Anchorage mayor breaks with governor’s plan to reopen state on Friday
While Gov. Mike Dunleavy is set to remove all health mandates on businesses, churches and cultural entities by May 22, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz does not plan to let Alaska’s largest city follow the same timeline. During the May 19 Anchorage Assembly
California churches to defy state’s violation of First Amendment rights
Hundreds of California pastors plan to defy Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive orders relegating religious gatherings as nonessential. An open letter from pastors to the governor declares their intent to “begin holding in-person church services beginning on
Some Alaskans are getting back to work, but unemployment remains high
Tens of thousands of Alaskans continue to be out of work, but those seeking or receiving unemployment insurance is beginning to tick down since the state began reopening sectors of its economy as the health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis remain low. For the
Just the facts: COVID health impact in Alaska has dramatically fallen
The past month has seen a steep decline in the use of medical resources and overall active cases of COVID-19 in Alaska. On May 12 the state reported no new cases of the virus, no new hospitalization and no additional deaths. Over the past 30 days, Alaska has
Americans retreating from social distancing
A growing number of Americans – especially Republicans and Independents – are beginning to venture back into social gatherings and public events, according to a new Gallup survey. Nearly three-quarters of Americans (74%) say that they avoided small
Powerful Alaska Judicial Council controls the bench – we merely offer suggestions
The Alaska Judicial Council – a small but powerful group that controls placement of all judges in Alaska – says it wants to hear from rank and file Alaskans regarding the suitability of 22 judges up for retention this year. After hearing from Alaskans and
ACLU of Alaska keeps quiet on religious liberty restrictions
The ACLU, including the Alaska chapter, claims to be very busy protecting fundamental liberties during the COVID-19 crisis. A series of recent emails from the national group boasts that during the pandemic their attorneys have filed over 100 legal actions for
Mat-Su book clash reveals flaw with how schools tackle divisive topics
After three hours of call-in public testimony, including name-calling, half-truths and some thoughtful insights, the Mat-Su Borough School Board gaveled out of its May 6 meeting at 10 p.m. National interest in the meeting arose based on a false report that
Alaska enters phase two of reopening: Theaters, bars, entertainment permitted
With extremely low infection and hospitalization rates from COVID-19, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced plans for phase two of reopening segments of Alaska. This allows entertainment and cultural venues to incrementally open as well as bars and fitness centers.
Mat-Su to announce finalists to replace school superintendent
Alaska’s second largest school district is about to announce the top finalists in its search for a new superintendent who will oversee 46 schools and the education of 19,000 students. The Mat-Su School Board hopes to announce their leading two or three
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