
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


Alaska LGBT activists showcase pronoun predicament
Identity is one of the leading LGBT activist groups in Alaska. They organize Drag Queen Story Hour for children at the Loussac Library in Anchorage and also occasionally instruct Anchorage School District teachers and staff on how to conform with liberal


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,


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


Municipal Attorney: Anchorage mayor’s new order doesn’t apply to churches
In imposing his latest COVID-19 mandate Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s emergency order made no mention of religious entities. According to July 24 email Municipal Attorney Kathryn Vogel, however, churches are still under a previous order in which gatherings of 500


Alaska Attorney General pushes for graphic warnings on cigarette packs
Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson joined a coalition of 25 attorneys general from across the country in a brief supporting federal regulations mandating graphic color warnings on cigarette packages and advertisements. The brief was filed in R.J.


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


Berkowitz warns Anchorage bars & restaurants that ignore his orders
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz issued a strong warning to restaurant and bar owners that if they don’t follow a series of health suggestions, he may shut them down again. He had Sarah Oats CEO of the Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant & Retailers Association lay


Governor tackles mask controversy, emphasizes advisories & personal freedom
Gov. Mike Dunleavy waded into the mask mandate controversy during his June 30 press conference. Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz imposed a mask mandate across Alaska’s largest city, which prompted the governor to exempt state employees working in state

