Algerian man Imane Khelif has beat Italy’s Angela Carini in a welterweight round of Olympic women’s boxing and will advance. It took just 46 seconds for Carini, of Naples, Italy, to give up the match after taking a couple of heavy blows to her head.
The International Olympics Committee has decided to allow men who have X and Y chromosomes to box women. On Friday, a male boxer from Taiwan will be pitted against a woman from Uzbekistan. Yu-Ting will box in the Women’s 57kg division on Aug. 2, 9:30 a.m. Eastern time. His opponent is Sitora Turdibekova, a woman.
After the less-than-a-minute match, Carini was clearly traumatized, and was seen crying in the boxing ring.
Khelif will fight again on Saturday against an as-of-yet undetermined opponent.
Chalk it up to wardrobe failure: Fletch Fletcher, a language arts teacher at Dimond High School in Anchorage, made social media this week, with his name and physique featured in the “Libs of TikTok” channel on X/Twitter.
In a video apparently shot by a student, a teacher wearing a dress appears to have his hardened penis tenting out of the fabric, right at eye level where a student under his watch is working on a computer. The distance between the erection and the student’s hand is mere inches. That teacher is identified as Fletcher, although not verified by Must Read Alaska as such.
Meet Fletch Fletcher. A male teacher at @ASDschools who now identifies as nonbinary. He likes to wear tight dresses to school so his bulge sticks out. I’m told he also wears very tight pants and it makes the students extremely uncomfortable.
According to the Libs of TikTok account, Fletcher also wears tight pants that show his bulge and make students uncomfortable.
Students of Dimond High School who are familiar with the situation may contact Must Read Alaska in the comment section below and ask that their names be kept private if they have information that is pertinent to this report.
It’s a balloon, or it’s not a balloon. It was the size of a car. But we’re not sure what size of car. If the Pentagon knows what it shot down over the Arctic Ocean, it’s not saying. At this point, it’s still in the category of an unidentified flying “object” that was north of Prudhoe Bay until taken down by an F-22 out of Elmendorf.
The Department of Defense did give at least a few more details about the nature of the mission, which took place this morning over the Arctic, while it was still dark in northern Alaska. As revealed by Must Read Alaska earlier on Friday, the military had detected the object on Feb. 9, and determined it was unmanned. A jet from Anchorage to Red Dog Mine was rerouted toward Nome to avoid the item on Thursday.
“The object was flying at an altitude of 40,000 feet and posed a reasonable threat to the safety of civilian flight,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder. President Joe Biden ordered Northern Command to shoot down the object. Civilian airliners typically fly between 40,000 and 45,000 feet.
The object, whatever it was, fell onto sea ice off the coast of Alaska and U.S. Northern Command has begun recovery operations, Ryder said.
“U.S. Northern Command’s Alaska Command coordinated the operation with assistance from the Alaska Air National Guard, Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” he said.
The object was about the size of a small car, the general said, and does not resemble in any way the Chinese surveillance balloon shot down off the coast of South Carolina earlier this week. “We have no further details about the object at this time, including any description of its capabilities, purpose or origin,” he said.
Two F-22s flying out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, took down the object. The one missile shot was an AIM-9X Sidewinder. “We have HC-130, HH-60 and CH-47 aircraft participating in that recovery,” the press secretary said.
The shoot-down of a China spy balloon six days earlier has drawn criticism from many observers, who note that the White House didn’t acknowledge the spy balloon until it was photographed and reported by a newspaper in Billings, Montana. Only then did the Biden Administration admit it knew about the balloon, and it has changed stories about the timing and nature of its decisions ever since.
The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday passed ordinances opposed by residents across the city and also objected to by operators of homeless shelters and facilities.
The first ordinance expands the zoning for homeless shelters into areas called B-3 business districts. Most of the B-3 areas are in Midtown Anchorage. Assemblywoman Meg Zaletel of Midtown was the sponsor of the ordinance that will bring more crime and social problems to Midtown neighborhoods.
Zaletel is the subject of a recall effort that is now underway.
The B-3 district in Anchorage “is intended for primarily for general commercial uses in commercial centers and area exposed to heavy traffic. These commercial uses are intended to be located on arterials, or within commercial centers of town, and to be provided with adequate public services and facilities,” according to the Municipality, but the zone butts up against residential neighborhoods. The purpose of the ordinance is to spread out the homeless problem to reduce its impacts on the downtown district and make other neighborhoods share the burden.
The second ordinance is going to require homeless shelters to be licensed by the municipality by 2023. This ordinance was objected to by faith-based organizations who say that the Assembly, run by a leftist majority, is trying to force women’s shelters to admit transgendered individuals.
The Biden Administration’s head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned of “impending doom” from a resurgence of Covid-19 and appealed to governors and mayors to reinstate mask mandates. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, welled up with tears as she ask America to “hold on a little while longer” and continue wearing masks.
“I am asking you to just hold on a little longer, to get vaccinated when you can, so that all of those people that we all love will still be here when this pandemic ends,” Walensky said. The nation has “reason for hope. But right now, I’m scared.”
“Please, this is not politics — reinstate the mandate,” President Joe Biden said. “The failure to take this virus seriously is precisely what got us into this mess in the first place.”
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, on Twitter, said no, he would not be implementing a statewide mask mandate.
“No thanks, @POTUS – you can keep your mask mandate. We’ll keep doing it the #Alaska way: trust the people & let them live their lives,” Dunleavy wrote.
To date, 31 percent of Alaskans have received at least one dose of a vaccine against Covid. Over 21 percent of Alaskans are fully immunized. Anchorage has a mask mandate that has been in place for almost a year but the state has never had a one-size-fits-all mandate.
Must Read Alaska updates relating to the COVID-19 coronavirus will be included on this running post, where you can see updates throughout the days and nights ahead. Check back for updates.
10:30 am, 04/03/2020: The Carlson Center in Fairbanks has been converted into an overflow field hospital, in the event that the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital reaches capacity. Close to 100 cots have been set up, while Fairbanks and North Pole have reported a total of 42 COVID-19 cases to date, most not needing hospitalization.
10 pm, 04/03/2020: The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Research Center survey results released on Friday show 92% of small employers said they are negatively impacted by the pandemic, up from 76% saying the same just 10 days prior. The survey was taken March 30 among a random sample of 300,000 members of the small business organization.
The survey showed continued decline in the small business sector since the NFIB’s previous similar survey, which was conducted on March 20.
The NFIB on Friday stated, “The severity of the outbreak and regulatory measures that cities and states are taking to control it are having a devastating impact on small businesses.”
10 pm, 04/02/2020: The Department of State says that due to public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, it is only able to offer passport service for customers with a qualified life-or-death emergency and who need a passport for immediate international travel within 72 hours.
Life-or-death emergencies are serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family (e.g. parent, child, spouse, sibling, aunt, uncle, etc) that require you to travel outside the United States within 72 hours (3 days).
The State Department advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel at this time due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.
3 pm, 04/02/2020: The Alaska Railroad passenger service will be postponed to July, rather than its originally scheduled start date of May 8.
Usually, the summer train season starts with the arrival of cruise ships in Seward and Whittier, where passengers disembark and travel by train to Anchorage and north to Denali and Fairbanks.
Aurora Winter Train is suspended through the end of the 2019-2020 winter season
Coastal Classic Train has daily scheduled service may begin July 1
Northbound service for the Denali Star Train is may begin July 1, with daily bi-directional service starting July 2
Glacier Discovery Train returns July 3
Hurricane Turn Train: operates April 2, May 7, and June 4. Standard Thursday-Monday service begins July 2, 2020
10 am, 04/02/2020: From Flowingdata.com comes this handy toilet paper calculator to help you gauge how many weeks you can go before you’ll need to start scouting for toilet paper again:
In short, if you’re a household of two, using 8 sheets per wipe, and wiping 8 times a day, you’ll need about seven rolls to last you two weeks, according to the calculator, which you can adjust according to number of people, number of wipes, and number of squares used. Other variables are noted in the analysis.
8 am, 04/02/2020: Costco announced this week it changed its guest policy to deal with the influx of panic shoppers. As a temporary measure, the warehouse store will allow members one guest per membership card. Previously, members could bring up to two guests with them. The company is trying to limit the number of people in the warehouse to create the social distancing suggested by the CDC.
1:30 pm, 04/01/2020: Attorney General Kevin G. Clarkson filed a complaint against Juan Lyle Aune, alleging that Aune profited from the spread of COVID-19 by purchasing thousands of N95 respirators from Alaska stores, and then reselling the respirators on Amazon and eBay for unconscionably high prices. The complaint asks the court to impose a separate $25,000 fine for every such sale Aune made.
“Price gouging is simply unacceptable,” said Clarkson. “The Department of Law is fully committed to taking action against those who would engage in unscrupulous behavior to profit off of COVID-19.”
According to the complaint, Aune purchased respirators from several Alaska stores, including Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Spenard Builder’s Supply. On one trip to Lowe’s, Aune purchased the store’s entire supply of 3M N95 Respirators – a total of 293 20-packs. According to the complaint, Aune told a Lowe’s employee that he was “flipping” the masks for a profit of about $50 per box.
The complaint alleges that Aune generally purchased 20-packs of N95 respirators for $17 to $23 in local stores, before reselling the 20-packs on Amazon for an average price of $89.25. Aune also sold 20-packs of N95 respirators on eBay for as much as $89.99.
Alaskans are encouraged to report price gouging, scams, and deceptive trade practices related to COVID-19 to the Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Unit at [email protected] or calling at 907-269-5200 or 1-888-576-2529.
9:30 pm, 03/31/2020: Alaska Municipal League has a running list of links to dozens of communities and their current health mandates, including travel bans to and from villages. The link is here.
9 pm, 03/31/2020: The Ketchikan Emergency Operations Center closed public beaches, parks, and playgrounds on Monday.
10 am, 03/31/2020: 88 percent of Americans have experienced changes to their lives since COVID-19 hit the U.S., according to new Pew Research Center data. Twelve percent report their lives have remained relatively unchanged. According to the research, 51 percent of Democrats say their life has changed in a major way, compared to 38 percent of Republicans.
Republicans are reporting less psychological distress: 17 percent of Republicans report “high distress” compared to 30 percent of Democrats.
2 pm, 03/30/2020: The Municipality of Anchorage is setting up an emergency medical care center in the Alaska Airlines Center, located across from Providence Hospital on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. The facility may be able to care for COVID-19 patients who are not needing critical care, but do require some medical care. The facility, usually used for basketball games, has been covered with cots in anticipation of a surge of patients, according to the Emergency Operations Center, now operating out of the Loussac Library. Anchorage, including JBER, Eagle River, Chugiak, and Girdwood, has at least 59 confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus.
2:45 pm, 03/29/2020: The “Quick Test” is coming. The number of tests that have been performed in the United States for COVID-19 now exceed 894,000 Americans. Starting April 2, Abbott Labs will be manufacturing 50,000 new test kits a day that give quicker answers. The Abbott “point-of-care” test has received FDA approval and will be available to urgent care clinics next week. It gives a positive result in five minutes and a negative result in 13 minutes.
2:30 pm, 03/29/2020: President Trump said that Cigna and Humana will be waiving the copays on insurance for costs associated with the coronavirus.
2:15 pm, 03/29/2020: President Trump today extended the current federal guidelines on social distancing to April 30. He said the peak for the contagion COVID-19 and death from the virus is expected to come in two weeks from now.
7 am, 03/28/2020: Anchorage has a shortage of personal protective equipment and medical supplies. The following are needed immediately and Anchorage Emergency Operations is asking for donations: – Non-contact medical grade thermometers, Please see picture attached Universal Transport Media (for guidance see: http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Labs/Documents/LaboratoryTests.pdf#page=23) – Nitrile exam gloves (no latex gloves) – N95 masks – Surgical masks – Medical gowns – Face shields which protect eyes Open and expired PPE are acceptable for donation. Used PPE is not being accepted. Homemade cloth masks for use by Anchorage Fire Department that are made to the following specifications:
Recommended materials include a single layer of tightly-woven material, such as a dish/tea towel or bed sheets/antimicrobial pillowcases.
The materials used must be able to be washed/dried on high heat.
Please wash your hands and keep your area clean when making the masks.
When completed, please bundle masks in packs of 25 or less in a sealed zip lock bag and drop off at the donation center.
Do not make masks if you have any respiratory illness symptoms.
Masks will be laundered by AFD before use.
Open and expired PPE are acceptable for donation, however used PPE is not being accepted.
Please take donations to: CrossFit Alaska 9191 Old Seward Highway Entrance faces Scooter Ave Hours of donation: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM 7 days a week.
6:45 am, 03/28/2020: Late Friday night, President Donald Trump authorized Defense Secretary Mark Esper to order units and individual members in the National Guard and Reserves, as well as “certain Individual Ready Reserve members,” to active duty, the Pentagon announced. The troops will assist with response to the Wuhan coronavirus.
“The Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, at the direction of the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, are authorized to order to active duty not to exceed 24 consecutive months, such units, and individual members of the Ready Reserve under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned, not to exceed 1,000,000 members on active duty at any one time, as the Secretary of Defense and, with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of Homeland Security consider necessary. The Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Homeland Security, as applicable, will ensure appropriate consultation is undertaken with relevant state officials with respect to the utilization of National Guard Reserve Component units activated under this authority.”
7:15 pm, 03/27/2020: In Ketchikan, the inter-island ferry that operates to Prince of Wales Island will implement a four-day-per-week schedule starting March 28.
The ferry will run Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Passenger service will be limited to essential travel, which means those returning home or traveling for critical medical care, or those transporting essential goods and services. The number of passengers on board has been reduced by 75 percent to allow appropriate space between passengers. More information can be found at the ferry system’s link.
6 pm, 03/27/2020: Alaska is the No. 3 state for the number of citizens tested per capita, said Dr. Anne Zink, Alaska’s chief medical officer. New York is No. 1 in testing.
1 pm, 03/27/2020: Mayor Ethan Berkowitz of Anchorage extended the “hunker down” order through at least April 14, but said that date should not be considered a “hard end.” Orders could continue for a while, he said at a press conference today. Berkowitz said property taxes would be delayed for at least a month, and there will be no utility shut-offs for a month. In addition, any state or federal assistance that people receive will not be garnished for municipal fees or taxes due.
Building permit fees will be reduced by 25 percent, he said, and other fees will be either reduced or rebated, since many permitted businesses like restaurants and bars are not operating.
10 am, 03/27/2020: A Navy hospital ship has arrived in Los Angeles to help with the overflow from hospitals. The USNS Mercy has 1,000 beds and will treat non-coronavirus patients, freeing up local hospitals to focus on the surge of COVID-19 patients
9:30 pm, 03/26/2020: North Pole Mayor Mike Welch was tested Thursday for COVID-19 at Tanana Valley Clinic after experiencing symptoms and being asked to come in for the swab test.
7:30 pm, 03/26/2020: Alaska Medicaid will allow 68-day fills on medications that would normally be limited to 34 days. With the allowed accumulation, this permits a patient to be able to have approximately 10 weeks of medication on-hand. If a specific patient condition warrants, individual exceptions for a day’s supply beyond 68-days can be requested of the pharmacist.
6:32 pm, 03/26/2020: More that 2,400 people have been tested for COVID-19 in Alaska, said Department of Health and Social Services Commissioner Adam Crum. That is less than one percent of Alaskans, but a quick uptick in testing since the first case diagnosed in Alaska just 14 days ago.
5:44 pm, 03/26/2020: KUOW, public broadcasting in Seattle, has decided to stop airing the president’s press conferences on COVID-19 because the station feels they are not factual.
At the same time, President Trump’s approval rating among voters has started to climb in recent days, with the survey site fivethirtyeight.com saying his approval is now over 45 percent.
12:15 pm, 03/26/2020: At least 81,321 people in the U.S. are known to have been infected with the coronavirus, more cases than China, Italy or any other country has seen, according to data gathered by The New York Times.
11:45 am, 03/26/2020: The Port of Seattle has delayed the Alaska cruise season indefinitely.
11 am, 03/26/2020: The second phase of the congressional relief package that passed the Senate will bring $1.5 billion to the State of Alaska. It will also deliver rapid relief to small businesses, and expand unemployment. It will send a surge of resources to medical professions, said Sen. Dan Sullivan. It must be approved by the House.
7:28 am, 03/26/2020: State officials have corrected information about how many are hospitalized in Alaska due to COVID-19. The correct number as of March 25, 2020 is 3.
11:30 pm, 03/25/2020:Mayor Ethan Berkowitz of Anchorage has said the city will not enforce the mandatory 10-cent fee per paper bag that the city requires merchants charge their customers. However, he did not say merchants may issue single-use plastic bags for merchandise and groceries.
10:40 pm, 03/25/2020: A second employee of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. This individual is included in the current count of 59 in Alaska who have been stricken with the virus.
10:35 pm, 03/25/2020: Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of its cruises through May 12. “Because of announced port closures, we expect to return to service for Alaska, Canada and New England sailings July 1, 2020,” the company said. Norwegian Cruise Line is cutting pay and moving to a four-day work week for most staff.
3 pm, 03/25/2020:The current case count in Alaska is 44. An employee of Fairbanks Memorial Hospital has tested positive for the Wuhan coronavirus. Another Fairbanks person, a patient of the Tanana Chiefs Conference’s Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center, has also tested positive. l
3 pm, 03/25/2020: Jake Metcalfe, the executive director of the largest state employee union in Alaska, is seeking an injunction against the Dunleavy Administration to force all nonessential state employees to work from home for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. He also wants the court to mandate staggered work hours and social distancing rules for all state employees.
The Alaska State Employees Association represents 7,500 state and municipal employees across the state.
10 am, 03/25/2030: The United States is the world’s third-most infected country by the Wuhan coronavirus. To date, the top three are:
81,661 China
74,386 Italy
60,115 US
5:15 pm, 03/24/2020: The Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan have been postponed by the International Olympics Committee, for about a year.
3:45 pm, 03/24/2020: The U.S. Department of Education has stopped collections of federal student loans that are in default.
3:33 pm, 03/24/2020: First COVID-19 hospitalization is in Juneau at Bartlett Memorial Hospital. This is the second case in Juneau and the person is in the critical care unit. The person had been traveling in Washington State and Portland, Oregon, both known hot spots.
Meanwhile, the case count is up to 39 in Alaska, with two more having been identified in Ketchikan. This brings the total of positive cases in Ketchikan to eight. These two individuals, upon experiencing symptoms of illness, self-quarantined and sought testing through the Creekside Family Medical Clinic. The testing was processed by a private lab. The two do not have a history of recent travel, so these are considered community transmission cases.
8:45 am, 03/24/2020: Alaska Airlines will eliminate 200 flights per day through March 31. This is a 15 percent reduction of its normal flights. The airline is parking 30 jets from its fleet of 230 aircraft. Flights to Hawaii will be extremely limited and the airline will stop flying to Costa Rica, although for now it will keep its Mexico and Canada routes.
8:30 am, 03/24/2020: Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued a shelter-in-place order Monday evening, something he had been pressured to do for several days. Washingtonians are not to leave their homes except for critical tasks in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
7:46 pm, 03/23/2020: Three Bears market has instituted a ban on the use of personal multi-use shopping bags.
“Our grocery store workers are on the front lines of COVID-19, working tirelessly to keep our community fed. With identified community transmission, we ask that shoppers keep their reusable bags at home given the potential risk to Three Bears customers and employees,” the store notified shoppers, effective at all locations immediately. The stores are located in Wasilla, Palmer, and Kenai.
3:15 pm, 03/23/2020: First National Bank stock price went through large price swings today on the stock market before ending sharply lower.
The current stock price is $176, having recovered from its low of $125 at the close of trading. It appears some entity that owns stock in the bank may have dumped the stock this afternoon.
9 am, 03/23/2020: AlaskaUSA Federal Credit Union has temporarily closed several branches and curtailed operates at others:
Branches temporarily closed:
36th Ave
Abbott
N. Eagle River
Juneau St
W. Dimond
W. Northern Lights
N. Pole
W. Fairbanks
Parks Hwy
Vintage Park
Branches with drive-up and appointment services open Monday – Friday, 11 am to 6 pm:
C St
DeBarr
Dimond
Eagle River
East DeBarr
Huffman
JBER
Northern Lights
W. Abbott
Airport Way
Steese Hwy
Homer
Kenai
Soldotna
Palmer
Wasilla
W. Parks Hwy
Glacier Hwy
In-Store Branches open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11 am to 6 pm:
Bethel
Ketchikan
Kodiak
8 am, 03/23/2020: PeaceHealth Medical clinics are closed Monday and Tuesday in Ketchikan after two caregivers who work there tested positive for COVID-19. The medical center is one of the largest employers in Ketchikan.
11:15 pm, 03/22/2020: FEMA has set up a rumor control web page pertaining to COVID-19, available at this link.
11 pm, 03/22/2020: Juneau has cancelled its Fourth of July parade. The Fourth of July parade is the biggest community event of the year.
10:30 pm, 03/22/2020:Anchorage Office of Emergency Management reminded residents that the Hunker Down order is in effect in Anchorage as of 10 pm Sunday.
Emergency Order EO-03 directs Anchorage residents and businesses to stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the chance of Anchorage hospitals becoming overwhelmed and unable to treat those who need urgent medical care, the department wrote.
When left unchecked, this virus spreads exponentially. Some models show that without an order to hunker down, hospitals could become overwhelmed within weeks. The predictions of these models are borne out by what is happening in other communities that waited too long to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Hunker Down order mandates that non-critical businesses close their premises, and that residents stay home as much as possible.
“Non-critical businesses encompass any business that is not specifically exempted as a critical business. This includes (but is not limited to): shoe stores, hair salons and barber shops, nail salons, clothing stores, makeup stores, jewelry stores, car dealerships (service and parts may remain open), tattoo parlors, acupuncture, art studios, and sporting goods stores, in-home housekeeping services, babysitting (except to provide support for critical workers). This is in addition to the closure of gyms, movie theaters, indoor recreation centers, bowling alleys, and nightclubs that were closed.
“Non-critical businesses must close their premises; it is not acceptable to simply transform to a curbside or delivery business as that still places too many workers and customers in harm’s way for a non-critical purpose.
“The emergency order includes a list of critical businesses that can continue to operate while implementing social distancing techniques to the maximum extent possible—including switching to curbside or delivery service.
“The critical business list includes health care operations, grocery stores, convenience stores, maintenance and operations of critical infrastructure, first responders, criminal justice personnel, critical government functions, defense and national security-related operations, food cultivation, social services, journalism, gas stations, banks and other financial institutions, hardware stores, plumbers, electricians, mailing and shipping services, laundromats, educational institutions for the purpose of distance learning, restaurants (for takeout and delivery only), transportation services, hotels, childcare facilities (to serve workers in critical jobs only), and some legal and accounting services. For a full list, refer to the emergency order. These businesses should incorporate remote working whenever possible and adhere to CDC social distancing guidelines including maintaining six feet between people.”
9:15 pm – 03/22/2020: Anchorage police will begin wearing personal protective gear — things like masks and nitrile gloves — when physically interacting with the public. This doesn’t necessarily mean that COVID-19 is presenting the situation, but that police are protecting themselves from unnecessary exposure. Also, dispatchers and officers will be asking people questions related to COVID-19 exposure to help prevent exposure.
All community engagement activities and events, such as the ride-a-long program, Coffee with a Cop, public appearance requests and more, have been suspended until further notice. The APD front lobby at its headquarters is closed.
8:30 pm – 03/22/2020: The Seattle Times did not print its Sunday edition today due to the restrictions and general conditions caused by the COVID-19 virus. The newspaper was founded in 1891 and has been operated by the Blethen family since 1896. A note from the publisher advised:
5:30 pm – 03/22/2020: Sitka has been given a “hunker down in place” strong recommendation, issued by the Sitka Emergency Unified Command. Sitkans are asked to stay home in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. If residents need to shop for groceries, they may do so if they do not believe they have been exposed to the virus. Work from home as much as possible. Non-essential businesses are urged, but not required to close for 14 days. Those picking up or dropping off at the airport are urged to use curbside, and not go inside the airport. Anyone traveling into Sitka must quarantine in accordance with DHSS mandates.
4 pm – 03/22/2020: The current count of COVID-19 cases in Alaska is 22.
3:38 pm – 03/22/2020: An update on donating blood to the Blood Bank of Alaska. Please call 907-222-5600 to schedule an appointment. The staff will schedule you in.
11:06 am – 03/22/2020: Homeless men in Anchorage are being moved into the Sullivan Arena, while homeless women are being moved into the Ben Boeke Ice Arena next door. They are being given sleeping pads that are spaced six feet apart.
10:30 am – 03/22/2020: The current count of COVID-19 cases in Alaska is 21.
10 am – 03/22/2020: Senator Rand Paul has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced on Sunday, adding “he is feeling fine and is in quarantine. He is asymptomatic and was tested out of an abundance of caution due to his extensive travel and events. He was not aware of any direct contact with any infected person.”
11 pm – 03/21/2020: Gov. Mike Dunleavy has launched a web page devoted to the work of the Economic Stabilization Team.
The page contains links for Small Business Administration loans, unemployment insurance, home mortgage assistance, and other resources that will be added as details are firmed. Share this page with those who may need help.
9:50 pm – 03-21/2020: Senior citizens in the Mat-Su Valley are getting some needed support from the Santa Cop and Heroes program, which applied for and received a $50,000 grant from Southcentral Health Foundation to provide 400 food kits to seniors 60 and older in the valley. Contact them at this link and get on the list for a food drop if you are running low of food, have no family support, and you meet the age qualifications.
8:30 pm – 03/21/2020: New testing protocols for Alaska have been put in place by the Department of Health and Social Services, in response to a shortage of equipment.
Testing supplies are running low. Until the shortage is resolved, health care providers are now prioritizing testing to specific groups. Health care providers do not need to call the Alaska Section of Epidemiology to approve testing, but those patients who are asymptomatic may not be tested. Here is what the testing technicians are being advised:
Patients who have a clinically compatible illness (e.g., fever, cough, or shortness of breath) AND at least one of the following criteria should be considered for testing:
12 pm – 03/21/2020: North Star Borough Mayor Bryce Ward announced an emergency declaration on Friday. The declaration will help with the procurement of aid and assistance from State and federal agencies when they become available. The borough is home to nearly 100,000 Alaskans and encompasses Eielson Air Force Base, Salcha, Fox, Two Rivers, and Chena Hot Springs.
11:30 am – 03/21/2020: Kenai Borough offices are closed to the public. Borough employees will still conduct government business under modified work schedules during regular business hours Monday – Friday. Those who can, will work from home, while others will come to work and practice the recommended guidance to ensure safe workspaces. You can also find contact information by department at www.kpb.us.
The Central Peninsula Landfill and transfer sites will continue to remain open to the public. Steps have been put in place for staff and the public’s protection. Please follow directional signage and staff instructions.
Dispatch and Fire/EMS will maintain operations; however, public will not be allowed to enter these facilities. First responders are following guidance specific to call outs. Nikiski Fire Service Area will continue their potable water service to residents with modifications.
Kenai Borough residents are asked to use the drop box located by the main front doors of the Borough Administrative Building (BAB) to deposit payments or department-specific documents, or mail delivery:
Kenai Peninsula Borough Attn: Department Name 144 N. Binkley Street Soldotna AK 99669
8 am – 03/21/2020: Anchorage medical community is experiencing a shortage of personal protective equipment such as nitrile gloves, face masks and medical gowns. They are asking providers and businesses to donate. Due to global demand, there is no definitive shipping date for more these items. The national demand for PPE and Alaska’s distance from suppliers, avoiding PPE shortages in Anchorage will require stretching existing supplies as long as possible. The following is needed immediately:
Nitrile exam gloves (no latex gloves)
N95 masks
Surgical masks
Medical gowns
Face shields that protect eyes
Please take Personal Protective Equipment to:
CrossFit Alaska 9191 Old Seward Highway Entrance faces Scooter Ave
Hours of donation: 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week. For questions, email [email protected] or call 907-343-4019
4:30 pm – 03/20/2020:The City and Borough of Juneau implemented voluntary temperature checks for travelers arriving at the Juneau International Airport. Passengers with a temperature of 100.4 F will be advised to contact a medical provider and to self-quarantine.
4:15 pm – 03/20/2020: A shortage of testing swabs has led Anchorage Office of Emergency Management to ask doctors to donate swabs, or the current Anchorage supply will be exhausted on Sunday. Due to global demand, there is no definitive shipping date for more swabs.
The following swabs are needed immediately: Nasopharyngeal swab with synthetic tip (ex. Dacron, Nylon, Polyester), with non-wooden shaft. NP swab should have sterile tube containing 2-3ml viral transport media (VTM) Please take swabs to: Drive Thru COVID19 Testing Site 4115 Lake Otis Parkway
Please use the back entrance/ employee parking lot (behind the tan and brown building). Hours of donation: 9:00 AM- 7:00 PM 7 days a week.
3:30 pm – 03/20/2020: Must Read Alaskahas learned that Mayor Ethan Berkowitz will order all Anchorage residents to shelter in place beginning this evening.
3:25 pm – 03/20/2020: An employee of the office of the Vice President has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement.
“This evening we were notified that a member of the Office of the Vice President tested positive for the Coronavirus,” wrote Pence Press Secretary Katie Miller. “Neither President Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual. Further contact tracing is being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines.”
11 am – 03/20/2020: President Donald Trump said the U.S. Department of Education will not require standardized testing for students in elementary through high school for the current school year.
10 am – 03/20/2020:The Anchorage Health Department and satellite locations have limited services to phone and appointments only, effective March 19.
Many services and benefits will be available via telephone or limited to in-person appointments; no in-person business or services will be available without an appointment. The contact numbers for the resources are:
• Community Health Nursing: 343-4799 • Aging and Disability Resource Center: 343-7770 • Women, Infants and Children: 343-4668 • Child Care Licensing: 343-4758 • Environmental Health (Food and Air): 343-4200 • Community Safety and Development: 343-4822 • Main Number: 343-6718
9:42 am – 03/20/2020:
How many cases? 255,729 worldwide. Known in Alaska: 12. Every person typically infects two others.
– Did it start in a Wuhan lab? The coronavirus may have originated in a government laboratory 300 yards from the Wuhan fish market where the authorities say the outbreak started, the Daily Mailreports.
– California is sheltering in place: 40 million Californians have been ordered to stay home indefinitely, only going out for essential jobs, errands, and solitary exercise, Gov. Gavin Newsom said. He warned the public that the patients who are contracting the coronavirus — 1,000 now in the Golden State — may soon overwhelm the state medical facilities.
– New York going into lockdown: Gov. Cuomo is shutting down all non-essential businesses across the state, leaving just grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential operations open. He is banning all non-solitary outside activity, like outdoor basketball games and other team sports and he is requiring all non-essential government and private-sector employees to work from home, starting Sunday.
– President Trump has closed almost all traffic but commercial trucks at the southern border with Mexico.
– The Trump Administration has postponed the IRS income tax deadline to July 15.
10:15 pm – 03/19/2020:The U.S. Supreme Court has closed its building to the public and postponed its March argument session, which was to begin March 23.
10 pm – 03/19/2020:Funerals and weddings are among the events now banned in Washington State, as the epicenter of the coronavirus tries to get a handle on social distancing.
10 pm – 03/19/2020: Alaska Public Offices Commission is closed to walk-in traffic until further notice. APOC offices will remain staffed and will continue to serve the public and respond through alternative forms of contact including post mail, email, fax, and telephone, during its normal business hours of 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.
9:45 pm – 03/19/2020: Although the Blood Bank of Alaska is in need of blood, it’s asking for a voluntary 28-day deferral for anyone who has traveled out of state and to foreign countries in the last five weeks, and a 28-day deferral for donations for all travel out of state.
2:50 pm – 03/19/2020: An active-duty Airman has tested positive for COVID-19 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The member recently returned from overseas travel and is following public health protocols while self-quarantined at his or her off-base residence.
JBER officials have ordered Health Protection Condition Bravo and are continually monitoring the situation while working closely with local, state and federal agencies.
12:50 pm – 03/19/2020: Anchorage Police Department has closed its front counter at its headquarters due to a significant drop in public visits. As a result, APD has put together resources to helping the public online and/or via the phone.
During this time, the traffic citations will be handled via paying by phone at 907-786-2429.
Subject line should be your last name and citation number. Attach these necessary documents, as appropriate:
Proof of insurance- Photo: must show you had insurance at the time the ticket was issued.
Proof of Registration- Photo: must show documents of registration from the DMV and photo of license plate with the new sticker on your vehicle.
Headlight/Taillight- Photo: must show vehicle with lights on and license plate visible.
Window Tint- Two Photos: must show entire driver side door of vehicle and include photo from front of vehicle showing license plate.
Proof of Driver’s License- Call 786-8600, ext 2.
11:30 am – 03/19/2020 – Simon Malls, owner of the Fifth Avenue Mall in Anchorage, has closed all of its malls across the nation until March 29.
“The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” the company wrote.
8:40 am – 03/19/2020: The U.S. State Department will announce a Level Four travel advisory instructing all Americans abroad to return home or to shelter in place because of the global threat of the coronavirus. This is its most stringent warning. Just four days ago, the department raised the travel advisory to Level 3, with strong recommendations. Under Level Four, Americans will be strongly advised not to travel abroad.
8:40 am – 03/19/2020: The U.S. embassies in Mexico have suspended routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services starting March 18, 2020, and until further notice. The U.S. Embassy and consulates will continue to provide essential consular services to U.S. citizens in Mexico as well as emergency visa services. The closure will effect the seasonal labor supply for American farms and fisheries.
11:32 pm – 03/18/2020: Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau has instituted screening for patients and visitors for symptoms of COVID-19, along with travel history and possible exposure to the virus. Families, staff, and departments in the hospital are restricting access and enforcing visitor control policy, including:
For hospitalized patients:
Limit one visitor on the units at any time.
No visitors are allowed in the Hospital from 8 p.m. – 6 a.m. overnight, unless accompanying a newly admitted patient or a maternity patient.
No visitors under age 16.
Visitation rules may be more restricted on units and floors with patients who have reduced immune systems or special populations.
Exceptions: End of life” situations, minor patients (≤18 years old) may have two visitors but this is limited to only parents or guardians, and individuals with significant physical disabilities are limited to one support person in addition to a visitor.
11:25 pm – 03/18/2020: Homer Mayor Ken Castner declared an official emergency in response to COVID-19 in Alaska and in support of COVID-9 prevention measures being implemented throughout the Borough and the State. The declaration will be effective for seven days, and then may extend if the City Council ratifies it at its meeting on March 23. The declaration creates a unified command structure with local responder agencies and South Peninsula Hospital.
4 pm – 03/18/2020: The known positive cases in Alaska increased by three on Wednesday, increasing it the total to nine. Two of the new cases are in Anchorage, one is in the Seward area. All three are travel related, with one coming from Europe, and the other two from the Lower 48.
3:30 pm – 03/18/2020: The first member of Congress to test positive for the coronavirus is Mario Diaz-Balart, a Republican who represents southwestern Miami-Dade County.
2 pm – 03/18/2020:Alyeska Resort has closed the ski area for the remainder of the season. closing its ski area for the remainder of the winter season. “As of today, March 18, 2020, all Alyeska Resort mountain operations, including lifts, aerial tramway, rentals, Mountain Learning Center and restaurants will be closed. Our decision to close the resort was not easily made but we feel these measures are necessary out of concern for the health and safety of our community, guests, employees, and the surrounding communities of Southcentral Alaska,” the management wrote on Facebook.
2 pm – 03/18/2020: Canada and the United States have restricted non-essential travel across the border. Both countries say supply chains will not be impacted, but travelers going north and south for recreational or tourism purposes will be turned back. key supplies will still flow between the two nations. President Donald Trump posted a note on Twitter this morning.
12 pm – 03/18/2020: The U.S. Census has suspended field operations for at least two weeks. The Census Bureau is asking everyone to respond online at 2020Census.gov. Door-knockers will not be utilized for now. The Census will continue to accept online, phone and mail responses.
9 am – 03/18/2020:Pikka, the oil prospect hope for the Alaska economy, has been deferred by Oil Search until prices improve. Oil is in the low 20s today.
8:45 am – 03/18/2020:Seattle area is running out of masks, leading volunteers to start making them by hand for hospitals.
A group of volunteers at Providence St. Joseph Health on Tuesday started sewing surgical masks and constructing face shields with marine-grade vinyl, strips of foam, elastic bands, and double-stick tape.
8 am – 03/18/2020: Blood Bank of Alaska is low on O negative and O positive blood donors and need continual blood donations of all blood types in order to meet the need for blood in Anchorage and throughout Alaska. To meet current blood needs, 700 donations are needed in the coming weeks.
The Blood Bank of Alaska is taking donations by appointment only in order to ensure the safety of donors and staff. To donate call 907-222-5630 or visit www.bloodbankofalaska.org to make an appointment
9:25 pm – 03/17/2020: Amazon has suspended receiving nonessentials such as TVs and toys in its warehouses so it can focus on stocking household staples and medical supplies. The crush of orders forced the decision as Americans are avoiding stores and placing orders online for everyday goods.
8:25 pm – 03/17/2020: A Canadian government official told The Seattle Times on Tuesday that Canada and the US are working on announcing a mutual ban on non-essential travel between the two countries.
8:25 pm – 03/17/2020: Hospital systems in Seattle are reporting two dozen hospital workers have been infected with the coronavirus, putting a strain on the medical infrastructure at the heart of the outbreak in the U.S.
7:20 pm – 03/17/2020: The State of Alaska is closing all bars and restaurants statewide on Wednesday at 5 pm, except for take-out food or deliveries, as well as other closing facilities, such as bowling alleys, by order of the chief medical officer.
The Department of Health and Social Services is also suspending all long-term services and supports that occur in “congregate settings,” including senior centers, adult day services, and any site-based day habilitation or supported employment activities where individuals gather together.
5:40 pm – 03/17/2020: The Port of Alaska remains open and the shippers are on a normal shipping schedule. COVID-19 has not disrupted the arrival of goods to Alaska, according to a news release from the Municipality.
“Food and supplies are at normal levels in Anchorage, and demand is currently high, creating empty store shelves. More goods are on the way, however delays of about one week in restocking shelves may happen due to the time it will take from time of order to stocking shelves in Anchorage and Alaska. The Municipality encourages residents to be patient as store shelves are restocked.”
5:20 pm – 03/17/2020: The State Department of Health and Social Services has issued guidelines for parents whose children attend day care centers:
The department, per CDC recommendation, is advising that child care facilities stay open if they safely can do so. Health officials do not want children to be cared for by elders, because people aged greater than 60 years are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. Employers are encouraged to talk to their workforce. We also know that children, while they may carry the disease, get sick from COVID-19 much less frequently than adults.
The guidance for child care centers is thus:
Follow aggressive measures to screen children for respiratory infection and do not allow any ill child into a child care center.
No child who has been outside of Alaska in the last 14 days should be allowed in a child care center.
No one who has a fever or respiratory symptoms should be allowed to work in a child care center.
Keep numbers below 10 for group settings.
Cohort kids, keeping the same group of kids together.
Adhere to social distancing (at least six feet) to limit mixing.
Spend time in well-ventilated spaces as much as possible.
Practice frequent and rigorous environmental cleaning.
No one over the age of 60 or with underlying medical conditions should be working in child care centers.
Families should consider alternative child care opportunities, if possible.
5 pm – 03/17/2020: A mobile testing station has been set up by Providence in a parking lot on Lake Otis Blvd., right next to Bernie’s Pharmacy:
Mobile testing began on Tuesday, next to Bernie’s Pharmacy, in an adjacent parking lot on Lake Otis Blvd.
3:30 pm – 03/17/2020: Johns Hopkins University says that over 100 people in the United States have died from the coronavirus in less than one month since the community spread of the virus was first reported on Feb. 26. There are now over 5,894 confirmed cases and 105 deaths, and 200,000 cases globally.
3 pm- 03/17/2020: The Alaska Democratic Party has closed its headquarters on Fairbanks Street in Anchorage. The five employees of the party are working remotely. The Alaska Republican Party, which only staffs its offices part time, could not be reached for comment.
The City and Borough of Juneau has declared an emergency, allowing it to draw in more help from the state and federal government for health and safety measures, and purchase needed emergency supplies. The resolution of Monday night will assist local business as they apply for federal loans and assistance.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly held a special emergency meeting on Tuesday. Among agenda items was sending a letter to Alaska’s congressional delegation, urging suspension of the Jones Act. The assembly will also discuss emergency measures and the lifting of cumbersome borough code during the emergency.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy is ending the reign of Mark Springer, chairman of the Marijuana Control Board. Springer’s term ends on March 1.
While showing Springer the door, the governor reappointed Christopher Jaime, a State Trooper from Soldotna. And he added Casey Dschaak of Dillingham to the rural seat that is held by Springer for a few more weeks.
Springer, of Bethel, is a vocal opponent of the governor’s overall agenda and, critics say he loathes Dunleavy’s very existence.
In addition to signing the recall petition, he has used his time during board meetings to express his hostility toward the Administration and brags about the Recall Dunleavy sticker on his coffee mug.
Springer has been at odds with his fellow board members as well as the governor. When the matter of whether to retain former alcohol and marijuana agency director Erika McConnell came up, Springer, as chairman, refused to put it on the agenda until he was forced to by other board members.
McConnell had already been “fired” by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board, to whom she also reported, but it took a vote of the Marijuana Control Board to remove her. Springer voted against her removal, but she was fired anyway by a majority of the board, with only one other vote, from board member Loren Jones, favoring McConnell’s retention.
Dschaak, the incoming member of the board, he served in the U.S. Army and works in the field of logistics in Dillingham.
The Marijuana Control Board meets next week in Juneau and will select a new chair from the members.
Readers will notice that Must Read Alaska took on a new look over the weekend. It went from a blog to a sleek news site.
Like anything, it will take some getting used to, especially on the production side of things, but will allow this one-woman news operation to have a more rapid response to events of the day.
I’ll continue to refine the categories over the coming weeks, and while I work at it night and day, want to extend my thanks to everyone who has donated to the cause of giving an alternative view of what is presented in the mainstream media.
Feel free to join in the fun and send a donation to:
Must Read Alaska
3201 C Street Suite 308
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Juneau voters sent a clear message in the October 7 municipal election to slow government spending and protect taxpayers, and a need for new leadership.
Two rounds of preliminary results from the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) show that two tax-relief measures advanced by the Affordable Juneau Coalition, a citizens group, are likely to pass. A city-proposed seasonal sales tax that would have eroded the citizen initiatives was decisively rejected. And a political newcomer with conservative leanings is poised to unseat a longtime incumbent who typically called for more spending and increased taxation. Many observers interpret the outcome as a conservative sweep given the options on Juneau’s ballot.
Approximately 28,000 mail-in ballots were mailed to Juneau voters, but less than 10,000 were returned based on the unofficial preliminary results that were released on October 10th. The return represents a modest 35% turnout despite mail-in voting, which is consistent with recent elections. The city clerk estimated that between 200 and 400 ballots may still be counted prior to final certification, which is scheduled for October 21st.
Only one Assembly seat was contested in this election. In that race, political newcomer Nathaniel “Nano” Brooks, running on a fiscally conservative platform, is leading incumbent Wade Bryson for a seat in District 2. Brooks holds a preliminary lead of 410 votes, surpassing the clerks’ estimated remaining votes to be counted.
Brooks’s campaign emphasized tighter budget oversight, waste reduction, and the importance of government living within its means. Bryson, the incumbent, emphasized continuity, additional spending unrelated to growth, and advancing projects like funding a new City Hall that was twice rejected by Juneau voters. The result suggests the electorate favoring a shift toward fiscal discipline.
People are viewing the successful challenge as a pivotal moment. “People are ready for change and want accountability,” said Joe Geldhof, a longtime Juneau resident. Geldhof added that the current Assembly in Juneau “has stopped listening to the citizens and is committed to spending without regard to affordability.”
The driving force behind the citizen-led ballot campaign was the Affordable Juneau Coalition, which was formed in early 2025 to champion a set of ballot initiatives aimed at alleviating tax burdens on residents. Affordable Juneau emphasized affordability by limiting future tax increases and reducing the tax burden on basic goods and utilities while still protecting the public’s ability to support public infrastructure projects with debt service if approved by the voters.
In April, the coalition submitted three proposals to the municipal clerk, with Joe Geldhof designated as the petitioner. Geldhof is an attorney who has worked on several citizen initiatives, including the local cruise passenger measure, which passed in 1999, and the statewide cruise ship taxation initiative adopted by Alaska voters in 2006. The citizens’ process successfully passed both measures, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for Juneau.
The citizens’ initiative on the October 7th ballot included Proposition 1, which was an amendment to Juneau’s city charter to limit CBJ’s ability to raise property taxes by lowering the maximum mill rate from 12 to 9 mills, excluding debt service. Supporters described it as a “guardrail,” meant to keep tax increases in check unless voters specifically approve them. Geldhof explained, “It puts up a wall so the government can’t raise taxes without a public vote.” He added that “the cap on property taxes was capped at nine mills, which is very close to the existing mill rate, which maintains the status quo.”
Proposition 1 is currently leading in the vote count by 195 votes, with 5,002 supporting the change to 4,807 opposed.
The Affordable Juneau Coalition also placed Proposition 2 on the ballot, proposing to remove the local sales tax from essential groceries and residential utilities. The intent was to provide some financial breathing room to households struggling with high costs for basic necessities. Proponents viewed the measure as a fairness issue, aiming to assist working families and those with fixed incomes. “It was the right thing to do… to help younger residents, especially those with families. This proposal was supported by many seniors, who already benefit from existing exemptions, to provide relief to younger residents,” said Geldhof.
Proposition 2 has passed by a wide margin, with about 69 percent of voters supporting it.
The third measure stood in stark contrast to the first two. Sponsored by the City and Borough of Juneau rather than by citizen petition, it proposed creating a seasonal sales tax structure with a higher rate of sales tax during the busy tourist season and a reduced tax percentage in the winter months. The stated goal of the CBJ proposition was to shift more of the tax burden onto visitors and reduce costs for residents during slower months. However, many voters viewed it skeptically, questioning whether it would truly solve underlying budget issues while also increasing costs during residents’ busy summer season when significant purchases are made.
Proposition 3 has been rejected decisively, with 59% voting no on CBJ’s proposed seasonal sales tax.
The local ballot outcomes, with the success of citizen proposals and the rejection of a city-led tax scheme, are being viewed as a sign of renewed confidence in citizen oversight rather than top-down policy imposition.
Amid narratives of voter apathy and disengagement, many in Juneau saw the 2025 election as a positive sign. “There’s still breath on the mirror of democracy,” said Geldhof, reflecting on months of door-knocking, petition-gathering, and community outreach.
Organizers described the campaign as “tiring but worthwhile” and a demonstration that even in a divided context, a motivated citizen base can influence local policy. The success of the coalition’s measures and the shift in leadership of one assembly seat suggest that engaged voters can still influence local governance.
Ultimately, Juneau’s 2025 election reflects a shift toward fiscal responsibility in the capital city, as voters rejected the city-driven tax plan, approved two taxpayer-centered reforms, and supported a new Assembly member advocating for fiscal restraint. If certified as expected later this month, the new measures will take effect in 2026.
Brenda Josephson is a board member of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc., the publisher of Must Read Alaska. You can contact her via email at [email protected].
TPUSA-UAA invites the community to come out and share how Charlie Kirk has impacted you! The event will be held on National Charlie Kirk Remembrance Day, this Tuesday, Oct. 14.
TPUSA-UAA’s event flyer reads: “Join us as we gather to reflect on the life of the disciple, father, and patriot, Charlie Kirk. This open mic event is focused on providing the community an opportunity to share how Charlie touched our lives, and how we plan to move forward in honoring him and the principles he stood for.”
The event will be from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the Main Event Grill in Anchorage (1041 E 76th Ave. #1A).
This is a great opportunity to hear others’ stories inspired by Charlie Kirk and add your own! We hope to see you there.
By Jon Faulkner, Co-author and Bob Bird, Co-author
With regard to the hierarchy of constitutional authority, we all hear about the three co-equal branches of government. But a serious inquiry into our foundational documents informs us that actual equality exists neither in the U.S. constitution, nor in Alaska’s.
In Alaska’s constitution, Article 4 states, “The jurisdiction of the courts shall be prescribed by law.” Meaning, the judiciary’s scope is subordinate to the legislature. And we read in Article 3, Section 16, that the governor’s authority “shall not be construed to authorize any action or proceeding against the legislature.”
Does this make the legislative branch supreme? No, not quite, for all branches of government are subordinate to the citizens. One simple instrument that effectuates every citizen’s essential sovereignty, and their right to investigate potential infringements of it, is the grand jury.
Alaska citizens are re-asserting this fundamental right. Take a look at Article 1, Section 2:
§ 2. Source of Government
All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the people as a whole.
Alaska’s constitution may have flaws, but none question this foundational source of all power. The question becomes: “Who protects this power of the people?” Elections are one way, but hardly the only way. The constitutional power vested in our governor, among the most extensive grants of any state, is another avenue. This power is found in Article 3, Section 16:
§ 16. Governor’s Authority
The governor shall be responsible for the faithful execution of the laws. He may, by appropriate court action or proceeding brought in the name of the State, enforce compliance with any constitutional or legislative mandate, or restrain violation of any constitutional or legislative power, duty, or right by any officer, department, or agency of the State or any of its political subdivisions. This authority shall not be construed to authorize any action or proceeding against the legislature.
Thus, Governor Dunleavy has defined authorities over all branches of government and their respective bureaucracies, excepting only the legislature itself. On the narrow topic of enforcing citizen’s constitutional rights, it is not true that the judicial branch has exclusive purview. In Alaska, the Executive officer has supreme authority in matters of considerable consequence. The issue of constitutionally based duty and supreme authority to act in the people’s interest is about to explode.
Put plainly, if the judicial branch has—wittingly or not—prevented any Grand Jury from exercising its constitutionally mandated power, then the governor must intervene on behalf of the people to enforce the mandate. He may also restrain any violationof a constitutional power by any officer, agency or department of the state. This is not wishful thinking on the part of conservative activists; this is foundational compact law.
Many Alaskans believe that Supreme Court Order 1993 was corrupt—motivated to limit the rights of the grand jury in Alaska. Here is what our state constitution states about the purpose and power of the people’s grand jury:
§ 8. Grand Jury
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the armed forces in time of war or public danger. Indictment may be waived by the accused. In that case the prosecution shall be by information. The grand jury shall consist of at least twelve citizens, a majority of whom concurring may return an indictment. The power of grand juries to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended.
Many Alaskans have come to believe the power of grand juries to investigate corruption and abuse of power within our government has been suspended by the judicial branch. When Alaska’s citizenry cannot reasonably understand or comply with the procedural complexities the judiciary has erected to process citizen complaints, then a “de-facto” denial of constitutional intent and due process is present. Proof of this exists, and Alaskans are pressing their case.
Their case is based on Supreme Court Order 1993 (SCO 1993) and the restrictive regulations issued since by the Department of Law to implement this order. Protocols adopted by the AG that aggregate and impose strict “gatekeeping” powers serve to unreasonably hinder the grand jury’s power to perform their constitutional function.
It is unnerving when our constitutional rights hinge on a single person’s vote. Here’s what Supreme Court justices Compton and Burke wrote in their dissent of the Supreme Court ruling in 1991 that provides the foundation for today’s protocols:
“This procedural rule is not the least bit deferential to the “anti-suspension” clause. Indeed, it mocks it. The Grand Jury, and not the courts, can choose matters on which it reports and recommends, and the manner in which to do so. Its constitutional power shall never be suspended by the overlay of cumbersome procedures which provide for private judicial adjudications and review of whether the report it is to publish adversely reflects on someone, or otherwise violates his or her constitutional rights.”
By a single vote, these high-court objections were dismissed and our modern protocols became law. The question today is: how can the people overcome this travesty of justice?
Governor Dunleavy, our elected Executive, must declare SCO 1993 null, void, and of no effect, since it is deemed by him, acting alone if necessary, to be unconstitutional. He has the power, the duty—and the proof– that compels this declaration.
Every candidate for governor will be asked to take a stand. Who among them will grasp and affirm the present injustice, then pledge to remedy it on behalf of Alaska citizens? This great state belongs to the people. To be worthy of this responsibility, we must be informed and willing to act. The current restrictions placed on grand juries, just as Burke and Compton warned, suspend a constitutionally based power retained by the people.
After attending the Charlie Kirk memorial put on by University of Alaska – Anchorage’s Turning Point USA chapter, Anchorage Republican Women’s Club (ARWC) President Judy Eledge realized the importance of Republicans mentoring and financially supporting young conservatives. To this end, ARWC donated $1,000 to the TPUSA chapter at the University of Alaska-Anchorage.
Without a doubt, the assassination of Charlie Kirk has motivated numerous students across colleges in America to join Turning Point USA in its mission “to promote the principles of fiscal responsibility, free markets, and limited government.”
One such student, Jack Thompson, has stepped forward to lead the TPUSA-UAA chapter. Thompson announces his vision for the chapter: “My vision is for this group to serve as a way for our generation to begin to write our chapter in the history of Alaska, starting immediately with next year’s elections. It is not just about politics; it is about building an institution that will mobilize my generation into something that changes Alaska. It is about proving that young Alaskans are not just watching things happen, but we are the ones fundamentally shaping our future.”
He also expresses gratitude to ARWC: “The donation from ARWC is an incomprehensibly generous asset that will give us the means necessary to begin our work immediately.” Charlie Kirk has inspired many young conservatives to bring civil discourse and conversative values back to America. Older conservatives must actively support the next generation of conservative leaders.
When Region 2 Director Ryan Sheldon urged Republicans to “learn the game” after recent local election losses in Fairbanks, Palmer, and Ketchikan, he was not wrong — but he did not go far enough. The problem is not Ranked-Choice Voting or off-cycle elections. It is that the Alaska Republican Party has developed a crisis of courage.
We face a growing unwillingness among elected officials and Party leadership alike to confront wrongdoing, to enforce standards, or to stand firm when it matters most. Too many Republican officeholders — city, state, and federal — have drifted from the values they campaigned on, and too often, Party leadership stays silent.
When Representation Loses Its Backbone
Across Alaska, voters who identify as conservative feel increasingly unrepresented. They watch Republicans campaign as fiscal conservatives, defenders of liberty, and advocates for resource development — then compromise those same values once elected.
At the federal level, Senator Lisa Murkowski’s repeated breaks from core conservative positions have left voters disillusioned. At the state level, Republican legislators have joined coalitions that empower liberal leadership and increase state spending. And at the local level, some so-called conservatives have supported ordinances that expand bureaucracy or weaken law enforcement.
Each of these choices distances us from the Party’s foundation: limited government, fiscal restraint, and individual freedom. And each time the Alaska Republican Party chooses not to speak up, it reinforces the perception that principles are negotiable.
A Party Afraid of Its Own Reflection
We have grown too comfortable with excuses. Every loss is blamed on ballot design, mail-in voting, or the election calendar. Those challenges are real, but they do not explain why our message no longer resonates. The harder truth is that our Party no longer reflects the people we claim to serve.
The welder, the small-business owner, the working mom — they don’t see their values in a Party that tolerates complacency, indecision, or internal favoritism. We talk about accountability but rarely apply it where it counts.
Grassroots Requires Grit
We like to say we are a grassroots movement, but real grassroots work is not comfortable. It is cold, inconvenient, and personal. It is about showing up.
My wife Heather lived that during her campaign — spending long hours in the community, knocking doors, listening to people who did not always agree. That is the kind of authentic connection Alaskans respect, and it is exactly what the Party needs to rebuild trust.
Leadership Without Accountability
The deeper problem is not strategy; it is culture. When Republican leaders break faith with their voters and still enjoy the Party’s protection, something is deeply wrong.
We hide behind Reagan’s “Eleventh Commandment” — Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican — as if accountability were betrayal. But Reagan’s intent was not to protect misconduct; it was to prevent division while standing firm on values. We have twisted that principle into silence.
True unity does not mean protecting those who fail the platform — it means restoring integrity, so voters can trust the Party again.
Rebuilding with Integrity
If Alaska Republicans want to win, we must earn back credibility. That means calling out our own when necessary — respectfully, but publicly. It means offering training, mentorship, and structure to new conservative candidates instead of recycling the same names every cycle. And it means measuring loyalty not by titles, but by performance.
We don’t need more meetings or slogans. We need leaders willing to do the hard work — to tell the truth, make changes, and demand better.
Time to Lead Again
Ryan Sheldon is right that organization matters. But organization without integrity is motion without meaning.
The Alaska Republican Party was built by men and women who believed in work, accountability, and moral conviction. Those values shaped this state’s independence and strength. If we cannot embody them inside our own ranks, we will not inspire anyone beyond them.
This is not about blame — it is about courage. It is about finding our way back to the principles that made us who we are. Alaska’s future deserves leaders willing to stand for truth, uphold integrity, and lead with conviction.
Zack Gottshall is a retired U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, former Vice Chairman of the Alaska Republican Party, a Commissioner on the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, and a small business owner in Anchorage, Alaska.
Alaskans, like all Americans, enjoy the privilege to participate in political decisions and determine their own local, state, and national leadership. This privilege not only invests the people with power but also requires public responsibility. People’s choice of local leadership impacts their individual lives the most of any type of election. However, many Alaskans seem unwilling to cast their votes in local elections. Palmer is a significant example.
According to Palmer’s 2025 unofficial election results, the people chose left-leaning former mayor Jim Cooper to lead their city. There are 5,114 registered voters in Palmer. Only 367 voiced their will. 92.82% of Palmer’s registered voters willingly abdicated their right and responsibility to the remaining 7.18%. In other words, the majority of registered voters in Palmer opted for an oligarchical structure where the few voice their will in government, and the many consent to the few.
Palmer’s dismal election turnout is far from unique among Alaska’s cities. Even cities with the highest voter turnouts reflect a similar oligarchical attitude. Haines Borough comes in with one of the highest voter turnouts at 45%. Still, over half of Haines’ registered voters seem willing to trust a minority of voters with some of the most important political decisions for the city.
In comparison, 55.8% of all registered Alaskan voters voiced their will in the 2024 national election. But only 44.38% of Alaskan voters spoke up in the 2022 statewide election. The majority of Alaskans recognize the need to exercise their right to vote when it comes to deciding national leadership. But state and local leadership? The majority’s refusal to vote democratically sanctions rule by the minority.
Natalie Spaulding, a 2025 Hillsdale college graduate, recently joined the Must Read Alaska team.
The recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and the resignations of journalists from local newspapers are examples of the media distorting the truth and getting caught. Despite their pious claims of censorship, these two events are just the most recent examples of how the public is constantly being fed a distorted narrative by the mainstream media in an attempt to influence us.
Google and Facebook Censorship During Pandemic
The issues of censorship and propaganda in this country are real. Google and Facebook have both come forward, admitting they censored people during the covid pandemic and after the fraudulent election of 2020 at the request of the Biden administration. In contrast to the protests the liberals made after the Kimmel and Homer News events, there was actual censorship being conducted by the government against conservatives, and the press was complicit, most likely because the censorship favored the policies of a Democrat president.
What Google and Facebook did is out in the open, but what is not so clear is the constant daily propaganda that we are fed by the media. Here are a few examples.
The Palisades Wildfire
Wildfires have devastated California over the past decade. When one broke out on January 1, 2025, it resulted in the devastation of the Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles. The LA Fire Department said they suspected the ignition source was fireworks shot off to celebrate New Year’s, and the large extent of the fire was caused by climate change and exacerbated by high winds.
That is a convenient narrative, but the truth of this event has now come out, and it paints a very different picture, one critical of Democrat leadership in the state. The fire was actually caused by a depressed Uber driver, by the name of Jonathan Rinderknecht, who was arrested two days ago. Inconveniently for the Democrat narrative, Rinderknecht was both an immigrant and had donated to the Joe Biden election campaign. However, even those facts don’t tell the whole story.
An investigation revealed that after two days, the fire was contained by the Los Angeles Fire Department, but after stopping the initial fire, they failed to monitor the area for flare-ups, which is a standard wildfire practice, especially when the weather forecast is for high winds. The fire smoldered in dense underbrush for a week until it rekindled later because of the winds. It destroyed over 6000 homes and killed 12 people. The underbrush that trapped the initial fire and where it reignited was the result of 50 years of vegetation growth in Topanga State Park, where brush clearance to proactively prevent fires was not permitted by the state of California.
In this example, the devastation appears to be a result of failures on the part of city and state governance. That is a very different story from what we were initially told about fireworks and global warming. You have to wonder if this was an intentional effort to cover up Democrat incompetence?
James Comey and Leticia James Indictments
Another example of a false narrative supporting Democrats is the indictments of James Comey and Leticia James this week. Both of these individuals lied in very public ways. Comey perjured himself in Congressional testimony, and James lied on a mortgage application, which has been made public. The lies are obvious, but the press is telling us these prosecutions are examples of Donald Trump weaponizing the justice system against his opponents. They conveniently forget to mention that indictments like these cannot be made at the will of the President alone. Before any indictment, the cases must first be presented to a grand jury, which reviews the evidence and must find probable cause to indict. Both indictments were made by grand juries in Virginia, a blue state. If a group of Democrats in Virginia has concluded that Comey and James should be prosecuted, the cases have merit and are not the product of malicious prosecution. Not quite the story you are being told by the media.
New York Gubernatorial Race
The media can also influence us based on how they present information, which can be seen in news coverage of the upcoming New York gubernatorial election. Yesterday, it was reported that the Democrat incumbent governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, has a 5-point lead over her Republican opponent in the election to be held in just over three weeks. This is accurate, but less widely reported is the fact that the Republican is quickly closing the gap and may soon lead the polling. By highlighting that it is the Democrat who is leading the race, it could discourage Republicans from turning out on election day and influence the election results. Even if only a small percentage of conservative voters believe the story, it could change the election outcome. The press may be trying to support a Democrat who they align with politically.
These examples show how mainstream media distorts the news to achieve a political objective. Whether it is shielding Democrats in power or helping them to win elected office, the lesson from these examples is to distrust what the mainstream media tells you. Don’t believe the first story you hear as gospel. Seek alternate sources of information for confirmation. The reality is often quite different from what we are being told.
Greg Sarber is a lifelong Alaskan. He is a petroleum engineer who spent his career working on Alaska’s North Slope. Now retired, he lives with his family in Homer, Alaska. Greg serves as a board member of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc., the publisher of Must Read Alaska.
Today is World Mental Health Day. So, how is Alaska doing with mental health? According to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Association’s most recent scorecard, the answer is far from simple. The scorecard lists numerous factors that impact mental health such as early childhood development, healthcare access, home life, finances, employment, and substance use. Much of the data reveals both good news and bad news regarding these different factors.
Bad News for Early Childhood Development; Good News for Children’s Homelife
The Trust’s data shows a decrease in Alaskan children who can enter kindergarten or first grade with the ability to “regulate their feelings and impulses 80% of the time or more.” On the bright side, the data also shows that the rate of child maltreatment has decreased!
Thumbs Down for Homelessness; Thumbs Up for Employment and Financial Status
The rate of chronic homelessness in AK has spiked from 34.8 per 100,000 to 99.5 per 100,000. This is nearly double the national rate of chronic homelessness (42.7 per 100,000). However, the data also shows that the employment of Alaskans with disabilities has increased, and the percentage of Alaskans living above 125% of the federal poverty level has also increased. Not only have both rates increased for Alaska, but they are now higher than the respective national rates! These positive changes stand in harsh contrast to the near tripling of homelessness in Alaska.
Prayers for Alcoholics; Hooray for Access to Mental Health Services
The rate of alcohol-induced mortality has gone up (23.4 per 100,000 to 32.9 per 100,000) and exceeded the national rate of 12.3 per 100,000. At the same time, the “percentage of Alaskans who received mental health services in the past year” increased from 14.7% to 21.4%.
Cling to Hope, Make Each Tomorrow Better
Similarly, the scorecard shows mixed results regarding self-harm/ suicide rates. The “rate of intentional self-harm/suicide attempt emergency department visits” as well as the rate of intentional self-harm/suicide deaths for ages 15-24 have decreased. Although the recent decrease is great news for Alaska, the rates remain approximately double the national rates and the overall rate of intentional self-harm/suicide deaths (age adjusted) shows an increase in recent years.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS, PLEASE CALL 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) OR 911 IMMEDIATELY. The author of this article wants you to know you are not alone, you are valuable, and you can get through this!
You can read the full scorecard below plus the Trust’s detailed explanation of different factors affecting mental health (which they call “indicators”) and various solutions and “strategies to mitigate the challenges the indicator highlights.”
In light of the recent election results in Fairbanks, Palmer and Ketchikan, three Conservative strongholds, in which republicans lost both mayoral and assembly seats to Democrats, we, the Alaska Republican Party must reflect on what we are fighting for. Are we fighting for the values of grassroots Alaskans that need our help the most at the local level? I have heard complaints about Ranked Choice Voting, local elections not being on the first Tuesday of November, local elections being held in “off years”, and more. I want to remind everyone that these facts are not excuses, but rather parts of the game we play. Certainly, we can change the game in the future, but what we face now is how the game is set: a game with ranked choice voting, with local elections in off years, with local elections not on the first Tuesday of November, etc. We must learn the game well, organize well, and play to win.
Precinct leaders, district executive members, regional representatives, and all other party leadership must look at our local elections as the bread and butter of what we have set out to accomplish: republican majorities statewide at all levels. Being elected to these party positions is a means to start the brush fire that captures the grassroots voters and brings them to the polls to influence elections. State and national elections are undoubtedly important, but we need a bench of Republicans locally ready to run and serve in higher office when the calling arises.
If you are a member of any party elected seat (precinct, district, regional, etc.) I boldly ask you to prepare and plan for the next election cycle with your fellow district and regional members.
Without a proper plan, there can be no action and no victory. That’s why I am calling an emergency meeting of all Mat-Su and Region 2 district committees to convene and discuss what our plan is for a get-out-the-vote effort in our local election beginning October 20. We must now put our money where our mouths are and elect the people we want to represent us, and who are reflective of our values, at the most fundamental level of government. If you are a Mat-Su/Region 2 district committee member, please look for an email from me. Together we can, and do win. It is time to get to work.
Ryan Sheldon is the Region 2 Director of the Alaska Republican Party.
