In the time of COVID, Sitka’s ‘bread guy’ is building community one loaf at a time
For Southeast Dough Company’s Jylkka, baking bread is not just an occupation but a way of connecting, especially in an age when human connection has never been more tenuous.
Mayor Bronson talks future of port repairs in State of the City address
Mayor Bronson delivered his remarks virtually because he was quarantining after being exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Thousands of dollars pour into recall, though it’s unlikely to change the balance on the Anchorage Assembly
The campaign to recall Midtown Assembly member Meg Zaletel follows an unsuccessful recall attempt earlier this year, and there’s another in the works. Some see it as increased civic engagement, but to many, it’s a waste of time and money.
A redistricting proposal has left Homer neighbors feeling stranded, highlighting a complex process
Under the state’s redistricting process, one proposal would have residents of communities near Homer in the same legislative district as Kodiak, which is 140 miles away by water. It's drawing concerns from some Alaskans and highlights the challenges the board is up against.
A Western Alaska village is installing wind turbines that will power half the community
By turning to wind energy, Kwethluk will burn 50% less diesel and reduce residents’ electric bills by up to half.
Alaska scrambles to spend nearly $100M in federal child care relief as centers close
The state received about $95 million from the federal government this spring to address the child care crunch. So far, the state has written a grant program to distribute only $5 million of that statewide.
Hurricane-level winds cause widespread damage in Unalaska
The winds ripped off roofs, toppled trucks and tore boats from their docks.
Alaska troopers ID serial killer’s victim 40 years after murder
She’d been known as “Horseshoe Harriet” after her body was found 37 years ago near Horseshoe Lake north of Anchorage. Troopers announced Friday the young woman’s real name was Robin Pelkey, a 19-year-old originally from Colorado. She was murdered by Robert Hansen.
A Republican Begich runs for Alaska’s US House seat, challenging Rep. Young
At 44, he's half the age of the congressman, whom he supported in 2020.
Exxon transfers Point Thomson operations on Alaska’s North Slope to Hilcorp
ExxonMobil will keep its ownership stake and "remains committed to Point Thomson," a spokesman says.
Alaska COVID hospitalizations dip slightly after hitting record high
The number of hospitalizations from COVID-19 in the state dropped by 10 after hitting a record high on Thursday. There are now 232 patients with COVID-19 in Alaska’s hospitals.
Top advisor Craig Campbell among several departures from Bronson administration this week
Craig Campbell has served in several roles in the Bronson Administration, most recently as Policy and Programs Director.
Assembly leaders say firing of chief equity officer was not legal
Leaders of the Anchorage Assembly say Clifford Armstrong III is still the city’s chief equity officer, despite Mayor Dave Bronson firing him earlier this month.
Alabama man charged in Jan. 6 insurrection denied release in Alaska
A judge alleged Christian Matthew Manley was “leading the charge” during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Assembly leaders ask Anchorage mayor to enforce mask mandate
Assembly Chair Suzanne LaFrance and Vice Chair Chris Constant pointed out that the the city hired three code enforcement officers last year with federal COVID-19 money who are still on staff.
Sullivan takes issue with Biden vaccine mandate, asks employers to delay enforcement
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan says employers should disregard President Biden’s vaccine mandate, keep unvaccinated workers on the job and wait for the courts to rule. "I think the president is going to lose that case in every court in America," he said.
Anchorage man murdered mother days after release from psychiatric hold, charges say
Thomas Layou, 38, had known mental health issues, owned guns and had been seen fighting with his mother, Patrice Layou, in the days leading up to her death, the charges say.
Alaska’s COVID hospitalizations have hit a new high
The state on Thursday reported 242 patients with COVID-19 in Alaska hospitals, the most ever since the pandemic began.
State hopes upcoming agricultural land sale near Nenana will bear fruit
Alaska is working on its next big effort to promote agriculture -- a large-scale land auction in the Interior.
Alaska has a teacher retention problem. The state is ready to pay someone to help solve it.
The state’s education department calls the lack of teachers in Alaska an emergency issue and says the pandemic is only making things worse. It’s willing to pay up to $300,000 to figure out how to attract — and keep — more teachers in the state.