
Report: Increased spending hasn’t helped Alaska’s students
An Alaska think tank just released a policy brief showing that while education spending in the state has skyrocketed, academic achievement has plummeted. The Alaska Policy Forum (AFP) released its study on Feb. 13. Authored by David Boyle, APF’s senior


Chief justice claims Alaska judges not moved by ‘political interests’
In his Feb. 12 address to a joint session of the Alaska Legislature, Chief Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court Joel Bolger alluded to the court’s ongoing dispute with Gov. Mike Dunleavy regarding cuts to the judiciary’s budget following high court’s


Report shows why liberal judges rule Alaska
It doesn’t matter whether Alaska’s executive branch, legislative branch or the general population is conservative, Alaskans rarely see the appointment of conservative, constitutionalist judges. That’s because none of these groups have much say when it


Push for stiffer hate crime laws seen as threat to religious liberty
Hate crime is back in the national and local spotlight following the recent introduction of legislation in both the Alaska Legislature and the U.S. Senate. Senator Lisa Murkowski introduced legislation last week to make it easier for federal prosecutors to


Kenai City Council to vote on support of statewide LGBT hate crimes bill
City council members in Kenai and Soldotna are pushing for the expansion of statewide hate crimes legislation to include “sexual orientation and gender identity.” Last month the Soldotna City Council voted 5-1 in favor of a resolution urging state


Bill would protect religious freedom for Alaska children in state custody
A bill introduced by Republican Rep. Tammie Wilson of North Pole aims to safeguard the religious liberties of Alaska children while in state custody. Pre-filed on Jan. 10, HB 191 would require foster parents to ensure that a child is able to continue


Alaska’s population drop of 3,594 part of national trend
Alaska’s population dropped by an estimated 3,594 people last year according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s estimates released on Dec. 31. Alaska’s declining population comes from a combination of fewer births, increasing deaths and net migration losses.


Anchorage should turn to faith-based outreaches to solve homelessness
Members of the Anchorage Assembly just released their vision and goals for 2020, one of which is to end the decades-long plight of homelessness in Alaska’s largest city. The other three goals aim at addressing quality of life, public safety and economic


Alaska’s flagship Catholic hospital refers for abortion, violates ethical directives
A prominent statue of Jesus stands outside the front doors of Alaska’s flagship Catholic hospital, while inside health providers refer women for abortions, provide contraceptive pills known to cause early abortions, and offer numerous services that are in


Choosing happiness? Alaskans opt for ‘pet parenting’ over human babies
Two recent reports suggest that a growing number of Alaskan couples are less willing to raise human children but are enthusiastic about so-called pet parenting their “furry friends.” In terms of percentage, children (ages 0-19 years old) have dropped from

