COVID is spiking and hospitals are filling up. But Alaska leaders aren’t bringing back mandates.
The last time case counts were this high, Anchorage’s city government had a mask mandate, and Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s administration required COVID testing for visitors. But even as cases spike again, officials aren't reinstating those measures, citing the vaccine's availability.
Alaska’s gold medal swimmer looked like a winner even before race, dad says
While much of the pre-race attention was focused on two other more experienced, record-holding swimmers, Richard Jacoby says he knew his daughter had the training to be able to win and that her mind was in the right place, too.
Major quake hits off the coast of Alaska, triggers tsunami warnings but no large waves
A major earthquake struck near the Alaska Peninsula at 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, triggering tsunami warnings for much of the Gulf of Alaska coastline but no major waves.
They have a deal: Murkowski, bipartisan senators’ group, get infrastructure bill to square 1
Sen. Murkowski was part of a bipartisan group that reached deal with the White House on a $1t bill.
Assembly approves plan for shelter talks with Bronson administration
The Anchorage Assembly says it has a plan to work with the Bronson administration to find a way to shelter the city’s homeless residents but finding a way to move people out of the current Sullivan mass shelter is months away.
Should you be wearing a mask indoors in your region of Alaska? Here’s what the CDC says.
The answer is probably yes, according to the new federal guidance that says fully vaccinated people should wear a face mask in indoor public settings if they’re in a place with “substantial” or “high” virus transmission.
Kotzebue couple charged with assaulting and starving children in their care
A Kotzebue couple has been arrested and charged with two dozen felonies for allegedly assaulting children in their care, according to court documents.
Alaska assistant attorney general out of job after social media post inquiry
An assistant attorney general in Alaska identified by a news outlet as the person behind a social media account that posted racist and antisemitic comments no longer works for the state Department of Law, an agency spokesperson said.
Troopers identify 2 people killed in Chugach small plane crash
The wreckage was found in a steep, mountainous area of Eagle River Valley in Chugach State Park. Recovery efforts were underway throughout the day Tuesday.
Seward swimming in hometown pride for its Olympic champ
As Alaska's first-ever gold medal swimmer traveled to the Tokyo Olympics to win and beat record holders at the 100 meter breaststroke, her hometown city of Seward followed on an emotional journey all its own.
‘If it’s so good, why are you bribing me?’: The quandary of vaccine incentives
Cash has a way of lowering vaccine hesitancy, but not for everyone.
Leaders of Alaska’s largest hospitals issue stark warning as COVID-19 surge continues
One Anchorage hospital has postponed non-emergency surgeries, and health care executives around the state pleaded with Alaskans to get vaccinated during an unusual news conference Tuesday.
How Alaska cruise towns are handling COVID-19 arriving on ships
The cruise tourism restart after a nearly two-year hiatus is bringing hope for a revived economy, but also concerns about the safety of the tourists and Alaskans alike.
White House considering vaccine mandate for federal workers
The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof they’ve been vaccinated against the coronavirus or otherwise submit to regular testing and wear a mask — a potentially major shift in policy that reflects growing concerns about the spread of the more infectious delta variant.
Interior stalls aerial survey in Izembek Refuge, says Murkowski
The state is conducting surveys in the refuge to advance a controversial road for King Cove. It needs permits to continue.
CDC urges vaccinated people to mask up indoors in places with high virus transmission
In a reversal of its earlier position, the agency is now recommending that some fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors if they live in areas with significant or high spread, which includes most of Alaska.
Anchorage epidemiologist Janet Johnston resigns
Johnston’s resignation comes at a key moment for city government, as a new mayor, Dave Bronson, was sworn in last month.
Seward’s Lydia Jacoby wins gold in Tokyo Olympics
Lydia Jacoby won Alaska’s first Olympic swimming gold medal Monday night, beating the world and Olympic record holders in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke.
Destiny helps Anchorage woman find missing diamond setting
Danielle Wakefield was devastated when she discovered the diamond had fallen out of her ring, the only thing she had from her late father. Then, she put a message on Facebook asking for help.
How a man survived a bear attack during a morning walk in Seward
Almost five years ago, Ronn Hemstock went for his regular 6 a.m. walk around the airport runway in Seward with his dog, Dax. It wasn't long until his morning stroll turned terrifying.