
FACT CHECK: Misleading statements claim Alaskans are getting ‘fully approved’ vaccine
Despite media reports to the contrary, Alaskans who’ve been waiting for the FDA’s “fully approved” Pfizer COVID shot – now renamed “Comirnaty” – will likely find it impossible to get at any location currently providing COVID shots. This


Bethel refuses to hire city employees who are among the unvaxed
The City of Bethel – a village of 6,200 residents – has implemented a policy that bans hiring any new employees who have declined to take the COVID shots. Effective Aug. 10, the city stated that “all applicants for hire must be vaccinated against


Anchorage librarian defends her qualifications to lead city’s libraries
Sami Graham, who has been nominated by Mayor Dave Bronson to lead the Anchorage library system, answered tough questions from Anchorage Assembly members regarding her qualifications to serve as the city’s top librarian. The questions came during an Aug. 20


Juneau officials to hear from public before voting to spend $700K to establish vote-by-mail center
Juneau residents are invited to express their views regarding the Assembly’s plan to spend $700,000 to fund a vote-by-mail facility. Public comments will be heard on Monday, Aug. 23, during the regular Assembly meeting, staring at 7 p.m. In May of 2020,


Alaskans urged to pray for those trapped in Afghanistan
A coalition of pastors and religious leaders is inviting Alaskans to come together in prayer for Americans and allies stranded in Afghanistan. The two-day online prayer service is being hosted by Revive Alaska, a non-denominational group that aims to unite


Alaska woman denied life-sustaining treatment for declining the COVID jab
Courtney Chavez, of Wasilla, suffers from multiple autoimmune diseases, a blood clotting disorder and a bleeding disease. Since 2007 the stay-at-home mother of two has received life-sustaining treatment for her bleeding disease from Dr. Michelle O’Fallon,


Vax mandate presents excruciating decision for Alaska military family
Editor’s note: After verifying the author’s identity and Alaska residency, the Alaska Watchman has agreed to let her use a pseudonym in order to protect her family and her husband’s military career. I am writing this piece to illustrate the coming


Dunleavy: Alaskans are impatient for legislators to solve PFD, spending limits and revenue concerns
As the Alaska Legislature gathered for its third special session of the year, Gov. Mike Dunleavy said Aug. 16 that Alaskans are running out of patience for lawmakers to address the state’s long term financial outlook, including how to solve structural


Mayor urges Anchorage superintendent to ditch universal masking in schools
Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson has been clear, even while campaigning to be mayor, that he adamantly opposes mandating residents wear masks. On Friday, Aug. 6, he took issue with Anchorage School District Superintendent Deena Bishop’s insistence that all


Alaska Dept. of Health forwards controversial advice that pregnant women get COVID shot
Despite persisting concerns that COVID shots could damage a woman’s ovaries, placenta and her developing baby, the Alaska Dept. of Health and Social Services is disseminating information that strongly urges pregnant and lactating women to submit to the

