted an unrealistic picture of future student populations.
Flat funding compounded the problem, but accounting mistakes, poor oversight and lack of planning is what got us here. Wasting time impugning the Legislature is counter-productive and blame-shifting.
Alexander Dolitsky: In a church in Rome, an angel appeared and conveyed a message of peace
Have you ever had one of those truly mystical experiences? Alexander Dolitsky will never forget his in a church in Rome.
Three reasons why the moratorium on LNG projects is Joe Biden’s latest energy misstep
https://mustreadalaska.com/rick-whitbeck-red-states-should-run-far-far-away-from-renewable-portfolio-standards/
Rick Whitbeck: Red states should run far, far away from Renewable Portfolio Standards
Don Smith: Defined benefits would bankrupt Alaska
The writer breaks it all down for Sen. Cathy Giessel.
Wayne Heimer: Eagle Pass, Texas, and how it relates to Alaska lands
What does Eagle Pass have to do with ANILCA? You’ll be surprised.
Linda Boyle: Should U.S. surrender its sovereignty?
With WHO, a lot of major health mandates could come from an International body. Should the American people go along with WHO?
Mark Littlefield: I’m running for Chugiak-Eagle River’s seat on the Assembly
Meet the candidate who is the only one who signed up to represent the conservative corner of Greater Anchorage.
Tim Barto: School choice annual event promotes education freedom, parental rights
John Haxby: Alaska Railroad is neither feral or fair
Another perspective on the relationship between the Alaska Railroad and private property owners.
David Boyle: Colorado shows how to close schools
When districts run short of students, Jefferson County downsized its schools. It’s a lesson for Alaska towns and cities that are not producing children anymore — like Anchorage and Juneau.
Wayne Heimer: Compliance or common sense? The feds and their harassment of local miners
Read this story of how one solitary miner got the full treatment from federal agents who can only be described as SS.
Alaska oil: $79.57
Henry Hub gas: $2.05
Alaska North Slope Production: 485,898
Permanent Fund (principal and earnings reserve): $78,318,600,000
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