Matt Buxton
@matt.akmemo.com
Alaska wonk. Husker. Roller coaster, Magic card and staying in enthusiast. Writes akmemo.com
Hanging out and hanging on.
Hanging out and hanging on.
Pinned
Matt Buxton
@matt.akmemo.com
· Jan 21
The Alaska Memo
The What and Why it Matters of Alaska Politics by Matt Acuña Buxton.
www.akmemo.com
And I'll be at it here throughout session.
Follow my newsletter for even more #akleg wonkery at www.akmemo.com
Follow my newsletter for even more #akleg wonkery at www.akmemo.com
Reposted by Matt Buxton
"Division of Public Assistance Director Deb Etheridge said Tuesday that no state funds had been issued to SNAP recipients through the EBT cards due to constantly shifting federal guidance."
She said ~$2.5 million in state funds for food banks is set to go out later this week.
She said ~$2.5 million in state funds for food banks is set to go out later this week.
Alaska has not spent state funds to replace lost federal food assistance, state officials said Tuesday, despite Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s promise to do so.
A week after declaring emergency, Alaska has not yet spent state funds on food assistance
Gov. Dunleavy promised to replace lost federal food assistance with state aid to 66,000 Alaskans. That hasn’t happened yet due to constantly shifting federal guidance, the state’s public assistance di...
www.adn.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:12 PM
"Division of Public Assistance Director Deb Etheridge said Tuesday that no state funds had been issued to SNAP recipients through the EBT cards due to constantly shifting federal guidance."
She said ~$2.5 million in state funds for food banks is set to go out later this week.
She said ~$2.5 million in state funds for food banks is set to go out later this week.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
They were already working mandatory overtime & using outdated equipment in one of the most stressful jobs in the country.
This sort of response is amateurish and unacceptable.
I am so sick of this sort of language from DOT.
This sort of response is amateurish and unacceptable.
I am so sick of this sort of language from DOT.
Sean Duffy threatens "action" against air traffic controllers who didn't come to work during the shutdown: "I'm concerned about their patriotism."
November 11, 2025 at 9:40 PM
They were already working mandatory overtime & using outdated equipment in one of the most stressful jobs in the country.
This sort of response is amateurish and unacceptable.
I am so sick of this sort of language from DOT.
This sort of response is amateurish and unacceptable.
I am so sick of this sort of language from DOT.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
November 10, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Reposted by Matt Buxton
If you die in sudoku you die in real life
November 10, 2025 at 9:57 PM
If you die in sudoku you die in real life
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Until the sun burns out
November 10, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Until the sun burns out
Reposted by Matt Buxton
While SNAP funding hangs in limbo, Alaskans held a food drive outside Rep. Nick Begich’s office — slamming GOP leaders for “starving our community” during the nation’s longest shutdown. thealaskacurrent.com/2025/11/07/g...
Galvanized by success in national elections, progressives turn up the heat on Begich, Sullivan - The Alaska Current
A food drive outside Begich's office featured fiery condemnations of the Republican and his party.
thealaskacurrent.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:55 AM
While SNAP funding hangs in limbo, Alaskans held a food drive outside Rep. Nick Begich’s office — slamming GOP leaders for “starving our community” during the nation’s longest shutdown. thealaskacurrent.com/2025/11/07/g...
Reposted by Matt Buxton
If you are dealing with a lapse in SNAP benefits in Alaska:
The Food Bank of Alaska has a list of food resources - for Anchorage & Mat-Su here's a list of hot meals and food pantry hours:
foodbankofalaska.org/hubfs/Websit...
The Food Bank of Alaska has a list of food resources - for Anchorage & Mat-Su here's a list of hot meals and food pantry hours:
foodbankofalaska.org/hubfs/Websit...
November 7, 2025 at 8:06 PM
If you are dealing with a lapse in SNAP benefits in Alaska:
The Food Bank of Alaska has a list of food resources - for Anchorage & Mat-Su here's a list of hot meals and food pantry hours:
foodbankofalaska.org/hubfs/Websit...
The Food Bank of Alaska has a list of food resources - for Anchorage & Mat-Su here's a list of hot meals and food pantry hours:
foodbankofalaska.org/hubfs/Websit...
Thanks to Anchorage Reddit for pointing out how the Anchorage snowplow map includes the names of equipment:
Darth Grader
Taylor Drift
Plowasaurus Rex
Big Leplowski
Snowbi-Wan Kenobi
and
Sorry, Kids
Darth Grader
Taylor Drift
Plowasaurus Rex
Big Leplowski
Snowbi-Wan Kenobi
and
Sorry, Kids
November 7, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Thanks to Anchorage Reddit for pointing out how the Anchorage snowplow map includes the names of equipment:
Darth Grader
Taylor Drift
Plowasaurus Rex
Big Leplowski
Snowbi-Wan Kenobi
and
Sorry, Kids
Darth Grader
Taylor Drift
Plowasaurus Rex
Big Leplowski
Snowbi-Wan Kenobi
and
Sorry, Kids
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Trail Blazers: After moving from South Korea to Alaska, Wongi Kim discovered a love of the outdoors — climbing, biking and fishing. Now, he’s redefining what adventure means and finding joy in slowing down.
Trail Blazers: Wongi Kim - The Alaska Current
When Wongi Kim was growing up in South Korea, outdoor recreation was not a central part of his life.
buff.ly
November 6, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Trail Blazers: After moving from South Korea to Alaska, Wongi Kim discovered a love of the outdoors — climbing, biking and fishing. Now, he’s redefining what adventure means and finding joy in slowing down.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Nearly 70,000 Alaskans could lose SNAP benefits this weekend amid the federal shutdown, just as the state recovers from Typhoon Halong. Advocates warn of strain on food banks and call for community support.
There’s no good time to halt SNAP benefits, but now is particularly bad - The Alaska Current
More than 66,000 Alaskans are set to lose access to federally backed food aid this weekend.
buff.ly
October 31, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Nearly 70,000 Alaskans could lose SNAP benefits this weekend amid the federal shutdown, just as the state recovers from Typhoon Halong. Advocates warn of strain on food banks and call for community support.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
While politicians bicker, families go hungry. Murkowski tried to fund SNAP during the shutdown — Sullivan voted no. Meanwhile, kids are left with only tricks, no treats.
Illustration and commentary by Holly Todd.
Illustration and commentary by Holly Todd.
October 31, 2025 at 6:58 PM
While politicians bicker, families go hungry. Murkowski tried to fund SNAP during the shutdown — Sullivan voted no. Meanwhile, kids are left with only tricks, no treats.
Illustration and commentary by Holly Todd.
Illustration and commentary by Holly Todd.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
"Space Trucker Bruce" is a locally made sci-fi film about a space trucker hauling hog fat through the galaxy who picks up a hitchhiker whose ship has broken down. Hijinks ensue.
University of Alaska Southeast students gather to watch sci-fi film starring campus handyman
A beloved maintenance employee at the University of Alaska Southeast starred in a low-budget sci-fi comedy a decade ago, so UAS students hosted a screening.
www.ktoo.org
October 31, 2025 at 7:10 PM
"Space Trucker Bruce" is a locally made sci-fi film about a space trucker hauling hog fat through the galaxy who picks up a hitchhiker whose ship has broken down. Hijinks ensue.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Grapevine reports of suspected roofying, or date rape drugging, at the bars in Juneau this weekend, please be aware this Halloween.
Sadly, this predatory behavior is nothing new in Alaska. I wrote about it in 2023 - watch out, and call out the creeps if you see them.
www.kbbi.org/local-news/2...
Sadly, this predatory behavior is nothing new in Alaska. I wrote about it in 2023 - watch out, and call out the creeps if you see them.
www.kbbi.org/local-news/2...
Homer grapples with date rape drugging at local bars
Earlier this spring, the Homer Police Department issued an alert on social media that several bar patrons had reported that their drinks had been spiked. But advocates say it’s an ongoing problem in H...
www.kbbi.org
October 27, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Grapevine reports of suspected roofying, or date rape drugging, at the bars in Juneau this weekend, please be aware this Halloween.
Sadly, this predatory behavior is nothing new in Alaska. I wrote about it in 2023 - watch out, and call out the creeps if you see them.
www.kbbi.org/local-news/2...
Sadly, this predatory behavior is nothing new in Alaska. I wrote about it in 2023 - watch out, and call out the creeps if you see them.
www.kbbi.org/local-news/2...
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Turning CBD into THC? A new “innovation” has Alaska’s cannabis regulators scrambling — and one company facing fines, product destruction and industry backlash.
Alaska’s marijuana industry is getting heated over a dubious THC shortcut - The Alaska Current
Meetings of Alaska’s Marijuana Control Board this year have been a source of top-shelf drama.
buff.ly
October 27, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Turning CBD into THC? A new “innovation” has Alaska’s cannabis regulators scrambling — and one company facing fines, product destruction and industry backlash.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
About 170 dogs have been rescued from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, two of the communities hardest hit by this month's storm in Western Alaska. Rescuers anticipate more to come. www.adn.com/alaska-news/...
The race is on to rescue dogs that Western Alaska storm evacuees had to leave behind
www.adn.com
October 25, 2025 at 4:18 AM
About 170 dogs have been rescued from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, two of the communities hardest hit by this month's storm in Western Alaska. Rescuers anticipate more to come. www.adn.com/alaska-news/...
Reposted by Matt Buxton
I got nothin' to add to this.
The shutdown has air traffic controllers moonlighting as Uber drivers. What could go wrong?
October 23, 2025 at 9:49 PM
I got nothin' to add to this.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Think horror games are all jump scares? Not these. Matt Buxton's bi-weekly column The Great Indoors dives into multiplayer “horror” games that are more goofy chaos than terror. thealaskacurrent.com/2025/10/23/t...
Three odd and unusual horror games to get spooked with friends this October - The Alaska Current
In addition to nerding out about Alaska's political world, I'm also a big nerd about video games — I know, who would have guessed?
thealaskacurrent.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Think horror games are all jump scares? Not these. Matt Buxton's bi-weekly column The Great Indoors dives into multiplayer “horror” games that are more goofy chaos than terror. thealaskacurrent.com/2025/10/23/t...
Reposted by Matt Buxton
October 23, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Here's a screenshot!
October 22, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Here's a screenshot!
Reposted by Matt Buxton
President Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for Western Alaska. His social media post doesn't answer a crucial q for survivors — is he granting access to Individual Assistance? (But it does recount his election victories in Alaska!) Stay tuned for more ...
October 22, 2025 at 8:46 PM
President Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration for Western Alaska. His social media post doesn't answer a crucial q for survivors — is he granting access to Individual Assistance? (But it does recount his election victories in Alaska!) Stay tuned for more ...
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Homer Mayor Rachel Lord says recent high tides caused new erosion along the Spit Road, including sand loss and damage to infrastructure. ADOT has assigned a project manager to develop long-term coastal protections using $1.5 million in state funds.
Mayor Lord shares updates on Homer Spit Road, expresses support for Western Alaska communities - The Alaska Current
A 22.7-foot high tide earlier this month has created worries about additional high tides forecasted in Homer for November.
buff.ly
October 21, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Homer Mayor Rachel Lord says recent high tides caused new erosion along the Spit Road, including sand loss and damage to infrastructure. ADOT has assigned a project manager to develop long-term coastal protections using $1.5 million in state funds.
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Congress Sends Unemployed Americans 40 Million Boxes Of Saltwater Taffy From Vacation https://theonion.com/congress-sends-unemployed-americans-40-million-boxes-of-1844729789/
October 21, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Congress Sends Unemployed Americans 40 Million Boxes Of Saltwater Taffy From Vacation https://theonion.com/congress-sends-unemployed-americans-40-million-boxes-of-1844729789/
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Quick preview of numbers being released tomorrow… special for my Bluesky peeps:
Alaska Survey Research
October 10-15, 2025
N=2,083 adults (1,957 RV, 1,708 LV)
2026 Alaska US Senate (LV)
Mary Peltola (D) 48%
Dan Sullivan (R) 46%
Undecided 6%
Sullivan’s negative hits 50% for the first time.
Alaska Survey Research
October 10-15, 2025
N=2,083 adults (1,957 RV, 1,708 LV)
2026 Alaska US Senate (LV)
Mary Peltola (D) 48%
Dan Sullivan (R) 46%
Undecided 6%
Sullivan’s negative hits 50% for the first time.
October 20, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Quick preview of numbers being released tomorrow… special for my Bluesky peeps:
Alaska Survey Research
October 10-15, 2025
N=2,083 adults (1,957 RV, 1,708 LV)
2026 Alaska US Senate (LV)
Mary Peltola (D) 48%
Dan Sullivan (R) 46%
Undecided 6%
Sullivan’s negative hits 50% for the first time.
Alaska Survey Research
October 10-15, 2025
N=2,083 adults (1,957 RV, 1,708 LV)
2026 Alaska US Senate (LV)
Mary Peltola (D) 48%
Dan Sullivan (R) 46%
Undecided 6%
Sullivan’s negative hits 50% for the first time.
My latest for the Memo looks at the fallout of Typhoon Halong, the long road to recovery and how it showcases both the best — and worst — of public service of this moment.
#akleg
#akleg
'Many may not have homes to go back to.'
The long road ahead for victims of Typhoon Halong highlights just how far the state needs to come in its treatment of rural Alaska
www.akmemo.com
October 18, 2025 at 1:53 AM
My latest for the Memo looks at the fallout of Typhoon Halong, the long road to recovery and how it showcases both the best — and worst — of public service of this moment.
#akleg
#akleg
Reposted by Matt Buxton
Anchorage No Kings.
October 18, 2025 at 11:51 PM
Anchorage No Kings.