
Anchorage diner finally closes indoor dining to avoid mayor’s push for $15,000 daily fines
An Anchorage diner’s dogged refusal to comply with Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s order to shut down all indoor dining has driven city attorneys to urge a judge to find Kriner’s Diner owners and their attorney in contempt of court and to levy crippling fines


Family diners remained open Saturday despite Anchorage mayor’s fines, threats and lawsuits
Two Anchorage restaurants, Kriner’s Diner and Litter Dipper, both remained open on Saturday, Aug. 8, amid growing sanctions from Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s administration. The diners have become a rallying point for local residents who are fed up with


Kriner’s Diner plans to open on Saturday despite Anchorage judge’s order
A small family-owned diner’s battle to stay open in spite of Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s emergency order that bans all indoor dining is set to intensify this weekend. On Friday, Aug. 7, Anchorage Superior Court Judge Eric Aarseth said the owners


8.7 > Reasonable Pushback
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


Attorney warns that diner case could spark class action against Anchorage
In what is becoming a high-stakes court case in Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s effort to close down all restaurants to indoor dining, the initial presiding judge recused herself at the start of the opening hearing on Aug. 6. A few hours later the case


Eastman vs. Sumner for Alaska House: Here’s where they stand
In the race for the Alaska House seat in District 10 (Wasilla), the Alaska Watchman is not making any endorsements. In order to give voters a better idea of how the candidates differ, we sent questions to both incumbent Rep. David Eastman and his Republican


Red Chair Café plans to join Anchorage restaurants in bucking mayor’s mandate
Another Anchorage restaurant is planning to open for indoor dining soon, joining a growing movement of cafes and restaurants that are defying Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s ban on all indoor dining. “We can’t open right now because we just don’t have enough


Momentum builds as more Anchorage restaurants defy mayor’s shutdown orders
At least two more Anchorage restaurants are open for business as of Aug. 6, joining Kriner’s Diner and Little Dipper Diner in making a stand against Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s order to shut down all indoor dining due to COVID-19 concerns. Jackie’s Place is


Open defiance: Anchorage restaurants packed despite mayor’s order
Kriner’s Diner has become ground zero for those who oppose increasingly stringent health mandates imposed on Anchorage by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. Jason Woscek went out of his way to eat at Kriner’s on Aug. 5, bringing his family and out-of-state relatives


Palmer to hold public hearing on allowing pot shops in town
The Palmer City Council will hold a public hearing on Aug. 12 to debate whether to allow marijuana shops to open in the city limits. A proposed ordinance, introduced by City Council Members Jill Valerius and Julia Berberich, would repeal a prohibition on pot

