High cost of living makes an Alaska income tax doubly burdensome
By Jared Walczak (Tax Foundation) Alaska’s decision to forgo an individual income tax serves an important role in offsetting above-average federal income tax burdens in Alaska. At first blush, this sounds confusing. Alaskans face the same federal income tax
Anchorage Assembly’s war on free speech is a threat to us all
Free speech advocates across the political spectrum should be concerned about the Anchorage Assembly’s effort to empower its newly formed Equity Committee to combat unwanted speech by members of the public. As recently reported in the Watchman, the Equity
Mayor Bronson highlights record on public safety, port funding, homelessness, tax cuts, construction
As we round out 2022, I want to reflect on the progress we have made over the last year to make Anchorage a more vibrant city to live, work, and play in. Before touching on those accomplishments, allow me to recognize our incredible Municipal employees.
When beloved institutions reject their faith-based roots
For better or worse, institutions change over time with the influx and departure of influential board members, presidents and CEOs. Since this process most often occurs gradually, many grassroots supporters don’t notice the changes until they reach a
What’s really behind the so-called ‘Spirit of Christmas’?
We hear a lot about the “Spirit of Christmas” this time of year. What does it actually mean? Often, it’s mistaken for jingles, parties, caroling, twinkling lights, decorations, gifts, feasting and other holiday happenings. While these are certainly
OPINION: Life, death and hockey huddles that transcend the game
In our times of self-indulgence and violence, rays of hope and sunshine can emerge from the most unexpected places. As a sports broadcaster for high school and junior-level hockey for over 20 years, I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Forty years ago,
Leading free speech group raises constitutional concerns over effort to ban Eastman from AK Legislature
Editor’s note: The following analysis is published with permission from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) which is a national leader in promoting free speech advocacy and legal defense. “Are you now or have you ever been a member
OPINION: Alaska Supreme Court blocks grand juries from investigating corrupt officials
Alaska Supreme Court Order (SCO) #1993 (effective Dec. 1, 2022) just rewrote Criminal Rule 6 and 6.1 to unconstitutionally suspend the right of Grand Juries to investigate and indict corrupt public officials. This was done immediately after the Kenai Grand
Open letter to Alaska’s Catholic priests: Avoid public scandal at Christmas Masses
As we enter the final week of Advent and our elected officials in Washington prepare to come home for Christmas, it becomes urgent to remember the relationship between the sacraments and public scandal. ‘To lead into sin’ is the definition of scandal.
EDITORIAL: Alaska’s GOP lawmakers must not abandon traditional marriage
Many conservatives were skeptical when State Senator Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) claimed that the Democratic-controlled bipartisan coalition in the Alaska Senate would avoid divisive issues and stick to things like passing a budget and funding essential services.