Hello Alaska

The legislative session is off and running.

Legislative session is about to kickoff with a new legislative configuration. The following are a few news articles we reference in our discussion.

A big week in the legislature as the governor threatens to veto education funding, taxes are on the table, and the House Majority takes steps to prioritize the PFD formula in the constitution.

In this episode we turn our attention to the energy problems on the horizon for Anchorage and the bizarre Dunleavy press conference.

Hi. Hello Alaska is back. Here are some of the items we talked about this episode:

An early session interview with Rep. Genevieve Mina.

Recorded 1/22/2023 – Talking about the first week of legislative session.

Democrat Mary Peltola wins special U.S. House election, will be first Alaska Native elected to Congress Five takeaway lessons from Alaska's first ranked choice election Podcast: ADN Politics Podcast Podcast: Tlél Wudakʼóodzi Ḵaa Lʼóotʼ (Tongue Unbroken) High Times Cannabis Cup Alaska: People's Choice Edition 2022

In this one we talk about the seasonal nature of Alaska and catch up after a busy summer. Primary elections are here and Anchorage is Anchorage. Election Finance: And the award goes to… Anchorage is Anchorage: Anchorage mayor says he's investigating the hiring of former health director Joe Gerace Employment: Weeks from restarting, schools across … Continue reading 069 – Summer Daze

It’s down to the final four in the special primary election for U.S. Representative for all Alaska and we do some post primary unpacking. The top four candidates are Sarah Palin, Nick Begich, Al Gross, and Mary Peltola.

A chat with Andrew Kitchenman, editor of the Alaska Beacon, about this new publication and their promising crew of veteran journalists focused on becoming a trusted source for state government and politics news. The Alaska Beacon

Ballots start heading to Alaska voters this week in special US House primary election Court shortens window for new redistricting appeals in order to meet June 1 filing deadline Alaska Redistricting trial comes down to conflicting opinions of judge's opinion Alaska House Republicans remove Eastman from caucus Republican lawmakers remove Rep. David Eastman from Alaska … Continue reading 066 – Cyber Security & Tests of Impurity

In this episode we chat with The Blue Alaskan about anonymity, journalism, and the shop element of being a prominent anonymous blogger covering municipal government in Alaska’s biggest city. Our first interview with Blue took place on March 29th and we decided it would be best to wait and release it after everyone cooled off … Continue reading 065 – The Blue Alaskan

Alaska Redistricting Board narrows options for Anchorage state senate maps GOP senators bash GOP-favored redistricting plan as ‘absolutely ridiculous' The House's rejection of settlement money is unprecedented, but so is the settlement Alaska House refuses to pay doctors illegally fired by Gov. Dunleavy Alaska House votes to cut Medicaid funding for abortion services Monday Anchorage … Continue reading 064 – Senate Pairs & Settlement Errors

50 candidates: A wild U.S. House race takes shape in Alaska (ADN) Friday in the Sun (April 1): The Everyone's Running edition (MNS) Sarah Palin among 50 candidates running to fill remainder of Don Young's term in US House (AK Public Media) Public memorial service for Rep. Don Young held in Anchorage (AKNS)

Alaska Supreme Court finds Anchorage senate pairings are an unconstitutional gerrymander (MNS) Remembering Rep. Don Young of Alaska (WaPo) When the Oil Spilled (KBBI) Crews work to contain fuel spill after tugboat runs aground north of Sitka (AKPM) Array of Alaskans ponder runs for Congress in ‘absolute jungle' of elections to replace U.S. Rep. Don … Continue reading 062 – Season of Rage

After Young's death, Alaska's political world braces for a sea change and an elections marathon (ADN) Alaska Rep. Don Young to lie in state at US Capitol (AP) Alaska Supreme Court considers greater scrutiny on redistricting (MNS) Alaska lawmakers investigating firing of Permanent Fund director prepare subpoenas seeking officials' testimony (ADN) Bill limiting COVID-19 vaccine … Continue reading 061 – Congressional Races & Redistricting Cases

Education committee considers bill banning transgender girls from female sports in Alaska Coaches, officials and athletes denounce proposed ban on transgender students playing girls' school sports Hearing held for restrictive transgender sports bill Iowa becomes 11th state to enact a transgender sports law Coming Out: How to cross a desert and coming out as myself … Continue reading 060 – Trans-Alaska Sportsline

Alaska’s Constitution A Citizen’s Guide Alaska’s Constitutional Convention Ukraine nuclear power plant attack: scientists assess the risks Copper Valley Electric Association is considering a nuclear power plant Pitney talks nuclear energy, minerals, and drone education programs during Southeast Conference With commission's order, Alaska candidates can receive unlimited campaign funds Permanent Fund to hold Russian assets … Continue reading 059 – Fund Earmarks and Rental Car Parks

Ghost of Kyiv – Wikipedia Biden administration moves to review Ambler Road plans ‘This is our time.' Murkowski calls on legislators to maximize federal infrastructure bill The war in Ukraine isn't working out the way Russia intended ‘Gut wrenching': Alaskans with roots in Ukraine grapple with war in their homeland Biden administration to revisit federal … Continue reading 058 – Kyiv Ghosts and Resource Roads

‘So what?' How arrogance sank the Alaska Redistricting Board's Republicans Celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich Day National Republican group sidesteps new disclosure law with $3 million donation in Alaska governor's race Les Gara picks teacher Jessica Cook as running mate in Alaska governor's race Anchorage Sen. Natasha von Imhof will not run for reelection or other office … Continue reading 057 – Governor Pairs and Redistricting Errors

Bill aimed at refining state alcohol laws passes Senate Alaska Senate approves alcohol-reform law boosting breweries and distilleries Johnny Ellis, longtime Anchorage state senator, dies at age 61 Watch: 2022 State of the Judiciary Address Dunleavy's court system vetoes because of abortion funding were illegal, judge says Alaska House committee holds Oath Keepers hearing after … Continue reading 056 – Distillery Hours and Separation of Powers

This past week Matt was still deep in the redistricting trial. Rep. Eastman came under fire for his ties to the Oathkeepers. Several legislators were out with covid exposure. Gov. Dunleavy rang up another big bill in court. And Sarah Palin could be part of a case that ends up reshaping our freedom of speech. … Continue reading 055 – Eastman Noise and Truck Convoys

A recap of the second week of legislative session. Matt is up to his eyeballs in the redistricting trial and we talk about economics, legislative pay and the State of the State address. Even Gov. Dunleavy is tired of the Dunleavy agenda Trial challenging Alaska Redistricting Board underway and it's unusual ONE YEAR AGO: Sexual … Continue reading 054 – Much Ado and Just Week Two

It’s the start of the legislative session and it was also a big week for court cases ranging from redistricting and ranked choice voting to constitutionally protected freedom of speech. Abridge Too Far Alaska governor unlawfully fired state lawyer critical of Trump Alaska Supreme Court upholds elections ballot measure, state will use ranked-choice voting Trial … Continue reading 053 – Session Starts & Question Marks

In this episode we reflect on the high and low notes of 2021 and look to the year ahead in 2022. Lydia Jacoby of Seward captures Olympic gold medal “I designed a stamp for USPS” by Rico Worl Michaela Goade becomes first Native American to win Caldecott Medal New mural to honor Alaskan civil rights … Continue reading 052 – Past, Present, Future

Redistricting board met with skepticism during first public hearing in Juneau Alaska Redistricting Board approves new maps (that aren't that terrible) As legal challenges to Alaska's redistricting plan take shape, past rulings offer key insight Alaska Redistricting Board chooses final Senate map despite gerrymandering allegation Alaska Redistricting Board finishes work to adopt maps; opponents say … Continue reading 051 – Redistricting

It’s Episode 50! This was recorded around the time the Anchorage assembly was mid swing on their big mask mandate battle. A big thanks to all the folks who called in and lent their voices to this episode! NOTE: Uploaded the wrong audio initially, should all be fixed now. If you’re not hearing Pat’s voice … Continue reading 050 – Pizza and Positivity

In this one we talk about the Anchorage library flap, the candidates for governor and the third special session. There’s a lot happening and nothing happening all at once. Jeff Landfield Interview w/ Bill Walker & Heidi Drygas Nat Herz Interview w/ Mike Dunleavy Former Anchorage state Rep. Les Gara joins race for Alaska governor … Continue reading 049 – Feels Bad

In this episode we crack open the rulebook and get way off into the weeds on the constitutional intent of the effective date. Ruling expected next week in Alaska lawsuit over state budget effective date Court case may decide whether situation that led Alaska to brink of shutdown could happen again Alaska House reaches agreement … Continue reading 048 – Board Games

In this episode Matt and Pat get together with Tripp Crouse. Tripp is a journalist who formerly worked at KTOO in Juneau and is now the News Director at KNBA in Anchorage. Tripp covers Alaska Native and indigenous issues and this conversation centers on his work, community reporting, tribal sovereignty, Alaska Native Corporations, systems of … Continue reading 047 – Tripp

In this episode we talk about the big ping pong party, Anchorage elections, and the new senate candidate. Alaska legislators apologize after breaking COVID rules by bringing friends for ping-pong, basketball at Capitol gym Anchorage Elections Marketplace: Black business leaders confront restrictive voting laws

We’re over halfway through session! This was recorded on day 62 of what will likely be a 121 day session. We look at the work in the legislature up to the midway point and dig into the discussions around the budget and the permanent fund. Lots of clips this show ranging from values statements to … Continue reading 045 – Out of Order

This episode is mostly complaining. Why hateful speech matters: An open letter to Jamie Allard Free Speech Doesn’t Cover Nazi-themed License Plates Alaska DMV says it’s investigating how Nazi-themed vanity license plates were issued Inaugural Address by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. You can sign up for Matt’s newsletter here: The Midnight Sun Memo

We recorded this episode on New Year’s Day 2021 as a reflection on 2020 and a look ahead at 2021. Interest in Anchorage’s mystery sound grows, but the cause remains elusive Cruise ship will arrive early in Juneau after canceled Asia sailings Hampered by the pandemic, the movement to recall Alaska’s governor adapts Hedonometer 2020 … Continue reading 043 – In With the New

Pizza, pineapple and politics with our guest, Carole Triem. Alex Lee’s op-ed: The Case Against Pineapple Pizza… Papa Bear’s Pizza in Petersburg Little Louie’s in Kotzebue