With positions unfilled, Western Alaska prosecutors struggle to prioritize massive caseloads
The District Attorney position in Kotzebue is currently unfilled, meaning the DA in Nome is filling in, despite already trying to investigate and prosecute about 1,000 new cases a year.
Alaska House passes disaster extension, sends bill to Senate where narrower legislation could emerge
Dunleavy opposes the extension, saying the state no longer needs to be in a state of emergency. That’s a change since Dunleavy proposed the bill earlier this year before the declaration expired.
Tshibaka resigns from Dunleavy administration and announces run for Murkowski’s US Senate seat
Kelly Tshibaka, who has led the sprawling Alaska Department of Administration since early 2019, in a statement said she is running “for the Alaskans who believe government is of the people, by the people and for the people. The D.C. insiders need to be held accountable to us.”
8 children in Alaska develop syndrome associated with COVID-19
Eight youths from Alaska have developed a serious inflammatory syndrome from previous coronavirus infections, state health officials said in a report.
Canada border remains closed, even to the vaccinated
You're vaccinated. Great. Here's why Canada still isn't going to let you in for non-essential travel.
NTSB: Helicopter slammed into mountainside, tumbled nearly 1000 feet in fatal crash near Knik Glacier
The National Transportation Safety Board released more details Monday about the fatal crash near Palmer.
Tributes paid to Czech billionaire killed in chopper crash
Among those offering condolences was the Czech Republic's prime minister.
New ermine species found on Southeast Alaska island
It’s called the Haida Ermine, and it’s one of three main ermine species in the world, and scientists who studied the mammal believe there could be other animals that are also unique to this area.
Anchorage Assembly shapes early plans for next round of COVID-19 stimulus
Another round of federal COVID-19 stimulus money is on its way to Anchorage, though it’s not quite clear how much it will be or when it will arrive.
Federal rescue package complicates annual Alaska Permanent Fund dividend debate
With thousands of dollars in direct payments to Alaskans already coming from the federal government, lawmakers have to decide whether to fight for a hefty PFD for Alaskans that would drain state savings.
Bethel woman makes history in Alaska Army National Guard
A Bethel woman made history recently by becoming the first infantrywoman in the Alaska National Guard. When Serita Unin, who is Cup’ik, joined the National Guard in 2009, combat arms jobs weren’t open to women.
Despite rising vaccination numbers, health experts fear fourth wave of COVID-19 in Anchorage
Last Monday, Anchorage reported 112 coronavirus cases, its highest daily case count since January.
Alaskans will need to dial 10 digits for in-state calls
he reason for this change, according to the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, is a new federal act that will designate 9-8-8 as an abbreviated number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Denali National Park to allow private vehicles on park road again in 2021
Once again, the park will offer visitors the chance to drive a part of the Park Road normally closed to private vehicles
Turnout holding steady so far in Anchorage’s 2021 election
Tuesday is Election Day in Anchorage — residents will be voting for the next mayor, a number of school board members and several ballot propositions. According to the municipal clerk, 27,445 ballots have been returned as of March 31 out of nearly 230,000 that went out earlier in the month.
Alaska justices question Legislature’s ability to budget for schools, other items in future years
The questioning happened during oral arguments in a lawsuit between Gov. Mike Dunleavy on one side and the Legislative Council and school funding advocates on the other.
One small vaccine clinic at a time, Anchorage is bringing vaccines to underserved populations
The city is bringing vaccine to churches, community centers, and sports arenas with an aim to fill up appointments that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill.
Financial needs linger among Alaskans, a year after the start of the pandemic shocked the state’s economy
Needs have settled down after the early spike, but many Alaskans are still dealing with the financial impacts of the pandemic, which are expected to linger in the months ahead.
Study: Tongass holds more than 40% of all carbon stored by national forests
Tribes say the study shows the importance of conserving the rainforest from logging.
‘The most difficult year’: How the coronavirus pandemic changed one Anchorage city block
The Anchorage block has restaurants, a retail shop, office space and vacant storefronts. Together, they provide a view of how businesses have struggled, especially in the city's downtown core, as a multi-year recession glided into a pandemic.