Anchorage mayor defends his COVID ‘rules’ while most of Alaska reopens
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
Alaska among 10 states failing to enact religious exemptions during pandemic
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
Alaskans to receive $1,000 PFDs in July
Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced May 20 that the Permanent Fund Dividend Division will begin distribution of the 2020 PFD to all eligible Alaskans on July 1, three months earlier than normal. The Alaska Legislature capped the dividend at $1,000 this year rather
Anchorage mayor breaks with governor’s plan to reopen state on Friday
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
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’
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
High court says recall effort against Dunleavy can proceed
The effort to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy from office may proceed after the Alaska Supreme Court ruled 4-1 on May 8 that grounds for the potential recall election were sufficient. Chief Justice Joel Bolger did not take part in the State Division of Elections v.
Alaska enters phase two of reopening: Theaters, bars, entertainment permitted
With extremely low infection and hospitalization rates from COVID-19, Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced plans for phase two of reopening segments of Alaska. This allows entertainment and cultural venues to incrementally open as well as bars and fitness centers.
Governor asks Alaskans to join National Day of Prayer
They won’t physically gather in churches or city parks or banquet halls this year, but hundreds of Alaskans will join believers around the nation to bow their heads and turn to God during the National Day of Prayer. Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation
Mandates raise legal questions regarding treatment of Alaska churches
Last week U.S. Attorney General William Barr instructed the Department of Justice to be on the lookout for state and local laws that violate the religious liberties of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Barr directed the DOJ to take action to correct
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