Anchorage schools to go mask optional on Feb. 28
On Feb. 28, the Anchorage School District will ditch its increasingly controversial mask mandate, which had inspired some parents to plan on sending children to school, mask free, next week. District Superintendent Deena Bishop announced Feb. 18 that schools
Alaska’s students must learn to ‘Read by Nine’ now – not in nine years
An entire decade. That’s how long Alaska’s public schools have ranked in the bottom five states for fourth-grade reading, regardless of income level. The pandemic has only exacerbated the struggles of Alaska’s students. All of our children deserve the
The Alaska VA’s disgraceful treatment
We published a story today about the malicious treatment of veterans with chronic pain by the Alaska VA and one Dr Cynthia Joe who is responsible. The Alaska Watchman was contacted by a group of surgeons who are at their wits end with the Alaska VA and are
Alaska VA refuses veterans an alternative to opioids, class action lawsuit looms
Alaska’s Veterans Affairs (VA) office is refusing to cover an effective, non-opioid treatment for veteran soldiers who now live in prolonged and excruciating pain. This is the experience of Alaska surgeons and medical device suppliers who have grown
Alaskans implore State Senate to pass bill prohibiting vax discrimination
A passionate and lengthy public hearing on a proposed bill to prohibit vaccine discrimination in Alaska received overwhelming support from those who called in to testify before the Senate State Affairs Committee on Feb. 8. Introduced by Sen. Lora Reinbold
‘We hold you responsible for damaging our children’
Editor’s note: The following testimony was written by Sitka resident Brett Wilcox and read before the Sitka School Board at its Feb. 2 meeting. Sitka students are currently required to mask throughout the entire school day (except to eat) regardless of
Rep. Eastman: State plan would separate AK lawmakers from families
If a new state plan for legislators isn’t formally rejected by the governor there will be fewer children at next year’s Easter Egg Hunt in the State Capitol Building. The annual event historically brings together children of legislators and legislative
Mat-Su Health official blames irrational ‘tribalism’ for low vax rates
According to the president of the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Elizabeth Ripley, the reason nearly 60% of Mat-Su residents have thus far declined the experimental Covid shots is not because of thoughtful research, but irrational and emotional fixations on
With rising Russia tensions, we must draw from the past
Who was responsible for post-war tensions between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.? Were they primarily a result of the Soviets’ mistrust of a perceived intent on the part of the Allies to establish a “New World Order” and act as policeman of the world? The
Alaskans invited to rally for ‘School Choice Week’ celebration
Alaska parents and educators are set to rally in support of school choice options, including homeschooling, private and religious education, charter schools and other options. The gathering is part of a national celebration of “School Choice Week”
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