Latest Trump appointee reshapes liberal dominated 9th Circuit Court
With the U.S. Senate confirming Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lawrence VanDyke to sit on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, President Trump issued a blow to the liberal grip on a key federal court that hears Alaska cases. The 9th Circuit has long been
Small Alaska town goes big to celebrate ‘birth of Jesus’
These Alaskans aren’t shy about celebrating Christmas. Every year the historic farming town of Palmer sets aside a large chunk of time and resources to celebrate the Nativity of Christ. For three full days Christmas literally takes over the town of
Film shows how college ‘Safe Spaces’ are really a ban on free speech
Benjamin Franklin, wrote that “Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government: When this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved.” Last night, I had the pleasure of watching “No Safe Spaces,” a wonderfully
Women fight Alaska sex trafficking with faith, personal mentorship
While it is hard to quantify the number of human sex trafficking victims because the crime is inherently underground, the International Labor Organization estimates there are 4.8 million sex trafficking victims globally – 99% are women and girls. Alaska
Anchorage Assembly allows weed shop to open next to homeless shelter church
The Anchorage Assembly held a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, where it approved a business license for a new marijuana shop to open just 55 feet from a faith-based outreach that operates as a church and homeless shelter. Hope Center serves some of the
Vital signs: Alaskans marry less as childhood population plummets
The number of marriages, babies and children are plummeting across Alaska according to the state’s Vital Statistics report released on Dec. 6. The annual publication contains key information about life, death, marriage, separations, declining birth rates
NEWS & NOTES: Ways to make a difference in Alaska
The following news briefs and events offer ideas for how Alaskans can make a positive difference for the common good. If you know of events we should include, please email the time, date and brief explanation to editor@alaskawatchman.com. GOVERNOR HOSTING
Planned Parenthood’s ‘Happy Birthday’ wish rings hollow
As editor of Alaska Watchman, I sign up for emails from many different groups. Normally, I light up when someone wishes me “happy birthday.” That wasn’t the case when I saw this greeting the other day. “It’s you! Happy birthday month, Joel, from all
Alaska schools foster camaraderie between youth with & without disabilities
“Choose to include” is the mission of four Alaska schools receiving national recognition for their efforts to provide inclusive activities that team students with and without disabilities together for competition. Chugiak High School will receive a
Plummeting student enrollment on Kenai reflects larger state trend
Despite a 10.34% growth in overall population from 2009 to 2018, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has seen a nearly 4% decline in student enrollment over that period. Looking back 20 years the decrease is even more drastic. According to a report











