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Fairbanks — a lawsuit filed and a front-page editorial

Politics

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July 10, 2019

Fairbanks — a lawsuit filed and a front-page editorial

BUDGET VETOES HAVE THIS TOWN IN A TWIST

Fairbanks is a town divided. Some residents support state budget cuts — which are coming in at 12.5 percent of the entire state budget.

Others, including the daily newspaper of the Golden Heart City, do not support the $400 million in cuts, and want a legislative override.

Former Rep. Al Vezey of the greater Fairbanks Borough may or may not be in either camp, but one thing he is clear on is that the legislative meetings in Juneau do not qualify as the second Special Session. They are simply meetings. Vezey filed a lawsuit Wednesday to ask the court for an injunction against those proceedings.

The Vezey complaint, which names House Speaker Bryce Edgmon and Sen. President Cathy Giessel, says that the two presiding officers acted in contempt of the constitutionally ordained mandate to comply with Gov. Michael Dunleavy’s executive proclamation, which set the venue for the second Special Session in Wasilla.

“The assembling of legislators in Juneau, Alaska is nothing more than a gathering of members of the legislature,” his complaint reads. “This gathering is and was instigated through the President of the Alaska State Senate and the Speaker of the Alaska State House of Representatives by virtue of their ex officio authority.”

The complaint asks the court for a declaratory judgment that the currently convened meetings in Juneau do not constitute an actual meeting of the Special Session, and that anything coming out of those meetings does not have the force of law. And it asks for an injunction, compelling Giessel and Edgmon to convene the Special Session in Wasilla, where the governor called it.

It’s an argument that judges will be loathe to involve themselves because both sides are politically motivated and have much at stake.

NEWSPAPER REVEALS ITS CARDS

Two days earlier, the Fairbanks NewsMiner published a full-page, front-page editorial titled “override.”

Conservatives in Fairbanks say that the newspaper, circulation about 9,000, has all but destroyed its credibility over this decision to turn completely political and will likely lose hundreds of subscribers with its breathless declaration: “Legislature must save Alaska.”

In fact, it is extremely rare for a newspaper to use its front page real estate to express the owner’s opinion. It would have been done only with a robust discussion of the editorial board.

But the newspaper is now owned by the nonprofit Snedden Foundation, which bought the newspaper in 2015. The Snedden Foundation’s top employees are all NewsMiner staffers, and the newspaper is the foundation’s sole business line. The Snedden Foundation will have some explaining to do to the IRS this year for its clear attempt to influence legislation by becoming a propaganda organ.

[View the Snedden Foundation’s tax filings from 2017]

*The Snedden Foundation’s IRS filing in 2017 showed it does not carry on propaganda or try to influence public policy or elections.*

Front page editorials are an oddity, but not without precedent. In the rare occasions they are used, they stir controversy in their communities about the appropriateness of dedicating what is considered to be “neutral space” to the newspaper’s opinion. Some examples of other newspapers that have dabbled in the practice include:

1951: President Harry Truman fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur for insubordination. The New York Journal American condemned the action on the front page.

1953: With fighting ending in Korea, William Randolph Hearst Jr. wrote “The Korean Truce” editorial on the front page of the Albany, N.Y. Times Union.

But rarely do frontage editorials take up the entire page, as the NewsMiner chose to do. It’s a huge risk for the newspaper, and harms the credibility of reporters covering the issues.

REPUBLICANS SPLIT

At a meeting of Fairbanks Republicans a week and a half ago, Rep. Steve Thompson, a Republican who now caucuses with the Democrats, took a barrage of polite but pointed criticism from his fellow Republicans for not standing with Republicans in support of the governor. His appearance at the Friday Republican luncheon was nothing short of disastrous for him and few in Fairbanks political circles think he will have the stomach to run for re-election.

Steve Lundgren, president and CEO of Denali State Bank and another Republican, testified to the House Finance Committee this week that his bank wanted veto overrides because, well, the bank is a holder of several University of Alaska bonds, and he’s worried about the value of those bonds. Unfortunately, Lundgren demonstrated that his invited expert testimony about the state budget was motivated.

Fairbanks is, in many ways a university town, and the $135 million haircut to the university budget will hit many families hard. There will be consolidation, job losses, and degree programs scrapped. Hundreds of jobs could be eliminated, and that’s of no small concern to a town that takes pride in the Fairbanks campus and has fought for it year after year, battling for supremacy over the growing Anchorage campus.

As elsewhere in the state, Fairbanks residents are taking sides, and it’s not only Democrats nicking Republicans over the budget, but someRepublicans also attempting to convince legislators to override the vetoes.

They have until Friday; after that, the budget that is signed is the budget that sticks for Fiscal Year 2020, and the university — in Fairbanks and at all the other 16 campus locations in Alaska — will need to adapt to a new reality.

Video: This is what ‘Save Our State’ looks like to conservatives

The Social

Suzanne Downing

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July 10, 2019

12

Video: This is what ‘Save Our State’ looks like to conservatives

IT LOOKS LIKE ANARCHY

A videographer and citizen reporter who films under the name Politadick captured the action at Wasilla Middle School, as several police officers stood by while protesters occupied, disrupted, and essentially took over the Wednesday meeting of several legislators who were in Wasilla, where the governor called the second Special Session:

Questions remain about why Wasilla police allowed the front doors of the school to be barricaded by protesters who chained themselves to the doors, endangering the people inside, who arrived through a side entrance.

The Legislature is split in two, with two thirds of the elected officials meeting in Juneau, and one third meeting in Wasilla. Both sides claim to have the State Constitution on their side as it pertains to the location of the second Special Session.

Save Our State, a loose coalition of groups that has not been transparent about its funding or core organizers, is the apparent parent organization that this group of anarchists is working under. It’s believed that Save Our State is led by Vince Beltrami of the AFL-CIO, the National Education Association, the ACLU, the Alaska Center for the Environment, and other groups who are proxies for the Alaska Democratic Party. But there are others whose financial support might surprise Alaskans.

The interesting thing about the video is that the legislators were polite, unfazed, and handled themselves with decorum, as did the conservatives present in the audience.

These protesters were not Wasilla residents. These were from Anchorage and possibly from out of state.

More coverage on the meeting disruption can be found here:

Raging protesters take over Wasilla Middle School

Republican chairman calls on law enforcement

Politics

Suzanne Downing

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July 10, 2019

25

Republican chairman calls on law enforcement

GLENN CLARY SAYS PUBLIC SAFETY IS AT STAKE

Alaska Republican Party Chairman Glenn Clary issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon, calling on law enforcement to ensure the safety of legislators:

“This afternoon in Wasilla, threatening, shrieking Democrat protesters
and their ancillary leftist accomplices disrupted a peaceful session
of Republican legislators who were considering budgetary matters
pursuant to Governor Dunleavy’s instructions. We have seen these
tactics used by similar mobs who injure conservatives around the
country. And now the Democrats have brought this type of indecent
behavior to our great State,” Clary said.

“The Alaska Republican Party expects law enforcement to protect all of
our duly elected legislators and media representatives, wherever they
are in the State of Alaska, from all harm so they can go about their
lawful activities,” he concluded.

Clary’s remarks were in response to unlawful occupation by leftist protesters of a lawful assembly of legislators at the Wasilla Middle School earlier on Wednesday.

Read the story here:

Raging protesters take over Wasilla Middle School

Raging protesters take over Wasilla Middle School

Politics

Suzanne Downing

-

July 10, 2019

58

Raging protesters take over Wasilla Middle School

The 22 legislators who are convening in Wasilla were given the royal “Antifa treatment,” with numerous antics and disruptions from protesters.

The moment the legislators walked into the gymnasium at Wasilla Middle School, where their makeshift proceedings are taking place, the protesters rushed to occupy the lawmakers’ assigned seats. Legislators simply moved to other seats. Protesters screamed and chanted and held signs.

As Rep. Sharon Jackson began to sing “Amazing Grace,” there was a noticeable pause in the yelling, as if it caught the protesters off guard. Then, a protester yelled “Indigenous prayers on indigenous land!” And the collective howling continued.

As the prayer was said, protesters yelled more against prayers and for “45 to override!”

They screamed over the voices of legislators reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

And then some of them chained themselves to the outer door, causing a public safety hazard. They screamed while Sen. Mia Costello made a few remarks.

[Read: Protesters chain themselves to Wasilla Middle School doors]

Wasilla Police and State Troopers talked to the protesters but didn’t intervene. They later ushered lawmakers into a “hospitality room” for their safety, and eventually the lawmakers were able to exit the building through an undisclosed door.

Rep. Lance Pruitt takes a selfie with one of the screaming protesters, while another one screams behind him.

Protesters stayed for another two hours, while media cameras took in the entire spectacle.

In contrast, there were conservatives from across the Mat-Su Valley at the meeting, and they conducted themselves with decorum, although they were shocked at the spectacle and, in whispers, wondered why the protesters were not arrested. There was no shouting back, although there were some attempts to have meaningful dialogue — attempts that were met with more shouting.

One lawmaker noted that the presiding officers of the Legislature, Sen. Cathy Giessel and Rep. Bryce Edgmon, said Wasilla was not a safe place to do the people’s business, ostensibly because Wasillans are known for their passionate conservative politics.

But it was the “other side” that created a safety issue, behaving much as protesters do in third-world countries when they occupy government buildings, the lawmaker noted.

Among the protesters who stormed the floor and took legislators’ seats were Olivia Garrett, who was recently a staffer to Sen. Scott Kawasaki; and Judy Jessen, who recently staffed Rep. Ivy Spohnholz. They are the women photographed above.

Back in Juneau, there were not enough legislators present to override the governor’s vetoes. Gov. Michael Dunleavy has vetoed 12.5 percent of the overall operating budget, but many of the cuts are to the University of Alaska, whose leadership has mounted a concerted protest. The entire university system is now alive with protest of the $135 million vetoes to the nearly $1 billion university budget, which is 17 percent of the overall university system operating budget.

Protesters stormed the Capitol in Juneau this year, led by AFL-CIO President Vince Beltrami, but the media didn’t report it widely. MRAK did report on the near takeover of the Third Floor of the Capitol:

[Opposition groups storm capitol over budget ‘state of despair’]

JUST FOR THEATRICS?

While the theatrics took place in Wasilla, a vote took place in a joint session in Juneau, and the votes to override the governor’s vetoes failed with just 37 to override. Rep. Tammie Wilson, who flew to Juneau on Monday, was the lone “no” vote. There were not even enough lawmakers in Juneau to actually override the vetoes, but the vote allowed them to get on the record their displeasure.

This is a developing story. Check back for further details.

Protesters chain to Wasilla Middle School

Politics

Suzanne Downing

-

July 10, 2019

36

Protesters chain to Wasilla Middle School

A group of protesters has chained itself to the doors of Wasilla Middle School to prevent legislators from entering. Evidently they are unaware that there are other entrances to the school.

Some 22 legislators are meeting in Wasilla, where the governor has called for a special session. Others are meeting in Juneau to try to override the governor’s budget vetoes.

In the Twitter post above, the protesters are calling the Wasilla gathering an illegal meeting.

Micciche: There are pathways forward

Columns

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

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July 10, 2019

20

BY SEN. PETER MICCICHE

Due to the large volume of correspondence I have recently received, I thought it may be helpful to share this perspective with my constituents about the current state of legislative and administrative deadlock.

Governor Dunleavy was elected by the people of Alaska back in November. In our District O on the Kenai, he won by more than a 2-1 margin. Like him or not, he is our governor and one of the most powerful in the country due to authority provided under Alaska’s Constitution. He won handily on a platform of significant budget reductions, full PFDs and tough laws designed to reduced crime…a platform similar to mine.

Since his election, battle lines have been drawn within many in the legislature on the governor’s platform issues. Things certainly could have gone smoother this session. We should have worked together more effectively to avoid running out of time on these critical issues. The lack of a plan to move forward seemed to be caused by most of the energy being directed at stopping the governor’s agenda. However, the repeal of SB91 through HB49 proved that we can pull together as a Legislature in partnership with the administration to do what is right for Alaskans.

Wednesday in Juneau, there will be a veto override attempt of the governor’s line item vetos to the FY20 operating budget. It will not be successful, partially due to the fact that there will not be 45 members in Juneau on Wednesday (the minimum required to override). At least 21 do not favor an “up or down” override and 19 will likely be in Wasilla where the governor lawfully called this special session. The courts will likely decide the legitimacy of the legislative move to Juneau unless a compromise is reached. One possible outcome could void the work done there this special session.

What does that mean for the thousands statewide and many District O constituents that have contacted me concerned about specific cuts and Wednesday’s veto overrides? The objective seems to be to further divide Alaskans, since the votes are clearly not there for a successful up-or-down override. It means that the only way out of this quagmire, is for Alaskans to demand that legislators put aside the swords of the past 6 months and sit down to work out a compromise regarding what is most important to Alaskans.

This should not be happening in July when the solutions are very limited and we are already within the next fiscal year. Without pointing fingers, a late start, deep philosophical divides and the lack of respect for each other’s views within the Legislature and between the legislature and the Dunleavy Administration has resulted in this political paralysis. This should have been resolved in April, perhaps May at the latest.

Leadership in the legislature has been resisting many of the Governor’s objectives and the Governor has been a bit “pokey” with certain legislators. All sides should claim responsibility. However, now is the time to put it all behind us for the good of Alaska. The people of Alaska expect and deserve better. They are justifiably frustrated by our ineffectiveness and petty politics.

First, I respectfully call on both sides to compromise on a meeting location for special session. Everything is more important than this issue. Although the good folks in the Valley have been wonderful and accommodating, there is an adequate compromise facility in Anchorage and it is on the road system.

Second, and for God’s sake, key legislators and the governor must sit down and negotiate on the issues keeping Alaskans apart. Both sides must be willing to listen and give an inch or two. A veto override is not the only remaining, nor most effective option.

Since the operating budget overrides are not likely to occur on Wednesday, we must work to agree on a solution that represents a livable compromise in the capital budget…the perfect compromise where both sides are somewhat equally unhappy. It is past time to get our work done this year; work that includes a funded PFD and a compromised capital budget with solutions to the reverse sweep debacle and operating budget issues.

Folks ask why I am not in Juneau or Wasilla? I asked the Senate to be excused for the commercial fishing season months back and received unanimous approval. Who dreamed that these issues would not have been settled by now?

I have explained that I will be available for meaningful key PFD and capital budget votes. Commercial fishing is important to our family’s Alaskan lifestyle and livelihood and it only happens in July. However, I will be there when my vote will make a difference toward a final solution this year. I also believe that the governor possesses the legal authority to call a session in Wasilla and that a compromise could have been negotiated prior to the split-location outcome.

On Wednesday’s veto override, folks have asked where I stand. The vote Wednesday is an “up or down” vote on the entire package. On that limited choice, I would be a “no” vote. There are reductions in that budget (such as the governor’s departmental travel budget reduction of $3.5 Million, and the reduction in the transfer from the Earnings Reserve of $5.6 Billion) that I support as well as many others.

However, there are also individual vetos I do not support (such as senior benefits, impacts on the disabled and seniors, a significant portion of the university reduction and others). When we bring folks together, we can iron out these differences, come to a reasonable compromise and meet both objectives to significantly reduce spending while preserving efficiently-delivered, necessary services for the most vulnerable Alaskans.

For those concerned about Wednesday, this is far from over and in my opinion more productive options remain. I encourage Alaskans to correspond respectfully (yes, even on Facebook), to encourage legislators like me and Governor Dunleavy to work toward getting this session completed and to continue letting us all know what is important to you. I have seen some of the comments from folks I have known for years directed at me and other legislators. Some of them are not flattering for the target or the writer and are often downright disrespectful. I am not a different Peter. I am representing the wishes of my constituents the best that I can, and working toward a balance that keeps Alaska moving forward.

We have so much more to do to build a sustainable, balanced and promising future. We must move beyond this self-imposed recession. We can no longer afford to be high-centered on the simplest tasks due to polarized ideology. Historically, Alaskans have always come together at difficult times when it has been needed most. This is clearly one of those times to move past this together and back to a state that once again makes us all proud.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and as always, call me at 283-7996 or email [email protected] to discuss.

Sen. Peter Micciche serves District O, the Kenai Peninsula.

Census job: (You must be a U.S. citizen)

The Social

Suzanne Downing

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July 10, 2019

3

Irony alert: The U.S. Census is now hiring for census workers. It’s all but certain that there will not be a question on the census to learn how many actual citizens there are in the country, but to work for the U.S. Census, you must be a citizen.

This could be a good bridge job for those who are being laid off from State of Alaska employment. The pay is good and many workers get to work from home. Pass this post along to someone who might be looking for temporary employment.

Letter: How about furlough Fridays?

Columns

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

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July 10, 2019

14

Dear Editor:
Alaskans are divided between a Permanent Fund increase and budget cuts. Many Alaskans demand a $3,000 PFD. Conversely, many Alaskans maintain government spending is wasteful. Both positions have merit. So the Governor keeps two campaign promises: to restore the PFD and to make major cuts.

And the protests and legislative inﬁghting begin. Something must give. Alaska cannot survive on the proverbial State credit card, running up the tab without consequences. Perhaps, crises will increase again in the Middle East and oil prices will skyrocket. If so, problem solved — temporarily.
Until then, government spending must be cut. The primary cost in government is personnel. But, we don’t have to lay off employees. Another solution exists.

I practice law in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Like Alaska, the CNMI suffers ﬁom our same rags to riches mentality. When things are going well, things go very well. But, when the bottom falls out, things go very badly. Fortunately, Saipan created an effective solution, called “Austerity Fridays.”

On Austerity Friday, the government shuts down, except for essential positions. Employees have an unpaid day off. Austerity Friday has succeeded well in managing CNMI operating capital. The CNMI is not alone, however.

Two years ago, the Alaska Court System began closing at noon every Friday to preserve its budget. As an attorney, I believe that little has been missed. The public has adjusted quite well. Moreover, studies have also shown that employees with a four day work week are more productive. And, years earlier, Alaska government went to a 37.5 hour work week to cut spending.
Alaska should immediately implement a “Furlough Friday.”

If so, Alaska should be able to maintain everybody in their current employment without cutting salaries. Employees would lose certain days a month of payment for non-essential employees, but this would allow Alaska to address our budgetary crisis, and also prove that government is not as essential as we think.

Perhaps, we still really can have our cake and eat it too.

Bill Satterberg, Fairbanks

MRAK Almanac: Wildfire record?

Almanac

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

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July 10, 2019

2

The MRAK Almanac is your place for political, cultural, and civic events, events where you’ll meet political leaders or, if you are interested in getting to know your state, these are great places to meet conservative- and moderate-leaning Alaskans.

Alaska Fact Book:

Question: The fires this summer seem especially bad around the entire state. Is this the worst fire season we’ve seen?

Answer: Not quite. The 2004 wildfire season was by far Alaska’s worst summer on record for fires. Almost seven million acres of land burned from over 700 separate fires—and 426 of these were started by humans. This season, around a million acres have burned so far, but with thunderstorms and more dry conditions in sight for Alaska’s interior, we may not get a respite from the smoke anytime soon. It’s still early, by fire season standards.

You can keep up with statewide fire updates at the Alaska Wildland Fire Information website, at this link.

7/10: The Alaska House and Alaska Senate are set to meet in joint session at 11:30 am to consider Governor Dunleavy’s vetoes of the FY2020 operating budget. Who will show up? Only time will tell. It’s likely the joint session will be live streamed at this link.

7/10: Concerts in the Plaza live music in downtown Fairbanks. Runs from 7 pm to 8 pm in the Golden Heart Plaza. If that doesn’t sound like enough fun, there will also be free ice cream.

7/10: Mat-Su Miners baseball game in Palmer at the Hermon Brothers Field. First pitch at 7 pm. Tickets are $4. Come support your favorite local team.

7/10: Last Day for Juneau’s City Clerk to certify initiative or referendum petitions for submission to the Juneau Assembly.

7/10: Veterans Town Hall meeting in Anchorage at the Alaska VA System offices on Muldoon Road. All veterans and their families are invited to attend and share their experiences and frustrations with the VA System in Alaska. Begins at 5 pm. Read more here.

7/10: Wasilla Farmer’s Market from 10 am to 6 pm at Iditapark. Bring the whole family and enjoy fresh local produce and unique treats.

7/10: Guided tours of the UAF Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks, one of the world’s leading arctic research centers. Read more here.

7/10: State Land Sales Auction in Anchorage. Downtown at the Robert Atwood Building, starting at 10 am. Read more about available land here.

7/10: Thought the rallies were done for the week? There will be an Override the Vetoes Rally in Fairbanks at the Golden Heart Plaza downtown. It’s an early start—8 am. You may catch a glimpse on your way to work.

7/10: Small Business Administration business roundtable in Anchorage. If you own or operate a small business in Alaska and have had or currently face issues with federal regulations on small businesses, this event is for you. Starts at 9 am at the Alaska Small Business Development Center, 1901 Bragaw St in Anchorage. Registration is required, more information here.

7/10: The Ketchikan City Council will hold a special meeting at 6 pm to discuss the reconfiguration of the Port of Ketchikan. Read the agenda here.

7/10: Swan Lake Fire community meeting at Cooper Landing Elementary School at 6 pm. Crew members and fire officials will update concerned citizens on their progress in containing the fire. More details here.

7/10: Regular meeting of the Skagway Borough Assembly, gaveling in at 7 pm. The assembly will be discussing their search for a new city manager as well as considering the renewal application for the Remedy Shoppe marijuana store. Read the agenda here.

7/10: Those interested in running for local office in the City of Wasilla can pick up filing packets at the City Clerk’s office starting today. Read more here.

7/10: Town meeting in Wrangell to discuss water conservation and management strategies. The public is invited to attend—your input is needed. Read more at this link.

7/10: Are you curious about Fairbanks’ own Chena River? A U.S. Fish and Wildlife official will be giving a public lecture at the UAF Murie Auditorium on the history of the Chena River and Chena Slough. Free and open to the public, Facebook link here.

7/10: Concerned about crime in Anchorage? The Anchorage Assembly’s Public Safety Committee will meet at 11 am, and the public is invited to attend. Read the agenda here.

7/10: Hazmat Day 2019 in Palmer at the Mat-Su Solid Waste Division. Residents of the Mat-Su Borough may drop off up to forty pounds of hazardous household waste free of charge. Eligible items include acids, oils, gasoline, paint thinner, brake fluid, and many other substances that must be disposed of properly. Further details here.

7/10-7/12: Alaska Marijuana Control Board (MCB) meeting in Fairbanks in the FNSB assembly chambers. The board will hold further discussion on state on-site consumption rules, as well as hear updates on taxing and enforcement. Dozens of new applications will also be considered by the board. See the full agenda here.

7/10-7/14: 34^th annual Bear Paw Festival in Eagle River. There will be rides and amusements for the kids, vendors, live music, and even a talent show. Sponsored by the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber. See the full schedule here.

7/11: Alaska Aviators Forum with pilot Marie-Claire LeBerge, the daughter of two aviators and a current ferry pilot who spends her days flying over much of North America. Begins at 7 pm at the Alaska Aviation Museum. Facebook link here.

7/11: Regular meeting of the Soldotna City Council at 6 pm. Read the agenda here.

7/11: Interior Alaska Food Network monthly meeting at the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. Begins at 1 pm. Further details here.

7/11: The Houston City Council will gavel in for a regular meeting at 7 pm. On tap for Thursday evening is public testimony on the renewal application for a local cannabis dispensary, as well as a rezoning ordinance. Read the agenda here.

7/11: Grand “Re-Opening” at the Salvation Army on Dimond Blvd. in Anchorage, which has been closed for repairs since the earthquake last winter. Read more here.

7/11: 59^th Signal Battalion Change of Command ceremony at JBER. Event begins at 3 pm at the Otter Lake Recreation Area. Facebook link here.

7/11: Volunteer opportunity at Jewel Lake Park in Anchorage. Interested residents may show up at 5:30 pm and help landscaping crews in mulching around plants and generally improving a beloved local park. Pizza provided for those who help out. Further details here.

7/11: Alaska Bikers Advocating Training & Education (ABATE) monthly meeting in Anchorage. Last meeting before the annual Christmas in July Toy Run. Facebook link here.

Alaska History Archive:

July 9, 1958—61 years ago: The now infamous Lituya Bay earthquake and mega-tsunami struck in present-day Glacier Bay National Park. Though the 7.8 magnitude of the earthquake was not extraordinary, the massive landslide and resulting wall of water certainly was. The tremor caused 90 million tons of rock to fall into the shallow bay in a matter of seconds, unleashing a giant tsunami that completely destroyed the surrounding forests up to an elevation of about 2,000 feet. The effects can still be readily observed today.

July 10, 1913—106 years ago: The highest ambient (air) temperature ever recorded on the surface of the earth occurred in Death Valley, California. The National Weather Service recorded an official temperature of 134 °F. While not explicitly Alaska related, residents may find this historical tidbit interesting in the midst of such an extreme heat wave over much of the state.

Fairbanks — a lawsuit filed and a front-page editorial

Republican chairman calls on law enforcement

Raging protesters take over Wasilla Middle School

Protesters chain to Wasilla Middle School

Micciche: There are pathways forward

Letter: How about furlough Fridays?

MRAK Almanac: Wildfire record?

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