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Table of Contents
PFD Series: Special Subscriber-Only First Look!
The Great Debate: The People vs. The Legislature Part V
Alaska’s Permanent Fund: The Great Debate Part V
By Jon Faulkner
The decision about the PFD belongs with the people; the legislature should trust them with a vote on this question: Should the statutory distribution formula for the PFD, as originally conceived and implemented in 1983, be added to our constitution by amendment?
When the public votes, they must be informed. Here, we present the most common objections to the PFD and try to answer them. It is for the people to decide the legacy we leave to the future.
Use password “MRAK Subscriber” to gain subscriber-only First Look access to this article!
Alaska Law and Order
AG Stephen Cox Appoints Alaska’s First Solicitor General
By Natalie Spaulding
Jenna Lorence, former Indiana Deputy Solicitor General, stepped into her new role as Alaska’s first State Solicitor General this past Monday. According to a Department of Law press release: the appointment of Jenna Lorence by Attorney General Stephen Cox has created “a new centralized leadership position created to strengthen the state’s appellate advocacy and ensure consistent, high-quality representation in courts across the country.”
The question many Alaskans may wonder: why do we need a Solicitor General?
Alaska Politics
A Real Human Life: My Baby at 9 Weeks
State of Alaska Appeals to the Supreme Court, Challenging 2024 Planned Parenthood-backed Ruling
By Natalie Spaulding
On October 29, 2025, Attorney Laura Wolff argued in front of the Alaska Supreme Court against the Court’s 2024 decision to continue suspension of a 1970 law requiring abortions to be performed only by licensed physicians.
The law in question states…
Anchorage’s 2026 Budget Proposal Dedicates $27M to Homelessness Efforts, $2M to DEI Programs Amid Fiscal Warnings
By Todd Lindley
Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance unveiled a proposed $656.9 million operating budget for 2026 on October 2, emphasizing fiscal restraint while prioritizing public safety and addressing homelessness amid warnings of a looming “fiscal cliff.”
Michael Tavoliero: The End Run – How Politicians Transformed the PFD Into a Hidden Tax
By Michael Tavoliero
Once, Alaska was a place where government served the people. Our constitution promised maximum local self-government, and the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) stood as a revolutionary covenant between every Alaskan, rich or poor, sharing in the wealth of our land.
The dividend was more than a check…
Alaska Industry
FISH Act Seeks to Restrict Russia and China’s Illegal Fishing in Alaskan Waters
By Natalie Spaulding
The U.S. government bears a responsibility to secure our nation’s resources from foreign pilfering. On October 21, the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes Senators Dan Sullivan and Sheldon Whitehouse’s FISH Act. The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest (FISH) Act will allow the U.S. to more effectively protect its waters from foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Alaska Culture Highlight
The “Art Lunch Bunch” Renews Creative Energy in Sitka Middle School
By Natalie Spaulding
After having their art classes shut down for years due to budget cuts, Blatchley middle schoolers reignited their creativity with the help of Americorps Resident Teaching Artist Clare Sheedy. Sheedy helped the youngsters start the “Art Lunch Bunch,” a club that meets during school lunch to learn about art and experiment with different mediums. Sheedy also started an after-school art club and actively seeks new ways to get kids engaged with their artistic side.
Dates and Data
Meetings and Meet-Ups
Nov 4: Alaska Democrats at Gustavus Town Hall with Sen. Jesse Kiehl & Rep. Andi Story, Fireweed Gallery (250 Gustavus Rd, Gustavus, AK)
Nov 6: Tongass Democrats Monthly Meeting, IBEW 813 W 12th St, Juneau, AK
Key Industry Numbers
Alaska Oil: $63.91 per barrel
Henry Hub Gas: $$3.96 per mmBTU
Alaska North Slope Production: ~475,600 barrels per day
Permanent Fund (Principal + Earnings Reserve): ~$86.61 billion
Must Read Alaska Show
Coming soon: sortable audio-files of all our stories for easy listening!
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Thank you for reading! Until next time,
The MRAK Team
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