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Dave Bronson resigns as Anchorage Airport director, eyes next chapter

Suzanne Downing
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26
Dave Bronson resigns as Anchorage Airport director, eyes next chapter

Dave Bronson has stepped down from his role as director of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, less than a year after taking the job. Bronson cited a desire to spend more time hunting, though political observers believe the move signals a possible run for governor in 2026.

Bronson, however, said he bought a lodge.

Bronson was appointed airport director in January by Gov. Mike Dunleavy after serving a term as mayor of Anchorage. During his time as mayor from 2021 to 2024, Bronson oversaw the city during the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic and a period of fiscal challenges. His administration frequently clashed with the leftist Anchorage Assembly over spending priorities, homelessness policy, and emergency powers.

A retired US Air Force officer and commercial airline pilot, Bronson built his public profile as a political outsider when he launched his mayoral campaign in 2020. He emphasized fiscal restraint, public safety, and skepticism of government mandates. His election marked a shift for Anchorage after six years under Mayor Ethan Berkowitz, a Democrat, who resigned in disgrace and was temporarily replaced by Democrat Austin Quinn-Davidson.

After losing his reelection bid in 2024, Bronson was tapped to head one of Alaska’s most important economic assets: the Anchorage airport, a global cargo hub and one of the state’s largest employers. His tenure there was relatively low-profile, focused on operations and maintaining Anchorage’s role as a critical stopover point for international freight traffic.

Bronson’s resignation has sparked speculation in Republican circles that he intends to challenge for the governor’s office. His supporters note his strong ties to conservative voters in Southcentral Alaska and his background as both a military officer and former city executive.

If he enters the race, Bronson would likely face a crowded Republican primary, with several figures already positioning themselves for statewide office. For now, he insists he is stepping back for personal reasons, though his next move is already the subject of debate across Alaska’s political spectrum.

Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson files letter of intent to run for reelection

Bronson appointed to head up Anchorage International Airport

Linda Boyle: Big Pharma plots in secret meeting to oust HHS Sec. Kennedy, as reform threatens profits

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR
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25
Linda Boyle: Big Pharma plots in secret meeting to oust HHS Sec. Kennedy, as reform threatens profits

By LINDA BOYLE

Big Pharma is worried its cash cow is coming to an end. Under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., there will be no more emergency use authorizations, no more rubber stamping approval without the data to back up vaccine decisions. 

All this leaves investors nervous and leads Big Pharma without the needed backers to push forward.  

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization, which is made up of various pharmaceutical companies, had a closed door meeting on April 3 to strategize on how to decrease the influence of Sec. Kennedy. There must have been a mole in the room, as the information from that meeting was eventually leaked. 

Disclosure:  The document’s authenticity is not yet verified, but its contents paint a vivid picture of an industry desperate to protect its profits from Kennedy’s reformist zeal.

If accurate, the information is damning.  

BIO leadership, according to the leaked document, stated plainly, “It is time to go to The Hill and lobby that it is time for RFK Jr to go.”

The focus of the meeting was, indeed, centered on how to get rid of Kennedy.  It’s critical to recognize their strategy is not to attack Kennedy directly, but to use any conservatives they can find to back up their beliefs that vaccines are good. They are looking to conservative bloggers, congressional representatives, and influencers who may be willing to tout the “all vaccines are good” party line.  

They were looking for pawns to carry their message of destruction.

Among the figures named as potential allies in this covert effort: Dr. Mehmet Oz, former Sen. Richard Burr (former Senator NC; Advisor DLA Piper Health Policy Steering Committee), Sen. Bill Cassidy (in a section of the document focused on strategic influencer engagement and legislative positioning), and the American Enterprise Institute. The memo of the meeting suggests these individuals and institutions could “provide a veneer of bipartisan legitimacy to BIO’s core aim: neutralize Kennedy without ever addressing the substance of his critique.”

BIO also plans to spend $2 million of its $4 million budget reserve on a pilot project on vaccine messaging specifically in the D.C. area. The campaign entitled “Why We Vaccinate” is not focused on education, bur rather is focused on behavioral influence.  They will incorporate “inspire and frighten tactics to manipulate public sentiment and legislative behavior.” 

This is a multi-pronged approach made to deceive the public, silence dissent, and preserve industry’s dominance.  

And what better place than Washington DC to pilot your commercials-given its location and political beliefs. 

Why is BIO so upset?  BIO openly stated that with the changes coming to the approval process, investors have cold feet.  With Kennedy’s desire to restore Big Pharma’s liability and restore the approval process with  long-term data and placebo-controlled trials, BIO considers these changes as a threat to the entire shortcut pipeline BIO built under EUAs.    

It’s again the old “follow the money.”

Such scrutiny in the approval process and potential loss of “no liability” for Big Pharma could make their current profit model obsolete.  Capital is leaving the vaccine sector, and Kennedy’s reform agenda makes it difficult for Big Pharma executives to “assure investors that the regulatory terrain remains exploitable.”

The leaked document does not include a discussion of scientific debate, nor does it outline an approach to address Kennedy’s policy proposals, such as the need for preclinical safety testing, raw data publication, long-term health tracking, and the restoration of manufacturer liability. Instead, BIO’s strategy is described as focusing on influencing public perception and using surrogates to gain support.  

Big Pharma’s cash cow needed to be shored up—needed to be reaffirmed as the only way to save us from disease.  They are willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. 

Just remember, if you are taking flak, you’re probably over the target.  

This is another grab-your-popcorn moment — there is much more to come. 

And while you’re at it, stop by our page Alaskans4Personal Freedom (www.ak4pf.org) and sign up for our all-day event on Oct. 11 in Anchorage. Our extraordinary Outside speakers and our own Dr. Ilona Farr will enlighten you on what’s really happening. No fear mongering. Just the truth.  

We look forward to seeing you there!

Linda Boyle, RN, MSN, DM, was formerly the chief nurse for the 3rd Medical Group, JBER, and was the interim director of the Alaska VA. Most recently, she served as Director for Central Alabama VA Healthcare System. She is the director of the Alaska Covid Alliance.

Linda Boyle: Medical establishment in revolt against CDC on Covid jab guidance

Linda Boyle: Medical freedom on the line as Alaska medical board decides physician assistant’s fate

Linda Boyle: Dr. Pierre Kory and the War on Ivermectin: A life-saving medicine silenced

Linda Boyle: Pediatric professional group puts profits above patients

Linda Boyle: RFK Jr. in Alaska talks tribal sovereignty, Medicaid rules, and a shift on mRNA vaccines

Federal grantees that use funds for political activity are now under Department of Justice scrutiny

Suzanne Downing
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9
Federal grantees that use funds for political activity are now under Department of Justice scrutiny

President Donald Trump issued a directive last week ordering the Department of Justice to investigate whether federal grant funds are being used for illegal lobbying or partisan political activity.

The order, titled “Use of Appropriated Funds for Illegal Lobbying and Partisan Political Activity by Federal Grantees”, instructs the Attorney General to review how federal dollars are distributed and to take enforcement action against organizations that may be using taxpayer money to influence legislation or support political candidates. A report on the investigation’s progress is due to the president within 180 days.

Trump said recent funding reviews uncovered “highly political overtones” in the way some federal grants are spent, calling it a “wasteful, abusive, and potentially fraudulent” misuse of public money. Federal law (31 U.S.C. 1352) already prohibits recipients of federal funds from using those funds for lobbying purposes, but nonprofits find workarounds.

The directive could have implications in Alaska, where billions of federal dollars flow into the state each year through grants to local governments, tribes, nonprofits, universities, and health organizations.

For example, The Alaska Center (for the Environment), a nonprofit focused on environmental advocacy and community engagement, has received federal grants and has a political arm that financially supports candidates and pushes political agendas. Specifically, it has been awarded funds through the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, a funding mechanism of the EPA, with grants ranging from $150,000 to $350,000. 

Another focus of funding will be the various arms of tribal organizations in the state, which are regularly found to advocate for public policy issues. Catholic Social Services and Covenant House Alaska are also federal grantees that may engage in lobbying.

The Attorney General’s report, due within six months, will determine whether Alaska organizations face new compliance burdens or even enforcement actions if they are found to be engaging in partisan political battles.

Outside dark-money Alaska Center now controls 71% of Chugach Electric board — and your utility bill

Daniel Turner: Radical eco-left funds groups like Alaska Center to attack American energy independence

Chugach Electric Association election results: Alaska Center wins

A clean sweep for dark-money ‘Alaska Center,’ as Assembly sets to certify local election this Tuesday

David Boyle: Anchorage School District must revise its transgender guidelines to protect all students

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR
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22
David Boyle: Anchorage School District must revise its transgender guidelines to protect all students

We are all terribly saddened by the recent slaughter of two innocent school children and the other 18 injured students and staff at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.

Two children were killed while they were praying as the Church of the Annunciation. Why would anyone murder little children?

We hope this never ever happens in our Anchorage Schools or in any Alaska schools, public or private.  

The Anchorage School District has taken proactive measures, such as school entry security portals and school resource officers in most of our schools. But further action must be taken to protect our students.

The Annunciation murderer has been identified as a transgender individual, a boy who identified as a female. This murderer also legally changed his name from Robert to Robin with his mother signing the legal renaming document. Unfortunately, the mother may not have recognized the seriousness of her son’s mental state. If she had been alerted to her son’s mental state, she may have been able to inform school officials and law enforcement, and this terrible tragedy may have been averted.

In the case of the Minneapolis tragedy, a former school teacher, Sarah Reely, says she noticed that the shooter had signs of self-harm and reported it. She said that self-harm can be a sign of someone needing help. She doesn’t know if any action had been taken due to her report.

Children with gender dysphoria often have underlying mental health issues that need to be addressed.

The ASD should take this tragedy as a lesson to update its “Transgender Guidelines,” which leave the parents out of a student’s decision to use different pronouns and names at school. Parents and school staff need to act as a team to protect not only the transgender from bullying, but more importantly, protect all students from tragic actions.

We also know that the Anchorage School District has “Transgender Guidelines” which hide a student’s name change from parents.  This could be the first step in realizing a student may have serious emotional problems.

Here is the specific language on hiding secondary students’ name changes from parents: 

“Secondary students: Generally, notification of a student’s parent about his or her gender identity, expression or transition is unnecessary, as they are already aware and may be supportive. In some cases, however, notifying parents carries risks for the student if the family does not support the student’s desire to transition. Prior to notification of any parent or guardian regarding the transition process, school staff should work closely with the student to assess the degree to which, if any, the parent/guardian will be involved in the process, considering at all times the health, well-being, and safety of the transitioning student.”

It is good that the safety of the transitioning student is considered.  But how about the other students? Their safety should be the primary concern.

If a parent is made aware of a child’s student name change by the district, this could be the first indication that the child is struggling internally and may need to be carefully monitored. Withholding this information from the parent may lead to more serious problems.

We do know that those children who identify as transgender or have gender ID problems have murdered some of their fellow students and teachers at a disproportionate rate. Here is a list of recent student shootings:

The above trend is undeniable. All the above murderers are either transgenders or have gender identity issues.  They all appear to have very serious mental health issues.

This is not a call for the school district to provide even more mental health counselors/psychologists. It is a call for the district to identify those with potentially serious mental health issues and refer their parents to the appropriate mental health professionals in the community.

Providing mental health within the district should not be one of the district’s missions.  Providing excellent classroom education should always be the primary mission of the district.

We ask that the ASD review and amend its “Transgender Guidelines” to ensure parents are included in all areas, especially student name changes and pronoun usage. And we ask that this become a policy of the school board, not merely “guidelines” which are not reviewed by the board.

It is past time to hide so-called “guidelines” from parents. Put these guidelines in school board policy so the public, especially parents, can see them and participate in the discussion.

We must make an all-out effort to prevent tragedies such as happened in Minneapolis.  We must keep all students safe.  

God forbid that the unthinkable happens and only the school district, because of your guidelines, knows about the transitioning student.

Anchorage School District, it is up to you.  You have the power and the tools to make our schools safer.

It’s time to protect all students, not just the transgenders.

David Boyle is an education writer at Must Read Alaska.

David Boyle: ASD employees cruise, a $10 million windfall for school district, your PFD sinks

David Boyle: I ‘DOGED’ the Anchorage School District and uncovered savings to fill its budget hole

David Boyle: The more we spend, the less we get in Alaska’s public schools run by the Education Cartel

David Boyle: Anchorage school superintendent melts down over 0.7% budget gap

Peggy Ann McConnochie: Juneau’s future needs big thinking, not Portland principles

SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR
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10
Peggy Ann McConnochie: Juneau’s future needs big thinking, not Portland principles

By PEGGY ANN MCCONNOCHIE

When I served on the City and Borough of Juneau Planning Commission, we had to comply with Juneau’s Comprehensive Plan before making decisions about everything from building permits and code compliance to land use, zoning, and historic preservation. 

The Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10 years, and the process takes approximately three years. Juneau contracted with Cascadia Partners of Portland, Ore., to update our plan. It appears that the contract will cost taxpayers roughly $750,000.

According to their website, “guiding principles” for this updated plan were developed from public input received back in the Spring. I missed that, but did recently take the CBJ Comprehensive Plan survey on the “guiding principles.” I encourage residents to take the survey so that Portland contractors can understand whether these guiding principles truly reflect the needs and priorities of the majority of Juneau residents. 

The six guiding principles are:

Lifelong Wellbeing and Family Support; Housing For All; Resilient, Year-Round Local Economy; Environmental Protection and Climate Leadership; Connected Community and Neighborhoods; Culture and Community Identity.

On the surface, it’s hard to disagree with any of those, but some of the assumptions behind those headings raise some red flags for me. How about you?

The guiding principle “Housing for All” refers to compact and small-scale homes, which might be suitable for seniors or young singles. However, as a real estate professional with 43 years of experience, I know that most families want yards and safe streets for their children to ride bikes.  

Another assumption under “Year-Round Local Economy” was this:

“A sustainable future for Juneau includes more stable, year-round jobs, especially in small businesses and local industries like arts and entertainment.”

That assumption is not based on reality. What has sustained Juneau over the years is its foundational industries, which employ a large number of people, including government, mining, and tourism. The Kensington mine was the last major project to come online around 2010. Still, aside from tourism, nothing else has come to mind as foundational since then. 

Take a look at what’s been happening in Juneau. Families are leaving, and we’ve had to close schools. Small businesses have opened, and we have a nice arts scene, but more new businesses in those areas without people here to support them are bound to fail.  

Juneau needs some big things before we need any more little things.  The Huna Totem dock will help, and so will the Goldbelt development on the west side of Douglas.  The icebreaker and second channel crossing are both significant events and also very necessary.  However, the “Guiding Principles” don’t mention any critical points.  Is that on purpose?

This same guiding principle also mentions “… improving infrastructure such as the ferry system.”  We’ve been trying to do that for years. Still, the falling population in the Southeast has made significant improvements to the ferry system uneconomical.  Without a road, the only hope now is Cascade Point, but the guiding principles don’t mention that either.

Under “Environmental Protection and Climate Leadership,” the guiding principles include “…preserving ecosystems like the Tongass National Forest.”  That is not the job of the Juneau Planning Commission, and that should be omitted from the guiding principles of our plan. As far as energy independence is concerned, Juneau already leads the way in the number of electric vehicles and boasts 43 public charging stations, 21 of which are available for free. 

Finally, under the guiding principle “Connected Community and Neighborhoods,” the assumption seems to be that everyone in Juneau wants a “walkable, mixed-use neighborhood with local shops, schools, and green spaces nearby.”   As I mentioned before, many people wish to live in typical suburban neighborhoods!   The City has land near the proposed Goldbelt development on the west side of Douglas that could accommodate family subdivisions that would be attractive to Coast Guard families. That is something the city can easily do to open up options for new housing areas.

This section also says that public infrastructure should “reduce car dependency.”   Good luck getting people to take the bus to get to their boat in Auke Bay or to Eaglecrest to ski.  

My final comment concerns the omission of any mention of Juneau’s historic past or its efforts at historic preservation.  Considering the controversy surrounding Telephone Hill, this oversight may seem purposeful.

In conclusion, if Juneau is to grow and thrive, some of the assumptions in the “guiding principles” will have just the opposite effect and cause us to shrink even more.

PeggyAnn McConnochie is a Juneau resident since 1980 and a member of Capital City Republican Women.

PeggyAnn McConnochie: Make housing affordable again

Labor Day protest in Fairbanks draws small crowd outside City Hall

Suzanne Downing
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33
Labor Day protest in Fairbanks draws small crowd outside City Hall

A small group of demonstrators gathered outside Fairbanks City Hall on Cushman Street for a Labor Day protest, carrying signs and flags in support of various causes.

The protest, made up of about 100 who were largely older participants, many of whom appeared to be retirees, featured Palestinian flags, Ukrainian flags, upside-down American flags, a sign in Spanish, and signs with messages such as “Equity for All,” “Due Process for All,” “Welcome the Oppressed,” “Resist Evil,” and “Stop Fascism.”

The event had the feel of a union-driven rally, though the turnout was modest compared to past Labor Day gatherings. Organizers and participants, many of them in their 50s and up, emphasized traditional labor themes mixed with broader social and political causes.

Photos from the scene show demonstrators spread across the steps of City Hall, their messages aimed at both local and national issues.

Photo credit: Robert Lype

Mat-Su Borough releases final candidate slate with party labels

Suzanne Downing
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10
Mat-Su Borough releases final candidate slate with party labels

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Clerk’s Office has released the final, certified list of candidates for the Nov. 4 regular borough election, and, standing out from other Alaskan boroughs, Mat-Su designates candidates with a political affiliation on the ballot, whether registered to a party or noting “nonpartisan” or “undeclared.”

Certified Candidates by Office

Assembly District 1 (Palmer area):

  • Michelle Heun — Undeclared (Certified: August 19, 2025)
  • Michael Bowles — Republican (Certified: August 18, 2025) 

Assembly District 2 (Palmer area):

  • Dana Raffaniello — Undeclared (Certified: August 20, 2025)
  • Stephanie Nowers — Nonpartisan (Certified: August 26, 2025) 

Assembly District 4 (Wasilla area):

  • Maxwell H. Sumner — Republican (Certified: August 22, 2025) 

School Board District 2: Kendal W. Kruse — Republican, Gage D. Saxton — Nonpartisan (Certified: August 29, 2025) 

School Board District 5:

  • Brooks Pitcher — Republican (Certified: August 25, 2025) 

School Board District 7:

  • Lorie A. Colee — Republican (Certified: August 25, 2025) 

Under borough code, candidates may designate a political affiliation on the ballot if they are registered with a party or group, or may choose to appear as nonpartisan or undeclared. In the absence of any designation, “undeclared” is assigned by default.

Assembly races in Districts 1 and 2 feature direct contests between those with (District 1) and without party labels (District 2) in a region that traditionally leans Republican.

Boys will be boys: Court upholds Mat-Su School District’s bathroom policy
New Mat-Su Borough Assembly resolution opposes the Yundt Tax on Hilcorp

Trump says he’ll sign executive order to end mail-in voting, require voter ID

Suzanne Downing
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43
Trump says he’ll sign executive order to end mail-in voting, require voter ID

President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he intends to sign an executive order banning most mail-in voting and mandating voter identification in federal elections.

“Voter I.D. Must Be Part of Every Single Vote. NO EXCEPTIONS,” Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday. “I Will Be Doing An Executive Order To That End!!! Also, No Mail-In Voting, Except For Those That Are Very Ill, And The Far Away Military. USE PAPER BALLOTS ONLY!!!”

Every state allows some form of mail-in voting. In several states, including California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Nevada, and Vermont, elections are conducted primarily by mail.

Trump has made election security a central issue since the 2020 presidential election, which was marked by widespread allegations of voter fraud from his supporters. In March, he signed an executive order establishing new voter ID requirements for federal elections and directing the Department of Justice to ensure that mail-in ballots are only counted up until Election Day. That order has been met with numerous legal challenges and is still under review in the courts.

The new executive order Trump is proposing could face similar challenges. While the Constitution grants Congress some oversight of federal elections, states have broad authority to regulate how elections are conducted. Any attempt to override state mail-in voting laws is expected to face immediate lawsuits, particularly from Democratic-aligned groups that favor expanding ballot access.

Alaska is a “no-excuse” absentee voting state. All registered voters can request an absentee ballot without providing a reason. While not a primarily mail-in state like Colorado or Washington, mail-in voting is strongly practiced, particularly in rural and remote communities where in-person voting can be challenging due to geography and weather. There have been numerous instances of voter fraud in rural precincts, linked to things like personal representatives voting for people and an overabundance of ballots being tuned in, in excess of actual number of registered voters.

Alaska Permanent Fund trustees meet Sept. 4, with cybersecurity on the agenda

Suzanne Downing
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4
Alaska Permanent Fund trustees meet Sept. 4, with cybersecurity on the agenda

The Alaska Permanent Fund has reached an all-time high, climbing to just under $85 billion, as the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC) prepares for a pair of Board of Trustees meetings on Thursday, Sept. 4.

The day will begin with the Board’s Ethics, Audit & Cybersecurity Committee Meeting, which runs from 9 am to 1 pm and will focus on the Fiscal Year 2025 financial statements and external audit results. Trustees are scheduled to hear from audit firm KPMG, review year-end financials, receive updates on legal matters, and consider a cybersecurity audit.

Later in the day, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm, the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held. On the agenda are approval of the FY25 Annual Audit, consideration of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, and committee reports.

Both meetings will be conducted virtually via Teams Webinar, with dial-in access also available. The public may register in advance online to receive a webinar link, or call in using the teleconference option. Opportunities for public comment are scheduled during both sessions, and written comments can be submitted at any time to [email protected].

The Alaska Permanent Fund, established in 1976 after voters approved a constitutional amendment to save a portion of the state’s oil wealth for future generations, was seeded in 1977 with $734,000 from oil royalties and has since grown into one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world, managed by the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation. Its earnings have been used to help pay for state government services and, beginning in 1982, to provide annual Permanent Fund Dividend payments to eligible Alaskans. The fund’s balance is invested in a diversified portfolio that includes stocks, bonds, real estate, and private equity, with the principal protected by the constitution and only the earnings available for appropriation.

The Permanent Fund’s near-record balance comes as the corporation continues to navigate long-term investment strategies, budget planning, and governance oversight. With the Fund serving as the financial foundation for both the state’s annual Permanent Fund Dividend program and ongoing state services, the outcomes of these meetings will help shape future fiscal policy.

Meeting agendas, registration links, and teleconference details are available at the APFC Board Meetings webpage.

Alaska Permanent Fund sets another new all-time high, second time this month

Alaska’s Permanent Fund hits new peak

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