Yes, Alaska churches can speak out on politics – here’s how
What can a pastor legally say from the pulpit regarding politics, candidates and ballot initiatives? Can clergy educate their congregation on key political and social issues? When do religious leaders cross the line and put their churches in jeopardy of
Anchorage to begin process of replacing Mayor Berkowitz
The Anchorage Assembly will hold a special meeting on Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. to address the aftermath of Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s abrupt resignation in the wake of public scandal. On Oct. 13, Berkowitz announced that he will quit on Oct. 23 after admitting to an
VIDEO: Anchorage Assembly chair loses control of meeting
Anchorage Assembly Chair Felix Rivera lost control of the Oct. 13 meeting when he cut off audience participation and the ability for residents to testify against a resolution to extend the emergency declaration and subsequent health mandates on the city.
Anchorage Mayor Berkowitz resigns amid public scandal
One day after admitting to an inappropriate messaging relationship with local television reporter Maria Athens, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced that he will step down from office on Oct. 23. The announcement came at the start of the Oct. 13 Assembly
Alaska Supreme Court throws out absentee signature verification law
The Alaska Supreme Court has upheld a lower court ruling against Alaska’s law that seeks to maintain the integrity of absentee voting by requiring the signature of one witness to verify the identity of the absentee voter. The high court issued a ruling
New study exposes alarming impact of ranked-choice voting
On Nov. 3, Alaskans will vote on whether to fundamentally alter how elections are conducted. In an effort to inform Alaskans about the serious consequences of approving Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), the nonprofit think tank Alaska Policy Forum has released a
Berkowitz engaged in ‘distasteful’ and ‘inappropriate relationship,’ Assembly chair says
Anchorage Assembly Chair Felix Rivera just released a statement confirming that Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has engaged in an “inappropriate relationship with an adult.” “We were informed today of improper and distasteful actions taken by our
Juneau using $300,000 in CARES Act funds to pay for COVID inspired art
The Juneau Assembly has set aside $300,000 in CARES Act funding to commission COVID-19 inspired artwork. The CARES Act is intended to provide relieve to communities suffering from the economic impact of the virus. Juneau is one of several communities across
Four reasons Alaskans should remove Supreme Court Justice Susan Carney
Alaska Supreme Court Justice Susan Carney will appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot for her first retention election. She was appointed by former Governor Bill Walker in 2016. If a majority of voters choose to retain Justice Carney, she remains a
Berkowitz wants Anchorage Assembly to extend his emergency powers to year’s end
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz wants a fifth extension of his broad emergency powers to impose COVID-19 mandates on Anchorage residents. The mayor sent a memo to assembly members for their Oct. 13 meeting, claiming that rapid growth in Anchorage “remains a
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