Must Read Alaska

1 week ago | mustreadalaska.com | Suzanne Downing

1 week ago | mustreadalaska.com | Suzanne Downing

Congressman Nick Begich visited Kodiak this week for a series of high-profile engagements focused on Alaska’s strategic importance in defense, fisheries, and aerospace. Congressman Begich is a member of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. In Kodiak, he toured the Pacific Space Complex Alaska, and was briefed on the facility’s launch capabilities and its growing role in both national security and commercial space operations.

1 week ago | mustreadalaska.com | Suzanne Downing

Furie Operating Alaska announced the launch of the $40 million in-field natural gas development program aimed at increasing gas production in Cook Inlet. The Spartan 151 jack-up rig left the rig tenders dock in Nikiski, and is now at the Julius R platform in the Kitchen Lights Unit. John Hendrix, President and CEO of Furie, spoke to the importance of this initiative for Alaskans. “Today is the continuation of our commitment to Alaskans,” Hendrix said.

1 week ago | mustreadalaska.com | Suzanne Downing

Since the implementation of mail-in elections in Anchorage, voter turnout has steadily declined. In the most recent April 1 municipal election, turnout dropped once again, with just 23,209 ballots cast — representing only 25.33% of registered voters. The Anchorage Assembly adopted the mail-in and drop-box voting system in 2017 without putting the decision to a public vote. That year, turnout was 24%, with approximately 49,000 ballots cast out of an estimated 204,167 registered voters.

1 week ago | mustreadalaska.com | Suzanne Downing

A few sprawling two-story encampments that have grown in the Norwood/Strawberry/Raspberry Road area of Anchorage are hidden from view, unless you have a drone camera. From above, the encampments can be seen in all their glory. These are not the only ones. Around Anchorage, those who are living outdoors are increasingly building shelters, some quite elaborate. Others who are down on their luck but not as motivated simply curl up for the night in doorways in Alaska’s largest city.