Pope Leo XIV has urged religious men and women to rise as modern evangelists, combating the chaos of today’s “confusing and noisy society.” Speaking through a message released on December 12, 2025, during a Vatican gathering honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Pontiff addressed priests, seminarians, and religious studying in Rome, framing their vocation as a spiritual battle for souls in an era of distraction and doubt.
Drawing parallels to biblical figures, the Pope’s words echo the mission of Jonah, who, after divine prompting, marched into the vast city of Nineveh proclaiming repentance. The prophet declared, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” sparking a citywide fast and turnaround that averted God’s wrath. Similarly, Nehemiah’s unyielding resolve shines through amid plots from enemies like Sanballat and Tobiah. When lured to abandon his wall-rebuilding efforts, Nehemiah retorted, “I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down,” completing the rebuilding of the city wall despite fear-mongering and deception.
Not just for the religious but especially for young men, Pope Leo XIV message positions this as a worthy crusade: a quest to announce Christ’s primacy without flinching from societal pressure. “Since we live in a confusing society of noise, today more than ever we need servants and disciples who announce the absolute primacy of Christ and who keep His voice clearly in their ears and hearts,” the Pope stated.
This isn’t about cloistered piety but active warfare against apathy, the Pontiff implies, entrusting the mission to Mary’s guidance. He urges that anyone engaged in this spiritual battle must detach from fleeting applause, judge less, and proclaim the Gospel to the weak and wayward, becoming instruments of salvation. As global youth grapple with digital overload and moral ambiguity, this papal rallying cry could ignite a new wave of faith-driven action, rebuilding spiritual walls and calling nations to repentance.
On December 8, Children’s Health Defense submitted a petition to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Marty Makary. The petition requests that the Commissioner “deem Moderna’s SPIKEVAX and all its currently marketed Biologics License Application (“BLA”) versions (including MNEXSPIKE) and Pfizer/BioNTech’s Comirnaty, and all its BLA versions, misbranded.” Additionally, it requests that the BLA licenses for these vaccines should be revoked “due to a lack of compliance with FDA regulations.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Health and Human Services Secretary approved an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines. An EUA serves to expedite the authorization of a vaccine considered reasonably effective during a declared public health emergency.
An EUA differs substantially from BLA licensure: “EUA products are deployed on the market based on only a ‘may be effective’ opinion of the HHS Secretary and are not subject to formal product recall procedures, applicable to regular pharmaceutical products.” On the other hand, BLA requires the submission of applicant information, product/ manufacturing information, pre-clinical studies, clinical studies, and labeling. A product may be granted BLA licensure if it meets the purity, potency, safety, efficacy, manufacturing compliance, labeling disclosure/ marketing compliance standards.
According to the petition, the vaccines in question were granted BLA licensure despite not undergoing legally compliant clinical investigations. Not only were the investigations sidestepped, but also “ample evidence points to the FDA’s continual waiver of most (if not all) normally applicable BLA standards, such as cGMP/cGLP compliance in R&D and manufacture of these products.”
A letter from Director of Alaskans 4 Personal Freedom Linda Boyle, DM, MSN, RN urges families to sign the petition and comment: “Children’s Health Defense has filed an official petition with the FDA requesting that the agency revoke all licenses for the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. It is very easy to comment. It takes little time to protect your family and children! Go here to sign the petition: Tell the FDA to Revoke Licenses on COVID Vaccines. We all have worked very hard to inform our friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Let’s not give up now. Thank you for helping keep our nation free.”
In a significant victory for public health, the State of Alaska has finalized a $7.8 million settlement with vaping giants Juul Labs and Altria Group, accusing them of aggressively marketing high-nicotine products to young people. The agreement, announced on December 9, 2025, concludes five years of litigation and ranks among the nation’s highest per-capita recoveries for such cases. The funds will bolster prevention programs aimed at curbing youth nicotine addiction, addressing a crisis that has plagued Alaskan teens.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged that Juul and Altria designed sleek, flavored devices resembling USB drives, which appealed directly to adolescents while delivering nicotine doses far exceeding traditional cigarettes. This marketing strategy reversed decades of progress in reducing youth tobacco use, prompting a statewide epidemic. According to state officials, Juul’s tactics included social media influencers and underage sales promotions, leading to a spike in vaping rates among high school students.
Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox highlighted the effort’s payoff, noting the settlement imposes strict court-enforceable restrictions on the companies’ operations in the state. The payout includes $5.8 million from Juul over five years and $2 million from Altria, settled last year. After legal fees, the net amount will flow to the Department of Health (DOH) for initiatives like the “Not Buying It” campaign, peer-to-peer education, and community partnerships.
DOH Commissioner Heidi Hedberg stressed the settlement’s role in safeguarding future generations. “This settlement allows us to strengthen programs that protect Alaska’s youth from nicotine addiction,” Hedberg said. “We will continue investing in prevention, education, and community partnerships that support healthier futures for young Alaskans.”
Progress is evident: The Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows high school e-cigarette use dropped from 26% in 2019 to 17% in 2023. Yet, challenges persist, with 38% of teens having tried vaping. The funds will target schools, online platforms, and local organizations to counter ongoing risks.
This resolution underscores Alaska’s commitment to youth health, joining a national wave of accountability against Big Tobacco’s modern iterations. Officials urge parents and educators to visit the DOH website for resources on tobacco prevention.
The Christmas tree’s roots trace back to ancient pagan practices, where evergreens symbolized renewal amid winter’s darkness. The Christmas tree was later Christianized by figures like St. Boniface in the eighth century. In Western culture, it evolved from medieval “Paradise Trees” adorned with apples and wafers — representing original sin and redemption — to the candlelit firs popularized in 18th-century Germany and spread globally. Symbolically, the evergreen stands for eternal life and peace, its upward tip pointing to heaven, while twinkling lights evoke Jesus as the “true light” illuminating the world, as noted in biblical references like John 1:14. This fusion of pagan vitality and Christian hope has made it a centerpiece of holiday celebrations, fostering family unity and joy.
In 2024, Washington, D.C received a towering 75-foot spruce from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest that stood as the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, embodying the enduring significance of this holiday icon in Western culture. Harvested from the world’s largest remaining temperate rainforest, this “People’s Tree” — nicknamed Spruce Wayne — highlights the uniqueness of Alaskan evergreens, thriving in a vast 16.8-million-acre ecosystem rich in Tlingit indigenous heritage and diverse wildlife. It journeyed 4,000 miles by sea and truck, stopping at communities to share stories of the Last Frontier’s majestic landscapes and cultural traditions.
For families, especially in Alaska, the tradition offers hands-on engagement. Residents can harvest one tree under 15 feet per household on unrestricted state lands, such as in the Mat-Su Valley or Kenai Peninsula, provided they confirm ownership and follow low-stump cutting guidelines to protect forests. “Finding a Christmas tree on State land is a great way for families to enjoy time outdoors,” said Stephen Nickel, Mat-Su and Southwest Area Forester, emphasizing preparation for safe winter travel with tools like shovels and tire chains. Once home, a fresh base cut and ample water keep the tree vibrant, turning a simple outing into a cherished ritual that connects generations to nature and cultural heritage.
Read more on the Division of Forestry and Fire Protections Press Release:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has sounded the alarm on a surge in sophisticated scams where fraudsters pose as law enforcement or government officials, preying on unsuspecting residents with threats of arrest for fabricated offenses like missed jury duty or court dates. This impersonation tactic, often amplified by AI-generated voices and spoofed caller IDs, has emerged as one of the newest and most harmful scams, extorting victims through urgent demands for payment via cryptocurrency ATMs, prepaid cards, or wire transfers.
Nationwide, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recorded 17,367 complaints related to government impersonation scams in 2024, resulting in over $405 million in losses. In 2024, Alaskans suffered losses exceeding $1.3 million, contributing to the state’s total of 6,770 internet crime complaints and $26 million in overall damages last year.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety (DPS) has echoed the FBI’s concerns, issuing alerts about similar “missed jury duty” schemes where scammers impersonate state troopers and demand cryptocurrency payments. These frauds isolate victims by instructing them not to consult family or banks, leading to devastating financial and emotional impacts. Families have reported losing life savings, facing bankruptcy, and enduring severe stress, with some victims feeling ashamed and reluctant to seek help, exacerbating isolation and mental health strains.
“Be advised, the FBI and legitimate law enforcement authorities will not call members of the public to demand payment or threaten arrest,” stated the FBI in its warning, urging Alaskans to “take a beat” and verify claims independently.
Authorities advise hanging up on suspicious calls, reporting incidents to local police, and filing complaints at www.ic3.gov. With scams evolving rapidly, education and vigilance remain key to protecting vulnerable communities.
Today, Senator Dan Sullivan celebrates the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) reform of the Business Development program provided in SBA policy 8(a). Sen. Sullivan has been fighting for this reform since October 2020.
SBA’s Business Development program is a “federal contracting and training program for experienced small business owners who are socially and economically disadvantaged.” The program benefits include sole-source contracts, one-on-one business development assistance, mentorship, networking, and free training from SBA’s Empower to Grow program.
Under the old policy, small businesses were required to have a “bona fide place of business,” meaning a staffed physical location. According to Sen. Sullivan: “Throughout my time in the Senate, I have been a strong supporter of the SBA 8(a) Program, which has provided countless opportunities for Alaskans and Alaska businesses. Many 8(a) firms are proven federal contractors that perform mission-critical work for the federal government, particularly for the Department of Defense, with efficiency and speed. However, for years, the ‘bona fide office’ requirement worked directly against these objectives… [and] imposed an unworkable and unnecessary barrier to entry.”
Chugach President Katherine Carlton applauded Sullivan’s efforts: “This change removes an onerous, one-of-a-kind restriction on 8(a) construction firms and will help Native and other 8(a) contractors compete, hire locally, and deliver for federal customers.”
The reform enables more Alaskan small businesses to enter the federal marketplace. The top industries that use the 8(a) program are construction, engineering, information technology, maintenance and operations, logistics and transportation, healthcare, and environmental services.
Alaska’s Constitution promises equal protection, maximum local self-government, and uniform taxation within units of government. Yet Alaska’s local governance framework—unique in the United States—creates an inherent disparity between organized boroughs, which must assess property at “full and true value” and fund schools, public safety, planning, roads, and local services, and the Unorganized Borough, which pays no local taxes, conducts no property assessments, and depends entirely on State general funds for many of the same services.
For decades, this imbalance was tolerated as a product of geographic remoteness and historical development. However, since 2016, the Legislature’s repeated reduction of Permanent Fund Dividends (PFDs) has introduced a new constitutional tension:
PFD reductions function as a statewide tax, borne equally by residents of both organized and unorganized areas, while only residents of organized boroughs also bear local property taxes.
This creates a two-tiered burden that the framers of Article X never anticipated.
Constitutional Framework: Equal Protection and Local Governance
Article I, Section 1: The Equal Protection Clause
Alaska’s equal protection clause is broader than the federal version. It prohibits arbitrary disparities in how similarly situated persons are treated by government.
Article X: Structurally Different Units of Governance
Organized Boroughs
The Unorganized Borough
Local Government
Exercises local taxing and assessment powers
Lacks local government; State provides services (Art. X §12)
Property Taxes
Required to annually assess property at full and true value (AS 29.45.110)
No obligation to levy taxes or assess property
Infastructure
Must provide education funding, planning, public facilities, etc
No local contribution to schools or public infrastructure
Because the Constitution itself created the distinction, courts hold that residents of organized vs. unorganized boroughs are not “similarly situated” for equal-protection purposes.
This is why litigation challenging the tax disparity has repeatedly failed.
The “Full and True Value” Mandate and Disparate Local Burdens
AS 29.45.110 requires that municipalities assess property at market value. This statutory command forces inflationary increases in taxable value, produces higher annual property taxes regardless of local income conditions, applies only to organized municipalities.
These mandates reflect the historical assumption that organized boroughs would build their own revenue bases while the unorganized borough would remain sparsely populated with minimal governmental needs.
That assumption is no longer accurate.
PFD Reductions: A Statewide Tax That Magnifies the Disparity
Since 2016, Alaska has diverted billions in PFD payments to cover state spending.
As recognized by economists and the Alaska Supreme Court (Wielechowski), the withheld portion of the PFD is functionally a statewide tax collected from all Alaskans equally. But the benefits of this revenue are not equal. Services funded with diverted PFD dollars include:
Public education
Troopers and VPSOs
Public health
State infrastructure
Welfare programs
Rural aviation
Transportation system subsidies
These services are disproportionately State-provided services in the Unorganized Borough. Residents in organized boroughs help fund these services both through local taxes and reduced PFDs.
This creates a two-tier fiscal burden:
Resident
Local Taxes?
Statewide PFD Reduction Tax?
Net Burden
Organized Borough
Yes (property + sales)
Yes
Highest
Unorganized Borough
No
Yes
Lowest
This is the first time in Alaska history where organized-borough residents are effectively taxed twice, while unorganized-borough residents are taxed once.
Constitutional Tension: Equal Protection vs. Article X
Although courts historically allowed the disparity because “similarly situated persons” analysis distinguished between the two borough types, the introduction of a statewide tax (PFD reduction) changes the constitutional landscape.
Unlike local taxes, PFD reductions apply to all residents equally. The previous argument that unorganized residents are “not similarly situated” weakens because all residents are equally subject to the PFD reduction, but only some must additionally pay property taxes.
This undermines the integrity of the equal-protection framework because the statewide tax (PFD reduction) funds services that only some people receive without contributing locally.
The Legislature has effectively shifted the cost of unorganized-borough services onto residents of organized boroughs. Is this a form of unconstitutional cost-shifting? Probably not under current case law. Is it legally permissible but inequitable taxation? Absolutely. Is it contrary to framers’ intent for “maximum local self-government”? Strongly yes. Is it politically volatile? Undeniably.
Why Courts Would Uphold the System (For Now)
The Alaska Supreme Court would likely uphold the current dual-burden system for the following reasons:
The PFD is not constitutionally mandated in any specific amount.
The Court rarely invalidates legislative fiscal policy.
The framers left revenue structure decisions to the Legislature.
However, Courts can uphold a system while acknowledging it has become fundamentally unfair. This is the position Alaska has reached.
The Path Forward: Legislative Responsibility
The Constitution does not require equal tax burdens across boroughs. But the Legislature has the authority and the responsibility to correct inequities caused by mandatory full-value assessments, lack of taxation in the Unorganized Borough, and PFD reductions functioning as a statewide tax.
Available remedies include statewide assessment in unorganized areas, allowing organized boroughs to cap assessments (e.g., 5%), restoring the statutory PFD formula to eliminate the hidden subsidy, and modernizing Article X through constitutional amendment.
These are legislative policy decisions, not judicial ones.
The combination of a mandatory tax and assessment burden on organized boroughs, zero local tax burden in the Unorganized Borough, and a statewide tax via PFD reductions has created a dual taxation system never envisioned by Alaska’s framers. While technically constitutional, the system is inequitable, unsustainable, in conflict with the promise of “maximum local self-government,” and politically corrosive. Legislative reform is both warranted and overdue.
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.
There is a very old saying: “A person is foolish who gives pearls to swine.” The implications and application are to avoid giving time, energy, and wisdom to those who do not appreciate or value what is given. Anchorage has acted as one who has not appreciated the pearls of the people, values, and desires of Chugiak / Eagle River (CER). Today, this is more prevalent as Anchorage ignores the CER Comprehensive plan, community councils, Service Areas, and the general voice of the people.
Over the decades, the people of CER have had a strong relationship with the Mat-Su Borough in the support and development of CER. In the ‘50’s and ‘60’s when CER sought for electricity and phone services, it was Mat-Su who came through with MEA and MTA. When resources were sought, it was often Mat-Su who supplied them on the Palmer Hwy, which later became known as the Old Glenn. When CER reflects on its values of life, opportunity, and government, it is with kindred spirit of Mat-Su, not Anchorage.
Throughout the years there has been discussion of detaching from Anchorage. In 1974, a positive vote of the people of CER occurred to detach, but the outcome was overturned by the Alaska Supreme Court in 1975. For the past decade, there have been discussions to detach, but they have been unfulfilled. Despite Eaglexit’s best efforts, including its recent pursual of an informal technical review by LBC, the home rule borough solution faces formidable obstacles and may never come to fruition. Continued concern is that Anchorage is out of control and is taking down communities like CER, which means we need to act now to detach. Annex Now offers an alternative.
In 2024, a new concept called Annex Now to Mat-Su began to be developed. Despite Eaglexit’s best efforts, including its recent pursual of an informal technical review by LBC, the home rule borough solution faces formidable obstacles and may never come to fruition. Annex Now is an organized, unincorporated, grass roots entity of people in Chugiak Eagle River.
In the past year and a half several preliminary discussion meetings occurred, and general announcements were given at the Mat-Su assembly. In May 2025, a 540-page preliminary proposal was submitted to the State Local Boundary Commission, and feedback was returned to the Annex Now group in July. A key question was “What does Mat-Su say about the idea?” On Tuesday, December 16, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly will hear and vote on a resolution to pursue the Annex Now to Mat-Su. Once the Resolution is passed, the process to detach from Anchorage and be annexed to Mat-Su can happen very quickly.
There are many reasons to consider annexing to Mat-Su. First, the State Supreme Court overturned the decision to detach by forming a new, independent Borough as unconstitutional. Second, the concept of detaching from one Borough to be part of another is a viable option by the Local Boundary Commission. Third, annexation to Mat-Su is aligning with a borough proven to be fiscally functional and respectful of resident-respected governance. In addition, it has a well-established and State-recognized effective education system. Fourth, annexation would have economic benefits to all residents of Mat-Su and CER in the form of lower taxes, service fees, permits, and property taxes. In addition, annexation would provide economic stimulus that would be invested in logistic benefits of roads, rail, and jobs rather than tax money going to Anchorage’s failed homeless programs.
Annex Now provides the opportunity of a viable and realistic detachment from Anchorage. On December 16, the Mat-Su Assembly will consider the resolution to pursue interest in the annexation discussion and give notice to the LBC of such investment to the process. If this option is pursued, the final vote will be cast by the people of Mat-Su and CER. Anchorage will not get a vote. Mat-Su residents who approve of annexing CER can attend the Regular Assembly Meeting on December 16 and tell the Mat-Su Assembly that now is the time for the pearls of CER to be honored.
President Donald J. Trump has initiated a significant overhaul of the United States’ childhood vaccination policies, signing a presidential memorandum on December 5, 2025, to align core recommendations with best practices from peer developed countries. This directive comes amid growing concerns over what the administration views as an overly aggressive U.S. vaccine schedule, which currently mandates immunizations against 18 diseases, including COVID-19, for all children.
The memorandum instructs Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director to thoroughly review international standards and the underlying scientific evidence. If foreign practices—such as those in Denmark (10 diseases), Japan (14), or Germany (15)—are deemed superior, U.S. guidelines will be updated accordingly, while ensuring continued access to existing vaccines. Notable differences include the U.S. routine hepatitis B shot for newborns, which is not standard in most developed nations unless the mother tests positive, and annual flu vaccines starting at six months, often not universally recommended elsewhere.
This move aligns with Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda, launched earlier in 2025 with an executive order establishing a commission to probe childhood chronic diseases. The administration has already ended blanket COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children, shifting to individualized clinical decisions. In September, the MAHA Commission unveiled a strategy with over 120 initiatives to combat what it calls a “childhood chronic disease epidemic.”
Trump hailed the initiative on social media, stating, “I am fully confident Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the CDC, will get this done, quickly and correctly, for our Nation’s Children.” Kennedy, responded enthusiastically, posting, “Thank you, Mr. President. We’re on it.”
As the review unfolds, experts anticipate potential reductions in recommended shots, marking a pivotal shift in U.S. public health strategy under Trump’s second term. The memorandum underscores a commitment to “the best, scientifically-supported medical advice in the world,” but its outcomes could reshape vaccination norms for generations.
