
4th day of public testimony set for Anchorage mayor’s hotly contested homeless project
Enormous public outcry over Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s plan to set up government-run homeless shelters in several Anchorage neighborhoods has spanned three days and will continue on Tuesday, July 21. Assembly members have already listened to scores of upset


Testimony spills into day 3 on plan to put homeless shelters in Anchorage neighborhoods
Over the past two days, Anchorage residents have packed the Anchorage Assembly Chambers to protest a plan by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz to set up homeless shelters in local neighborhoods not zoned for this purpose. Day three of public testimony will resume tonight


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


Sitka to remove historic monument of Russian leader in Alaska
The Sitka Assembly voted 6-1 on July 14 to remove a statue of Alexander Baranov from the front of the city’s Harrigan Centennial Hall. The donated monument has been on display for more than 30 years as a tribute to the director of the famed Russian-American


Alaska Pioneer Homes to allow limited family visits for struggling seniors
Elderly Alaskans living in Alaska Pioneer Homes have been deprived of seeing family and friends since March due to COVID-19 concerns. This is changing in some locations. On July 14, Alaska Pioneer Homes, with locations in Fairbanks, Palmer, Anchorage,


Home of Alaska’s flag is history: Seward to demolish historic site
A nationally recognized historic structure – the Jesse Lee Home in Seward – will be demolished after the Seward City Council voted 5-1 to destroy one of Alaska’s most historic landmarks. Despite hearing from 29 people, 19 of whom pleaded with the city


First-time candidate challenges Alaska’s Senate president
At 58, Roger Holland’s first stab at public office is to run against one of the most powerful politicians in the Alaska Legislature – Senate President Cathy Giessel. In vying for Giessel’s District N seat in Anchorage, Holland said he wants to bring a


Will tonight spell the end of the Alaska State Flag’s historic home?
Most every year July 9th is a cause for celebration in Anchorage. Large crowds gather at Alaska Family & Child, the oldest non-profit in the state, which started as the Jesse Lee Home for Children. The governor usually speaks about a 13-year-old boy named


Mob rule in America – 1838 and 2020
“Their’s [our ancestors’] was the task … to uprear … a political edifice of liberty and equal rights; ‘tis ours … to transmit these … to the latest generation…” “At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? … If it


Kenai Borough pledges to defend 2nd Amendment gun rights
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly passed an ordinance on July 7 declaring the borough a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.” Originally introduced by Mayor Charlie Pierce, the ordinance was amended by Assembly President Kelly Cooper to clarify that the

