As the summer solstice has recently passed, excitement in Alaska continues to resonate through various events and developments, particularly in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Several incidents have captured attention, notably illegal camping at Davis Park in Anchorage, which escalated dramatically when campers set fire to the area upon the arrival of city officials enforcing the law after years of lax enforcement.
In political news, Governor Mike Dunleavy (R – Alaska) vetoed a bill targeting the Department of Revenue, criticizing its long-standing refusal to cooperate with the legislative auditor since 2020.
On a different note, the Juneau Empire witnessed a significant leadership change as Mark Sabbatini departed from his role as editor to initiate his own news venture, the Juneau Independent.
Moreover, the political landscape is heating up with more candidates filing nominations for the Legislature.
A personal experience shared by a local contributor reflected on his solstice weekend in Fairbanks, marking a memorable first-time visit.
The Binkley family graciously hosted a full Fairbanks solstice experience, highlighted by attendance at the renowned Midnight Sun Baseball Game.
Flying in on Friday afternoon, he immediately felt the warmth of Fairbanks, despite the presence of smoke and ash from nearby fires—a minor inconvenience for a weekend filled with excitement.
The game featured a thrilling match between the Fairbanks Goldpanners and the Anchorage Glacier Pilots, showcasing a packed stadium.
Starting at 10 PM, the game commenced with local legislators presenting a citation to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the event.
A thrilling moment occurred as four F-35s from Eielson Air Force Base flew over the field, perfectly timed at the conclusion of the national anthem—a significant highlight of the evening, thanks to those who coordinated it.
Representative Nick Begich (R – Alaska) participated in the festivities by throwing the first pitch and later engaged in a Facebook Live interview, sharing insights into his experience at the event.
Despite a promising start for the Glacier Pilots, who built a 7-0 lead early in the game, the Goldpanners clawed back with a two-run inning but ultimately lost 7-2, making the afternoon still enjoyable due to the vibrant atmosphere.
The following day included lunch at Ajimi, a Japanese restaurant chosen by Representative Will Stapp (R – Fairbanks), who also provided a tour showcasing much of Fairbanks and his district.
Visiting Fort Wainwright, he was shown the barracks where Stapp once lived in 2006 and encountered fascinating helicopters, notably the Chinook.
During the tour, they also greeted a firefighter friend, John Anderson, on Fort Wainwright, which features an impressive golf course—an attractive highlight for golfing enthusiasts.
The solstice festivities encapsulated the 10k Midnight Sun Run on Saturday night, drawing significant attention and enthusiasm.
After a gathering at the Binkley residence, attendees took boats down the Chena River to arrive at the race area, where the lively atmosphere was palpable.
Local residents partied along the streets, which contributed to the festive community vibe. An invitation into one homeowner’s exuberant gathering provided an opportunity to taste a margarita while enjoying a pig that had just been cooked—a quintessential Alaskan experience.
Among the runners, Senator Dan Sullivan (R – Alaska) was spotted participating, marking his annual tradition.
The race featured an eclectic mix of serious competitors and those donned in costumes, adding to the jovial spirit of the event.
Spending time with Yuri Morgan, a lobbyist whose office shares proximity, was another highlight, considering their shared history over several years.
Returning late from the jubilant solstice celebrations, the contributor would fly back to Anchorage the following afternoon, echoing that Fairbanks indeed embodies a vibrant spirit for solstice celebrations.
In other occurrences, the situation at Davis Park raises notable concerns, highlighting that several individuals opted for arson instead of seeking shelter or pursuing opportunities for rehabilitation.
This development points to ongoing issues within Anchorage’s homeless community, with reports indicating that individuals from Davis Park have dispersed to other parts of the city, necessitating further investigation.
On the political front, the recent veto by Governor Dunleavy sends a concerning message about the state’s transparency. The Legislature is poised to likely override this veto when convening again in January, but the refusal of the Department of Revenue to engage with the legislative auditor on key oil tax issues for the last five years remains troubling.
Several individuals have officially filed letters of intent for upcoming legislative elections, adding to the political landscape.
Perennial candidate Nick Danger is positioning himself for the Downtown Anchorage Senate seat currently held by Senator Löki Tobin (D – Anchorage).
Additionally, Representative Nellie Jimmie (D – Tooksok Bay) filed for re-election, alongside Representative Cathy Tilton (R – Wasilla) and Representative Frank Tomaszewski (R – Fairbanks), although the latter two did not clarify which office they aim for.
An interesting interaction surfaced when Representative Jamie Allard (R – Eagle River) shared an exchange about attempting to purchase vintage dressers through Facebook Marketplace. The seller, feeling compelled to refuse due to Allard’s political beliefs, sparked a larger discussion about equality in commerce based on political affiliations.
Furthermore, a peculiar incident arose concerning the Resource Development Council’s upcoming lunch event. A letter from the executive committee addressed discomfort with featured speaker Steve Goreham, focusing on his controversial viewpoints regarding climate change, which drew significant pushback.
Goreham’s speech, described as reminiscent of a conservative version of Bill Nye, suggested that human contributions to climate change are minimal and questioned the efficacy of renewable energy options.
In this week’s noteworthy behaviors, Jessica Horwatt’s actions briefly contested the spotlight but were narrowly overshadowed by new developments involving Mark Sabbatini.
After leaving the Juneau Empire, Sabbatini announced his shift toward launching a news site while appearing to misstep by posting on the Empire’s Facebook page after giving notice.
This rash move led to Sabbatini claiming he was fired after his bosses discovered his post following a Twitter update by the Landmine.
Such actions positioned Sabbatini as this week’s Loose Unit, creating a buzz around his unconventional departure from traditional media to embracing an independent news platform.
image source from：alaskalandmine
