Momentum builds as more Anchorage restaurants defy mayor’s shutdown orders
At least two more Anchorage restaurants are open for business as of Aug. 6, joining Kriner’s Diner and Little Dipper Diner in making a stand against Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s order to shut down all indoor dining due to COVID-19 concerns. Jackie’s Place is
Open defiance: Anchorage restaurants packed despite mayor’s order
Kriner’s Diner has become ground zero for those who oppose increasingly stringent health mandates imposed on Anchorage by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz. Jason Woscek went out of his way to eat at Kriner’s on Aug. 5, bringing his family and out-of-state relatives
Scrambling Anchorage parents ask school district for homeschool stipends
Parents are petitioning the Anchorage School District for financial help as they take on the task of homeschooling their children this year. The district notified parents last week that schools would not be reopening for at least the first quarter of the
Southeast university imposes mask mandates, wants violators reported
The University of Alaska Southeast, which has campuses in Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan will impose mask mandates for all students, staff and visitors as it provides both online and in-person classes this fall. According to the university’s newly released
Municipal Attorney: Anchorage mayor’s new order doesn’t apply to churches
In imposing his latest COVID-19 mandate Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s emergency order made no mention of religious entities. According to July 24 email Municipal Attorney Kathryn Vogel, however, churches are still under a previous order in which gatherings of 500
Mayor’s latest emergency order again treats Anchorage churches as non-essential
Update from editor: While the actual text of Mayor Berkowitz’s latest emergency order makes no mention of churches or religious exemptions, his legal department clarified on July 23 that churches will be allowed to operate under a previous order which
Anchorage Assemblywoman: Mayor’s homeless plan is a misuse of taxpayer funds
Anchorage’s homeless problem has exploded in the last five years. Here are the numbers as compiled by the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness. 177 camps noticed in 2016 414 camps noticed in 2017 444 camps noticed in 2018 1,111 camps noticed in 2019
Mask mandate imposed on Juneau residents
Residents of Alaska’s capital city and surrounding borough are now required to wear face masks when gathered in indoor public settings or communal spaces outside the home. Those who resist the law are subject to a civil fine of up to $25. The Juneau
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