Alaska State Fair won’t open for first time since WWII
For the first time since 1942 – amid World War II – the Alaska State Fair will not open this year. The fair’s board of directors announced the decision on May 22, citing “continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.” On April 28
Anchorage mayor defends his COVID ‘rules’ while most of Alaska reopens
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is doubling down on his so-called “slow but steady” approached to gradually reopening Anchorage’s economy, churches and other entities. Despite the fact the Gov. Mike Dunleavy lifted nearly all state health mandates on
Assembly member calls on Anchorage mayor to reopen society
Editor’s note: The following message was sent to us by newly elected Anchorage Assembly Member Jamie Allard in response to Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s continued restrictions on businesses, churches and other venues despite Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s lifting of
Governor invites Alaskans to ask COVID questions in virtual town halls
Alaskans are invited to ask questions during a series of virtual town hall events with Gov. Mike Dunleavy and other state officials. The first meeting was on May 21 with the next planned for May 26. The goal is to discuss Alaska’s response to the COVID-19
Alaska among 10 states failing to enact religious exemptions during pandemic
Alaska is among just 10 states that failed to provide religious exemptions to protect First Amendment liberties of churches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every state in the union implemented guidelines and mandates limiting social gatherings but some took
Homeschool numbers in Mat-Su may double
In the wake of COVID-19, it appears the number of homeschool students may double in the Mat-Su Borough, which is home to the state’s second largest school district. Speaking to the Mat-Su School Board on May 20, Superintendent Monica Goyette said a
Alaskans to receive $1,000 PFDs in July
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced May 20 that the Permanent Fund Dividend Division will begin distribution of the 2020 PFD to all eligible Alaskans on July 1, three months earlier than normal. The Alaska Legislature capped the dividend at $1,000 this year rather
Anchorage mayor calls for COVID inspired art to share with community
Based on his comments at the May 19 Anchorage Assembly meeting, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz seems determined to keep his health orders in place for churches, businesses and other sectors of the economy. This comes despite the fact that Gov. Mike Dunleavy is lifting
Anchorage mayor breaks with governor’s plan to reopen state on Friday
While Gov. Mike Dunleavy is set to remove all health mandates on businesses, churches and cultural entities by May 22, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz does not plan to let Alaska’s largest city follow the same timeline. During the May 19 Anchorage Assembly
Governor: ‘Now is the time’ to reopen Alaska
The time has come to move away from fear and hiding from COVID-19 and towards widespread but careful opening of Alaska’s businesses, churches and cultural life, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on May 19. Starting Friday, May 22, businesses and other entities











