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.
There have been two attempts in Congress to save Alaska’s cruise season in the last week. Both have failed.
The U.S. Senate on Thursday blocked consideration of a waiver that would have allowed foreign-flagged cruise ships to visit Alaska ports this summer.
U.S. vaccinations may be reaching a tipping point to stop the virus, experts say
While some researchers says it's still too soon to know for sure, a growing number of epidemiologists, infectious disease researchers and public health experts think the country might have reached — or be about to reach — that crucial inflection point.
Homer couple’s home and business raided by FBI, possibly in connection to Jan. 6 insurrection
A Homer couple say their home and business was raided by the FBI on Wednesday morning. An FBI spokesperson confirmed that agents visited Paul and Marilyn Heuper at Homer Inn and Spa, though described it as “a court-authorized law-enforcement activity,” and not a raid.
State reports small number of ‘breakthrough’ COVID-19 cases in fully-vaccinated Alaskans
State health officials reported that one-tenth of 1% of vaccinated Alaskans tested positive for COVID-19 in February and March, and most did not have symptoms.
LISTEN: New study examines Alaska law enforcement officers’ use of deadly force
The report notes that a third of such incidents involved a person expressing they wanted officers to end their life and that, most often, the person displayed or used a firearm during the incident.
Former Alaska Arts Council employee wins $85K settlement after losing her job for criticizing governor
Keren Lowell worked for the Alaska Council on the Arts over a span of eight years and lost her job in 2019, when Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed the council's funding. When the funding was restored, most of her coworkers were hired back, but Lowell was not.
CDC: If you’re vaccinated, you don’t need to mask outdoors (unless you’re in a crowd)
Still, the CDC is urging all people — vaccinated or not — to continue avoiding medium or large gatherings, since it's still learning how well the vaccines work to curb the spread of the virus.
LISTEN: How Sen. Lora Reinbold’s anti-mask stance escalated to a ban by Alaska Airlines
Sen. Lora Reinbold has run afoul of airline and Capitol masking rules in the past. But on Saturday the Anchorage Daily News reported officials with Alaska Airlines said Reinbold was no longer allowed to fly with them after what they described as her “continued refusal” to adhere to the airlines mask policy.
Alaska health officials: Kids 12 to 15 are on cusp of vaccine eligibility
Health experts shared the information with school officials and administrators as they prepare for the end of the school year.
Federal health officials recommend pregnant women get COVID-19 vaccine
Pregnant women and children are considered vulnerable populations and were not included in vaccine trials. But early data from the CDC’s Vaccine Pregnancy Registry shows that there is no evidence that the vaccine cause any problems for the mother or the baby.
Democrats outline ‘care infrastructure’ plan, with paid leave and child care
Democrats are specifically calling the proposal "care infrastructure," adding to a party-wide push to redefine infrastructure beyond physical projects like roads, bridges and waterways. Republicans have almost universally rejected this rebranding, but Democrats insist that infrastructure should refer to all of the systems that contribute to a thriving economy.
You don’t have to suffer to benefit from COVID vaccination — but some prefer it
Roughly half of those vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, and in particular women, experience unpleasantness — from hot, sore arms to chills, headache, fever and exhaustion. Some boast about the symptoms. They often welcome them.
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.
In Interior Alaska, severe COVID-19 cases surge while vaccinations lag
Fairbanks doctors are pointing to a direct relationship between the high case rate and the Interior’s low vaccination rate.
Alaska’s secret Cold War export? Shellfish toxin for the CIA.
In May 1960, Francis Gary Powers’ U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union during a high-altitude reconnaissance mission. In his pocket was a modified silver dollar containing a hidden needle loaded with a lethal dose of shellfish toxin.
As summer approaches, Alaska’s tourism industry prepares to welcome independent travelers
State and federal leaders have been trying to find ways to bring large ships back to the state this year. But summer is right around the corner.
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.
Alaska Airlines bans Reinbold for violating mask rules
Reinbold posted on her personal social media account that she undertook a 14-hour drive through Canada to board a ferry to take her to Juneau on Sunday.