Tag: coronavirus - Page 5 - Alaska Watchman

Anchorage mayor defends his COVID ‘rules’ while most of Alaska reopens

FreedomMay 22, 2020

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is doubling down on his so-called “slow but steady” approached to gradually reopening Anchorage’s economy, churches and other entities. Despite the fact the Gov. Mike Dunleavy lifted nearly all state health mandates on

Assembly member calls on Anchorage mayor to reopen society

PoliticsMay 22, 2020

Editor’s note: The following message was sent to us by newly elected Anchorage Assembly Member Jamie Allard in response to Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s continued restrictions on businesses, churches and other venues despite Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s lifting of

Alaska among 10 states failing to enact religious exemptions during pandemic

CultureMay 21, 2020

Alaska is among just 10 states that failed to provide religious exemptions to protect First Amendment liberties of churches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every state in the union implemented guidelines and mandates limiting social gatherings but some took

Anchorage mayor breaks with governor’s plan to reopen state on Friday

PoliticsMay 20, 2020

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

Governor: ‘Now is the time’ to reopen Alaska

CultureMay 20, 2020

The time has come to move away from fear and hiding from COVID-19 and towards widespread but careful opening of Alaska’s businesses, churches and cultural life, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced on May 19. Starting Friday, May 22, businesses and other entities

Governor: Alaska ‘headed towards a much bigger opening’

CultureMay 18, 2020

Governor Mike Dunleavy indicated that most health mandates will be lifted and/or substantially eased this week as the number of COVID-19 infection and hospitalizations remain extremely low in Alaska. “We will probably end up retaining just a few things that

Alaska right to reject vulnerable mail-in-only voting

PoliticsMay 18, 2020

Lieutenant Gov. Kevin Meyer is right to reject pressure to enact a mail-in-only voting system for Alaska during COVID-19. Despite assurances that widespread mail-in voting is secure, the data simply does not bear this out. A new detailed report on mail-in

COVID won’t stop Alaska from holding traditional primary election

PoliticsMay 16, 2020

Alaska Lieut. Governor Kevin Meyer said Alaska will conduct the August primary election in the traditional manner, with all options available for Alaskan voters. This includes absentee voting, early voting up to two weeks prior to election day, and in-person,

California churches to defy state’s violation of First Amendment rights

FreedomMay 15, 2020

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

Alaska parents fear dangers of increased screen time amid COVID-19

CultureMay 14, 2020

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

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