The Associated Press
Alaska officials warn of fentanyl-laced pills after deaths
A public warning was issued to Alaska residents about the dangers of fentanyl after multiple overdoses were reported this week from people who took counterfeit pills designed to look like oxycodone, health officials said.
Tribes sue over distribution of coronavirus relief funding
Several Native American tribes sued the federal government Friday, seeking to keep any of the $8 billion in federal coronavirus relief for tribes kept out of the hands of for-profit Alaska Native corporations.
Investigation into airplane crash put on hold due to coronavirus concerns
A couple and their two adult sons were injured in a crash near Fire Lake north of Eagle River, but the NTSB said it would not immediately send investigators to the crash site.
Scores of Alaska villages implement travel restrictions amid pandemic
About 70 Alaska tribes have implemented travel restrictions to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, limiting incoming air, land and water traffic in remote villages scattered across the state.
Investigator seeks information in Homer missing woman case
An investigator and family members have appealed to Homer residents for help in finding a woman who has been missing for nearly six months.
Amid coronavirus restrictions, Alaskans get extension to file for dividend
The filing deadline was supposed to be March 31, but an emergency bill passed by the legislature extended the filing period until the end of April.
Former Lt. Governor named first female president of Alaska Pacific University
Valerie Nurr'araaluk Davidson was state health commissioner under former Gov. Bill Walker and became his lieutenant governor in late 2018.
Nearly a third of Iditarod field scratched, including Nic Petit caught in storm, while Quince Mountain withdrawn
Nearly a third of the 57 mushers in this year’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race have scratched, including a Girdwood's Nicolas Petit, who activated an alert button seeking rescue Thursday morning because of weather conditions.
U.S. and Canada agree to close the border to nonessential travel
The U.S. and Canada have agreed to temporarily close their shared border to nonessential travel, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday as the two nations work to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Alaska maritime cargo companies not expecting virus shutdown
Two of Alaska’s major maritime cargo companies are confident the coronavirus outbreak will not disrupt shipments.
Oil prices, driven lower by COVID-19 outbreak, will increase state deficit, Alaska officials say
The most recent Legislative Finance Division projections put Alaska’s final 2020 fiscal year deficit around $930 million.
Iditarod loses another major, long-time sponsor
The Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership is the Iditarod's second top sponsor to drop its financial support of the race this month.
Anchorage officials to use ice arena for emergency shelter
The Ben Boeke Ice Arena in Anchorage is the preferred location for an additional shelter to house many of the city’s homeless as the COVID-19 virus spreads, officials said.
Cruise ship turned away over coronavirus will be cleaned and have a new crew when it docks in Alaska
A cruise ship turned away from ports in Asia over fears of a new virus will be cleaned to federal standards and carry a different crew when the vessel docks in Alaska, officials said.
Alaska Airlines drops sponsorship of Iditarod sled dog race
The Seattle-based airline, which got its start in Alaska decades ago, said in a statement that the decision to end sponsorship after this year’s race was made as the company transitions to a new corporate giving strategy.
All passengers in plane from Wuhan passed coronavirus screening in Anchorage
A plane evacuating 201 Americans from the Chinese city at the center of the virus outbreak is on its way to Southern California after everyone aboard passed a health screening test at Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska.
Sitka mulls joining tiny house movement
The Sitka Planning Commission got its first look Wednesday at how city code could be amended to make room for tiny houses, specifically those on chassis allowing the structures to be moved.
Anchorage man charged with murder, arson in deaths of 2 in SUV
Tylan Fely, 34, also faces charges of weapons misconduct, evidence tampering and misconduct involving a corpse.
Five people charged in Seward for August murder
The Seward Police Department announced initial arrests Wednesday in the death of Preston Atwood, whose body was found Aug. 30. He had last been seen Aug. 25 at a Seward beach.
APD detains suspect following fatal Thanksgiving Day shooting
Anchorage police have detained a man sought in connection with a Thanksgiving Day fatal shooting. The 27-year-old suspect had not been formally charged as of early Friday.