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Current Topics
Opinion: In rural Alaska, sometimes the polling places do not open. That needs to change. ADN
(My comment: This is a big deal. It’s must be solved.)
'Arctic Ambition': 3 Chinese icebreakers forge polar presence and unity with Russia. SCMP News
China’s decision to send three icebreakers to the Arctic is a “clear signal” of the growing importance it is putting on cooperation with Russia against Nato presence in the polar region, a US analyst said.
Opinion: Grocery merger would benefit only the top of the 'food chain'. ADN
Several Alaska lawmakers oppose the deal, which would result in the closure of 18 Carrs grocery stores owned by Albertsons. Those stores are located in Anchorage, Eagle River, Palmer, Wasilla, Girdwood, Kenai Peninsula, Fairbanks, North Pole and Juneau.
Stuff I Found Interesting
Effort to improve wintertime air quality in Fairbanks, Alaska, may not be as effective as intended. Phys.Org
That higher pH from reducing primary sulfate and causing ammonium to be the dominant chemical of the two has a pair of consequences for Fairbanks wintertime air. First, it increases formation of secondary sulfate during extremely low temperatures. Such temperatures make particles less acidic, which favors chemical reactions that lead to formation of the secondary sulfate. Second, the higher pH increases the formation of hydroxymethanesulfonate, or HMS, which was discovered in Fairbanks winter air in 2019. Earlier research found that HMS accounts for a significant portion—3% to 7%—of the community's fine particulate pollution.
Economy
The unseen factor driving Alaska's migration losses. Alaska Public Media
“Our challenge has been outmigration for over 10 years. In fact, we need J-1 visas like nobody’s business, because we need foreign people to come and help us fill our sectors.”
With Alaska outmigration continuing, community members contemplate responses. Alaska Beacon
Alaska has long depended on foreign workers who have special authorizations, known as J-1 visas, that allow them to be employed in seasonal industries, she noted. Now the need for workers with J-1 visas appears to be more acute – and employers are seeking such workers even for winter duty, she said. She addressed that issue in her opening remarks. “We need J-1 visas like nobody’s business, because we need foreign people to come and help us fill our sectors,” she
(My comment: J-1 visa professionals are our teachers, healthcare staff, and other workers. We are not “growing our own”.)
Median earnings for full-time workers. Axios
Jobs typically done by women often pay less than those done by a guy. For example, housekeepers typically don't make us much as janitors. Women are also far more likely to take time out from the workforce because of child care needs, leading to career setbacks that wind up costing money.
(My comment: These lower paid women also are less able to set aside retirement funds. They will very likely outlive any male spouse by many years, on their own to pay their own way. Poverty is a common outcome. A modest pension is the solution.)
Education
Alaska schools to be stocked with anti-overdose kits, under new law. Alaska Beacon
The law is the product of a measure, House Bill 202, that Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed on Aug. 30. The bill requires schools statewide to have kits on hand and, when schools are in session or otherwise open to the public, trained people on site to administer those kits if needed.
(My comment. This is reality in our schools today. This is just one example of the challenges our kids are facing, and our teachers have to help them with. It’s not just “ reading, writing, and arithmetic” anymore. )
Politics
First mail-in ballots tomorrow. Axios
Election Day is two months away. But tens of millions of voters won't wait that long.
Dunleavy vetoes tax breaks for Turo operators, leaving owners to collect rental car taxes themselves. Alaska Public Media
Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoes tax cut intended to settle Alaska's long-running rental car dispute. Alaska Beacon
Opinion: Open primaries and RCV provide stability for Alaska's oil and gas industry. ADN
(My comment: RCV provides choice and voice to voters. Elections are not to empower political parties. Elections are to empower voters.)
Virginia's top elections official warns of possible delay in mail-in voting this year. Virginia Mercury
“Election officials depend on the U.S. mail service to deliver ballots to voters and to return ballots to election officials,” Beals told members of the Virginia House of Delegates Privileges and Elections Committee at a meeting in Richmond. “What I am hoping to change is the expectation of voters, that if I put my ballot in the mail five days before election day that it is going to get there. You need to plan further out than that.”
(My comment: Alaska depends on USPS to get ballots to polling places and then return them. That’s why we wait 15 days after an election to finalize/certify the election results. I share Virginia’s concern but am surprised that an east coast, small state also is having this problem.)
A new frontier? How Alaska's elections could show what's to come for Nevada's. Las Vegas Review Journal
The first prediction markets election. Axios
At stake is the ability of the general public to profit from election outcomes — and, if you believe the U.S. government, the integrity of U.S. elections themselves.
Maine utilities can no longer spend ratepayer money on politics. Governing
The legislation bars utilities from passing on to ratepayers expenses for contributions or gifts to political candidates, political parties, and political or legislative committees; to a trade association, chamber of commerce or public charity; for lobbying or grassroots lobbying; or for educational expenses, unless approved by the PUC as serving a public interest.
Health Care
Health worker squeeze will vary by state. Axios
Most states should have enough registered nurses to meet patient needs in 2028, and the country as a whole is expected to have a surplus of 30,000 RNs that year. But nearly every state will be short of nurse practitioners, despite employment of NPs growing faster than nearly all other jobs, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only 13 states will be able to meet the demand for nursing aides.
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