Ask a Climatologist: Alaska’s spring weather whipsaw
National Weather Service climate researcher Brian Brettschneider, back for our Ask a Climatologist segment, says it's a remarkably quick switch.
Matanuska ferry crew members test positive for COVID-19
Two crew members aboard the Matanuska tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend after the state ferry left Bellingham for ports in Southeast Alaska, according to state officials.
Warm weather and plowing in Anchorage mean clear trails likely a week away
A month into a cold spring that followed a pandemic winter, temperatures in Anchorage are reaching into the 60’s this week and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is hard at work, transforming the slushy remains of ski trails into clear paths for the bikes, strollers and roller blades of summer.
Alaska prisons to open for visitation after year-long COVID closure
The state Department of Corrections plans to open visitation on Wednesday between fully vaccinated Alaskans in its custody and public visitors like family members.
Senate votes to remove Reinbold as chair of Judiciary Committee
The Alaska Senate voted 17-1 to remove Republican Eagle River Sen. Lora Reinbold as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday.
Peninsula lawmakers introduce bill to block vaccination requirements
Alaska’s proposed bill would also block businesses and public entities from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination to access public areas, services or benefits. That includes public schools and University of Alaska campuses.
Portable, Sitka-built ‘mini homes’ could help with Southeast Alaska’s housing crunch
A new “mini-home” project is working to tackle a housing shortage in Yakutat by building the houses in Sitka where costs are lower and then shipping them. The construction company behind the project hopes its idea spreads.
Tribes and ANCs present grammar puzzle to Supreme Court, with $530 million at stake
The CARES Act case turns on a definition that specifically includes ANCs as tribes and then seemingly excludes them in the very same sentence.
SpaceX considers Alaska-based stations to improve worldwide internet satellite network
An aerospace and technology company is considering building key parts of a satellite network in Alaska — including Ketchikan, Nome and Fairbanks — that, according to the company, could help improve internet access across the globe.
Young, Murkowski aim to shape Biden’s infrastructure bill
Infrastructure bills are good for Alaska, they say, but they want changes to the Biden proposal.
Biden administration freezes Alaska mineral development orders, veteran allotments
The department said it wants to review “defects” in the public land orders regarding requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Bike shortage keeps Alaskan cyclists from hitting the road
Disruptions from factory closures in China and high demand for bicycles means that new bicycles are hard to come by.
Alaska to offer vaccines to visitors as part of plan to boost tourism
State officials acknowledged that the U.S.’s relatively high vaccination rate compared with other countries could make Alaska’s offer attractive internationally.
Here’s how small airlines in Alaska are surviving the pandemic travel slow-down | Alaska Insight
Air travel came to a halt last year as the pandemic caused closures across the country. In rural Alaska, where planes are a lifeline for many communities, airlines had to pivot and adjust to the changes quickly.
Mekoryuk likely first Alaska community to reach 100% vaccination against COVID-19
The community has had less than 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and no one has died from the virus.
This Anchorage piñata maker is crafting giant COVID germs for smashing
The orders for coronavirus piñatas have helped fill a slow spot for Carolina Tolladay Vidal's business, with Alaskans eager to get their hands on a version of the germ they can easily destroy.
Rep. Young breaks with GOP colleagues in supporting Puerto Rico statehood
Among many Republicans, statehood for Puerto Rico is viewed as a threat. Congressman Young has been a champion for decades.
Widow of Gary Knopp files cross complaint against charter company
Rep. Gary Knopp’s widow, Helen Knopp, has filed a counter-complaint against High Adventure Air Charters, the Soldotna company whose plane collided with Knopp’s last summer in a crash that killed seven people.
U.S. Seafoods apologizes to Unalaska after COVID-positive crew caused widespread exposure at local bar
A Seattle seafood company has issued an apology to Unalaska after crewmembers from one of its vessels at port in the island community breached isolation protocols to visit a crowded local bar last weekend.
Alaska denied Permanent Fund dividends to gay couples despite court rulings
The Permanent Fund Division denied dividends to same-sex spouses and dependents of military members stationed in other states for five years after same-sex marriage was legalized in 2014.