![Shelton pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Shelton-pic.jpg)
Public testimony largely in favor of Palmer police chief
The Palmer City Council’s June 9 meeting included more than two hours of public testimony, mostly in support of Police Chief Dwayne Shelton who was placed on administrative leave with pay last month following the discovery of certain social media comments
![Covid on bus](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Covid-on-bus.jpg)
![Covid on bus](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Covid-on-bus.jpg)
Juneau mandates masks in order access buses, public facilities
In order to ride public buses or utilize government owned property, residents of Alaska’s state capitol must now wear face coverings. The Juneau Assembly unanimously passed an ordinance on May 28 requiring bus passengers to wear a mask over their nose and
![School closure pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/School-closure-pic.jpg)
![School closure pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/School-closure-pic.jpg)
Alaska mandates private and public schools closures until May 1
Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued his eighth health mandate for the State of Alaska, closing all private, religious and public schools until May 1 in an effort to limit the spread of coronavirus. “Given the increasing concern for new cases of COVID-19 around
![Abortion stats image e1552349604269](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Abortion-stats-image-e1552349604269.jpg)
![Abortion stats image e1552349604269](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Abortion-stats-image-e1552349604269.jpg)
Abortion amendment set for 5th public hearing
A proposed constitutional amendment stating that nothing in Alaska’s Constitution can be interpreted by the courts as granting a right to abortion is set for a fifth public hearing on Friday, March 13 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The measure, SJR 13,
![Veto Power](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Veto-Power.jpg)
![Veto Power](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Veto-Power.jpg)
Republicans let bill advance that eases veto override of Alaska governor
The more liberal members of the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance legislation to make it easier for the Legislature to override a governor’s veto. Representatives Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, Harriet Drummond, D-Anchorage, and Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak,
![Student lifts trophy pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Student-lifts-trophy-pic.jpg)
![Student lifts trophy pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Student-lifts-trophy-pic.jpg)
Alaska’s failing public schools need some stiff competition
In late 2019 Alaskans learned that, despite spending more than 1.6 billion dollars every year on education, our elementary and high school students ranked at the bottom in terms of national test scores, with only 39% proficient in reading and 36% proficient
![Republican champ pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Republican-champ-pic.jpg)
![Republican champ pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Republican-champ-pic.jpg)
Is the Republican Party a pro-life champion?
In 1980 Ronald Reagan got my vote and that of many Alaskans because he was pro-life. His sweeping victory had Democrats, feminists and abortionists figuring it was all over for them. Reagan Democrats were essentially pro-life anti-communists. Both enemies and
![Election 2020 pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Election-2020-pic.jpg)
![Election 2020 pic](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Election-2020-pic.jpg)
Your chance to shape the direction of Alaska’s Republican Party
In just two weeks Alaskans can begin weighing in on the mission, core values and platform priorities of Alaska’s Republican Party. In gearing up for the 2020 campaign season, local legislative districts will start conducting district conventions next month.
![Education category](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Education-category.jpg)
![Education category](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Education-category.jpg)
Alaska’s public schools are in crisis – it’s time to end their monopoly
Last month the superintendents of seven Alaska school districts sent Governor Mike Dunleavy, a former teacher himself, a letter declaring that “Alaska’s students are presently in a reading achievement crisis.” Reading scores are low compared to national
![Medicaid gavel](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Medicaid-gavel.jpg)
![Medicaid gavel](https://alaskawatchman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Medicaid-gavel.jpg)
Governor urged to resist court order on publicly funded abortions
Alaska Right to Life issued an open letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, on Dec. 29 praising him for being “a risk taker and history-maker, unconcerned with the vehement protests of those opposed to your pro-life stance.” The letter, sent by Alaska Right to Life