
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


Anchorage Mayor still hopes to get Assembly approval on controversial homeless shelters
The Anchorage Assembly voted July 22 to indefinitely postpone a decision on Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s request to let him purchase four building to establish homeless shelters in various neighborhoods that are not zoned for that purpose. After five long days


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


Mayor’s latest emergency order again treats Anchorage churches as non-essential
Update from editor: While the actual text of Mayor Berkowitz’s latest emergency order makes no mention of churches or religious exemptions, his legal department clarified on July 23 that churches will be allowed to operate under a previous order which


Mask mandate imposed on Juneau residents
Residents of Alaska’s capital city and surrounding borough are now required to wear face masks when gathered in indoor public settings or communal spaces outside the home. Those who resist the law are subject to a civil fine of up to $25. The Juneau


Monday: Juneau residents invited to weigh in on mask mandate & racism review board
Juneau residents have a chance to share their thoughts on two important ordinances under consideration by the Juneau Assembly. On Monday, July 20, they will consider an emergency ordinance requiring face masks in certain indoor settings during the 5:30 p.m.


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


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

