
Rep. Gary Knopp and six others killed in mid-air plane crash
Alaska State Representative Gary Knopp and with six others were killed in a mid-air plane crash the morning of July 31 near Soldotna. According to the Dept. of Public Safety, Knopp, age 67, was the sole occupant of his plane. The other contained six people


Southeast university imposes mask mandates, wants violators reported
The University of Alaska Southeast, which has campuses in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan will impose mask mandates for all students, staff and visitors as it provides both online and in-person classes this fall. According to the university’s newly released


Fairbanks residents organizing rally to support law enforcement
An independent group of Fairbanks residents is planning a rally to support law enforcement and emergency responders in Alaska. The “Back The Blue Alaska Rally” will take place on Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fairbanks Police Department. In


Alaska Attorney General supports high school coach’s right to pray on field
Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson joined 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to the Ninth Circuit in support of a Washington state high school football coach who was fired for exercising his religious freedom by praying after games. Kennedy,


Alaskans scramble to save historic church from falling off cliff
One of the oldest churches in Alaska, and a spiritual treasure to Orthodox Alaska Natives, is on the verge of falling off a massive cliff on Kodiak Island. Built in 1888 by the Russian Orthodox, The Ascension of Our Lord Chapel located near the remote Village


Seward extends COVID restrictions despite zero hospitalizations or deaths
Seward residents will continue to live under an extensive list of COVID-19 mandates. On Monday, July 27, the Seward City Council voted unanimously to extend emergency regulations that restrict campgrounds to 50% capacity, prohibit gatherings of 20 or more


Anchorage postpones debate on ban against helping minors with unwanted same-sex attraction
In an effort to allow greater public input over another hot-button social item the Anchorage Assembly unanimously voted to postpone debate over a proposal that would ban any Anchorage counselor, therapist, psychologist or health care provider from helping a


Anchorage rally aims to mobilize fight against sex trafficking, child slavery
Human sex trafficking, including abuse perpetrated on minors has become an international scourge that has left its mark on Alaska. July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, and a group called Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) is sponsoring


Despite outcry Anchorage mayor’s homeless-plan remains intact; vote set for Aug. 11
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz may have to wait a few more days, but the Anchorage Assembly kept in play all four of the properties he hopes to purchase for homeless shelters and services. At the July 27 special meeting the Assembly moved to delay taking a final


Legal fight possible if Anchorage bans counseling for unwanted same-sex attraction
A leading national attorney warned of legal challenges if the Anchorage Assembly presses ahead with a proposed ban on counseling that aims to help minors overcome unwanted same-sex attraction or gender identity confusion. “So much of this counseling is

