
Pope names an archbishop for newly formed Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau
Pope Francis has named Juneau Bishop Andrew Bellisario as archbishop of the newly founded Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau. The announcement was made on May 19. In combining the dioceses of Southeast and Southcentral Alaska, the state now has just two


Alaska parents fear dangers of increased screen time amid COVID-19
Despite many more hours of free time, warming spring temperatures and increased sunshine, Alaska kids are getting less physical activity and spending more time with video games, smart phones and streaming movies. Alaska’s not alone. Nationally parent


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


More Alaska churches reopen as COVID numbers remain low
More churches across Alaska are beginning to reopen under updated health guidelines released on May 8 as part of phase two of reopening the state. As of May 11, Alaska had just 53 active cases of COVID-19. The new guidelines allow for up to 50 people in


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


Media fixation on Mat-Su’s so-called ‘book ban’ begs comparison to Fairbanks
The Mat-Su School Board made national news a few days ago for its decision to remove 5 modern American classics from the list of required reading in an elective English class offered within the school district. All five are relatively famous titles like


Catholic churches reopen in northern Alaska with health measures in place
Following updated health mandates released last week by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Catholic parishes across northern Alaska have begun to hold religious services, including distribution of communion. A letter published on April 28 by Fairbanks Bishop Chad Zielinski


Anti-homeschool summit features influential Alaskan
Parental rights advocates are concerned about an upcoming Harvard summit in June that includes nationally known figures who want homeschooling banned and/or heavily regulated by the state. One of the speakers is Dr. Barbara Knox, the new medical director of


Protesters rally for reopening as Anchorage mayor announces plan
The blare of protesting horns echoed through downtown Anchorage as hundreds of cars rolled past city hall and the offices of Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz on April 22. Alaskans struggling to maintain their livelihoods under city and statewide health


Governor asks God to protect and guide Alaskans during pandemic
Gov. Mike Dunleavy offered prayers for the protection and deliverance of Alaska from what he called the “invisible menace” of the coronavirus. His April 10 live-streamed Day of Prayer and Hope included more than 30 pastors and religious leaders from

