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Table of Contents
Permanent Fund Series
The Great Debate: The People vs. The Legislature Part III
The 49 Forward Plan Takes the Permanent Fund Backwards
By Jon Faulkner
Alaskans created the Permanent Fund in 1976 to protect citizen wealth from the reach of politicians. Today, the legislature is proposing to change the nature and purpose of our Fund. What Governor Hammond warned against has come true. Alaskans don’t want a constitutional rewrite; we want legislators who place the interests of Alaskans first.
Alaska Crime Watch
Hard-to-Find Homicide Reports Reveal 7 Murders in Anchorage this Month
By Natalie Spaulding
In a single month, Anchorage’s homicide rate exceeded Chicago’s. Here is another issue: why are the homicide reports not listed front and center on the Anchorage Police Department news headlines?
Column: Alaska Education
David Boyle: Is Restorative Justice in Anchorage Schools Leading to a Teacher Exodus?
By David Boyle
There seem to be many teachers who are leaving the profession. The Anchorage Education Association (AEA) says that exodus is due to low salaries and high healthcare premiums. Dozens of teachers in purple AEA shirts recently testified at an ASD School Board meeting that unjust compensation is the greatest issue and may lead them to leave teaching. But what is the real reason so many teachers across the nation are leaving the profession?
Column: Alaska Politics
Keith Dobson: Alaska’s AI-Powered Future – Transforming Governance Through Intelligent Technology
By Keith Dobson
Imagine calling your borough office at 2 AM to understand a zoning regulation before tomorrow’s meeting. Instead of waiting for business hours, an AI assistant instantly explains the rule, shows relevant precedents, and identifies conflicts with other ordinances. Or picture reviewing a proposed tax bill and seeing comprehensive analysis of its economic impact, unintended consequences, and alignment with existing regulations—all backed by decades of Alaska’s legislative history.
This is the achievable vision for AlaskaChat—a statewide AI platform that could revolutionize how Alaska governs itself.
Top Stories: Alaska Industry
Alaska Greenlights Hilcorp’s Beluga River Expansion to Bolster Railbelt Gas Supplies
By Todd Lindley
In a move poised to extend vital natural gas production amid looming shortages, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources approved Hilcorp Alaska’s plan amendment on October 7, 2025, to upgrade infrastructure at K Pad in the Beluga River Unit (BRU). The project, targeting three new wells, will enhance gas extraction from the Cook Inlet field, directly supporting…
Senate Honors Coal's Legacy with 'Coal Week' Resolution, Boosting Alaska's Energy Frontier
By Todd Lindley
In a nod to America’s fossil fuel heritage, Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Chair of the Senate Western Caucus, introduced S. Res. 457 on October 20, designating the week of October 19 as “Coal Week.” The non-binding resolution celebrates the coal industry’s vital role in powering the nation…
Alaska’s Gasline Project – A Transformative Opportunity We Must Seize
By Mia Costello
For decades, Alaskans have heard about gasline projects that never materialized. But this time is different. As the president of Glenfarne Alaska LNG shared at a recent Alaska Gasline Caucus meeting…
Top Stories: National Politics
Personal Freedom Conference Videos Now Available Online
By Natalie Spaulding
According to a press release from Linda Boyle, AK4PF Director, the Alaskans 4 Personal Freedom Conference are now available online. The conference was held Oct 11, 2025, and featured 8 experts, covering topics ranging from updates in medicine, attacks on farming, AI’s impact on our kids, and school-choice options. Speakers include…
Dates and Data
Meetings and Meet-Ups
October 28, 2025: Anchorage Assembly Regular Meeting, Loussac Library (3600 Denali St, Anchorage)
October 29, 2025: Anchorage Assembly Operations Committee Meeting, Loussac Library (3600 Denali St, Anchorage)
October 30, 2025: Anchorage Health & Human Services Committee Meeting, Loussac Library (3600 Denali St, Anchorage)
October 31, 2025: Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly Regular Meeting, Jean B. King Community Room (Barnette Center, Fairbanks)
Key Industry Numbers
Alaska Oil: $63.35 per barrel
Henry Hub Gas: $3.37 per MMBtu
Alaska North Slope Production: ~480,000 barrels per day
Permanent Fund (Principal + Earnings Reserve): ~$81.3 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
A Force for Good