Lex Treinen, Alaska Public Media - Anchorage
Lex Treinen is covering the state Legislature for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at ltreinen@gmail.com.
‘Reimagined’ Fur Rondy adapts to pandemic times in Anchorage
Many of the annual events have been canceled, but for some that are moving online, organizers are finding new opportunities.
Southcentral Foundation opens COVID-19 vaccines to all Alaskans 40 and up, teachers and child care workers
The vaccine for non-beneficiaries of the tribal health provider will be offered “as supply allows,” the tribal health care provider announced Monday.
Stakeholders optimistic over new plan for homelessness center near downtown Anchorage
A stretch of property on East Third Avenue has been a blighted area of town for decades, but a multi-million dollar project to purchase land there could change that, and become a symbol of Anchorage's new approach to homelessness.
Anchorage Pacific Islander community brings COVID-19 vaccines to church
A Tuesday vaccine clinic brought 80 vaccines to a Samoan church in Airport Heights, where food and music made for a unique atmosphere.
Alaska reports first case of rare COVID-19 variant that could evade antibodies
Alaska is one of five state to have reported cases of the P.1 variant, which likely originated in Brazil.
‘We have many reasons to be optimistic’: Daily COVID-19 cases in Alaska hit 5-month low
Hospitalizations have also dropped to their lowest levels since July, with 33 Alaskans being treated with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Chatanika musher Dan Kaduce races to win experimental Summit Quest 300
Organizers put in place a new rule that required about 50% more rest at checkpoints than usual in hopes of achieving better dog health.
Rookie mushers ready to break trail on 300-mile Yukon Summit Quest
Despite the smaller footprint of a shortened Yukon Quest race this year, organizers and mushers are optimistic that they can weather this year’s challenges and resume the 1,000-mile race in 2022.
After dog death and ban, Hugh Neff tunes out critics in return to Quest
It’s been three years since longtime musher Hugh Neff last competed in the Yukon Quest, but the 53-year-old said he’s as motivated as ever to race.
Alaska to broaden COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
Alaskans with underlying health conditions who are as young as 50 will be able to receive the shots, along with teachers, workers congregate settings, such as shelters, and COVID-19 response workers of any age.
With early testing and high ceilings, Sullivan homeless shelter keeps COVID-19 from spreading
While some shelters in other states have become hotbeds for COVID-19 spread, the Sullivan shelter has managed to keep any cases from turning into larger outbreaks.
Hundreds of Anchorage residents could have COVID-19 vaccine appointments canceled
The city's health department said that about 500 residents didn't meet the current eligibility criteria for getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Alaska’s Pacific Islanders are being hit hard by COVID-19. But they aren’t getting vaccinated.
Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians were about 10 times more likely to die of COVID-19, but 10 times less likely to be vaccinated.
Funding for Anchorage police body cameras to appear in April municipal election
Funding for police body cameras has been pushed by local civil rights groups who say body and vehicle cameras will lead to greater police accountability.
The state’s vaccine website is improving. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Alaska has the highest rate of COVID-19 vaccinations in the country, but many Alaskans who qualify for the vaccine still haven’t been able to get one because of trouble navigating the state’s website.
24 Alaskans die of COVID-19 as state’s vaccination rate tops nation
Only one of the deaths reported Wednesday was considered recent.
Several state buildings close due to fears of violence before inauguration
Last week, the FBI warned about the potential for violence before the inauguration of Joe Biden, though police departments in Anchorage and Juneau have said they are not aware of any specific threats.
Alpine ski team officially rejoins UA Anchorage athletics program
The men's hockey team and the women's gymnastics teams still haven't raised the money needed to continue their programs before a February deadline.
Pitney to serve as interim University of Alaska President until 2022
Pitney, a former budget director for Gov. Bill Walker, took over as the university system’s president in August after the previous president stepped down.
Poll: Nearly half of Alaska Republicans won’t get COVID-19 vaccine
A statewide poll from late November shows that 45% of Alaskans who identify as Republicans said they won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine when they become eligible. That’s compared with just 13% of Democrats.