Hi! The Alaska Memo is a political newsletter by me, Matt Acuña Buxton, focused on Alaska politics with a dash of Anchorage and a smattering of everywhere else. At the heart of it, my mission is to explain not just what happened but why it matters, bringing in the context and background that I’ve amassed in more than a decade of reporting in Alaska.
The 'big, beautiful' bill is big and ugly for Alaska
While some try to downplay the impacts, others have taken a hard look and don't like what they see.
Dunleavy's oil tax transparency veto underlines the flaws in Alaska's tax code
Not only does the veto and secrecy raise worries that Dunleavy could be cutting sweetheart deals, but it also shows the system can be gamed.
Dunleavy has killed the BSA
A precedent-breaking veto means the state's baseline public school funding is no longer a reliable baseline for schools to depend upon.
Legislators hold firm, override Dunleavy's veto and adjourn
"A day early and before midnight."
Dunleavy says he had a 'moral imperative' to kill school funding bill
Dunleavy, as he reminded everyone several times throughout the hearing, knows best because he was once a teacher.
Small victories, setbacks and rampant uncertainty define this year's session
Big changes are coming for the state, and the biggest one will be a change in governor after the 2026 election.
Legislators unanimously reject Dunleavy appointee with 'particularly disqualifying' views
Tales from the joint confirmation session.
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