Hello Alaska

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 their work, community reporting, tribal sovereignty, Alaska Native Corporations, systems of oppression, journalism and colonialism.

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

In this episode we do a post-primary rundown of the tight elections in Alaska and how they might shape the Alaska State House and Senate coalitions in 2021. Here’s the Equal Rights Moose Pat mentioned in the show: Anchorage’s Snazzy Moose Loop Trail:

Almost 100 years ago Alaska faced a devastating pandemic. In this episode we dive deep into the newspaper archives and handwritten journal of the Territorial Governor at the time, Thomas Riggs Jr.

SB 241 Fact Sheet Alaska New Deal Projects Third Alaskan dies of COVID-19 as case count rises to 114 Alaska has about 200 ventilators and 160 ICU beds statewide, state says DHSS – Covid-19 Count Page

What a time. We’re all muddling through it. Good luck friends. Corona Virus Act Now – Modeling a speedy response. City officials mandate many travelers to Juneau quarantine themselves for 14 days Portraits from the front line of coronavirus detection in Anchorage Midnight in the Sun – Hunker Down Edition Jackbox Party Pack

In this episode we talk through the crushing triple threat to Alaska’s economy and state government: Sinking oil prices, tanking tourism, and a crashing stock market. All things heavily influenced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Alaska Legislature is back in session. In this episode we talk about the session ahead and look at the contrast between the state legislature and congress as they each contend with checking the power of the executive branch.

Governor Dunleavy released a Report to Alaskans after his first year in office so we take a moment to reflect, vent and share our own visions for the future.

In this episode we talk about the veto walk backs and the external pressures that may have forced these “restorations.” We also dig into the upcoming Senate confirmation and how it could impact the long game of redistricting. Related News: State funding for early education restored, but services this year could still be affected Dunleavy … Continue reading 034 – Walking it Back

Jen Karnik joins us for a discussion of cryptids and other mysteries of science as we go in search of the Impossibly Large Bird of Juneau. Impossibly large bird spotted in Mendenhall Valley Rare Steller’s Sea Eagle seen in Juneau Tales of Lake Iliamna monster resurface with new sightings

Governor Dunleavy announced his vetoes. ADN: Gov. Dunleavy vetoes $444 million from Alaska state operating budget ADN: Here’s a rundown of Gov. Dunleavy’s line-item budget vetoes Juneau Empire: Dunleavy’s Red Pen AK Public Media: Dunleavy unveils line item vetoes and signs operating budget ADN: Getting votes to override will be difficult Forbes: Universities Are Economic … Continue reading 032 – Seeing Red

In this “shutdown-averting” episode of Hello Alaska, we discuss the PFD, legislative strategy, and what might be down the road for Alaska. Or over the cliff. It’s a whole lot of conjecture and guesswork as we wait to see where and if the axe falls.

Download: Unabridged Conversation (49 minutes) Here are the dueling charts provided by Legislative Finance and the Office of Management and Budget. The same but different: Download: OMB Dunleavy Road Show Slides Download: Legislative Finance Budget History Graphs

Looking in on the Governor’s roadshow, line item vetoes, and some reflections on privilege and institutional racism. FRANK: We are not your pawns Tribal consortium CEO’s raised hand upends Dunleavy budget event in Nome

The HFIN Roadshow, the 30th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, a big win for the underdogs and some southeast Alaska music featuring Air Jazz.

Unpacking a SFIN presentation by David Teal from the Legislative Finance Division and Pat made this cartoon budget explainer!

A little SFIN/HFIN audio montage and continuing first impressions of the Dunleavy budget.

In this episode we talk about the proposed Dunleavy Budget.

Today we talk privatization, ethics and Tammie Wilson. Still no organization in the House. Still waiting on the budget.

Still no organization in the House. Still waiting on the budget.

A foggy day in Juneau. Gubernatorial appointees lost in the soup, an opaque budgeting process, and is that a Raven or Willow Ptarmigan on the horizon?

A quick look at the first week of the legislative session. Courthouse shenanigans, budget woes, and disorganization in the House.

This episode is mostly speculation and hand-wringing as we sift through a pile of grey clouds in search of some silver linings.

In this episode, we talk about the final days of the Walker-Mallott campaign and spiral into a meandering discussion of Alaska's news media landscape.

In this episode, we explore the divided vote over this year's Permanent Fund Dividend and look at how it plays into the large policy battle over the future of Alaska's savings account and funding for state government services.

Today we’re joined by blogger and activist Libby Bakalar in a discussion of the Women’s March, harassment culture, freedom of speech and overcoming fear. Show Notes Here’s the full text of Libby’s speech from the Women’s March. “I have a secret to share with all of you. Fear is a petty bully. Fear is weak. … Continue reading 017 – Productive Anger

Hello Alaska! We're happy to bring our podcast back from a long hiatus. In this episode we catch up on some big life changes and dive back into our exploration of Alaska policy.

Hello Alaska! In this episode we talk about the Alaska Legislature Fantasy League and this year's political players.

Hello Alaska! In this episode we chat with Riley Woodford from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game about weird pets and deleterious game.

Hello Alaska! In this episode we sit down with Jacqueline Tupou, a voting member of Alaska's Electoral College. This is a complicated year for electors and Jacqueline walks us through the difficult decision she faces on December 19th.

Hello Alaska! It's time to unpack our squishy feelings about the general election and get warily optimistic about the bi-partisan coalition in the State House.

Hello Alaska! The voters in the primary election have spoken, but what the heck did they say? We read the tea leaves and speculate wildly on the Alaska primary election shakeup.

In this episode we eat pizza and break the law.

Hello Alaska! In this episode we bring on a special guest to talk about mushing, dogs and "The Last Great Race on Earth" the Iditarod. There's a little bit of history, a lot of dogs and one killer seal.

In this episode we take our first plunge into the Alaska state budget crisis and run through everything from right-sizing to revenue.

Happy Marmot Day! In this episode we explore the origins of Marmot Day, debunk the no-groundhog myth and visit with naturalist and part-time bowler, Jen Karnik.

Hello Alaska! It’s the first day of legislative session, let’s trudge up the hill to the capitol building press room and welcome Matt to the capital city.

Hello Alaska! In this episode we wrap up our discussion on the Fairbanks Four, a group of young men who were recently released after 18 years in prison for a murder they said they didn't commit. We'll talk about the critical testimony that helped put them away, why it had its problems and how this case fits in with other recent notable innocence project efforts.

Hello Alaska! In this episode we start talking about the story of the Fairbanks Four, a group of young men who were convicted of killing a teenager on a street corner in downtown Fairbanks. The four, three are Alaska Native, have always argued their innocence, arguing that racial bias and police misconduct put them away.

Hello Alaska! This episode we take a long walk through Frank Ameduri's pointed letter of resignation. Ameduri served as Communications Director for the Alaska Senate Minority and his unexpected departure caused quite a stir.

Hello Alaska! This week we take you up to frigid ol' Fairbanks, where the temperatures have just plummeted and the air just turned nasty. In this episode we talk about air pollution, wood stoves, PMs and personal responsibility. Also, it's been a crazy busy week! We discuss the damning Alaska state prison review, reporting on victims and the knee-jerk response folks are having to Syrian refugees.

In this episode we talk about politics, wrestling, dogs and the role of narrative in politics. Plus a special visit from the future and excellent local music by Playboy Spaceman.