Kavitha George, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Kavitha George is Alaska Public Media’s climate change reporter. Reach her at kgeorge@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Kavitha here.
Intervention 2020 group pushes for incarcerating homeless, a plan that may be unconstitutional
Nearly thirty hours of in-person public testimony on a city plan to purchase property for a treatment center, housing and other homelessness services wrapped up last week. While the assembly says they’ve received thousands of emails in support of the plan, the majority of hundreds of in-person testifiers were against it. Some of the negative testimony was fueled by a conservative opposition group called Intervention 2020.
At an Anchorage seafood processor, more than a third of employees test positive for COVID-19
Anchorage Health Department announced on Friday that 56 of 134 employees at the Copper River Seafoods plant in Anchorage tested positive for COVID-19 between July 17 and July 22. Thirty more employees have tests pending and 14 have not been tested. Nearly all are residents of the municipality, the department said.
COVID-19 cases in Anchorage move school district into all-online learning
The average number of cases is now above 30 cases over the last 14 days.
Public hearing on Anchorage property purchase ends, vote expected next week
Public hearing testimony on the city’s plan to purchase properties for a treatment center, housing and homelessness resources ended late Wednesday evening. It was the fifth day of the hearing, at which hundreds of Anchorage residents called in or testified in person.
As cases rise, Anchorage restricts gatherings, capacity in Anchorage bars and restaurants
With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Anchorage, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz released new orders on Wednesday to reinstate some limitations on bars, restaurants and other gathering spaces. The new orders go into effect at 8 a.m. on Friday.
What are the city’s plans after controversial building purchases in Anchorage? Here’s what we know.
On Tuesday, the Anchorage Assembly will hold its fourth day of a public hearing on the city’s controversial plan to revamp homelessness services. Many people who testified in person so far have raised concerns about the planning process and proximity of the facilities to Midtown neighborhoods.
Public health officials warn Anchorage is getting closer to max health care capacity
Anchorage health officials say the continuing rise in COVID-19 cases in the city is threatening the city’s health capacity. At a news conference on Friday, Public Health Division Manager Christy Lawton said at the current rate of new cases, the predicted time until Anchorage exceeds its ICU bed capacity has been cut in half, from 20 weeks to 10 weeks.
Assembly extends testimony on property purchase into next week
Community members in opposition accused the assembly of trying to force the plan through with little community input and few details about how the facilities would be operated. Safety concerns were also frequently mentioned.
Assembly postpones vote on property purchase for treatment and homelessness resource facilities
The purchase of the four properties drew dozens of opponents, who said that having homelessness services in their neighborhoods would bring crime and lower property values.
Assembly to vote on city purchase of 4 properties to provide homelessness resources
The Anchorage Assembly is expected to decide Tuesday whether to move forward with a plan to purchase four properties to turn into homelessness resource facilities. The properties, located in Downtown, Midtown and Spenard will help to distribute homeless care to more parts of the city.
Municipality breaks ground on new central transfer station
The Municipality of Anchorage broke ground on a new central transfer station in midtown on Thursday. The new facility, slated to be completed by 2023, will replace the aging disposal facility across the street.
Alaska reports single-day coronavirus high as Anchorage struggles with contact tracing
51 Alaska residents tested positive for the coronavirus throughout the day on Thursday.
COVID Q&A: What do you need to know if you need a COVID test in Anchorage?
State and municipal health officials have urged Alaskans to get tested for COVID-19 if they start to show symptoms, but the process of getting tested has proved to be challenging and confusing for some. Here are answers to some common questions about testing.
Another gray whale found dead in Cook Inlet, scientists still aren’t sure what’s causing the die-off
A gray whale stranded in Twentymile River near Girdwood over Memorial Day weekend was reported dead in Cook Inlet earlier this month. The young male whale was first spotted by boaters a mile upstream from the Seward Highway bridge on May 25.
Anchorage names bars and restaurants where patrons may have been exposed to COVID-19
The city identified 19 establishments in the municipality, Palmer and Seward where individuals infectious with COVID-19 "spent extended time."
Anchorage struggles to keep up with contact tracing and testing as cases surge
As Anchorage continues to see a sharp uptick in new COVID-19 cases, two important components of the city’s public health resources are maxed out. The city is scrambling to train new contact tracers and expand testing facilities.
Berkowitz’s office pushes back on AG memo exempting state buildings from mask order
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz's office pushed back on Monday after the state Attorney General attempted to limit the mayor's mask order in state of Alaska buildings and facilities.
AG Kevin Clarkson contradicts Berkowitz mask order for state buildings
Hours after Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced an order requiring people to wear face coverings in indoor, public spaces, including workplaces, on Friday, Alaska Attorney General Kevin Clarkson released a memorandum declaring an exception for State buildings.
Anchorage mayor to require masks in indoor, public spaces starting Monday
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced a new face mask order Friday for Anchorage that will apply to public spaces like restaurants, stores and public transit.
Anchorage Assembly passes COVID relief package for small businesses, nonprofits and housing
The Anchorage Assembly unanimously passed a 21.5 million dollar COVID-19 relief package at a meeting Tuesday evening. The package provides a second round of funding for the small business and nonprofit relief program and the rental and mortgage assistance program.