Coronavirus FAQ: Are pets a threat? My immunocompromised pal had COVID. Can I visit?
Each week, we answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions."
Masking becomes optional at Matanuska-Susitna Borough schools
In a letter to families on Friday, Superintendent Randy Trani said masks would be strongly urged in those cases, but no longer required.
Fantasy league brings mushing fans closer to the trail
The man who runs FantasyMushing.com has never set foot in Alaska, but the site has become a popular way for fans from around the world to follow mushing.
1 in 4 Americans say violence against the government is sometimes OK
Nearly a quarter of Americans say it's sometimes OK to use violence against the government — and 1 in 10 Americans say violence is justified "right now."
Preserving Aleutian history: collection of 1970s audio reels finds new home online
A collection of audio reels made in the Aleutian region in the 1970s was digitized and will soon be available online through the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Alaska House takes no action against Eastman for Oath Keepers membership
The Alaska House did not take action on a proposal to punish Eastman for his membership in the Oath Keepers, a far-right paramilitary organization whose leader was recently charged with seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6 riots.
Gold medalist Lydia Jacoby shares stories and laps with young Sitka swimmers
“I am inspired,” said one fan at the hour-long event “Inspired at how much faster she is than I am.”
Winter means hibernation for some — but not all — of Kodiak’s bears
By late November and into early December, they head into their dens for hibernation — but not all of them. About 30% of the Kodiak male bear population don’t den at all, according to a state biologist.
Bethel’s Pete Kaiser notches his 6th Kusko 300 win
Three former champions overcame an icy, windy trail to finish at the front of the 2022 Kuskokwim 300. The race also teased at the future of Kuskokwim mushing, with other local mushers also finishing in the top 10.
Anchorage is clearing homeless camps in midwinter for the first time, raising concerns from advocates
The city is hoping that forcing people to move their camps off public property will help connect them to shelter and permanent housing, but some advocates say it’s failing at that goal, and poses a serious exposure risk for campers.
There’s more money coming in, but some Alaska legislators urge caution on PFD size
As lawmakers begin their work on the budget, some are raising concerns about how sustainable the governor’s plan is, and that could have big implications on the size of permanent fund dividends.
Murkowski talks Supreme Court vacancy, voting rights legislation
Last year, Murkowski was one of just a few Republicans to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Court of Appeals. Jackson’s name is now coming up in discussions about the impending vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court.
EPA announces next step in veto process for Pebble; mine opponents say the agency is too slow
The Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday that it intends to revise a proposed determination under the Clean Water Act that could permanently block development of the Pebble deposit, upstream from Bristol Bay.
Anchorage School District and teachers’ union reach tentative contract agreement
Union president Corey Aist said the tentative agreement is designed to increase earning power for all teachers. He’s hopeful it will help retain staff after a difficult last few years.
These four K300 mushers are really good friends and also each other’s top competition
Three top mushers in this year's race -- Bethel’s Pete Kaiser, Aniak’s Richie Diehl, and Willow’s Matthew Failor --are not only each other’s top competition, but also really good friends who talk all the time.
Justices uphold dismissal of climate lawsuit brought by 16 young Alaskans
Supreme Court says Alaska's oil and gas policy is for the other branches of government to decide.
Confronting antisemitism in Alaska on Holocaust Remembrance Day | Alaska Insight
Recent attacks and vandalism targeting Jewish people have highlighted concerns over a rise in bigotry in our country. This week marks Holocaust Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the terrible legacy of antisemitism. Lori Townsend examines that legacy with Rabbi Abram Goodstein of Congregation Beth Sholom in Anchorage and Anti-Defamation League advisory board member Robin Dern.
Family of toddler killed in St. Paul at odds over where to bury him
Family of a St. Paul Island toddler who authorities say died at the hands of his foster parents last month are at odds over where the boy should be buried.
Legislative committee hires law firm to investigate the firing of Rodell as permanent fund head
The investigation will examine the circumstances of Rodell’s firing and whether there were improper actions or undue political influence by board members or by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration.
Alaska lawmakers discuss possible punishment for Rep. Eastman over Oath Keepers membership
Some members of the Alaska Legislature are considering a possible punishment for Wasilla Republican Rep. David Eastman because of his membership in a far-right paramilitary group, the Oath Keepers, whose leaders have been indicted in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.