Packed court expected for start of felony perjury trial for former Alaska judge
This Friday, a pretrial hearing begins for former Alaska District Judge Margaret Murphy. In June she pleaded not guilty to felony perjury, but if convicted she faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000. The case has drawn considerable
Rural Alaska elementary teacher convicted of 14 sexual felonies
A Bethel jury found elementary teacher John Mark Hammons guilty of 14 counts of sexual felonies. The Aug. 4 verdict followed a three-week trial for the 49-year-old Hammonds, who worked as a both a schoolteacher and coach at the Akiachak school, while also
Official from anti-child trafficking group featured in ‘Sound of Freedom’ film to address Mat-Su group
On Aug. 7, the director of outreach at Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) will deliver a live Zoom talk for a Mat-Su group discuss his organization’s ongoing effort to fight child sex trafficking in Alaska and around the world. Hosted by School of
Mat-Su bans sex offenders from living near childcare centers, schools, parks
In an effort to protect children from sex crimes, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly approved a new ordinance that prohibits sex offenders from taking up permanent residence within 1,000 feet of any school, daycare facility or public park. Approved at the
CORRECTION: Explicit child sex graffiti sprayed on Anchorage playground at North Star Elementary
Explicit sexual images and messages have now been sprayed on the playground at North Star Elementary School in Anchorage, just a few days after the Mountain View Elementary playground was burned by suspected vandals on July 4. On July 6, the Watchman received
America continues to have historically low faith in major institutions
Trust in America’s largest governmental, religious, educational, medical and educational institutions continues to languish at or near historic lows, according to the latest findings from Gallup. “Americans’ confidence in institutions in 2023 represents
Rep. Vance offers free tickets to action movie based on true-life fight against child trafficking
In an effort to raise awareness about the plague of child trafficking, both in Alaska and across the world, the office of Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer) is offering free movie tickets to the new major motion film, “Sound of Freedom.” The feature
EDITORIAL: Why is Alaska’s chief federal prosecutor concerned about ‘non-criminal acts’?
There are many problems associated with “hate crime” laws, but a primary concern is that such legislation often allows prosecutors and judges to cite a person’s religious or moral views to increase sentencing, after an objective crime has already been
Mayor Bronson cleans out illegal homeless campsite in downtown Anchorage
Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has directed that a large number of prohibited homeless campsites and assorted structures be removed from the site of Third Street and Ingra. “Today I directed municipal resources to clean up the growing number of homeless camps
Former Alaska judge charged with felony perjury in packed Kenai courthouse
On June 23, former Alaska District Judge Margaret Murphy pleaded “not guilty” to a class B felony perjury charge during her arraignment in the crowded Kenai Courthouse. If convicted she faces up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000. Murphy
The Alaska Watchman aims to raise awareness of key issues affecting Alaskans. Coming from a broadly Judeo-Christian perspective, we are committed to the highest standards of journalism and ethical reporting.
Our reports look to inform and equip Alaskans to effectively engage the culture for the common good. Please keep your comments respectful.
NEWS TIPS
SUPPORT
© Copyright 2026 - Alaska Watchman • All Rights Reserved