Lex Treinen, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Lex Treinen is covering the state Legislature for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at ltreinen@gmail.com.
Alaska courts disconnect online services after cyberattack
Court filings, court record searches, and payments of fines aren’t currently accessible online, and online court hearings scheduled over the next few days will take place over the phone.
Entrepreneur finds community and success bringing Latin American flavors to Anchorage coffee scene
Estrella Elizabeth Rodriguez-Northcutt is finding success serving Horchata lattes, cafe de olla, and Jamaica, a hibiscus tea. She says she's already converted a few customers who used to prefer their coffee black.
Sister’s COVID illness inspires Anchorage woman’s effort to get Hmong community vaccinated
As details were falling into place for Anchorage's first vaccine clinic targeting the Hmong community,
May Ramirez-Xiong sister was hospitalized with COVID-19, inspiring Ramirez-Xiong and others to redouble their efforts to get the community vaccinated.
Alaska prisons to open for visitation, regardless of vaccination status
There are still limitations with the new policy: physical contact isn’t allowed and most prisons are limiting the amount of time inmates can see visitors.
2020 Census shows Alaska population growth slower than national average
Alaska's growth rate was less than half of the national rate of 7.4% since 2010.
Anchorage dog dies in trap on Glenn Highway, reigniting debate about regulations
A 13-year-old Anchorage teenager's dog was killed in a legally-set Conibear 330 trap off the Glenn Highway. Some say the incident shows the need for more regulation of the deadly traps, but trappers fear it could squeeze out their trade.
Anchorage’s small international eateries, used to take-out, found a growing market in the pandemic
Smaller, family-owned eateries have done better than established fine-dining restaurants, adapting quickly to social media marketing and online ordering for take-out.
After a year of pandemic isolation, Anchorage Muslims return to mosque for Ramadan
After last year's celebrations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting back into the mosque for Islam's Holy month is extra special for Anchorage's Muslims.
‘It was like they had a plan’: Costco customers share experiences of raven thefts
Costco customers in Anchorage have recently started sharing online reports of ravens stealing groceries from their carts and the back of their pickup trucks, and biologists say the behavior could spread around town quickly.
Bill would give juveniles with long prison sentences a chance at parole
The bill would affect fewer than 30 inmates in Alaska's prison system by offering them a chance at parole after 15 years of incarceration. But critics call it a circumvention of justice.
One small vaccine clinic at a time, Anchorage is bringing vaccines to underserved populations
The city is bringing vaccine to churches, community centers, and sports arenas with an aim to fill up appointments that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill.
Despite rising vaccination numbers, health experts fear fourth wave of COVID-19 in Anchorage
Last Monday, Anchorage reported 112 coronavirus cases, its highest daily case count since January.
After 9 months, Anchorage eases mask mandate
Under a modified emergency order, fully vaccinated, Anchorage residents who work in separate rooms from unvaccinated coworkers or customers no longer need to wear face coverings.
Alaska prisons remain closed to visitors as mistrust undermines vaccination effort
With COVID-19 infections - as well as misinformation about the disease - still running rampant in surrounding communities, it's not clear when prisons will reach a level of immunity where it's safe to reopen.
Anchorage announces new Junior hockey team
The Anchorage Wolverines will join two other Alaska teams in the North American Hockey League, one of the top-tier junior leagues in the continent.
‘It is a big deal’: Alaska’s prisons to resume attorney visits, with restrictions
Since last March, prisoners have been relying on phone calls from their lawyers to discuss case updates and prepare for hearings.
Troopers, Iditarod volunteer help rescue child who fell through ice in Skwentna
An Iditarod volunteer from Wyoming and two state wildlife troopers in Skwentna rescued an 8-year-old boy who had fallen through the river ice at the Iditarod checkpoint on Tuesday.
Top US and China diplomats to meet in Anchorage
It's the first bilateral meetings between the two superpowers, and Sen. Dan Sullivan said the venue was a nod to Alaska's strategic location between Asia and the United States.
Anchorage’s largest soup kitchen pivots to packaged meal service, with long-lasting effects
Bean's Cafe is moving to pre-packaged meals in order to avoid large gatherings for mealtimes, and to provide clients flexibility to look for work throughout the day.
Alaska expands vaccine eligibility to age 55 plus, ‘essential workers’ and others
Phase 1c eligibility opens vaccine to those who live in multigenerational homes or in communities with limited running water or sewage system. It also opens vaccines to those deemed “essential workers."