New COVID cases ‘no cause for alarm,’ governor says
Despite mainstream media reports that “Alaska saw a big jump in new daily COVID-19 cases Thursday,” the state’s chief medical officer Anne Zink said it was not a significant rise given increased testing. “This is our second highest testing day overall
Alaska Supreme Court orders all quarantine cases to be confidential
The Chief Justice of Alaska’s Supreme Court ordered that all court cases in which the state forces people into mandatory isolation due to COVID-19 be sealed from the public. Chief Justice Joel Bolger issued the order on May 26 to comply with a law passed by
Mat-Su turns out in force to honor fallen soldiers
Some 300 men, women and children stood under gray skies and steady rainfall to attend a packed Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Wasilla. Gathered at the Mat-Su Veterans Wall of Honor, attendees witnessed a 21-gun salute to the fallen dead. In attendance were
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
Assembly member calls on Anchorage mayor to reopen society
Editor’s note: The following message was sent to us by newly elected Anchorage Assembly Member Jamie Allard in response to Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s continued restrictions on businesses, churches and other venues despite Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s lifting of
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
Alaskans to receive $1,000 PFDs in July
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced May 20 that the Permanent Fund Dividend Division will begin distribution of the 2020 PFD to all eligible Alaskans on July 1, three months earlier than normal. The Alaska Legislature capped the dividend at $1,000 this year rather
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
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