Tag: COVID-19 in Alaska - Page 3

Berkowitz compares 9-11 response to those who follow his COVID mandates

FreedomSeptember 11, 2020

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz used his Sept. 11 press briefing to compare those who are living under COVID-19 health mandates, to Americans who responded to the devastating 9/11 terrorist attacks that resulted in the death of almost 3,000 Americans. He said

Anchorage Assembly opens meetings but threatens public to comply with mandates

FreedomAugust 31, 2020

After a month of banning residents from attending Anchorage Assembly meetings in person, Assembly Chair Felix Rivera announced on Aug. 31 that the chambers will be reopened to the public but only under strict conditions that include compulsory facemasks and

Anchorage churches restricted to 50% capacity under mayor’s latest order

CultureAugust 28, 2020

Beginning Monday, Aug. 31, Anchorage area churches will be allowed to open at 50% capacity. This is up from the 15-person limit which had been in effect for the past month. Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced the pending changes during his weekly press briefing

Anchorage Assembly continues to pass controversial laws while banning public from meetings

PoliticsAugust 28, 2020

Despite demands from Anchorage residents who wish to engage their political representatives eye-to-eye, the Anchorage Assembly has doubled down on its insistence that no member of the public be allowed to enter the Assembly chambers due to COVID-19 concerns.

State Fair is cancelled but Mat-Su Fall Festival kicks off Friday

CultureAugust 25, 2020

While the traditional Alaska State Fair is closed for the first time since 1942 due to COVID-19 concerns, the new Mat-Su Fall Festival is filling the void just outside of Palmer. The Aug. 28-30 event will include dozens of live music performances, gourmet

Hundreds of protesters oppose Anchorage Assembly and mayor’s COVID-19 actions

PoliticsAugust 12, 2020

Several hundred energized protesters gathered outside the Anchorage Assembly chambers on Tuesday night, including former Mayor Dan Sullivan and several state legislators. Demonstrators expressed frustration and anger at Mayor Ethan Berkowitz and many of the

Prominent Alaska church defies mayor’s order restricting religious services

FaithAugust 10, 2020

Anchorage Baptist Temple is standing up to Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s latest emergency order that bans churches from having more than 15 people in attendance. On Sunday, Aug. 9, Pastor Ron Hoffman gave an inspired sermon to a large gathering inside

Family diners remained open Saturday despite Anchorage mayor’s fines, threats and lawsuits

CultureAugust 8, 2020

Two Anchorage restaurants, Kriner’s Diner and Litter Dipper, both remained open on Saturday, Aug. 8, amid growing sanctions from Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s administration. The diners have become a rallying point for local residents who are fed up with

Attorney warns that diner case could spark class action against Anchorage

CultureAugust 6, 2020

In what is becoming a high-stakes court case in Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s effort to close down all restaurants to indoor dining, the initial presiding judge recused herself at the start of the opening hearing on Aug. 6. A few hours later the case

Red Chair Café plans to join Anchorage restaurants in bucking mayor’s mandate

CultureAugust 6, 2020

Another Anchorage restaurant is planning to open for indoor dining soon, joining a growing movement of cafes and restaurants that are defying Mayor Ethan Berkowitz’s ban on all indoor dining. “We can’t open right now because we just don’t have enough

COVID-19 in Alaska