
Citizens to host Memorial Day commemoration, even if Anchorage mayor won’t
A citizen led Memorial Day commemoration will take place on the Anchorage Delany Park Strip after Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz refused to sanction the annual municipal sponsored event. Citing ongoing concern over COVID-19 Berkowitz said last week that


Alaska State Fair won’t open for first time since WWII
For the first time since 1942 – amid World War II – the Alaska State Fair will not open this year. The fair’s board of directors announced the decision on May 22, citing “continuing uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.” On April 28


Anchorage mayor defends his COVID ‘rules’ while most of Alaska reopens
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is doubling down on his so-called “slow but steady” approached to gradually reopening Anchorage’s economy, churches and other entities. Despite the fact the Gov. Mike Dunleavy lifted nearly all state health mandates on


Governor invites Alaskans to ask COVID questions in virtual town halls
Alaskans are invited to ask questions during a series of virtual town hall events with Gov. Mike Dunleavy and other state officials. The first meeting was on May 21 with the next planned for May 26. The goal is to discuss Alaska’s response to the COVID-19


Alaska among 10 states failing to enact religious exemptions during pandemic
Alaska is among just 10 states that failed to provide religious exemptions to protect First Amendment liberties of churches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every state in the union implemented guidelines and mandates limiting social gatherings but some took


Anchorage mayor calls for COVID inspired art to share with community
Based on his comments at the May 19 Anchorage Assembly meeting, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz seems determined to keep his health orders in place for churches, businesses and other sectors of the economy. This comes despite the fact that Gov. Mike Dunleavy is lifting


Governor: ‘Now is the time’ to reopen Alaska
The time has come to move away from fear and hiding from COVID-19 and towards widespread but careful opening of Alaska’s businesses, churches and cultural life, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on May 19. Starting Friday, May 22, businesses and other entities


Pope names an archbishop for newly formed Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau
Pope Francis has named Juneau Bishop Andrew Bellisario as archbishop of the newly founded Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. The announcement was made on May 19. In combining the dioceses of Southeast and Southcentral Alaska, the state now has just two


COVID won’t stop Alaska from holding traditional primary election
Alaska Lieut. Governor Kevin Meyer said Alaska will conduct the August primary election in the traditional manner, with all options available for Alaskan voters. This includes absentee voting, early voting up to two weeks prior to election day, and in-person,


California churches to defy state’s violation of First Amendment rights
Hundreds of California pastors plan to defy Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive orders relegating religious gatherings as nonessential. An open letter from pastors to the governor declares their intent to “begin holding in-person church services beginning on

