In Interior Alaska, severe COVID-19 cases surge while vaccinations lag
Fairbanks doctors are pointing to a direct relationship between the high case rate and the Interior’s low vaccination rate.
Alaska’s secret Cold War export? Shellfish toxin for the CIA.
In May 1960, Francis Gary Powers’ U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union during a high-altitude reconnaissance mission. In his pocket was a modified silver dollar containing a hidden needle loaded with a lethal dose of shellfish toxin.
As summer approaches, Alaska’s tourism industry prepares to welcome independent travelers
State and federal leaders have been trying to find ways to bring large ships back to the state this year. But summer is right around the corner.
Anchorage dog dies in trap on Glenn Highway, reigniting debate about regulations
A 13-year-old Anchorage teenager's dog was killed in a legally-set Conibear 330 trap off the Glenn Highway. Some say the incident shows the need for more regulation of the deadly traps, but trappers fear it could squeeze out their trade.
Alaska Airlines bans Reinbold for violating mask rules
Reinbold posted on her personal social media account that she undertook a 14-hour drive through Canada to board a ferry to take her to Juneau on Sunday.
Farm advocates discuss agriculture resources and sustainability | Alaska Insight
Farming in Alaska has changed and expanded in recent years. As seasons lengthen and innovations in farming techniques advance, advocates for eco-friendly farming see big potential.
Murkowski breaks with GOP 12 times to confirm Biden nominees
With votes for Democratic appointees, Sen. Murkowski cements her reputation as a centrist.
Governor, lawmakers unveil plan to use $76.8M federal windfall to fund ferries for 18 months
The governor and legislative leaders have agreed on a rough plan to use federal pandemic relief from Congress to help stabilize Alaska’s beleaguered ferry system.
McCoy makes history, with appointment to Acting Chief of the Anchorage Police Department
McCoy says his top priority is building and earning trust within the community.
What’s next for the J&J vaccine? U.S. health authorities discuss resuming shots
Now the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's vaccine advisory committee is meeting again to discuss whether use of the vaccine should resume — and whether any warnings should accompany the shot.
With fewer Alaskans eager for COVID-19 vaccines, more doses are going to waste
Since December, Alaska has recorded just 3,000 wasted doses out of a total of 500,000 administered, for a loss rate of less than 1%.
But those data also show a sharp increase in waste this month, with two-thirds of all the lost doses — 1,985 — coming since April 1.
Bronson and Dunbar have starkly different visions for Anchorage
Dave Bronson, a retired commercial and Air Force pilot and Forrest Dunbar, a captain with the Army National Guard who serves on the Assembly. The candidates, who will take part in a runoff election next month, have starkly different visions for the future of Anchorage.
LISTEN: With tribe’s input, Wasilla High updated ‘warrior’ logo but kept Indigenous mascot
Wasilla High School is altering the logo of its warrior mascot, but not changing the mascot or logo from depicting an indigenous person, as some other sports teams have done recently.
Hoping for a ‘Mississippi miracle’ Alaska lawmakers push bipartisan reading bill
The bill will provide funding for pre-k programs and standardize reading policies across the state.
State foster care agencies take millions of dollars owed to children in their care
Roughly 10% of foster youth in the U.S. are entitled to Social Security benefits, either because their parents have died or because they have a physical or mental disability that would leave them in poverty without financial help. This money — typically more than $700 per month, though survivor benefits vary — is considered their property under federal law.
3-year-old girl medevaced after dog attack in Chevak
The girl’s mother is planning to press charges against the neighbors who she says own the dogs and is calling on the city to put down the animals.
LISTEN: In Alaska, relief and renewed calls for reform after guilty verdict in George Floyd’s murder
That was the case for Celeste Hodge Growden, president of the Alaska Black Caucus, who says there is still much more work to do on improving racial equity here and elsewhere, and not just in law enforcement.
Alaska House bill would fund schools ahead of time, prevent pink slips
House Bill 169 would fund education ahead of the rest of the state budget, to avoid teachers and other school staff receiving layoff notices next month. This happens when the Legislature goes deep into May without passing a budget, triggering notices required under teachers’ contracts.
For Kenai Peninsula pharmacist, COVID-19 vaccine fight tests friendships
Justin Ruffridge grew up in Soldotna and, as a conservative and a Christian, he's part of the same demographic as some of the COVID-19 vaccine’s biggest skeptics. He’s also a medical professional lends him a measure of credibility that elected officials and other government employees can lack.
Anchorage’s small international eateries, used to take-out, found a growing market in the pandemic
Smaller, family-owned eateries have done better than established fine-dining restaurants, adapting quickly to social media marketing and online ordering for take-out.