Saturday, October 17, 2026
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Steller Secondary Explores Occult Spirituality with “Witches and Stitches” Intensive 

Natalie Spaulding
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26
Steller Secondary Explores Occult Spirituality with “Witches and Stitches” Intensive 

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. 

DecIntensivePostersDownload

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

Natalie Spaulding
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25
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

Natalie Spaulding
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7
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Grants Total of $7.2m to 22 Organizations

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.

FY26 Q2 Grants Press ReleaseDownload

Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Evangelism

Todd M Lindley
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5
Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Evangelism

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.

Children’s Health Defense Petitions to Revoke the Licenses of Pfizer & Moderna Covid Vaccines

Natalie Spaulding
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5
Children’s Health Defense Petitions to Revoke the Licenses of Pfizer & Moderna Covid Vaccines

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.”

FDA-2025-P-6831-0001_attachment_1Download

Alaska Reaches $7.8 Million Settlement with Juul and Altria Amid Youth Vaping Crackdown

Todd M Lindley
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9
Alaska Reaches $7.8 Million Settlement with Juul and Altria Amid Youth Vaping Crackdown

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.

For more information, see press release:

state-of-alaska-secures-78-million-settlement-from-juul-and-altria-for-targeting-alaskan-youthDownload

Alaskan Spruce Shines Light on Timeless Christmas Tree Tradition

Todd M Lindley
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1
Alaskan Spruce Shines Light on Timeless Christmas Tree Tradition

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:

Christmas TreeDownload

FBI Issues Urgent Warning on Rising Government Impersonation Scams Targeting Alaskans

Todd M Lindley
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5
FBI Issues Urgent Warning on Rising Government Impersonation Scams Targeting Alaskans

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.

More on the FBIs press release:

FBI warning ScamsDownload

Sullivan Celebrates Win for Alaska’s Small Businesses Serving Key Industries

Natalie Spaulding
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7
Sullivan Celebrates Win for Alaska’s Small Businesses Serving Key Industries

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.

Sullivan Secures Long Overdue Fix to SBA Rule for Small Businesses ContractingDownload
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