“Happy Easter” is a greeting for everyone. Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a central tenet of the Christian faith. As described in the New Testament, Jesus left his tomb and was victorious over death and sin, offering hope of salvation and eternal life.
Easter is the hardest of the holy days to comprehend because it demands ultimate faith.
“There is no other way to approach the crucifixion of Jesus and its aftermath in a celebratory mood, unless you accept the whole package: God, sacrifice, death, resurrection, and redemption,” writes J.T. Young, in his essay about the “most demanding holiday.”
Of Christianity’s two most-observed holy days, Christmas is the celebrated by society in general, as it is easier to understand, at least in some ways, Young writes. There is a birth to celebrate, and then there is the grand secularization of Christmas, which has overtaken much of the original meaning. All of this makes it more approachable.
But then the baby Jesus grew up to be a man who was vilified, tortured, and who died an agonizing and painful death.
For Easter, the focal point is the suffering and martyrdom of Jesus.
“Society tries to secularize it as best it can — eggs, bunnies, chicks, all elements of new birth and the spring season in which it occurs. But those elements are really the opposite of what is outwardly taking place: suffering, public execution, shame, ridicule. Death,” Young writes. And on the third day, the conquering of death. That takes faith, and a lot of it. Many Christians puzzle over how that can be. How did Jesus defy Biology 101?
“For those who struggle with making the ascent to Easter’s full demands, they are not alone. The disciples of Jesus could not — would not — grasp the manifest aspects of Easter. And they refused to accept the pronouncements of Jesus about it — to the point that Jesus rebuked Peter harshly, “Get behind me, Satan! (Mark 8:33) When it finally occurred, just as Jesus had foretold, only John would approach — and then out of familial duty, not discipleship. Nor did John go to celebrate; he went to comfort Mary, the mother of Jesus and his relative,” Young writes.
On Saturday, a handful of drag queens were the scheduled event at the Noel Wien Public Library. The organizers, Fairbanks Queer Collective, scheduled the event intentionally for the same timeframe that the conservative group “Moms for Liberty” meets at the library.
Local drag performers King David, Killian Dalliance, Mist Etheriesca, and Oasis Debris, started the afternoon by reading books aloud for younger children, and then moved on to books for older youth.
Drag Queen Story Hour at Noel Wien Library
“Everything is age appropriate and filled with joy. After storytime, stick around for bracelet-making, coloring pages, board games, and community time. You’re welcome to bring a snack for yourself or something to share. Food is allowed in the Active Learning Lab, and all ages are welcome,” the announcement said, and then added that “Moms for Liberty, a group known for anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, meets at the library at the same time. These joyful queer gatherings are intentionally held during that window to offer community care and visibility. We encourage folks to stay aware, take care of themselves, and show up in ways that feel right for them.”
A crowd of aging leftists were seen in Wasilla on Saturday, taking part in the national protest against all-things Donald Trump. The protests have gone on continuously since Trump was inaugurated.
Most of the protesters were in their 60s and older, and some of them held disposable cups of caramel macchiatos or low-fat lattes while they stood in their made-in-China polypropylene outerwear and held signs that said, “Tax the Rich,” “Musk Stinks,” and one that thanked Sen. Lisa Murkowski for defending “democracy.”
A predominant theme was protesting the deportation of violent criminal gang members, which they see as illegal. They believe illegal aliens who are members of international terrorist organizations such as Tren de Aragua deserve due process before they are deported.
In the state’s largest city, where vagrant and criminal encampments are spreading like wildfire, the state Division of Forestry is not providing classes in basic firefighting, as it is providing across the rest of the state.
The flyer for the classes include ones Kenai, Glennallen, and Fairbanks, where lightning strikes set off fires each summer, but in Anchorage, where outdoor-dwellers start fires such as the massive one at Davis Park in February that burned multiple structures, nothing is being offered for the public to learn about the basics of dealing with a wildfire.
Fire season started early this year due to low snow in Anchorage. In 2024, the Anchorage Fire Department reported responding to 5-20 daily calls related to camps, although not all the calls were due to fires. There are hundreds of individuals living in various stages of temporary shelters. In February, there were over 100 tents at Cuddy Park.
The US Supreme Court on Saturday issued a temporary order halting the deportation of certain Venezuelan nationals identified by the Trump Administration as members of violent gangs, including the terrorist organization Tren de Aragua.
In an unsigned brief, the high court directed that “the government is directed not to remove any member of the putative class of detainees from the United States until further order of this court.” But the court did not say when it would revisit the issue.
The ruling puts a pause on a portion of the administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions carried out under the Enemy Aliens Act, which the administration has cited in its efforts to expedite the removal of individuals deemed threats to national security.
According to officials, more than 50 Venezuelan nationals were scheduled to be deported on the next flight. Five deportation flights have already been conducted as part of this process. The flights have been going to El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele, is working with the Trump Administration to detain violent criminal illegal foreign nationals.
In this installment, we’ll go over what it means for public safety, Medicaid, and the Permanent Fund Dividend.
Public Safety
We’ll start this one with a look at the Department of Public Safety.
Between 2005 and 2025, its budget jumped 62 percent, from $160 million to $260 million, yet Alaska’s crime rate leads the nation at 838.2 per 100,000 (FBI stats). Per the Alaska Beacon, trooper ranks are 17-20 percent unfilled, but this is not a new problem. A report in 2017 showed that AST/AWT carried an average of 77 vacant positions each year from 2006 to 2016.
Are these vacancies a systemic problem or built into the budgeting equation?
Corrections spending soared 85 percent, from $200 million to $370 million, but recidivism is glued down at 66.41 percent. It’s like buying a top-tier security system and opening the door. So, how are we measuring performance success for every dollar spent? It isn’t clear to Alaskans. Carrying a high number of vacancies and then going to Juneau requesting more positions was questioned in the past, but was met with swift condemnation from officials. What other conclusion should Alaskans come to when spending is increasing faster than inflation, yet performance is dropping, and this trend continues over decades?
In 2022, the Alaska Beacon reported, “Public safety positions, either with the Alaska State Troopers or the Department of Corrections, account for 11 of the top 25 highest paid positions and 28 of the top 50” highest paid state employees. Many law enforcement officers make upwards of $125,000. Several earn above $200,000. This is not a knock against our first responders. The work is challenging, shifts are long, and staffing challenges persist. Still, we must understand the drivers of the high costs of providing these essential services in our community and the pressures of identifying revenue sources to fund them. We need to find a more effective way to bring down crime rates and save more lives.
Medicaid Madness
Next, let’s wade into the Medicaid mess, a shell game with Alaska holding the short stick.
Gov. Bill Walker’s 2015 expansion of Medicaid compromised Alaska’s healthcare system, with Uncle Sam only footing 90 percent of the bill and Alaska covering 10 percent, about $50 million a year, says the Alaska Department of Health. The total cost to Alaska since expansion is roughly $500 million, with approximately 25,000 Alaska Natives enrolled. Why is this a big deal? The Indian Health Service (IHS) is federally mandated to cover Alaska Native healthcare, but Medicaid expansion (Obamacare lite) found a way to get the State of Alaska to pay part of that tab. It’s like your rich uncle asking you to chip in for his yacht repairs. It’s his responsibility, not yours. Today, for any part of the 10 percent of the Medicaid expansion costs that the State of Alaska has assumed is a portion of this trust responsibility, the state should not be paying. Rather than fix the problem, the legislature proposes to take more of your PFD to pay for it or, better yet, tax you. Come on, Alaska, figure it out!
The kicker? Medicaid fraud and abuse could be siphoning off $100-$200 million annually in Alaska, fake claims, overbilling, or services never rendered. A 2023 audit flagged $80 million in questionable payments, yet follow-up has been slower than a glacier in July. Add in administrative bloat (10-15 percent of costs, per national averages), and you’ve got a program that’s less “safety net” and more “money pit.” Yet you don’t hear cries from Juneau to fix these problems or calls to seek out waste or inefficiencies. They want a reason to grab your PFD; it’s a strong government economy they seek to build.
The PFD
Now here is where it gets personal: the Permanent Fund Dividend. This isn’t just a check; it’s your backstage pass to Alaska’s resource wealth, a tangible reminder that the oil, gas, and minerals under this frozen turf are owned by you, the citizen, in common. Back in 1982, the PFD was born to share that bounty, and in 1985, 87 percent of Alaskans voted “hands off” in an advisory referendum. Fast forward to today, and politicians are itching to claw it back, floating plans like a 75-25 split, 75 percent for government, 25 percent for you (currently 50/50). It’s like inviting you to a buffet at your house, and the guests hand you a cracker while they hog the prime rib. The decision to take more of the dividend should be made by a vote of the people.
Why the obsession with cutting the dividend? Simple: snatching your slice is easier than baking a smaller pie. The PFD checks pump $1-$2 billion into the private economy yearly, local shops, rent, and snow tires, but redirecting it to Juneau keeps their machine humming. Last year’s $1,700 PFD could’ve been $3,400 without the budget bloat. Don’t be gaslit; the spending is “unsustainable”; their spending is the real iceberg.
In 2016, Mission Critical, a United for Liberty project, pegged potential savings at $3 billion annually, enough for an extra $4,700 PFD for every Alaskan each year. Examples? Merge Alaska’s 54 school districts into 27 (saving $11 million), crack down on Medicaid fraud ($200 million), or axe redundant programs (another $500 million). Slash a few of the 2,900 vacant fully funded positions and save hundreds of millions. States like Texas and Florida have slashed budgets without gutting services. We can, too.
A Government-First Gospel: Juneau’s Big Top
So, what’s driving this push for taxes and more of your PFD? It’s a patronage party, and you’re not invited. Take the $1.5 billion in “nice-to-haves” Mission Critical flagged, think social grants, vacant positions, duplicate agencies, or bloated admin staff. Cutting those threatens the gravy train.
Then there’s the control angle. A government-first economy lets them steer everything: your healthcare, kids’ schools, and PFD. It’s like giving a micromanager a megaphone. In contrast, a private economy grows wealth, think oil rigs, fisheries, and startups, but Alaska’s political class treats it like a third-world backwater, scaring off investors with instability. Alaska is a state where 1 in 4 jobs depends on Juneau, not ingenuity.
The good news for Alaskans is that we don’t need new taxes or PFD cuts. Start with audits, line-by-line, agency-by-agency. Prioritize constitutional must-haves (education, safety) and statutory duties (Medicaid), then make every “nice-to-have” fight for its life in public debates. Streamline: why 54 school districts for 130,000 kids? Why not bid out services competitively in some areas? And for Pete’s sake, stop letting Uncle Sam dump IHS costs on us. Using Mission Critical’s potential savings ideas is a roadmap. The fix is right there.
The choice is in the hands of Alaskans. Demand audits at every town hall. Tell your reps: no taxes, no cuts to the dividend, just cuts to the non-mission critical spending. The Permanent Fund is your generational link to Alaska’s wealth. Don’t let Juneau turn it into their short-lived piggy bank. One analyst quipped, “Alaska’s budget is a snowmachine stuck in the mud. More gas won’t help; you’ve got to get an ATV and the right equipment for the job.” Will this legislative session be just another wash-rinse-repeat? Let’s hope not.
Terrence Shanigan is a lifelong Alaskan of Sugpiaq descent from Bristol Bay. He is also the co-founder of Mission Critical, is a combat veteran, an honored husband and a dedicated father.
The terms “road diet” (reducing lanes), “bike equity” (reducing lanes and reassigning them to bikes) or even the grandest term of them all, that “roads are racist,” may be new to you. If you have questions about any of them, perhaps you should attend a Fairview Community Council meeting in Anchorage. That’s a group that promulgates the “road diet” lane reductions and “roads are racist” theories in Anchorage.
One federally funded project clearly needs further discussion.
Bragaw Street between Northern Lights and the Glenn Highway has been targeted for a “road diet” by reducing this heavily trafficked road from two lanes to one lane in each direction in order to make the area “safe for all road users.”
On Nov. 15, 2021 President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. Through this $1,200,000,000,000 ($1.2 trillion) federal expenditure, nearly $25 million was prioritized in Anchorage for this Bragaw “road diet” project.
Could this money be allocated not only for Bragaw Street but for all of the rest of us in Anchorage?
The State of Alaska Legislature had earlier granted $20 million to Anchorage in order to extend Bragaw Street from Northern Lights to the intersection of Providence Drive and Elmore Road. This project would have connected Bragaw with the existing infrastructure to Tudor Road.
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz returned that money to Juneau. On Dec. 5, 2015, he requested the money be spent on the Port of Anchorage Modernization Project. He cited fiscal austerity, potential cost overruns, and community opposition as reasons, asking for the $15-17 million balance to be redirected.
At that time, extending Bragaw was supported not only by both universities but also Providence Medical Center. Response times from the Glenn Highway and Mountain View for emergency services would have been reduced by many critical minutes.
For reasons of public safety, I encourage everyone reading this to contact Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan and Congressman Nick Begich and ask that this $24.9 million of federal money be restored to the already discussed and supported Bragaw extension to Tudor Road — and not for this “road diet.”
If that fails and the monies are not utilized for that purpose, then I ask everyone to contact Elon Musk and DOGE, or contact the House DOGE Caucusand tell them to withdraw this money and apply it to the federal budget deficit.
Bob Maier is an Anchorage Property Taxpayer and Utility Ratepayer in Anchorage.
Anti-Trump protesters across the country are holding yet another protest, this time on Holy Saturday, the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
It’s organized by the 50-50-1 movement, a national surrogate organization related to the Democrat Party.
In Anchorage, the protest is at noon at Anchorage Town Square and will go to the offices of Congressman Nick Begich and those of Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. Similar protests may be seen in other Alaska communities, such as Juneau and Fairbanks.
The 50-50-1 movement means 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
It is a part of a Maoist/Marxist “continuous revolution,” and has been going on since President Donald Trump was inaugurated, as it did during his first. The group told Newsweek that organizers want to see an even bigger turnout than ever before, to show a “sustained resistance in order to make a difference.” In other words, it’s a movement of election deniers. The 50501 movement organizers say that there has been a “hostile government takeover” by the Trump Administration.
Holy Saturday is observed as the day that Christ was in the tomb for the entire day, and many Christians hold an Easter vigil, as Easter is the highest holy weekend of the year. Holy Saturday is an extremely important day, the day before Christ was resurrected. Many families also have Easter egg hunts on Saturday.
Easter traditions around the world often feature eggs as symbols of resurrection and renewal. Our backyard chickens are perfectly aligned with Holy Week, as the lengthening of daylight boosts egg production just in time for Easter celebrations. Fresh eggs are a delicious addition to our holiday meals and also serve as reminders of new beginnings.
Deviled eggs will undoubtedly be on many menus this weekend.
This simple dish has graced dining tables for centuries. Food historians trace its name back to 18th-century England. Despite the name’s mischievous implication, the term actually refers to its flavor profile. Deviled foods were traditionally seasoned with bold ingredients like mustard and peppers to elevate humble dishes like eggs and organ meats.
One delicious way to liven up your deviled eggs is to add wild-caught seafood from your freezer. Shrimp, crab, and smoked salmon are excellent complements and a fantastic way to use your catch. This addition adds a regional flair, elevating the dish and making it a standout at any occasion.
The recipe below does not use mayonnaise or mustard, but it preserves the traditional savoriness of deviled eggs with cayenne and black pepper. This mixture also includes lemon juice, olive oil, and dill, which add a burst of spring freshness to your palate, perfectly complementing the toppings. The suggested garnishes serve as a starting point for inspiration; however, if you prefer not to use seafood, you can simply add bacon and a gherkin or any other topping of your choice.
Alaskan-Caught Deviled Eggs
Ingredients:
12 eggs, hard boiled
1 teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon of sea salt
½ teaspoon of black pepper
¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
½ cup sour cream
Garnishment: Suggested Options
Smoked salmon, capers
Shrimp (broiled, sauteed, or grilled), red peppers very finely diced, chives finely sliced
Crab, dill, and red peppers very finely diced
Crispy Bacon, gherkin sliced partway through to make a fan
Servings: 24 appetizers
Preparation:
Gather your garnishment materials and prepare them as needed for topping, such as peeling and cooking shrimp, removing cooked crab flesh from shells, slicing smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces, or preparing bacon. Next, cut or slice any fresh peppers, herbs, or gherkins for garnish. Set aside and chill if necessary while you make the deviled eggs.
Note: Because the garnish calls for a small, bite-sized quantity of protein on each piece, you’ll only need about 4 ounces for all 24 appetizers. If using shrimp, you will require 24 pieces. If you use bacon, 6 to 7 slices will be enough for 24 finished deviled eggs.
Next, prepare the deviled eggs by slicing the hard-boiled eggs in half and separating the egg yolks into a medium-sized bowl. Set the whites aside to be filled later.
Mix the egg yolks together using a fork to break them apart. Add the seasonings: dill, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly. Then, add the olive oil and lemon juice and incorporate together with the other ingredients. Last but not least, stir in the sour cream until it becomes smooth.
Place the mixture in the egg whites that were set aside. Finally, add the finishing touches. Garnish the deviled eggs with smoked salmon, crab, shrimp, bacon, or another topping of your choice.
Enjoy!
Brenda Josephson is a Haines resident. She holds degrees in Culinary Arts and Food Business Leadership from the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, New York. She enjoys spending time fishing, foraging, and savoring Alaska’s abundance of natural and wild foods with her family.
