
4th day of public testimony set for Anchorage mayor’s hotly contested homeless project
Enormous public outcry over Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s plan to set up government-run homeless shelters in several Anchorage neighborhoods has spanned three days and will continue on Tuesday, July 21. Assembly members have already listened to scores of upset


Alaska law enforcement steps up to support Special Olympics athletes
Many of Alaska’s men and women in uniform are set to participate in the 2020 Law Enforcement Torch Run & Pledge Drive to help raise funds for Alaska’s Special Olympics athletes. The event will take place in 15 communities across the state from July 18


Testimony spills into day 3 on plan to put homeless shelters in Anchorage neighborhoods
Over the past two days, Anchorage residents have packed the Anchorage Assembly Chambers to protest a plan by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz to set up homeless shelters in local neighborhoods not zoned for this purpose. Day three of public testimony will resume tonight


Alaska Republican primary focus: Hold candidates’ feet to the fire on the binding caucus
We’ve had many interesting legislative sessions in Alaska this last decade, but these last two years have really highlighted a unique situation we’re in. When I say unique, I mean that no other state has a binding caucus in their legislature, and in


While Alaska COVID infections rise, other metrics look good
With alarming headlines about the growing danger of COVID-19, the Alaska Watchman would like to provide the following stats to help keep things in perspective. It’s true that the overall number of Alaskans documented to have been infected continues to rise


Sitka to remove historic monument of Russian leader in Alaska
The Sitka Assembly voted 6-1 on July 14 to remove a statue of Alexander Baranov from the front of the city’s Harrigan Centennial Hall. The donated monument has been on display for more than 30 years as a tribute to the director of the famed Russian-American


Alaska Pioneer Homes to allow limited family visits for struggling seniors
Elderly Alaskans living in Alaska Pioneer Homes have been deprived of seeing family and friends since March due to COVID-19 concerns. This is changing in some locations. On July 14, Alaska Pioneer Homes, with locations in Fairbanks, Palmer, Anchorage,


Assembly asks Anchorage mayor to include public in deciding Capt. Cook statue’s fate
In determining the fate of the historical monument to Captain James Cook, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz has been asked to include a much broader public process than merely having the Native Village of Eklutna decide the fate of a historic marker which has


Assembly approves Anchorage mayor’s request to reward Catholic shelter for gender identity policy
The Brother Francis Shelter (BFS), which is run by Catholic Social Services (CSS) in Anchorage, received a $200,000 bump from the municipality because of its permissive gender identity policy and the fact that it provides services for the medically fragile,


Home of Alaska’s flag is history: Seward to demolish historic site
A nationally recognized historic structure – the Jesse Lee Home in Seward – will be demolished after the Seward City Council voted 5-1 to destroy one of Alaska’s most historic landmarks. Despite hearing from 29 people, 19 of whom pleaded with the city

