LISTEN: How Sen. Lora Reinbold’s anti-mask stance escalated to a ban by Alaska Airlines
Sen. Lora Reinbold has run afoul of airline and Capitol masking rules in the past. But on Saturday the Anchorage Daily News reported officials with Alaska Airlines said Reinbold was no longer allowed to fly with them after what they described as her “continued refusal” to adhere to the airlines mask policy.
Alaska health officials: Kids 12 to 15 are on cusp of vaccine eligibility
Health experts shared the information with school officials and administrators as they prepare for the end of the school year.
Federal health officials recommend pregnant women get COVID-19 vaccine
Pregnant women and children are considered vulnerable populations and were not included in vaccine trials. But early data from the CDC’s Vaccine Pregnancy Registry shows that there is no evidence that the vaccine cause any problems for the mother or the baby.
Democrats outline ‘care infrastructure’ plan, with paid leave and child care
Democrats are specifically calling the proposal "care infrastructure," adding to a party-wide push to redefine infrastructure beyond physical projects like roads, bridges and waterways. Republicans have almost universally rejected this rebranding, but Democrats insist that infrastructure should refer to all of the systems that contribute to a thriving economy.
You don’t have to suffer to benefit from COVID vaccination — but some prefer it
Roughly half of those vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, and in particular women, experience unpleasantness — from hot, sore arms to chills, headache, fever and exhaustion. Some boast about the symptoms. They often welcome them.
2020 Census shows Alaska population growth slower than national average
Alaska's growth rate was less than half of the national rate of 7.4% since 2010.
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.