Wednesday, February 11, 2026
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Justice for American Heroes: Alaska Congressional Delegation Ensures Vietnam Vets Receive Promised Native Land Allotments

Alaska Natives who served overseas during the Vietnam war came home to discover they had missed the deadline to receive their 160-acre land allotment. In 1971, The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA) repealed the 1906 law granting 160 acres to Alaska Natives who could prove, as head of household, that they maintained “substantially continuous use and occupancy of that land for a period of five years.”

Many Alaska Natives served in the military during the Vietnam War, which spanned two decades from 1955 to 1975. In fact, Native Americans, including Alaskan Natives, serve in the U.S. military at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in America. Sullivan states: “These are great heroes, and they served at higher rates in Vietnam. You go into an Alaskan Native village and ask, ‘how many veterans do we have?’ Almost every male in the village raises their hand.”

Senator Sullivan championed the Alaska Native Vietnam Land Allotment Program, which President Trump signed into law in 2019. The program works to ensure all Native Alaskan veterans who missed the land allotment deadline because they were serving overseas can still receive their allotment. The 2019 bill allowed 5 years for implementation.

On December 16, 2025, the Senate passed a 5-year extension of the program. The extension became necessary due to the Biden administration Department of Interior’s (DOI) decision to postpone key steps allowing implementation of the program. DOI cited the need for additional environmental analysis as the cause of delay.

Although Congresswoman Deb Haaland assured Senator Sullivan twice prior to her confirmation as Secretary of the Interior that she would “expedite the application process in granting these allotments to these Vietnam vets,” she did not keep her promise. Two months into her tenure, she placed a 2-year freeze on the program. During his speech to the Senate on Dec 16, Sullivan fumed over Haaland’s “blatant– I am still mad about it– disregard for her commitment she made to me.”

The program was due to expire this year but has now been extended another five years.

US Advances AI in K-12 Education, Drawing Lessons from El Salvador’s Groundbreaking Partnership

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As part of America’s AI Action Plan, the United States is ramping up efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into K-12 education, aiming to equip the next generation with essential skills for a tech-driven future. The plan, outlined in a comprehensive White House document, calls for public-private partnerships to develop AI literacy resources, update curricula, and train educators through federal grants and programs like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This includes promoting AI in career and technical education, dual enrollment for high school students, and apprenticeships in AI-related fields, ensuring early exposure to foster innovation and critical thinking.

The emphasis on K-12 AI education is central to the US AI Action Plan because it addresses workforce readiness amid an “information revolution,” where AI is seen as a tool to boost productivity, create jobs, and maintain global competitiveness. By demystifying AI, the initiative prepares students to responsibly harness technologies that could reshape industries, from medicine to manufacturing, while countering challenges like job displacement through retraining.

“The goal in all of our AI education efforts is to demystify these amazing technologies,” said OSTP Director Michael Kratsios during a recent White House task force meeting. “If America’s families, young people, and educators know how AI works, then they can understand what the technology is good at, and good for, and what it’s bad at, and bad for, and why.”

El Salvador serves as a compelling test case for AI’s educational potential. Through a partnership with xAI, the Central American nation is deploying the Grok AI chatbot in over 5,000 public schools, providing personalized tutoring to more than 1 million students over the next two years. This nationwide program bridges educational gaps by offering tailored learning experiences, accelerating student progress, and enhancing outcomes in underserved areas. Benefits include reduced administrative burdens for teachers, improved engagement, and scalable access to high-quality instruction, demonstrating how AI can democratize education.

Strategically, this aligns with US priorities by highlighting AI’s role in national security and economic dominance. Winning the AI race ensures the US sets global standards, outpaces adversaries like China, and secures breakthroughs that enhance prosperity and innovation. By learning from models like El Salvador’s, America can solidify its leadership in an AI-powered world.

Alaska’s First Commercial Fishing Boat Hybrid Prepares to Hit the Water 

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Jeff Turner’s Mirage prepares to launch from the Sitka Marine, marking history as the state’s first commercial fishing boat hybrid. 

The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) has been working to hybridize Alaska’s fishing fleets since receiving a grant from the Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technology Office (VTO) in 2021. From 2021-2023, ALFA partnered with the National Research Energy Laboratory to “identify that the viable next step is a hybrid diesel/electric boat.” 

On October 3, 2023, ALFA announced that they had received a $700,000 grant from the Department of Energy for furthering their commercial fleet conversion project. The project became known as the “ALFA Boat Energy Transition Accelerator (BETA)” project. 

According to the press release, the ALFA BETA project “aligns with ALFA’s mission to address climate change and decarbonize the seafood industry.” Although ALFA focuses on addressing environmental concerns, ALFA also highlights that hybridization “offer[s] economic benefits to fishermen and mariculturists. The adoption of advanced propulsion technologies will reduce operational costs and increase fleet performance.” 

Regardless of opinion on environmental impact, Alaskan fishermen face pressing financial concerns that motivate some to implement modernized technology. According to Ben Matthys, who has been working on installing the hybrid engine in Mirage: “The margins for fishing are getting tighter. The price per pound of what people can market the fish for, or what’s purchased at the plant, is lower, and fuel and all operating costs are higher… So as we move forward to the next options to save and become more profitable, this is it.” 

The original plan in 2023 was to install a Transfluid clutch, electric motor, and batteries on Eric Jordan’s troller, the I Gotta. However, Jordan withdrew his vessel for personal reasons. ALFA sought a new vessel for its project and decided on Jeff Turner’s Mirage.  

According to Chandler Kemp, the project’s Energy Efficiency Consultant: “The percent fuel savings will be lower for an operating profile like the Mirage than for the I Gotta.” However, he estimates approximately 20 percent fuel savings for the Mirage plus reduced wear and tear on the main engine. 

The boat’s owner, Jeff Turner, explains his thought-processing for volunteering his vessel for the project: “Hybridization, for me, started with, ‘Oh my god, I’m spending so much on fuel. There’s got to be a better way. This grant money came up and there was interest…I raised my hand and said, ‘I’ll try this.” 

After the Mirage hits the water, a gillnetter from Juneau will receive an electric propulsion system and a Kodiak mariculture vessel will be converted to fully electric. 

RCA Probe ENSTAR’s Gas Cost Hike Amid Subsidization Fears

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The Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) opened an investigation into ENSTAR Natural Gas Company’s proposed gas cost adjustment (GCA) increase earlier this year, stemming from concerns over potential cross-subsidization linked to a special contract with Homer Electric Association (HEA). ENSTAR filed tariff revision TA355-4 on May 15, 2025, seeking to raise the GCA from $9.0716 to $10.1091 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) for the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, citing higher gas purchase prices and storage costs. The case, docketed as U-25-021, was triggered by RCA’s prior approval of ENSTAR’s contract with HEA in February 2025, where regulators worried that treating HEA as a gas sales customer could burden other consumers with costs tied to HEA’s supply needs, especially amid declining Cook Inlet gas volumes.

The commission suspended the filing on June 30, 2025, and later vacated interim approval, issuing detailed questions in orders dated August 13 and October 16, 2025. Key inquiries focused on whether to include HEA in the GCA created subsidies (estimated by RCA at up to $13.6 million annually for 2025-2026 and $78.8 million over five years thereafter) and if a separate GCA for HEA was warranted to prevent undue preferences.

ENSTAR responded on September 12 and November 6, 2025, asserting no unreasonable subsidization occurred, as HEA’s inclusion spreads fixed costs, benefiting all customers by reducing average consumer bills. The company disputed RCA’s subsidy calculations, arguing they relied on flawed assumptions like inflated gas prices, and opposed a separate GCA, citing tariff requirements for uniform rates. “Inclusion of HEA increases GCA by $0.013/Mcf or 0.1%, but this is reasonable under tariff and law,” ENSTAR stated in its filing.

Several entities intervened: the Attorney General’s Regulatory Affairs and Public Advocacy Section (RAPA) on October 20, HEA on October 27, Tesoro Alaska Company on October 30, and Chugach Electric Association on October 30.

As of December 16, 2025, the case remains active with a public hearing underway through December 19 in Anchorage. A final order is due by February 9, 2026, amid ongoing scrutiny of Alaska’s energy costs.

Alaska Legislative Budget and Audit Committee Receives “Key Issues” Report on Alaska LNG Project

December 12, GaffneyCline Energy Advisory submitted the final draft of “Key Issues: Legislative and Policy Options for Alaska LNG” to the Alaska Legislative Budget and Audit (LB&A) Committee.

GaffneyCline is a subsidiary of the Baker Hughes Company, a global company who owns and operates businesses specializing in the energy sector. LB&A requested the report from GaffneyCline to help legislators better understand the financial, economic, and regulatory issues associated with the Alaska LNG project. The report is the latest in a long list of materials requested by LB&A from various hired consultants.

According to the report, key inputs such as “capital cost estimates, gas supply arrangements, degree of federal support, and other important parameters” are not yet known. GaffneyCline admits, “It is not yet possible to set out a definitive picture of what steps may be required of the legislature in the coming months.” However, the report posits that “with over 170 LNG export facilities in 22 exporting countries, there is a considerable body of experience from which Alaska can draw and helps to provide guidance on what may be expected.”

The single most significant hurdle for the project identified by the report is the high capital and risk of cost inflation. Despite multiple budget assessments over the years, cost estimations have only been conducted at a Class V3 level, producing only a preliminary, highly uncertain estimation.

The Executive Summary of the report proposes two action steps for developing a “definitive package of enabling legislation and fiscal framework for the project:”

  1. A detailed economic model of the project is required before the legislature can take an informed view as to the appropriate degree of government take that the project can sustain, and how this could evolve over time.
  1. Given the likely involvement of federal government agencies in the evolution of the project, the degree of federal support and fiscal stimulus (if any) could also materially influence how the Alaska legislature approaches its own fiscal policy towards AK LNG.

GaffneyCline then details various economic considerations and market details related to the steps the Alaska Legislature needs to pursue to continue the project.

The report concludes: “The AK LNG project and associated gas pipeline is one of the most ambitious gas infrastructure projects ever attempted globally and would require resolution of a host of complex commercial, technical and logistical features to come to fruition. However, if fiscal and related terms are set appropriately, the impact on the State economy could be very material, especially in the medium to long term as profitability increases.”

Restoring Alaska’s Constitutional Grand Jury Power Is Common Sense

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By Ed Martin, Jr.

Alaska’s Constitution begins with a simple but demanding truth: “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.” These words are not ceremonial. They are instructions.

One of the people’s most important constitutional safeguards is the grand jury. Long before prosecutors or modern courts existed, grand juries served as a direct instrument of citizen oversight— especially when government itself became the subject of concern.

That safeguard has quietly eroded in Alaska.

Under Alaska Constitution Article I, Section 8, and Alaska Criminal Rule 6.1, grand juries possess constitutional authority beyond criminal indictments, including investigation and reporting on matters of public welfare and safety. That recognition honored both history and constitutional design.

Yet today, ordinary citizens cannot meaningfully access an investigative grand jury without first obtaining executive permission. Requests must pass through the Attorney General— a part of the very branch often implicated in matters of public concern. Courts, bound by procedural rules, increasingly decline to engage the constitutional question at all.

The result is a troubling inversion: the people’s oversight mechanism exists in theory, but not in practice.

A right that cannot be exercised is no right at all. A power that cannot be accessed is no power. A Constitution that functions only on paper ceases to function as a governing document.

This is not about personalities or politics. It is about structure.

When all roads to accountability lead through the same institutions that may require scrutiny, independence disappears. That is not how a constitutional republic is designed to operate, and it is precisely why grand juries exist as independent bodies belonging to the people— not as appendages of government.

Article I of the Alaska Constitution does more than list rights. It imposes a duty. When government ceases to function for the common good, the people are not only permitted to act, but they are also obligated to insist on restoration. This is not rebellion. It is constitutional maintenance. Restoration means reopening meaningful citizen access to investigative grand juries, ending exclusive executive gatekeeping, and requiring courts to engage constitutional conflicts openly and on the record.

History offers a warning. Alaska has already seen the consequences of excessive judicial and prosecutorial control over grand juries. Those lessons were learned the hard way and should not be forgotten. Silence in the face of structural erosion is not neutrality; it is consent.

This issue transcends party lines and policy debates. It goes to the heart of whether Alaska remains governed by its Constitution or by institutional convenience. The Constitution was not written to be admired. It was written to be used. When its safeguards are diminished quietly, common sense demands that citizens speak plainly and act lawfully to restore them.

FAQs About the Grand Jury Issue

Q: What is the core issue you are raising?
A: Citizens in Alaska no longer have meaningful access to investigative grand juries without executive permission. That undermines popular sovereignty and the Constitution’s design.

Q: Why does executive gatekeeping matter?
A: Grand juries are meant to be independent of the executive branch. Requiring executive approval to access them defeats their purpose.

Q: Are you accusing judges or prosecutors of wrongdoing?
A: This is not about personal motives. It is about institutional design and constitutional consequences. Systems can fail even absent bad intent by an individual.

Q: What constitutional provisions are implicated?
A: Article I, Sections 1 and 2 (inherent rights and popular sovereignty), and Article I, Section 8 (grand juries).

Q: What do you want changed?
A: Restore meaningful citizen access to investigative grand juries and require courts to engage constitutional questions openly.

Q: Is this a partisan issue?
A: No. Constitutional safeguards protect everyone, regardless of party or ideology.

Q: Why should the public care?
A: Because when citizens lose access to constitutional oversight, government accountability becomes optional.

Q: What role should the legislature play?
A: Ensure that constitutional mechanisms remain accessible and are not nullified by internal rulemaking.

Q: Bottom line?
A: This is not a call for revolution. It is a call for fidelity and the restoration of the Constitution as written.

Ed Martin, Jr. is a retired 50+ year IUOE, General Contractor and long-time Alaskan with a strong belief in the National and State Constitutions and the inherent rights of citizens. He devotes his retirement to investigating Constitutional violation(s) in hopes of protecting the eternal rights of liberty.

Steller Secondary Explores Occult Spirituality with “Witches and Stitches” Intensive 

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Steller Secondary, an Anchorage School District choice school, offers students elective short-term intensives twice a year to enhance artistic and experiential learning. This winter, Steller students can sign up for “Witches and Stitches.” The flyer invites student to “choose your own mysticism to explore” and hear from “local guest speakers who will help be our spirit guides on our cosmic journey.” 

The intensives run December 8-18. Some of the intensives on the list give students opportunities to explore specific types of art like dance, pottery, creative writing, and filmmaking. Others like “Basketball with Bob” and “Yoga with Ayme” appeal to students who want to stay active. For science-loving students, there is “Madi’s Solar and Circuits.” For travelers, there is an intensive on Peru, a winter survival class, and “Cooking Around the World with Laura”. 

“Witches and Stitches” is the only class among the 15 intensives that openly promotes a specific spiritual perspective. 

Students in grades 6-12 can elect this course and receive 0.25 credits. Although some of the courses come with fees, “Witches and Stitches” is free. The course promotes occultic practices such as palm reading, tarot cards, astrology, healing crystals, and psychic readings.  

Must Read Alaska reached out to both the Anchorage School District and Stellar Principal Maria Hernandez with the following questions: 
1. What approval process (if any) did Steller have to go through with the district to offer these winter intensives? 
2. How does ASD propose “Witches and Stitches” advance the goals listed here by the district. 
3. How does “witches and stitches” reflect the Mission and Values of Steller/ ASD? 
4. The intensive is taught by Allison. What other subjects does she teach? 
5. How is this course funded? 
6. Does Steller/ ASD recognize the spiritual nature of this course and the spiritual impact it can have on children? How is this spiritual impact conducive to student success? 

Principal Hernandez has not replied to any questions. ASD’s Assistant Director of Communications, Publications, and External Affairs Corey Allen Young provided some answers. 

According to Young, Steller’s intensives are “developed at the school level in alignment with ASD policies. They are reviewed to ensure they support student engagement, creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning. All of which are consistent with ASD’s mission to prepare students for success.”  

Steller explains intensives on their website: “During Intensives, all students engage in project-based, hands-on lived experiences through enrichment opportunities in school and the community. These enrichment opportunities include hiking, camping, theatre, cooking, state and international travel, and more. Students have the option of electing into their own independent intensive study, with school approval.”  

Question #2 of Steller’s FAQs on intensives states: “Is this a mandatory class?  The answer is yes, this is a part of the Steller Secondary curriculum.” Steller did not provide an explanation for how this curriculum furthers district goals. 

Although Young assures, “families may opt their student out of any course and select an alternative option,” Must Read Alaska’s question regarding the inherent spiritual nature of the course remains unanswered. 

In regard to funding, Steller’s Parent Group (SPG) and the Valley Quilters Guild provided funding for “Witches and Stitches.” 

According to SPG’s Bylaws: “the purpose of Steller Parent Group is to enrich the lives of Steller students through the financial support and leadership from all active parents.” SPG raises money for SPG operational expenses, SPG-hosted events and projects, school-hosted events and projects, and grants for intensives and other student programs. 

SPG enables parents to directly shape school curriculum and policy decisions. The Bylaws state: “every one is automatically a member of the Steller Parent Group. Donations are not required for membership. Your participation, your voice, and your vote are all essential to the health and effectiveness of this community group.  All members can bring a proposal, a funding request, or communicate ideas or concerns.” 

Many public schools offer parent groups similar to Steller’s Parent Group. Parents are encouraged to see what avenues for participation their school offers and help determine what subjects should be available for children to explore as part of their public education. 

Alaskan Jews Gather for Menorah Lighting; 11 Killed in Antisemitic Attack Yesterday 

Rabbi Yosef Greenberg will lead the Hanukkah Menorah Lighting today at 4pm at the Midtown Mall. Everyone is welcome to gather at the Giving Machine for the lighting.  

In 1991, Rabbi Greenberg founded the Lubavitch Jewish Center of Alaska, which now serves over 6,000 Jews living in Alaska. 

The Menorah represents Jewish faith and resilience. The candles are lit over the eight days of Hannukah, a joyful festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was reclaimed by the Maccabees from the Seleucid Greeks in 2nd Century B.C. According to tradition, the Maccabees only had one day’s worth of oil, but it miraculously burned for eight days. 

Throughout history, Jews have faced hatred, violence, and attempts at annihilation. Every time, the Jewish people have resisted and stood together against evil. Today, Jews and friends of Jews mourn the tragic deaths that resulted from a targeted antisemitic attack on Sunday at Bondi Beach in Syndey, Australia. 

Yesterday, December 14, two or three gunmen open-fired on a group of Jews lighting the Menorah on Bondi Beach to kick off the Hannukah festival. At least 11 innocents were killed as well as one of the gunmen. 29 people were hospitalized with injuries. 

According to a top Australian intelligence official, authorities had one of the gunmen on their radar but had not deemed him an immediate threat. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and The Australian National Imams Council condemned the violence as “evil beyond comprehension,” “cold-blooded murder,” and “crimes [that] have no place in our society.”  

What is usually a jubilant start to one of the most well-known Jewish holidays has become for many a time of grief, shock, and prayers for peace, strength, and solace.  

Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Grants Total of $7.2m to 22 Organizations

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At the close of the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority awarded $7,216,838 in grants to organizations that provide services to Alaskans struggling with mental health issues.

The Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority is “a state corporation that administers the Mental Health Trust, a perpetual trust, created to ensure that Alaska has a comprehensive mental health program to serve Trust beneficiaries.” Trust funds support efforts to help Alaskans suffering from mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, traumatic brain injuries, and underlying causes of mental illness.

The Trust’s cash assets are mostly invested and managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) with some funds managed by the Department of Revenue Treasury Division. The Trust generates revenue through land leasing and sales; commercial timber sales; mineral exploration and production; coal, oil and gas exploration and development; and sand, gravel and rock sales.

The second quarter grant awards support 11 organizations addressing mental illness, 4 organizations focused on disability resources, 1 organization addressing substance-use disorders, 1 organization providing Alzheimer’s and dementia support services, 1 organization addressing homelessness, 1 organization providing foster care resources, 1 organization focused on criminal reentry support, and 1 organization providing caregiver support for senior citizens.

Funds for Mental Illness

The Alaska Public Health Association received $25,000 to provide personnel and planning support for the 2026 Alaska Public Health Summit. The funds will also pay for 5-7 scholarships covering travel, lodging, and registration for the summit.

The Fairbanks Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) received $950,000 to pay for personnel, travel for training, rent and utilities for the crisis team base, medical and PPE supplies, communication equipment, critical software, insurance, and indirect costs. Fairbanks MCT provides 24/7 response to people experiencing severe mental health crises. The Mat-Su MCT also received a grant for $1,193,275 to cover operation costs.

Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center received $267,388 to fund the 2-year “Social Determinants of Health Navigation Pilot Program.” The program intends to integrate Health Related Social Needs navigation into patient care.

The Association of Alaska School Board received $300,000 for project THRIVE, which aims to promote “trauma engaged schools.” The program also helps students and families navigate entrance to kindergarten or transition to middle school.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska received $49,984 to launch their Big Futures program, created to help troubled youth with career development.

Blossom House received $7,500 to fund trauma-informed programs that help youth detained at the Fairbanks Youth Facility, a juvenile justice facility.

Christian Health Associates received $300,000 to hire a Mental Health Counseling Coordinator and support general operations for three years.

The Ciri Foundation received $28,580 to develop a program to help Alaska Native young adults recover from trauma and develop coping skills.

North Star Community Foundation received $50,000 to support “Healing Through Music and Dance 2026,” a series of workshops and performances aimed at helping youth with mental health challenges.

The Petersburg Medical Center received $81,960 to expand tele-psychiatry services and local staff.

Southcentral Foundation received $2,955,983 to provide 3-year start-up funding for the Yeshjesh T’uh Project, which aims to address urgent service gaps in Alaska’s behavioral health system.

Funds for Disability Services

The Keli Center for Adaptive Sports received $250,000 to renovate and expand their adaptive recreation facility, which serves Alaskans with disabilities.

Nine Star Enterprises, Inc. received $50,000 for establishing a Center for Workforce Excellence aimed at reducing barriers to the workforce, especially for disabled Alaskans.

REACH received $10,664 to support the “DeafBlind Immersion” training program that will train 60 caregivers helping deaf and blind Alaskans.

Valley Charities, Inc. received $9,004 to purchase an accessible door for their Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Lending Program, which helps Mat-Su residents obtain disability equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, canes, hospital beds, etc.

Funds for Substance Use Disorders

The Alaska Center for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) received $50,000 to train 125 frontline staff to “address complex behaviors linked to neurodevelopment and trauma-related conditions.”

Funds for Alzheimer’s and Dementia

ALZ Cares received $82,500 to hire a Program Manager.

Funds for Homelessness

Kenai Project Homeless Connect received $5,000 to pay for a facility rental.

Funds for Foster Care

Facing Foster Care in Alaska received $250,000 to expand their peer support network and peer navigation services.

Funds for Criminal Reentry

The Ketchikan Reentry House received $150,000 to provide rent to approximately 24 Alaskans reentering society after incarceration.

Funds for Senior Citizens

The Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program received $150,000 to support unpaid family caregivers as they care for their elderly loved ones.