Anchorage residents are still waiting out long lines at COVID test sites
The health department promised more test sites by Monday, but so far hours and locations haven’t increased forcing people to burn up sick leave and wait for up to 3 hours for a test.
How to get insurance to pay for at-home COVID tests, according to the White House
The Biden administration says Americans should be able to order COVID tests online later this month.
Long-serving Alaska magistrate is fired after writing letter to the editor criticizing Republican Party
Seward Magistrate George Peck, the longest serving magistrate in Alaska, is no longer on the bench after writing letters to the editor critical of the Republican Party.
State job vacancies lead to unplowed roads and other service gaps
Critical state jobs are going unfilled this year. That’s led to unplowed roads, ferries tied up at dock and slowdowns in the court system.
Alaska is changing how it tracks the pandemic. Here’s what you need to know.
Omicron is now the dominant COVID variant in Alaska — and it is transforming the way the health department looks at the pandemic.
Winter storm closes Juneau schools, state offices and largest grocery store
National Weather Service forecasters are warning of rain and ice forming on top of the snow, which could cause flooding on Monday.
U.S. greenhouse gas emissions jumped in 2021, a threat to climate goals
The spike was attributed to a slew of causes, including behavior changes after COVID-19 vaccines became widely available, but environmental advocates say it's worrisome.
Alaska SeaLife Center scientists learn from two baby belugas with diverging paths
Tyonek became the first beluga calf to be successfully nursed back to health when the Alaska SeaLife Center rescued him in 2017. The success story came just a few years after the nonprofit took in another stranded beluga calf named Naknek.
Alaska legislators seek to change campaign contribution limits, permanent fund trustees
One bill would prevent legislators from receiving per diem payments if they fail to pass a budget by the 121st day of regular session.
Anchorage anti-panhandling signs cite unconstitutional law
The city of Anchorage has spent nearly $9,000 on new anti-panhandling signs, but the law the signs refer to was found unconstitutional nearly a decade ago.
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.
Omicron drives Alaska to new daily record in COVID cases
Daily case counts hit 1,843 on Wednesday.
Here’s some tips for how to get tested for COVID in Anchorage
While some drive-thru sites are reporting long wait times — sometimes stretching over two hours — there are some ways to get tested faster.
More Alaska health care workers are out sick or in quarantine as omicron hits
The head of the Alaska State Hospital and Nursing Home Association says it’s unclear whether omicron will cause as many hospitalizations as delta did. But, already, it's forcing health care workers off the front lines.
Omicron wave hit Alaska this week, state health leaders say
Over the past five days, between 80% and 95% of COVID-19 cases screened by the state public health lab have had a marker associated with omicron.
Our Washington, DC, correspondent reflects on the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
It’s the one-year anniversary of a dark day in America’s political life — the storming of the U.S. Capitol, by a mob of former President Donald Trump supporters trying to keep him in the White House despite his election loss.
Anchorage School District reduces required COVID isolation to 5 days
The change is in line with new CDC guidelines.
What we know about the symptoms — and the severity — of the omicron variant
Researchers are looking at data from U.S. cases to determine if the variant causes milder disease. Even if the answer is yes, they say, rates of hospitalization could be high during the surge.
Alaska Airlines to reduce flights due to omicron staffing shortage
Alaska Airlines will reduce departures by 10% through the end of January due to omicron-related staffing challenges, the company said in a statement Thursday.
Anchorage Assembly members concerned over city’s communication, readiness for omicron
Assembly members have been increasingly vocal about concerns the city isn’t doing an adequate job communicating about how to get tested as cases rise quickly. The lack of attendance at the meeting added to a wider concern that the city’s health department isn’t prepared for the anticipated omicron surge that has already caused significant problems for schools and businesses in other cities.