New studies find evidence of ‘superhuman’ immunity to COVID-19 in some individuals
That's how some scientists describe the findings of a series of studies looking at the antibodies created by individuals who were infected by the coronavirus and then had an mRNA vaccine.
Alaska’s COVID hospitalizations still climbing, 1 in 5 patients now fighting virus
Alaska’s already overwhelmed hospitals took on another 20 patients with COVID-19 over the Labor Day long weekend, with more than 180 people hospitalized with the virus.
CARES Act data reveals disparities in payouts to Native corporations
Some of the village corporations got large payouts while Juneau-based Sealaska, the corporation with the most shareholders, got the least of the 13 regional corporations. Corporation executives say they’re still trying to understand the wide disparities in disbursements.
How COVID-19 is slowing down the relocation of a Southwest Alaska village
With Newtok continuing to erode at alarming rates, the urgency to move grows by the day. But construction in Mertarvik, the new village that will replace the eroding one, has been slow the past two summers, and COVID-19 is a big reason why.
State ICU call center could ease rural health care gap, Yukon-Kuskokwim health officials say
The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation does not have its own intensive care unit, so it depends on transferring critically ill or injured patients to hospitals around the state. But the recent surge in COVID-19 cases means that most ICU departments are at or near capacity. There aren’t enough beds for new patients.
Anchorage mayor doubles down on opposition to public health measures, prepares for ‘more combative’ Assembly
In an interview with Alaska Public Media two months into his first term, Mayor Dave Bronson says he doesn’t believe a mask mandate will help prevent the spread of COVID-19. He also took a confrontational tone with the Assembly, which recently voted down his nominee for library director.
Anchorage School Board adds name of pioneering Black educator to Fairview Elementary
The Anchorage School Board voted unanimously Tuesday night to commemorate the district’s first Black teacher and principal by adding her name to her community‘s elementary school.
Alaska seeks out-of-state medical personnel amid virus surge
The state has requested nurses, patient care technicians, respiratory therapists and other health care workers.
COVID hospitalizations in Alaska are at an all-time high
Nearly a dozen more people were admitted to the state’s overwhelmed hospitals Tuesday, where 1 in 5 patients are sick with the virus.
Biden administration will review Trump’s plan that opened most of the NPR-A to oil development
In light of Biden's climate goals, the Bureau of Land Management is reviewing the 2020 plan that opened millions of additional acres in the NPR-A to oil drilling.
Alaska could have trouble paying its bills as funding dispute continues
Alaska’s state government may have trouble paying its bills over the next year, due to a dispute over taking funds from the piggy bank...
Biden lays out plan to mandate vaccines or testing for millions of workers
President Biden announced a reset of his plan to tackle the pandemic, with tougher new vaccine rules for federal workers and contractors and more testing.
EPA considers more permanent protection for Bristol Bay by resuming Pebble ‘veto’ process
EPA administrator says “the most productive salmon fishery in North America" is at stake.
Anchorage mayor says he won’t require COVID-19 vaccines, pushing back against Biden mandate
Bronson said that the municipality, which has more than 100 employees, would not follow the president’s mandate and that he would not require Anchorage businesses to follow it either.
Anchorage working group narrows down potential shelter sites to 7
Members of the Anchorage Assembly and Bronson administration say the next step is doing a cost estimate for the sites.
Lower Kuskokwim School District requiring indoor sports spectators to be vaccinated
The school district is requiring that everyone attending indoor sports events be vaccinated and masked at all times. Attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination at the door.
Alaska’s COVID hospitalizations keep breaking records, 846 new cases reported
The number of Alaskans hospitalized with COVID-19 reached 206 Thursday, a new high in a string of record totals this week, the state reported.
Alaska Sen. Reinbold excused from floor sessions after being banned from Alaska Airlines
Alaska Sen. Lora Reinbold has been excused from attending Senate floor sessions through next January after Alaska Airlines banned her from flights for refusing to wear a face mask.
Fairbanks hospital faces persistent staffing shortages, higher turnover
In hopes of attracting staff as COVID-19 hospitalizations spike, the Fairbanks hospital has created a new temporary part-time position called a COVID relief aide. It's also offering bonuses and hiring incentives.
Advocates of unproven COVID treatment dominate Kenai Borough Assembly meeting
A Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting turned into a debate about the coronavirus this week, when a resolution condemning vaccine mandates generated hours of conversation about unproven COVID-19 treatments.