Katie Anastas, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Mask debates, staff shortages stress Anchorage teachers as omicron spreads
School districts around the country are debating mask mandates, COVID testing requirements, and whether schools should move to remote learning as omicron spreads. In Anchorage, student and staff absences are increasing, and teachers are frustrated.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Anchorage hospitals try to cope as Alaska notches record-breaking COVID case counts. Also, how sporadic winter ferry service is impacting Southeast communities. And Ketchikan reacts to the Alaska Board of Fisheries moving their March meeting to Anchorage.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, January 11, 2022
How the omicron variant could impact hospitals. Also, the winner of the Copper Basin 300 reflects on the sled dog race. And collapsed roofs and flooding follow rain and snow in Juneau.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, January 10, 2022
Anchorage residents spend hours waiting for COVID tests as case numbers increase. Also, why some residents of the Interior oppose a new highway construction project. And how Russian Orthodox parishioners in Bristol Bay celebrated Christmas.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, January 7, 2022
How the state health department is looking at Alaska's new peak in COVID cases. Why more than 700 ballots were rejected in Juneau's municipal election. And what a baby beluga rescue taught scientists about the species.
Mat-Su schools prepare to reopen Monday after storm damage
The district said power outages and cold temperatures led to water line breaks, boiler failures, broken sprinkler systems and other maintenance issues. But on Friday, Superintendent Randy Trani said the district is on track to fully reopen on Monday.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, January 6, 2022
As omicron hits Alaska, concern shifts to hospital staffing levels. COVID outbreaks and snowy weather have shut down some schools.
Anchorage School District reduces required COVID isolation to 5 days
The change is in line with new CDC guidelines.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, January 5, 2022
University of Alaska students sue the state government over
scholarship funds. Also, friends and state leaders remember philanthropist Ed Rasmuson. And riverbank erosion puts a Napakiak school at the top of the state's construction list.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, January 4, 2022
A commission recommends higher salaries but lower overall compensation for state lawmakers. Also, residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough assess the damage from the weekend's storm. And how economists are looking at "churn" in the state labor market.
Anchorage schools could temporarily close if COVID, travel and weather leave them too understaffed
Already, the district has had to close one school this week for four days.
Alaska News Nightly: Monday, January 3, 2022
High winds cause widespread power outages and other damage in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Also, Alaskans describe travel nightmares, stuck in the lower 48 with no available flights home for several days. And a shortage of ammunition leaves some Alaska hunters pointing fingers.
COVID testing locations in Anchorage closed as Mat-Su weather keeps staff home
The powerful winds in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough kept some health care workers at home Monday, leading to the temporary closure of three COVID-19 testing sites in the Anchorage area as cases surge.
Hydaburg residents have running water again after days without
Hydaburg residents have running water again after a snowstorm and freezing rain caused parts of the Southeast community’s water system to freeze last week.
Alaska News Nightly: Friday, December 31, 2021
Searchers find a New Stuyahok man alive after he spent a night stranded outside. Also, how COVID-19 testing is changing as the omicron variant spreads.
Alaska News Nightly: Thursday, December 30, 2021
At-home test kits are in demand as COVID cases rise and drive-thru testing sites fill up. Also, a ballot initiative to win state recognition for Alaska's tribes.
University of Alaska Anchorage to begin semester without change in COVID protocols
For now, the University of Alaska Anchorage will continue with existing COVID-19 protocols when students return from winter break on Monday.
Live performances and outdoor activities planned for Anchorage New Year’s Eve celebration
Anchorage will ring in the New Year with a fireworks display and outdoor activities on Friday night. The event is outdoors, and masks are optional. The Anchorage Health Department will be distributing free, at-home COVID-19 tests.
Alaska News Nightly: Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Record-setting high and low temperatures over the holiday weekend. Also, Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer will not seek reelection. And a look at the future of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
Alaska News Nightly: Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Record-setting high and low temperatures over the holiday weekend. Also, Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer will not seek reelection. And a look at the future of the Alaska Marine Highway System.