Without a mask mandate, Anchorage businesses wade into culture clash
Businesses that have required customers and employees to wear masks say that they've run into some brusque opposition from those who say that such requirements are a violation of personal liberty.
Got symptoms? In Anchorage, you can now get a COVID drive-thru test without a note from your doctor.
“At this time, we don't have any concern" about demand outstripping supplies, says city Health Department Director Natasha Pineda.
University of Alaska president resigns amid blowback from Wisconsin job search
Monday’s surprise announcement from the University of Alaska Board of Regents comes amid escalating calls for Jim Johnsen to step down as UA president following his interviews for a job in Wisconsin, and comments he made about diversity and the PFD during that process.
A new transportation route for the proposed Pebble Mine faces backlash from land owners
The Army Corps of Engineers plans to release its final environmental review for the proposed Pebble Mine later this summer. Last month, the Corps changed which transportation corridor it recommends. The route cuts through land owned by several Bristol Bay entities that refuse to grant Pebble access to their properties.
Palmer police chief back on the job after ‘inappropriate’ comments about Black Lives Matter
Palmer’s police chief returned to work Monday after a nearly three-week suspension over Facebook posts he made calling the Black Lives Matter movement a “hate group” and, separately, questioning the legitimacy of sexual assault reports.
Eskimo Pie is changing its ‘derogatory’ name, Dreyer’s says
The owner of Eskimo Pie is changing its name and marketing of the nearly century-old chocolate-covered ice cream bar, the latest brand to reckon...
U.S. Rep. Don Young downplayed COVID-19 as the “beer virus.” Now he and other Republicans are back to in-person campaign events.
Alaska Republicans have been quicker than Democrats and independents to resume in-person campaigning, at events where many attendees and candidates have foregone masks and social distancing.
Both national and in-state polling data show Republicans to be far less concerned about COVID-19 than Democrats.
State will mail absentee ballot applications to seniors. Critics say that makes ballot access unequal.
Some lawmakers and advocates have raised concerns that not sending absentee applications to all voters will make it harder for younger and minority voters to send in their ballots. Those demographics tend to vote Democratic.
Anchorage senator to propose bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday
“The events of the past few months and the moment our nation is currently in has shown an urgent need for history to be more thoroughly understood,” said Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson.
More — but not all — Alaska small businesses to become eligible for grants
Changes loosened the rules, but some businesses still won't qualify for state funding because they received federal funds.
DNR to complete its review of BP sale this week
DNR Commissioner Corri Feige says that will allow the companies to close a piece of their deal by June 30th.
Girdwood gathering leads to 5 COVID cases and concerns of more to come
Five individuals tested positive, but other attendees are showing symptoms of COVID-19. Officials say further spread is likely.
Bristol Bay seafood cases push Alaska’s coronavirus count up by 26
Seven of the new cases were reported among out-of-state seafood workers in the Bristol Bay region.
Some Alaska travelers report long waits for COVID-19 test results. Health officials say fixes are underway.
Alaska health officials acknowledge that the testing system had issues in the beginning that led to some delays and confusion. But they say fixes are underway, and the process should be smoother and faster now.
Childcare providers say they’re falling through the cracks without pandemic recovery aid
Already operating on razor thin margins, providers wonder if help will come.
Alaska’s salmon industry contends with a rumor from China that COVID-19 can be transmitted via fish
Fish marketing experts are assessing how the rumors could affect Alaska salmon’s image in the world.
Murkowski praises DACA decision and revisits her controversial vote on impeachment witnesses
Sen. Murkowski cheered the continued protection for undocumented people brought to the U.S. as children.
Helicopter removes ‘Into the Wild’ bus that lured Alaska travelers to their deaths
An Army National Guard heavy-lift helicopter has removed the old Fairbanks city bus from the spot near Denali National Park where it once housed...
For Yukon-Kuskokwim elders, pandemic brings back memories of TB
Elders who have live through past pandemics shared stories about the dangers of not listening to health guidelines during pandemics.
Assembly looks to expand where it can set up homeless shelters
The administration says that when the lease to use the Sullivan Arena ends, residents will be forced out on the streets without housing.