How to find the best face mask for your kids
This year, face masks are on most parents' list of back-to-school supplies. But which ones are most effective? Here's how to choose the right one for your child.
How low chum runs changed the lives of these Western Alaska fisheries workers
For decades, Kwik’Pak Fisheries in the Western Alaska village of Emmonak has provided reliable summer employment in one of the state’s most unemployed regions. But with salmon runs low and commercial fishing closed, it’s offering few jobs this summer. Commercial fishermen and women are feeling the economic stress, and those who are still working at the plant have had to transition to new roles.
Two Rivers Lodge burns as investigation of string of summer arsons continues
So far, public safety officials have not said arson caused the fire at the lodge, seen completely engulfed in flames in videos on social media. But fire marshals are investigating nine other structures that have burned in the area that they say were intentionally set.
Hawaii’s governor asks tourists to stay away because of COVID
HONOLULU — Hawaii's governor asked Monday that visitors and residents reduce travel to the islands to essential business only while the state struggles to control COVID-19 as the highly contagious delta variant spreads in the community.
Southeast Alaska whales bouncing back after marine heat wave
Remember “the blob?” That two-year heat wave had a three-year hangover: The humpback population stayed low until 2020. But lately, there's a glimmer of hope in the dat.
Troopers arrest Anchor Point man in connection with officer shooting after overnight search
Alaska State Troopers say an officer was shot in downtown Anchor Point around 1 p.m. Monday, and they're now asking for the public's help locating a man who they say is wanted "in connection" to the incident.
Bus driver shortage caused by COVID-19 disrupts service at several Mat-Su schools
The district’s busing contractor said Sunday that it didn’t have enough drivers for numerous routes because of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Vaccinated parents are catching COVID as schoolkids bring the virus home
But the fact that kids are transmitting the coronavirus to family members is unnerving many parents all over the U.S. and putting extra stress on many households as children head back to school.
A trip through Canada’s newly-reopened border: ‘So empty for so long’
To get through the border, you’ll need your passport, your vaccination card, proof of a negative COVID test within 72 hours and a completed ArriveCan application.
Alaska-based vets reflect on Afghanistan, resurgence of Taliban
The withdrawal of the U.S. military from Afghanistan has been watched closely by veterans of the 20-year war, who’ve expressed a range of emotions and opinions as the Taliban have once again swept into power.
Pfizer’s COVID vaccine gets full approval from the FDA
The Food and Drug Administration has formally approved Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The widely anticipated decision replaces the emergency use authorization granted by the agency last December.
With no mask mandate, Anchorage businesses are left to decide what they’ll risk for public health
COVID cases are surging in Anchorage again, but this time, there’s no municipal mask mandate and no authority telling businesses how to keep COVID from spreading. That leaves some business owners in the uncomfortable position of deciding how much they are willing to confront their customers and employees to protect public health.
Alaska legislators scrutinize Dunleavy’s proposed $2,350 PFD
State budget director Neil Steininger said the governor still wants the Legislature to pass the constitutional amendments he’s proposed, to enshrine the PFD in the state constitution and lower the state’s spending limit.
Alaska biologists say wood bison reintroduced to the wild are thriving
State biologists completed an annual survey of the Innoko-Yukon River wood bison population earlier this summer, and they say the results show the animals are doing well six years after a seed group of bison was released in the area.
Anchorage doctors sound alarm about ‘imminent’ hospital system collapse
At a last-minute Assembly health update, doctors who work at Anchorage’s main hospitals described heart-wrenching scenes from the last week of last goodbyes to unvaccinated loved ones, nurses quitting their jobs due to burnout, and infants hospitalized for severe cases of COVID-19.
Former Anchorage School Board president charged with stealing thousands from local brewing company
Elisa Vakalis has been charged with six felony counts for allegedly stealing from the Matanuska Brewing Company.
Immunocompromised? State recommends a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
State and federal health authorities say people with compromised immune systems should get a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna.
Former state Rep. Les Gara becomes fourth candidate for Alaska’s governor
Gara, 58, is the fourth candidate to file for the primary, to be held on Aug. 16, 2022. The others are independent former Gov. Bill Walker, Libertarian Billy Toien and Dunleavy.
Mat-Su doctor: ‘Stand with me over a patient taking their last breaths’
At a state-sponsored briefing for Mat-Su parents Thursday, Dr. Tom Quimby described watching patients die in his Mat-Su emergency department, and implored parents to get their children vaccinated.
Alaska-rooted Portugal. The Man surprised Anchorage high school with live concert
The band showed up on Dimond High School’s football field after the student government won a district-wide video contest.