Alaska’s economy is headed for an ‘income cliff’ at end of July
Economists say $600 weekly payments to the unemployed are greasing the gears of the local economy. Those payments are set to end in less than a month.
State’s top doctor says bars have been linked to seven outbreaks of COVID-19
Dr Anne Zink reported that there were seven different positive tests in seven different bars over the past weekend.
Hilcorp quietly takes over BP’s stakes in Prudhoe Bay and other Alaska oil fields
Hilcorp Alaska announced in a written statement Wednesday morning that it has taken over BP’s interests in the Prudhoe Bay, Milne Point and Point Thompson fields.
State reports 48 cases of COVID-19 as number of active cases hits 400
It's the largest daily increase of Alaska resident cases.
Alaska court district to test grand jury by Zoom
Alaska’s courts will test the use of videoconferencing in grand jury proceedings later this summer in the northwest region of the state. The goal is for residents to hear cases and complete jury service while staying home, to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Alaska’s top doctor urges wearing masks to lawmakers, who ask why the state hasn’t mandated them
Dr Anne Zink acknowledged that there is increasing evidence that masks can help curb the spread of the coronavirus, but she didn't say whether she supported a statewide order that would make wearing face-coverings in public mandatory.
Berkowitz’s office pushes back on AG memo exempting state buildings from mask order
Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz's office pushed back on Monday after the state Attorney General attempted to limit the mayor's mask order in state of Alaska buildings and facilities.
Anchorage School District reopening plans for fall start to come into focus
The district presented proposals for fall scheduling and instruction to the school board.
60 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend, Seward reports 10
25 of the cases were reported in Anchorage
State recommends COVID-19 testing for recent visitors to two Seward bars
The state says people who visited Seward Alehouse and Yukon Bar in late June may have been exposed to the infectious disease.
Seward band urges testing for Fairbanks concert-goers after members test positive for COVID-19
A bandmember says that he was potentially infectious when he played a show in Fairbanks on June 19.
Federal fisheries agency to staff: Keep “COVID-19” and “pandemic” out of documents
A federal fisheries management agency has barred some of its employees from making formal references to the COVID-19 pandemic without preapproval from leadership, according to an internal agency document.
Anchorage mayor to require masks in indoor, public spaces starting Monday
Mayor Ethan Berkowitz announced a new face mask order Friday for Anchorage that will apply to public spaces like restaurants, stores and public transit.
State announces two coronavirus deaths, as active COVID-19 count hits new high
The deaths occurred in early May and were among Juneau residents living out of state.
Trump administration wants to open millions of more acres to oil development on Alaska’s North Slope
The administration is proposing to open 82% of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska to oil and gas leasing, a move staunchly opposed by environmental groups.
Napaskiak residents asked to shelter in place after COVID-19 case identified
A Napaskiak resident tested positive for COVID-19 last week, and officials worry about community spread of the virus in the small Southwest Alaska village of about 400 people.
Three Alaska Native women join Anchorage Public Safety Advisory Commission
The Public Safety Advisory Commission examines public safety issues and advises the mayor and city assembly.
Trump wants to bail out Maine lobster fishermen. Alaska’s seafood industry calls it a “gut punch.”
President Trump this week announced an effort to alleviate the damage on the fishing industry caused by his trade war with China.
But Alaska fishing groups say they’re deeply displeased, because the relief is targeted solely at the lobster industry, which is centered in Maine.
State investment agency approves $500K for summer work on Ambler Road project
The Ambler Road project has been a lightning rod for controversy for years, pitting the desire to expand business and mining interests in the state against the concerns over impacts to the environment and subsistence
Alaska records more than 40 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily increase yet
It’s the fourth time in the past month that the state has a new daily high.