State plan to give $150 million a month in grants needs full disclosure

Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s handling of the plan to give $290 million in federal grants to Alaska's smallest businesses needs to be transparent, especially because the proposed pace and volume is unbelievable.

Dermot ColeMay 12, 2020Comment

For safety's sake, masks required in White House, but not in Alaska stores

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has backtracked on face coverings in Alaska stores, following the political lead created by Trump and the right-wing media.

Dermot ColeMay 11, 2020 Comments

Greenup Day in Fairbanks: Here’s to compulsive scientists

Elsewhere in America the change is a good deal more gradual, but here it’s as if someone flipped a light switch. Hillsides of aspen and birch that were brown on Saturday morning underwent a metamorphosis by Sunday.

Dermot ColeMay 10, 2020 Comments

Alaska needs to start planning to rebuild from four giant earthquakes of 2020

The governor and Legislature can set up a structure that would allow Alaskans to prepare for the most difficult rebuilding challenge in Alaska’s history.

Dermot ColeMay 9, 2020 Comments

Supreme Court rejects state stalling on Dunleavy recall campaign

On Friday, the Alaska Supreme Court unanimously rejected Attorney General Kevin Clarkson’s convoluted claims and said the Dunleavy administration was wrong to block the recall campaign.

Dermot ColeMay 8, 2020 Comments

Trump's Soviet-style military displays can't erase weakness that destroyed national security

The politicians who claim wasteful flights of military aircraft are suitable recognition for health care workers or anyone else are glorifying weaponry over humanity.

Dermot ColeMay 7, 2020 Comments

State needs to clarify rules for federal bailout and be quick about it.

The Dunleavy administration plan for handing out more than $1 billion in federal money to deal with the pandemic is plagued by problems that need to be fixed and questions that need to be answered.

Dermot ColeMay 5, 2020 Comments

Alaska hospitals face 'catastrophic' losses with decline in business

Small hospitals will lose from $2.3 million to $11.4 million from April to June, while the losses are expected to be in the $40 million to $50 million range for the largest hospitals and nursing homes.

Dermot ColeMay 4, 2020 Comments

Wasilla doctor urging young, healthy people to get COVID-19, neglects public health risks

Dr. Wade Erickson, a family practice doctor in Wasilla, has the right to his opinion that healthy young Alaskans with no exposure to people at high risk, will be doing a public service this summer if they come down with mild cases of COVID-19.

Dermot ColeMay 1, 2020 Comments

Reasonable rate hikes for Pioneer Homes—another victory for the Dunleavy recall

The state House approved a bill by Rep. Zack Fields last year, on a 35-4 vote, limiting rate increases to the cost of living, but Dunleavy pressed ahead with the rate hike anyway. The Senate unanimously approved the bill this year.

Dermot ColeApril 30, 2020 Comments