Monday, October 13, 2025
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Greg Sarber: Homer Remembers Charlie Kirk

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By GREG SARBER

Yesterday, Homer residents gathered together on a beautiful fall day to hold a memorial service for Charlie Kirk at Mariner Beach Park. The ceremony was facilitated by Representative Sarah Vance, and there were several things about the proceedings that are worth mentioning.

First is the service itself. There were several speakers, including church leaders from the community, a couple of citizen speakers, and Representative Vance. The ceremony focused on Charlie’s life and accomplishments. Representative Vance told a moving story about a local resident who is a student at the university where Charlie Kirk was speaking last Wednesday. The individual was in the crowd listening to him speak when Charlie was shot. Fortunately, the woman was unharmed, but she certainly had a close call. It is amazing how world events have an impact on people living in a remote part of Alaska like Homer.

The message during the service was one of remembrance, and that we should not hold hate in our hearts for the individual who killed Charlie. The service ended with a very moving rendition of the song Amazing Grace performed by noted Homer musician Silas Jones. The speakers gave Charlie a somber but very moving tribute. I can’t think of a better way our community could have paid our respects to Charlie Kirk than what was done yesterday. Everyone involved in setting up this memorial deserves our thanks for doing so.

Since Charlie Kirk’s life focused on politics from a Christian perspective, there were a couple of other items from yesterday’s event worth mentioning.

First is the police presence. At the beginning of the services, the first speaker noted that in the event of trouble, participants should not get involved. They should remain in place and protect themselves, while letting the police handle the situation. The speaker also noted that there was a medic in attendance should they be needed. I don’t believe I have ever attended a remembrance service where that warning had to be given. What a terrible commentary about the state of our country when the police are needed to protect attendees at a memorial service from possible protests. Thankfully, none showed up yesterday, but the fact that participants had to be worried is an indictment of liberal political organizations. I very much appreciated the police being there to keep us safe.

The second thing that struck me was the crowd, composition, and size. It was made up of people of all ages. There were families in attendance with young kids, there were young adults, and older adults; every age group was represented. This is in marked contrast to the crowd that attended a recent left-wing street protest in Homer on Labor Day.  That crowd was primarily composed of individuals over 50 years of age, looking to be a group of graying boomers, rather than an expression of the community as a whole.  Crowd composition is important because it shows the involvement and commitment of people in our town.  Those who attended Charlie Kirk’s memorial are people from all walks of life and all ages.  This shows that there is a healthy demographic of individuals who believe in conservatism and were willing to stand on the beach for an hour to honor one of our fallen heroes.  They were also willing to risk bringing their children with them to do so.  That bodes well for the future of conservatism in Homer.

The crowd size was also important.  Before the ceremony started, I took the picture at the top of this article, and the crowd at that time was about 250 people, according to my hasty counting.  More people continued to arrive after the services started, and I estimate that more than 300 people were in attendance. 

This is in contrast to the Labor Day street protest organized by liberal members of our community.  One of the local liberal Facebook pages thanked the 146 people who turned out to support their efforts on Labor Day.  Yesterday’s Kirk memorial had more than double that number of people.  When you compare those who attended these two competing events, it dispels the notion that Homer is a liberal town.  The left considers 146 people for a preplanned event a good turnout.  Conservatives given short notice show up with double those numbers. 

This memorial service was a fitting remembrance of Charlie Kirk and the contributions he made to our country.  Thanks to Representative Sarah Vance and the others involved, who put it together on short notice.  We should remember Charlie’s life and have hope for the ideals he supported.

Greg Sarber is a lifelong Alaskan. He is a petroleum engineer who spent his career working on Alaska’s North Slope. Now retired, he lives with his family in Homer, Alaska. Greg serves as a board member of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc., the publisher of Must Read Alaska.

19 Billion Barrels of Oil Moved and Many More

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By TODD M LINDLEY

After start-up 48 years ago the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) pumped the 19th billion barrel of crude oil into the pipeline on Wednesday September 17th around 1AM.

The 48” diameter 800-mile-long pipeline took three years and two months to construct the pipeline, pump stations, roads and terminal. At peak construction there were over 28,000 contractors and employees working at one time to complete this project. Designing and building the pipeline over mountain ranges, rivers, permafrost and major earthquake fault lines illustrate the fortitude behind this engineering marvel.

In a press release by Alyeska Pipeline President & CEO John Kurz stated, “An often-referenced quote from the TAPS construction era goes, ‘They didn’t know it couldn’t be done.’ In that spirit, this once-implausible milestone for TAPS was made reality by the proud pipeline people at Alyeska Pipeline and our contractors who operate TAPS safely and reliably. This moment also honors countless individuals and organizations that continue adding to the iconic infrastructure’s legacy, as well as Alaska’s residents and leaders and the state’s hardworking oil and gas industry.”

The Trump Administration made Alaska a central part of it’s domestic energy policy. In June, members of the presidential cabinet and administration visited Alaska, including a visit to Pump Station 1 in Prudhoe Bay. They discussed the key role Alaska oil and gas will play in the United States becoming energy dominate with developments like Willow and Pikka on the horizon.

“That work, paired with an environment of support and action from federal and state energy policy leaders, has us focused on TAPS 100 and many more milestones ahead,” says Kurz.

For more information on the press release and about TAPS historic throughput at https://alyeska-pipe.com/historic-throughput/ and TAPS history at https://alyeska-pipe.com/taps-facts/.

Todd Lindley is on the board of Alaska Gold Communications, the parent company of Must Read Alaska.

The Awakening of America

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By JON FAULKNER

The murder of Charlie Kirk is impacting a generation of young Americans. Could we be witnessing the cusp of a post-COVID revival of faith in God?

If Riley Nye of Juneau has anything to say about it, the answer is yes. 

He writes to Must Read Alaska that he is seriously motivated, “to pick up the torch, and set up shop at the university to start having conversations with the college kids. I hope that anyone that wants to do such a thing will step forward with all boldness and haste, because that’s what Charlie Kirk did, and that’s what this country needs.”

He’s not the only young man who believes this and is energized in a profound and convincing way.

Spokesperson for Turning Point USA, Andrew Kolvet, said interest in the organization has surged. Kolvet said that they have received more than 37,000 inquiries from people wanting to start new campus chapters.

Riley’s hometown is Juneau, Alaska, where he has lived for the last 20-plus years. He is highly educated, holding a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, majoring in political science and English from UAS in Juneau, also politically engaged as a legislative aide for Representative Mike Prax, of District 33 in North Pole. Riley emphasized that his interview and letter to MRAK represents his personal views and not those of his employer, and that he is not seeking public office.

Riley Nye describes himself as “deeply disturbed and saddened by the assassination of a great man who was the embodiment of the American spirit, a man who stood for independent thinking, free speech, and a love for our Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ.”

The wider message he wants all Americans to know is that we should reject and abhor political violence “because it goes against the principles God has set forth in His Word, and it goes against the principles that our nation was founded upon.”

He quoted Romans 12:20-21 “If thine enemy hungers feed him, if he thirsts, give him drink, for in so doing thou shalt reap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

What makes Riley’s message urgent and compelling is that it appears to be playing out in just this manner across America, and yet it is not widely covered by mainstream news.  Riley is absolutely convinced that America is about to witness a global resurgence of faith in action “on a grand scale.” Charlie Kirk’s voice and legacy, he insists, “cannot be silenced because we are all Charlie Kirks.”

Riley concludes with a sense of mission to Americans: “I beseech you to set aside your worldly inclinations towards revenge and instead to look towards the will of our Father.”

He issued prayers for the Kirk family and the country. 

America, it appears, is waking up.

Jon Faulkner is the president of Alaska Gold Communications, the parent company of Must Read Alaska.

Teachers Have a Choice: The AAE Alternative

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By NATALIE SPAULDING

While the National Education Association of Alaska (NEA-alaska) is the only union available to Alaskan educators, educators do not need to rely on the union for legal support and liability coverage. According to the Central Regional Director for the Association of American Educators, Gary Sigle, “Any individual working in a school has three choices: they can choose to join the union, they can choose to join us, or they can choose not to belong to anything.”

Before 2018, twenty-one states forced educators to belong to a union as a condition of employment, but the 2018 Supreme Court decision Janus v. AFSCME ruled that educators have the right to work whether they belong to an association or not. For Alaskan teachers who do not want to pay exorbitant union dues, but want solid legal protection and liability insurance, the American Association of Educators (AAE) offers an attractive alternative to NEA-Alaska.

Long-time Anchorage public school teacher Aimee Sims first became interested in AAE when she heard stories from different colleagues that felt like they were not being represented by the union. In conjunction with the dissatisfaction regarding representation, “I was also concerned when I realized how much my dues were,” commented Aimee.

Another long-time educator Kim Bates, who had taught in Kenai public schools for 20 years, breaks down the numbers and benefits of NEA-Alaska: “We pay a little over $1,400 a year in union dues. Very little of that money goes to our local association, about $25 goes to the Political Action Committee, and the rest goes to NEA-Alaska and the NEA-National. You get $1 million in liability coverage with NEA. There is some legal coverage, but usually, the educator has to pay upfront and then they get reimbursed in certain circumstances.” 

In contrast, AAE offers full legal support and $2 million in liability coverage for only $19.50 a month or $234 a year. Educators can easily fill out an online form and within 8-12 hours, talk with a professional about any legal concerns regarding their work. No upfront, out-of-pocket costs. No hassle. Additionally, AAE is non-union and non-partisan. No money from member dues goes to support political campaigns or candidates. Unlike NEA-Alaska, the money all goes to providing member benefits: legal counsel and liability coverage.

Not only does AAE make sure members’ hard-earned money goes toward benefits, but it also makes sure each member receives those benefits. Rather than a group policy, AAE offers a per member, per instance policy, which guarantees each member will receive the benefits they are paying for.

Another key difference between NEA-Alaska and AAE is that NEA does not cover substitute teachers, but AAE does. “Any individual who gets a W-2 form from an educational entity can join AAE,” Gary Sigle states. This includes substitutes, paras, bus drivers, anyone and everyone who works as a W-2 employee at a school.

Some teachers may be concerned that if they choose AAE, they will lose legal support from their local union. However, according to the law, the local union must provide representation for contract issues to all educators of their area regardless of whether the educator is a union member, a member of a different association like AAE, or not a member anywhere.

As Gary Sigle explains: “For example, let’s say as a cross country coach, they are not paying me what the contract says, for whatever reason. I am doing the job and I have not done anything wrong. Because the issue is contract related, the group that negotiated the contract– that is, the local union– should be there to support me.” While local unions may be reluctant to provide this representation, AAE will walk alongside educators to help them receive the representation they deserve by law. 

If you are an Anchorage teacher and want to learn more about AAE, there will be a Zoom meeting on September 18th that you are welcome to join! To receive a link to the Zoom meeting or to ask any questions you may have, please contact either Aimee Sims at [email protected] or Kim Bates at 907-252-7251.

Natalie Spaulding, a 2025 Hillsdale College graduate, recently joined the Must Read Alaska team.

Stephen Cox: Charlie Kirk And The Duty To Defend Free Speech Against The Assassin’s Veto 

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By ALASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL, STEPHEN J. COX

The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken our nation. His life was defined by courage in defense of the First Amendment, and his death is a sobering reminder that free speech is never secure unless we are willing to stand up for it. Charlie understood that the answer to speech we don’t like is not censorship or violence, but more speech—and he lived that principle with conviction. Like Governor Dunleavy made clear earlier this week, Charlie’s courage calls us to a higher standard. 

In that spirit, and with the Governor’s backing, I recently joined other attorneys general in writing colleges and universities to remind them of what the law already requires: they cannot impose discriminatory security fees, cancel events, or single out speakers for unfavorable treatment simply because their views are controversial. To do so is nothing more than a heckler’s veto—or worse, an assassin’s veto. 

That letter was directed to higher education, but my message is broader. We must speak directly to all schools about the importance of protecting First Amendment rights regardless of the views espoused and preserving the marketplace of ideas. When institutions promise open debate but then use security or administrative discretion to exclude certain views, they betray that promise and diminish the value of education itself. If schools yield to fear and suppress speech, they will train the next generation to do the same. 

This message is especially urgent for our public colleges, universities, and schools. As government actors, they are duty bound to honor the Constitution, not to bend it whenever pressure mounts. The Alaska Constitution makes that duty explicit, and under both statute and our common-law tradition, it is my responsibility as Attorney General to enforce it. 

As Attorney General, I am duty bound by Alaska law and the Alaska Constitution to enforce compliance with constitutional mandates. That includes ensuring our public colleges, universities, and schools do not misuse security or facility policies to silence disfavored voices. The First Amendment is not a suggestion. It is binding law, and it applies to every public institution in this state. Public administrators do not get to cancel speakers or impose unequal burdens because they are worried about criticism or disagree with their viewpoints. They cannot yield to hecklers by silencing the speaker instead of protecting the right to speak. 

This is as true for high schools as it is for universities. The lesson our students must learn is that disagreement is not danger. The healthy answer to ideas we oppose is engagement and argument, not suppression—and certainly never violence. 

My wife and I first met Charlie nearly ten years ago in October of 2015. He had started Turning Point USA a few years prior, and he had already grown it to 1,000 schools and colleges nationwide. Charlie was young, brimming with energy, and a force of nature. Over the years, we ran into each other several times and shared dozens of close mutual friends. The last time I reached out to him was to see if he might come to Alaska—to speak with young people and maybe spend a couple days fly fishing. That was Charlie: an Eagle Scout who loved the outdoors and found renewal in it, but who loved even more the chance to challenge students to think. 

Charlie never chose the safe route. He believed deeply that free speech meant little if it only protected uncontroversial voices. He walked into auditoriums where hostility was certain, and he did it not out of anger but out of conviction. He was living proof that the First Amendment is most vital when it feels most at risk. 

Charlie Kirk’s life should remind us that free speech is not an abstraction. It is lived, defended, and sometimes paid for at the highest price. To honor him, we must not retreat into quiet or fear. In Alaska, we will stand firm. The marketplace of ideas must remain open in our universities, our high schools, and every place where young people learn to be citizens. That is my duty under the Constitution, and it is the least we can do to honor Charlie’s legacy.

Stephen J. Cox, 28th Attorney General of Alaska.

Anchorage Conference to Address Healthcare, Education, AI, and Economic Freedom

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By BRENDA JOSEPHSON

Alaskans 4 Personal Freedom is gearing up for its October 11th event at the University of Alaska’s Wendy Williamson Auditorium.

The event provides attendees with “a day of insight and empowerment” on healthcare, education, artificial intelligence, and economic issues. It is hosted by Alaskans 4 Personal Freedom (AK4PF), formerly known as the Alaska COVID Alliance.

The all-day event includes lunch with the entrance fee, and features a dynamic lineup of experts.

Director Linda Boyle, DM, MSN, RN, emphasized the conference’s goal: “This is a great opportunity for Alaskans to be better informed to make their own decisions on healthcare, their children’s education, and how artificial intelligence will affect their children’s critical thinking skills. Just like Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA, we want people to be empowered with knowledge.”

The conference is scheduled to feature speakers listed as follows:

•  Dr. Pierre Kory, keynote speaker, will discuss “The War on Ivermectin,” exploring the potential to have saved lives during COVID-19, drug repurposing for long-term COVID, and rising cancers in young adults. 

•  Dr. James Lindsay, a close friend of Charlie Kirk, will examine the “Stakeholder Economy,” highlighting its Soviet and Nazi roots and how it’s applied to our lives today.

•  Dr. Ilona Farr, an Alaskan physician, will share “Updates in Medicine 2025,” covering COVID, Long COVID, vaccine injuries, and alternative cancer treatments, with a record of losing only one of thousands of COVID patients.

•  Mary Holland, J.D., President of Children’s Health Defense, will address “Fighting for Justice: Health Freedom Legal Action,” challenging unconstitutional medical mandates. 

•  Dr. Ryan Cole will present “Be Your Own Best Doctor,” offering health optimization strategies. 

•  Leslie Hiner, J.D., from EdChoice, will explain the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program and school choice options. 

•  Dr. Meryl Nass will discuss “The Attack on Farming, Food, and Our Health,” addressing threats to family farms and food security. 

•  Michael Ashley will warn of AI’s impact in “Outsourced Minds: AI’s Hidden Cost to Our Kids.” 

Priced at $55 for attendance with lunch included. Discounted rooms at the Hotel Captain Cook are available for registrants, with a discount code provided post-registration.

“Where else can you hear from experts for only $55, lunch included?” Boyle asks, urging Alaskans to “Break Free with Knowledge” on October 11.

For details, visit https://ak4pf.org/2025-conference/.

Brenda Josephson is a board member of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc., the publisher of Must Read Alaska. You can contact her via email at [email protected].

ABC Cancels ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ Over Charlie Kirk Comments

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By BRENDA JOSEPHSON

ABC has abruptly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule “indefinitely” following host Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial monologue about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced Wednesday evening, comes on the heels of sharp criticism from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr and preemptive moves by major network affiliates.

Kimmel’s remarks aired during the September 15 episode, where he accused the “MAGA gang” of politicizing Kirk’s death by mischaracterizing the alleged shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, as anything other than a conservative. “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them,” Kimmel said, drawing immediate ire from conservative commentators who pointed to reports of Robinson’s left-leaning views.

The backlash intensified when FCC Chair Brendan Carr, appearing on podcaster Benny Johnson’s show, labeled Kimmel’s comments “the sickest conduct possible” and warned of potential regulatory action against ABC and its affiliates. “They have a license granted by us at the FCC, and that comes with it an obligation to operate in the public interest,” Carr stated, hinting at news distortion complaints that could jeopardize broadcast licenses. 

Hours later, Nexstar Media Group, which owns and operates ABC affiliates nationwide, announced it would preempt Jimmy Kimmel Live “for the foreseeable future” starting that night. In a statement, Nexstar’s president of broadcasting, Andrew Alford, cited Kimmel’s “offensive and insensitive” remarks as misaligned with community values: “Continuing to give Mr. Kimmel a broadcast platform… is simply not in the public interest at the current time.” ABC quickly followed suit, with a network spokesperson confirming, “‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ will be preempted indefinitely.”

On social media, President Donald Trump hailed the move as “Great News for America: The ratings challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED.”

Brenda Josephson is a board member of Alaska Gold Communications, Inc., the publisher of Must Read Alaska. You can contact her via email at [email protected].

Hillsdale K-12 Classical Education Comes to Alaska

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By NATALIE SPAULDING

With many Alaskans discouraged with the current state of public education, the founding of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage comes as welcome news to many families. TMC’s mission proudly proclaims the school’s foundation in classical, Christian pedagogy and their vision of an education aim toward Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. According to TMC leadership, the school seeks to educate students to be better human beings. In addition to learning facts and figures and developing marketable skills, Thomas More scholars will also grow in virtue, wisdom, and faith.

A few years ago, a group of like-minded parents formed the Board of Directors of Thomas More Classical School. Noting community feedback on the insufficiency of public schools, the Board began rekindling what school ought to be: a place that will “deepen faith, awaken God-given charisms, and equip each graduate with the knowledge and confidence required to pursue their unique calling and live as free and flourishing Alaskans.”

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After completing a competitive application process, TMC was accepted into the Hillsdale College K-12 program which mentors new schools in the classical model and provides a robust, rigorous, and effective curriculum. The school plans to open in Fall 2026 with grades K-6. Grades 7 and 8 may also be available in Fall 2026 depending on community interest and Hillsdale College guidance. TMC plans to add one grade each year until it is a full K-12 private school.

TMC wishes to provide a private, but not elitist alternative to public education. The school desires a diverse, culturally rich student body, representing all walks of life. Sarah Spaulding, the school’s current headmaster, addresses the common concern that the classical education model promotes elitism: “The classics are not for the intellectual elite nor strictly for the affluent. The ideas found in classic literature and expounded through classic pedagogy are timeless, universal, and profoundly humbling. Through my experience in the classical education arena, both as a teacher and an administrator, I have seen kids come alive with the light of learning, grow in moral character, and embrace the challenges of serious academic pursuit. “

Thomas More Classical School, opening Fall 2026, carries the torch of classical education to Alaska and offers a beacon to those searching for academically rigorous and morally sound education for their children. TMC invites parents to gather by our fire, feel the warmth of wisdom, and partner with us to keep the light of learning burning during this time of darkness in American education.

If you are interested in learning more about Thomas More Classical school, please consider joining one of the information sessions or events happening this fall. Applications for the 2026-2027 school year open for grades K-6 on October 1, 2025.

Natalie Spaulding, a 2025 Hillsdale College graduate, recently joined the Must Read Alaska team.

Treg Taylor Announces Campaign for Governor of Alaska

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In the interest of neutrality and timely release, Must Read Alaska has elected to re-print Treg Taylor’s announcement of his candidacy for Governor in full, which follows:

Today, conservative fighter and Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor officially announced his candidacy for Governor of Alaska.

“I’ve fought crime. I’ve fought Biden. And I’ll fight for Alaska,” said Taylor. “The career politicians in Juneau have lost their way. With costs soaring, dividend checks shrinking, and good jobs harder to find, too many Alaskans struggle just to get by. It’s time to write a new chapter for the Last Frontier. We need a fearless conservative who’s been in the arena — and can win for Alaska.”

As Alaska’s Attorney General, Taylor has gone toe-to-toe with career politicians in Juneau, confronted the radicals in Anchorage, and stood up to extreme environmentalists. He fought Biden’s land grabs, vaccine mandates, and attacks on our energy jobs — and won for Alaskans. He held Big Pharma accountable, delivering $100 million for addiction recovery, defended parental rights in education, and has always stood firm in defense of the Second Amendment and the freedoms that make Alaska great. Under Attorney General Taylor, crime has dropped to a 40-year low.

Treg Taylor’s story is Alaska’s story. Raised by a single mom — Treg learned early what it takes to survive and succeed: determination and the strength to stand your ground. He learned you don’t wait for someone else to solve your problems. You step up, you fight, and you protect what matters.

“I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with President Trump to unleash Alaskan energy and protect our way of life,” Taylor said. “I’ve taken on anyone — Republican or Democrat — who put politics ahead of Alaskans. I’m ready to take that fight to the governor’s office.”

Treg Taylor was appointed Attorney General of Alaska in 2021 after serving as Deputy Attorney General in charge of the civil division. He began his legal career in Alaska, built a successful career as a litigator, and served in key roles in both the public and private sectors. Taylor and his wife, Jodi, live in Anchorage where they raised their six kids as proud fourth-generation Alaskans.

Please view Treg Taylor’s official announcement video below:

Announcement Video Link

For more information, please visit the Treg Taylor for Alaska Governor campaign site below:

Treg Taylor’s campaign

Paid for by Treg for Governor, 1120 Huffman Rd, Suite 24-834, Anchorage, AK 99515.