
Alaska’s acting AG comments on limits of state power during an emergency
The State of Alaska has expansive powers to enact laws during a state of emergency, but there are limits. Ed Sniffen, the state’s acting attorney general, spoke during a Sept. 22 online townhall where he spelled out the limits of emergency powers Gov. Mike


Governor reiterates: ‘I have no intention of mandating a vaccination for COVID’ in Alaska
Governor Mike Dunleavy spent an extended amount of time during his Sept. 15 online town hall emphasizing that he does not plan to force Alaskans to take a COVID-19 vaccination if one is developed. “I have no intention of mandating a vaccination for COVID. I


Eastman vs. Sumner for Alaska House: Here’s where they stand
In the race for the Alaska House seat in District 10 (Wasilla), the Alaska Watchman is not making any endorsements. In order to give voters a better idea of how the candidates differ, we sent questions to both incumbent Rep. David Eastman and his Republican


Rep. Gary Knopp and six others killed in mid-air plane crash
Alaska State Representative Gary Knopp and with six others were killed in a mid-air plane crash the morning of July 31 near Soldotna. According to the Dept. of Public Safety, Knopp, age 67, was the sole occupant of his plane. The other contained six people


Rep. Gary Knopp defends his pro-abortion stance in radio interview
Rep. Gary Knopp, R-Kenai/Soldotna is weathering a tough primary campaign to retain his seat in the Alaska State House. His conservative credentials are suspect after breaking with fellow Republicans to create a bi-partisan majority coalition in Juneau which


Alaska Republican primary focus: Hold candidates’ feet to the fire on the binding caucus
We’ve had many interesting legislative sessions in Alaska this last decade, but these last two years have really highlighted a unique situation we’re in. When I say unique, I mean that no other state has a binding caucus in their legislature, and in


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


Governor to join Alaska pastors prayer rally for racial reconciliation
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has agreed to join Alaskans in prayer to seek healing and racial reconciliation. The online prayer gathering will occur on July 16 and will be hosted by Alaska churches and ministries. “Let us mobilize all pastors, prayer warriors, and


Alaska legislators to argue why the binding caucus must be stopped
The question of whether conservative candidates in Alaska support a binding caucus has become a major topic on the campaign trail this year. It came to the forefront over the past year after members of the Republican majority in Juneau were stripped of


Alaska Supreme Court appointee once argued against Medicaid abortions
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that Dario Borghesan will become the newest member of the Alaska Supreme Court. Borghesan is a former state attorney who argued in 2015 that the state should be able to restrict state funded abortions through Medicaid. While his

