Podcasts about alaskans

On a hot summer evening, two Alaskans were scouting for the upcoming moose season when they accidentally walked right into a grizzly bear's kill. The bear charged at them from just 10 yards and a barrage of gunfire ensued. Here's how one of those men, Brett TerBeek, describes the encounter. Hosted by senior staff writer Tyler Freel. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Produced by executive editor Natalie Krebs. Guest is Brett TerBeek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we chat with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets with the Weekly Top 3. This weeks topics: Some legislators don't seem to understand how oil taxes work; Shelley Hughes has a ready made fiscal platform, will she use it; There is such a thing as the perfect op-ed. Then we'll recap with some of my thoughts in hour two before we finish up with Chris Story with our weekly PMA lifecoaching and uplift.

The Alaska End-of-Life Alliance was formed three years ago to support Alaskans who are planning for, or nearing the end of their lives. This support encompasses a wide range of services, including advanced care planning and decision-making discussions about all aspects of death and dying.

Send us a textNathaniel Herz is a freelance reporter who's spent over a decade working in Alaska, including stints at the Anchorage Daily News and Alaska Public Media. A few years ago he started his own newsletter "Northern Journal," where he is supported by individual subscribers and grant funding to do his own projects in collaboration with various media organizations like ProPublica, the ADN, and Alaska Public Media. He also has a podcast called "Northern Journal." Nat is on the show today because he wanted to provide a counter perspective to the doom and gloom attitude present in some of my recent episodes discussing the future of media in Alaska.Articles featured in today's show:"This oil platform stopped pumping 30 years ago. Alaska still won't make the owner tear it down.""The last skipper in Ouzinkie: How Gulf of Alaska villages lost their Native fishing fleets.""How a risky state investment in seafood cost Alaskans millions and left a fishing town in crisis."Podcast episodes mentioned:"Lisa Murkowski: 'The problem with standing on principle is when your constituents get hurt'""What happens when the trans-Alaska pipeline shuts down? And who pays to remove it?"

Researchers are monitoring a possible harmful algae bloom in Kachemak Bay, and Alaskans far and wide flock to the Kenai Peninsula's rivers each July to fish for sockeye salmon.

Today we'll dive into the Weekly Top 3 with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: The downside to 'drill baby drill'; yes the AK Economy is broken and no, the AKLNG won't fix it.; K12 debate about to get more complicated. Then in hour two I'll recap with some of my thoughts before bringing Chris Story up to pump us up with some PMA.

In this newscast: Tomorrow marks one month since Juneau resident Benjamin or “Benny” Stepetin was last seen in the capital city; For years, the state has struggled to keep up with Alaskans who apply for government benefits intended to help people facing disabilities and poverty. Despite efforts to address the problem, thousands of Alaskans are still caught in backlogs; It's been three weeks since the Alaska Department of Fish and Game seized dozens of animals from a wildlife facility outside Haines. But a number were left behind; An IT outage that grounded all Alaska Airlines flights Sunday night led to cancellations today at the Anchorage and Fairbanks international airports.

Tonight on the KRBD Evening Report….Hardware failure grounded all Alaska Airlines flights Sunday causing rerouting and delays, thousands of Alaskans have been caught for years in backlogs for government benefits, and a man is being investigated after bringing a “ghost gun” through Wrangell's airport.Those stories and more coming up…And a note, KRBD is currently without regular reporters, so local news will be very limited. We hope to be able to hire someone soon.

Authorities search for a bear that was involved in a mauling in Anchorage Tuesday. New, separate reports released by the NTSB today detail the fatal crashes of two prominent Alaskans back in 2023. After more than seven weeks in captivity, a Nigerian priest who served in Alaska for six years has been released by the terrorist organization Boko Haram.  

This week we hear a recap of the tsunami warning and later all clear in Kodiak and the Alaska Peninsula, Congress voted to cut public media funding, the state government has struggled to keep up with Alaskans applying for government benefits, and inside Kodiak's sole operational kelp hatchery.Support KMXT by becoming a member - click here.KMXT.org #kmxt #kodiak

In this newscast: As electronic gaming machines chime away at the Eklutna Tribe's new casino near Anchorage, the high-stakes legal battles over its right to operate goes on. It's a case that other tribes have their eye on; The Juneau Assembly is considering changing city code to make it easier for Juneau Police officers to arrest people without housing who are camping in public spaces; A man who was wrongfully detained in Anchorage by federal immigration officials is claiming that officers stole his wallet, which contained his immigration documents and social security card; The Trump administration's new budget reconciliation bill is drawing criticism from some Alaskans for its cuts to social safety net programs. But residents in one Arctic community say the bill will support their economy, thanks to several carveouts for Alaska, including an increased tax break for whaling captains.

Today it's the Weekly Top 3 with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks big topics: Will OBBB provide development; will any candidates actually face the actual problems we're facing; one journalist should take his own advice. Then in hour two I'll recap and then we'll finish up with our weekly life coaching lesson and positivity uplift from Chris Story from Homer.

Tonight on the KRBD Evening Report….Batten down the hatches, heavy rains are expected to hit Southeast Thursday with strong winds following, a Juneau chiropractor arrested four years ago for sexual assault may finally go to trial, and Alaskans struggle to get access to life-saving addiction treatment.Those stories and more coming up…

It's the deep dive into the three topics that Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets thinks are the most important for the week. This week its: Is Musk the new Perot? What's the response to the OBBB? Dunleavey's 'special' session. Then in hour two I'll recap with some of my thoughts before we finish up with our weekly lifecoaching lessons with Chris Story our resident PMA guru.

Kilroy‑Sized Show Notes | Head‑ON with Roxanne Kincaid — July  1, 2025 (4,000‑character carnival ride, safely under Apple's big top)

Today we'll dive into the Weekly Top 3 from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets, with Brad Keithley. Today's topics: Alaska's hypocrisy; the PFC is ignoring it's own numbers; we DO have skin in the game. Then in hour two I'm going to dive into that Murkowski interview with Galen Druke that surprised me. Then we're going to finish up with Chris Story for our weekly uplift and lifecoaching lesson.

This week with host Davis Hovey, we hear about how Gov. Dunleavy's line item vetoes to education funding will impact Kodiak's school district, the city council has selected a new city manager as negotiations continue, a recap of the inaugural Kodiak Mountain Series and a report from our colleagues at Alaska Public Media about the latest on how portions of the "big, beautiful bill" will impact Alaskans.

This week it's another popular "No DQ and A" where we discuss potential guests and why some haven't been on yet, the Alaskans, candid Road Warriors shots, Sheik bumps", crazy fans and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus

Today we dive into the Weekly Top 3 from Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: The effects of Israel v Iran on AKOIL; the US Senate is following AKLEG in tactics; Alaska's Oil Tax Code needs and overhaul. Then in hour two I'll recap as well as get into Murkowski's latest interview. Then we'll finish up with Chris Story who'll come in for our weekly uplift and life coaching lesson.

It can be hard for Alaskans to feel connected to the rest of the country. I recently went on a nearly coast to coast drive with my daughter and her family as they moved from South Carolina to Washington State. As we drove 500-mile days for a week a few connections between places on our drive and my home city of Anchorage emerged. Welcome to the Dashboard Diaries a special four-part mini-series brought to you by the AnchorED City Podcast. During this four-part mini-series we will connect with Anchorage's soul through her history, stories, and people by connecting to four places along the road from our drive across this vast land of ours.   On this episode we consider a connection between Kansas City, MO and Anchorage.    #anchoredcity https://anchorageutc.org https://www.facebook.com/AnchorageUTC @AnchorageUTC     Theme Music by Tech Oasis from Pixabay "Lets Go, Go Go White Sox" – by Captain Stubby and the Buccaneers (https://archive.org/details/lets_go_go_white_sox) “Go, Cubs, Go” - by Steve Goodman (https://open.spotify.com/track/7bwLJXvQyP8IXropz0X0hy) Kansas City Stomp – By Jelly Roll Morton   Resources Used To Make This Episode: https://www.mlb.com/cubs/ballpark/information/history https://www.aagpbl.org/history/league-history https://baseballhall.org/discover/1943-aagpbl-all-star-game-played-under-lights-at-wrigley-field https://chicagology.com/baseball/wrigleylights/ https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-path-to-the-cubs-and-white-sox-from-the-negro-leagues-17-barrier-breakers/#:~:text=Although%20the%20Cubs%20would%20not,made%20it%20to%20Wrigley%20Field. https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/history/negro-leagues

In this episode, Dante Troina, Kody Malouf and I discuss Alaskan-themed movies, noting the romanticized vision many have of the state, and break down  how authenticity plays a role in the perception of films set in Alaska.  We review movies such as Mystery, Alaska; The Proposal, Into the Wild, Grizzly Man, Insomnia, 30 Days of Night, On Deadly Ground and more.  Dante and Kody are life-long Alaskans and the host of The Cinema Cult Podcast.  Check out the On Step Alaska website or subscribe on Substack for articles, features and all things Alaska. Click here for a 20% discount on an annual subscription to The Westrn, the outdoor community's newest newspaper. Thanks to the sponsors: Sagebrush Dry (Alaskan-owned business that sells the best dry bags you can buy.) Alpine Fit (Premium outdoor layering from another Alaskan-owned business.) Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Today it's Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budges bringing us the Weekly Top 3. This week's topics include: where are oil prices going and what does it mean? The conclusion of the educations taskforce are in doubt and what JERA's decision on AKLNG means for us. Then in hour two I'll recap with some of my thoughts and then we'll finish up with Chris Story who'll bring us some inspiration for our life coaching session.

In this newscast: The massive budget reconciliation bill the U.S. House delivered to the Senate would block Medicaid patients from receiving care at Planned Parenthood health centers, and health care providers and advocates in Alaska are afraid that would prevent many Alaskans from getting critical health care; The Juneau School District is cracking down on cell phone use in schools; A group of state lawmakers is set to meet this summer and fall to continue working on ways to improve Alaska's public schools; Researchers say it's clear that wolves in parts of Southeast Alaska are increasingly turning to the sea, instead of the land, for food, but now there's evidence that the behavior can have toxic results; Ketchikan's tribal government will soon be under new leadership 

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:Alaska's public schools likely won't get all the money lawmakers approved in a bipartisan vote last month. As President Donald Trump orders the U.S. military into Los Angeles hundreds of Alaskans are preparing to join pro-democracy rallies planned for Saturday. And the U.S. House has passed President Trump's rescission request, taking back $9.4 billion from foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

A look at the health impacts of wildfire smoke and volcanic ash, how you can protect yourself and what Alaskans can expect in the years to come.

Today we dive into the Weekly Top 3 with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: The pros/cons of closing Cosmopolitan, one sided analysis is irritating; what DIDNT happen at the Governor's conference. Then in hour two I'll recap with some of my thoughts before trying to do a bit of goodnews and positivity myself, since Chris is unavailable.

Send us a textAlaska State House Representative for Downtown Anchorage Zack Fields explains the budget reconciliation bill recently passed in the US House by a single vote. That bill is now in the US Senate, where if it is not substantially amended, it would adversely affect Alaska in many ways. One is cutting funding for SNAP – which is the federal food stamp program.  About 70,000 Alaskans receive SNAP benefits. The bill would also significantly affect Medicaid – which is government health insurance for low-income people and families. About 250,000 Alaskans are enrolled in Medicaid. The bill offers significant tax cuts that primarily benefit the ultra wealthy. Ultimately, if the 2025 budget reconciliation bill passes as is, it would massively increase the federal deficit which is already alarmingly high and has contributed to a reduction in America's credit rating. To listen to Rep. Zack Field's previous episode on the podcast (where we discuss him and his life), click here.

In this episode, Must Read Alaska Show host Ben Carpenter delivers a robust, real-time debrief from the Alaska Sustainable Energy Conference, hosted by Governor Mike Dunleavy in Anchorage. Carpenter walks the audience through the key takeaways, the tone of the event, and the overarching vision shared by political and industry leaders, particularly from the Trump administration, about Alaska's pivotal role in national energy policy, security, and economic revival. With hundreds of attendees from around the globe, the conference presented Alaska not as a remote outpost, but as a strategic energy powerhouse whose development is critical not only for the state but for national and global security. Carpenter closes the episode with a rallying cry for Alaskans to take ownership of their future: Energy is the starting point of economic renewal. Alaska has resources, public support, and geopolitical necessity on its side. It's time to structure policy and fiscal mechanisms to reward growth and self-reliance, not government expansion.

Today we chat with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets on the Weekly Top 3. This weeks stories: Remember the PFC's recent bragging? What should we expect from Trumps upcoming visit? Which 'working people' is Angela Rodell talking about? In hour two we'll recap with my thoughts and then finish up with Chris Story for a much needed dose of positivity and uplift.

This episode is the audio for a YouTube TeamStream that initially ran on May 14, 2025.  TeamStreams run live every Tuesday at 9 pm on the WOJM YouTube channel, barring unforeseen circumstances or holidays.  Please take a moment and help us out — even if you don't watch us there, subscribe to our YouTube channel today! We get so much love from our fans in the Western half of the US that we've moved the show for them! That's right, we're starting this WOJM TeamStream late so our Californians, Oregonians, Washingtonians, Hawaiians, Alaskans, and more of our non-Eastern folks can watch us without interrupting dinner for a change! Joining Mike for this special occasion are two of LA's best, Joe Slepski from Joe On Joe Podcast and Ray Stakenas from Who Would Win Podcast! We've got two (pretty sparse) weeks of GI Joe news and lots of shenanigans! LISTEN TODAY! You can watch this episode at: https://youtube.com/live/YWxUBMnG4ok   Get caught up on your reading without all that pesky reading!  Listen to Banned Camp — the comedy podcast that looks into why classic books get banned!  You can find them wherever you listen to podcasts!  Remember, that's Banned with two N's!

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:Scientists and hunters have been counting bowhead whales passing by Utqiagvik for the past two months. Senator Lisa Murkowski is concerned about implications for Alaskans of cuts to SNAP benefits and medicaid. State lawmakers have passed bills designed to help pull the struggling Alaska seafood industry out of its tailspin.Photo: Bowhead whale. (Vicki Beaver)

Today we get to visit with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets and go over the post session Weekly Top 3. This weeks topics: 1/3 of the year paid for by PFD cuts; Anna MacKinnon's issues; could Alaska stop OPEC tail wagging? Then we'll recap with some of my thoughts and then finish up in hour two with Chris Story's sneak peek at his new book followed up by his weekly uplift.

Today we have our final Weekly Top 3 from Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets before the end of the regular session. This weeks spicy topics: The biggest PFD cut yet; all the spin from the PFC; Alaska's energy 'whack-a-mole' problem. Then in hour two I'm gonna rant...er ..... recap and finish up with Chris Story who will bring us a positivity uplift.

The Dashboard Diaries #1: Greenville, SC May 19, 2025   Alaska feels a bit removed from the rest of the United States because it is separated from the contiguous 48 states by a minimum of 500 mile. Anchorage is even further away. That distance can leave residents not only distinct and different, but often detached. It can be hard for Alaskans to feel connected to the rest of the country. I recently went on a nearly coast to coast drive with my daughter and her family as they moved from South Carolina to Washington State. As we drove 500-mile days for a week a few connections between places on our drive and my home city of Anchorage emerged. During this four-part mini-series we will connect with Anchorage's soul through her history, stories, and people by connecting to four places along the road from our drive across this vast land of ours. Welcome to the Dashboard Diaries a special four-part mini-series brought to you by the AnchorED City Podcast. On this episode we consider a surprising connection between Greenville, SC and Anchorage.     https://greaterfriendshipbaptist.org https://www.facebook.com/TheShipAnchorageAK#   #anchoredcity https://anchorageutc.org https://www.facebook.com/AnchorageUTC @AnchorageUTC   Theme Music by Tech Oasis from Pixabay   Resources Used To Make This Episode: Southern Baptist Convention Founded - Timeline Event https://www.thearda.com/us-religion/history/timelines/entry?etype=1&eid=18   Basil Manly https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/basil-manly/   Founding: 1859-1878 https://www.sbts.edu/history/1859-1878/ https://archives.sbts.edu/sbts-history/our-story/founding-1859-1878/   The story of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/life/2016/06/29/greenvilles-seminary/86511098/   Jones, R.P., 2021. White too long: The legacy of white supremacy in American Christianity. Simon and Schuster. Pages 35, 57, 58 & 60.   Reamer, David., 2019. Greater Friendship Baptist Church: A History. https://works.hcommons.org/records/9hmn2-t2t94   How Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Anchorage made its mark in Alaska and civil rights history https://www.adn.com/alaska-life/2020/06/07/how-greater-friendship-baptist-church-in-anchorage-made-its-mark-in-alaska-and-civil-rights-history/

Today it's time for "Truth" Tuesday and the Weekly Top 3 from Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: The Fiscal game of Chicken; how's Dunleavey's timing?; a check on Alaska's business climate. Then in hour two we'll recap with my thoughts and then finish up with a much needed dose of positive thought with Chris Story who will give us a bit of a life coaching session.

Reporters around the state went into their communities to ask Alaskans how they feel about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. KHNS' Avery Ellfeldt did the same in Haines, which voted for Trump in 2024 – and is known for being sharply politically divided. A number of people declined interviews, saying they don't […]

In this newscast: The Alaska Senate approved its version of the state budget on Wednesday. It includes a $1,000 Permanent Fund dividend. And, for now, a slight surplus. But senators say they expect that surplus to evaporate. And they're warning of tough times in the years ahead; Reporters on the Alaska Desk recently asked people all over the state some open-ended questions about how they're feeling after President Donald Trump's first 100 days. From the Aleutians to Southeast and the Interior, there are never-Trumpers and MAGA diehards – and some Alaskans having changes of heart. Here's what some of them had to say; Anchorage officials are preparing to roll out funding dedicated to improving the city's child care sector. The move comes two years after Anchorage residents voted to dedicate the roughly 5 to 6 million dollars the city receives annually in marijuana taxes to funding child care initiatives.

In this newscast: The Juneau Assembly is considering a resolution in support of keeping the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area federally owned; The executive director of the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council will resign following the board's decision to cut diversity, equity and inclusion language from its website; An ordinance mandating that the Juneau Police Department release body-worn camera footage no more than 30 days after a city police officer shoots someone will be open for public testimony later this month; Libraries in Alaska may no longer be able to request books from out of state, or mail books and other media to Alaskans who don't live near a library; A program that monitors toxic poisoning in subsistence marine harvests in the Aleutians has halted, pending a federal review

Today we start with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets and the weekly Top 3. This weeks topics: What's going on with oil prices? The basic question on HB 57; things that could make this session even worse. Then in hour two we'll recap with some of my thoughts and then finish up with our friend Chris story who will give us our weekly lifecoaching and uplift.

We discuss what has changed and how Alaskans feel about it after three months of the second Trump Administration.

We're starting the week on Truth Tuesday with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This weeks topics: could Larry Persily be right? $1000 or $700, we can't afford a permanent increase; the start of Alaska's 3rd fiscal wave. Then in hour two we'll recap and discuss the ethical fall of Savanah Fletcher of FNSB Assembly fame. Then we'll finish up with Chris Story from Homer with our weekly PMA.

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter welcomes Bernadette Wilson of Repeal Now Alaska to discuss the second effort to overturn Alaska's ranked choice voting (RCV) system. They begin by defining RCV—how it replaced traditional closed primaries with an open “jungle primary” advancing the top four candidates and then allowing voters to rank their top four choices in a multi-round count—and critiquing its complexity and disenfranchisement of voters. Wilson explains the legal and logistical steps required for repeal: gathering just under 35,000 valid signatures from at least 35 of Alaska's 40 house districts and submitting them by mid-January 2026 to qualify for the 2026 election. She outlines the statewide network of regional signature gatherers, the need for financial contributions to cover mailing and reporting costs, and the importance of correctly matching petition signatures and addresses to voter registration records. The conversation closes with a call to action for listeners to visit Repeal Now Alaska's website: repealnowak.com or Facebook page to sign the petition, volunteer as signature gatherers, and donate—even small amounts help cover the cost of mailing petition books. The episode underscores the coalition's commitment to a clear, straightforward voting process and encourages Alaskans—and interested non-residents—to get involved.

Today we dive into the Weekly Top 3 with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets. This week three topics: What the latest PF Corp projections are telling us; A small Ante; there's actually is some 'good news' on the budget. Then in hour two I'll recap with some of my thoughts before we finish up with some positive stuff from Chris Story our guru from Homer.

 In this episode, Fred shares two gripping encounters with mysterious creatures in the Alaskan wilderness. The first story follows Mark, who, while gathering firewood, experiences a nightmarish series of events involving unexplained feelings of dread, strange noises, and a face-to-face encounter with a humanoid creature that leaves him terrified and shaken.The second story features Ramona and Paul, lifelong Alaskans and adventurers, who while exploring for berries near a remote pond stumble upon what they initially believe to be a bear, only to realize it's a 'Harry Man.' Their shocking encounter culminates in a tense standoff, ultimately leading them to retreat and reconsider their quest for the legendary creature. Join us as we explore these spine-chilling accounts of close encounters with the unknown.Get Our FREE NewsletterGet Brian's Books Leave Us A VoicemailVisit Our WebsiteSupport Our SponsorsVisit Untold Radio AM 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:16 Mark's First Day in the Woods 01:18 A Strange Encounter 02:21 The Missing Tree 02:54 An Eerie Feeling 05:29 Confrontation with the Unknown 13:53 The Aftermath and Escape 20:28 Seeking Help and Validation 23:19 Mark's Eerie Encounter in the Woods 25:48 A Friend's Help and a Twisted Snow Machine 29:04 Ramona and Paul's Alaskan Adventure Begins 35:22 A Close Encounter with the Unknown 40:59 Escaping the Harry Man 45:04 Reflecting on the ExperienceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sasquatch-odyssey--4839697/support.

Today is not only Tax Day, it's the first Truth Tuesday in a couple of weeks. We'll get to catch up with Brad Keithley from Alaskans for Sustainable Budgets and get the Weekly Top 3. Then we'll recap and then visit with Americans For Prosperity talking about Tax Day and free eggs? We'll finish up with Chris Story with our weekly life coaching.

In this engaging episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, Congressman Nick Begich takes center stage to discuss the whirlwind first 100 days of the new Congress, offering a deep dive into the priorities shaping Alaska and the nation. Begich highlights the unprecedented pace of legislative action under Republican leadership, focusing on key achievements like the Lake and Riley Act, which strengthens immigration enforcement and empowers states to hold the federal government accountable. He outlines efforts to secure the southern border, curb the flow of illegal drugs, and prioritize American interests in trade and spending, all while exposing wasteful programs that have long burdened taxpayers. A significant portion of the conversation centers on the budget reconciliation process, which Begich sees as a golden opportunity for Alaska. He details plans to advance resource development, including expanding leasing in ANWR, unlocking potential in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, and revitalizing the state's mining and timber industries. These initiatives, he explains, are designed to generate revenue for both Alaska and the federal government, fostering economic growth and reducing reliance on federal dollars. Begich also addresses the contentious issue of Alaska's revenue split with the federal government, advocating for a return to the promised 90-10 split on new leases to bolster the state's financial independence. Beyond Alaska-specific issues, Begich tackles broader national challenges, such as the ballooning $36 trillion national debt and the trillion-dollar annual interest payments that threaten fiscal stability. He emphasizes Republican resistance to tax hikes, instead favoring cuts to waste, fraud, and abuse, supported by the Department of Government Efficiency and the DOGE caucus. Begich also discusses Medicaid reform, proposing eligibility checks and work requirements to ensure the program serves those truly in need, while addressing the misuse of benefits by non-citizens. On healthcare costs, he points to long-term solutions like healthier food regulations and curbing pharmaceutical advertising to ease the burden on consumers. A particularly striking moment comes as Begich raises concerns about federal funds potentially looping back into the political sphere, citing examples of NGOs, straw donors, and dark money influencing elections. He stresses ongoing investigations to ensure transparency and legality in campaign financing, warning that unchecked interference could undermine democratic integrity. Throughout, Begich's passion for Alaska shines through, as he champions policies to create jobs, ensure economic predictability, and empower young Alaskans to build their futures in the state. This episode captures a pivotal moment in national and Alaskan politics, with Begich working hard for Alaskans.

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter and guest Randy Ruaro focus on the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority's (AIDEA) landmark court win in Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority v. Department of Interior, which declared the Biden administration's cancellation of oil and gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) illegal, reinstating AIDEA's leases and opening the door for development under the Trump administration. They discuss how this victory could unlock billions in state and federal revenue from ANWR's vast oil reserves, while addressing ongoing challenges like federal permitting delays and environmental opposition that have hindered such projects. Beyond the court case, they explore AIDEA's broader mission, rooted in Alaska's constitutional mandate to develop resources for public benefit, which includes supporting both large-scale resource initiatives and small businesses. The conversation also touches on opportunities in critical minerals and other sectors, underscoring AIDEA's role in driving sustainable economic growth and job creation for Alaskans while meeting global energy demands and national security priorities.

Jeffrey Ekoma, ASTHO Senior Director for Government Affairs, previews ASTHO President Dr. Scott Harris' testimony before Congress today; Anna Bradley, ASTHO Senior Analyst with the Public Health Infrastructure and Performance Improvement Team, details a new ASTHO toolkit that assists you with virtual engagement; and the Alaska Department of Health has launched a new website to better serve all Alaskans. Appropriations Web Page: Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education - Public Witness Day ASTHO Web Page: Engaging Partners in a Virtual Space State of Alaska Web Page: Department of Health ASTHO Web Page: State and Territorial Administrative Readiness (STAR) Center  

In this episode of the Must Read Alaska Show, host Ben Carpenter—former legislator and combat veteran—moderates a deep dive into Alaska's long-standing fiscal challenges with guests Senator Mike Shower and Representative Kevin McCabe. The conversation revolves around the state's structural budget deficit, the volatility of oil revenues, and the erosion of the original intent behind the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). Together, the lawmakers explore the urgent need for a comprehensive fiscal plan, including spending caps, government downsizing, and potential tax reforms. They caution against continued reliance on federal funds and the Permanent Fund, warning that a government unaccountable to its citizens threatens individual liberty. The episode is a candid, sometimes sobering, discussion on the lack of political will and leadership, the influence of public sector unions, and the uphill battle to re-engage Alaskans in the governance of their state.

In this episode, Cody talks to author Éowyn Ivey, whose debut novel, The Snow Child, was a Pulitzer Prize finalist. It captivated readers with its blend of folklore and the Alaska wilderness. Raised in Alaska, Éowyn's connection to the land is woven into her storytelling, creating atmospheric and emotionally resonant narratives. Before becoming a novelist, though, she worked as a journalist and then as a bookseller. Both shaped her approach to research and storytelling. As a journalist, she says she often felt constrained by the need to report just the facts, realizing that the full story often involved emotions, complexities and more nuanced truths that couldn't always be captured in a news story. This naturally led her to fiction, where she could immerse readers in themes like isolation, survival and the mystical interplay between humans and nature. Her latest novel, Black Woods, Blue Sky, continues her exploration of myth, survival and the untamed beauty of Alaska. She says that there's a power in fiction, an empathy that forms between the book, the reader and the author. As a storyteller, she strives to create feelings and experiences that resonate — moments where a reader might think, “That's exactly what I felt, but I've never been able to put it into words,” or, “I've never felt so seen.” This is true for situations she's personally experienced and ones she hasn't — that's where her research comes into play. For Éowyn, writing is about more than just crafting a narrative, it's about discovering the metaphors and the poetry within the concepts she explores. When she set out to be a novelist, she never imagined it would go beyond the Pacific Northwest. But it has. Her writing is known by people all over the world. But at heart, she still writes for her fellow Alaskans.