Bike shortage keeps Alaskan cyclists from hitting the road
Disruptions from factory closures in China and high demand for bicycles means that new bicycles are hard to come by.
Alaska to offer vaccines to visitors as part of plan to boost tourism
State officials acknowledged that the U.S.’s relatively high vaccination rate compared with other countries could make Alaska’s offer attractive internationally.
Here’s how small airlines in Alaska are surviving the pandemic travel slow-down | Alaska Insight
Air travel came to a halt last year as the pandemic caused closures across the country. In rural Alaska, where planes are a lifeline for many communities, airlines had to pivot and adjust to the changes quickly.
Mekoryuk likely first Alaska community to reach 100% vaccination against COVID-19
The community has had less than 10 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and no one has died from the virus.
This Anchorage piñata maker is crafting giant COVID germs for smashing
The orders for coronavirus piñatas have helped fill a slow spot for Carolina Tolladay Vidal's business, with Alaskans eager to get their hands on a version of the germ they can easily destroy.
Rep. Young breaks with GOP colleagues in supporting Puerto Rico statehood
Among many Republicans, statehood for Puerto Rico is viewed as a threat. Congressman Young has been a champion for decades.
Widow of Gary Knopp files cross complaint against charter company
Rep. Gary Knopp’s widow, Helen Knopp, has filed a counter-complaint against High Adventure Air Charters, the Soldotna company whose plane collided with Knopp’s last summer in a crash that killed seven people.
U.S. Seafoods apologizes to Unalaska after COVID-positive crew caused widespread exposure at local bar
A Seattle seafood company has issued an apology to Unalaska after crewmembers from one of its vessels at port in the island community breached isolation protocols to visit a crowded local bar last weekend.
Alaska denied Permanent Fund dividends to gay couples despite court rulings
The Permanent Fund Division denied dividends to same-sex spouses and dependents of military members stationed in other states for five years after same-sex marriage was legalized in 2014.
Western Alaska village puts up vaccine requirement to enter store
Around the same time that the Bethel fitness center reopened to fully vaccinated individuals, Kongiganak started allowing only fully vaccinated people into stores and businesses.
After a year of pandemic isolation, Anchorage Muslims return to mosque for Ramadan
After last year's celebrations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, getting back into the mosque for Islam's Holy month is extra special for Anchorage's Muslims.
Alaska delegation tries multi-pronged effort to save part of cruise season
The congressional delegation sees two impediments keeping cruise ships from coming to Alaska this summer: The CDC and the Canada problem.
APOC denies expedited hearing after allegations of Bronson campaign finance violation
The runoff election for Anchorage mayor began to heat up this week, after Forrest Dunbar’s campaign accused Dave Bronson’s campaign of more than $170,000 in finance violations. On Wednesday, the Alaska Public Offices Commission denied the Dunbar campaign’s request for an expedited hearing.
Kenai Borough mayor attacks school district’s mask policy
With five weeks remaining before summer break, the Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor is publicly challenging the school district on its COVID-19 mitigation protocols.
For Alaska Native earring makers, the pandemic brought a boom
Beaded earrings have always been a staple in Native fashion, but the big uptick in business shows how they’ve become in-demand more broadly. Some say it helps that they are an easy way to be stylish in Zoom meetings.
Report sheds little light on fatal Alaska helicopter crash
A preliminary report from the federal agency investigating the fatal helicopter crash in Alaska that killed five people, including the richest man in the Czech Republic, sheds little light on the cause.
Anchorage Assembly extends COVID emergency declaration by closest vote yet
The Anchorage Assembly approved an eighth extension of the city’s COVID-19 emergency declaration Tuesday. The measure passed six to four, the slimmest margin an extension has seen since the COVID emergency began.
Alaska providers pause use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine while feds investigate rare risk of blood clots
Alaska providers are following the federal recommendation to pause use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines while they figure out the clotting risk.
Activists want voters to consider limiting cruise ship access to Juneau
Some activists in Juneau filed paperwork on Monday that could lead to local ballot questions in the fall asking voters to limit cruise ships’ access to the capital city.
Alaska executives, employers wrestle with whether to mandate, incentivize or encourage COVID-19 shots
A dilemma over workplace vaccine mandates and incentives is playing out across Alaska, where employers are grappling with the balance between ensuring safe workplaces and workers’ rights to make their own medical decisions.