From living rooms to landfills, some holiday shopping returns take a ‘very sad path’
It's peak season for returns, which are setting a new record. Some end up back on shelves or get resold to other merchants, and some wind up in landfills or sail overseas.
Kodiak borough schools switch to remote learning amid coronavirus spike
5% of the Kodiak Island Borough’s population is known to presently have COVID, using the data from the latest census in 2020.
Fort Greely Missile Defense Base evacuated last week, but leaders won’t say why
North Korea test launched a missile the same day of the evacuation, but military officials wouldn't answer questions about whether that was the reason for the evacuation.
Winter storms stress Hydaburg Dam, imperiling Southeast Alaska city’s water supply
An eight-foot dam on Prince of Wales Island is at risk of failing. Officials said Thursday there’s minimal risk to life and property but a breach could knock out the city of Hydaburg’s water supply.
Supreme Court blocks Biden’s vaccine-or-test mandate for large private companies
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration's vaccine-or-test rule Thursday, declaring that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration had exceeded its...
After four special sessions, Alaska’s budget solutions remain elusive
As Lawmakers prepare for this year’s session, Alaska Public Media’s Adelyn Baxter looks back and reports that, despite the lengthy process, lawmakers didn’t make much progress in 2021.
Governor issues disaster declaration for storms in Southeast Alaska
That disaster declaration opens a pot of money for communities, federally recognized tribal organizations and some private nonprofits to apply for reimbursement for funds they spent combating the storms.
Omicron wave prompts rationing of COVID medications in Alaska
With fewer monoclonal antibody treatments available that work with the omicron variant, it's tough for Alaskans to find treatment if they find themselves sick with COVID-19.
Petersburg police officer fired after Nazi-themed social media post
The post appeared to be supportive of Adolph Hitler and Nazi Germany, but the former officer says it was a reference to a comedy film that was taken out of context.
Alaska Legislative Council seeks to fund per diems after Gov. Dunleavy veto
The payments to lawmakers from outside of Juneau supplement their salaries and cover their living expenses during the session. They receive $293 per day.
Juneau elementary school closed indefinitely after damage from flooding
Teachers haven’t been back into Riverbend yet to fully catalog everything that’s been damaged. In the email, the school district said they’ll have to pack up their classrooms and move everything out of the way so that construction crews can come through.
Bridge proposed in Denali National Park to avoid landslide area
The National Park Service is proposing a large steel bridge along a section of the only road that runs through Denali National Park and Preserve. The road was closed last year near its halfway point due to a long-running landslide issue that has been exacerbated by climate change.
You’ll be able to order free at-home COVID test kits starting on Wednesday
Orders for up to four tests per household can be placed using a website, COVIDTests.gov beginning on Jan. 19.
New Alaska smartphone feature allows for anonymous reporting of COVID exposure
The service COVID ENX was developed by Apple and Google to allow users to anonymously report that they’ve tested positive for COVID-19.
Lawmakers hope for compromise and consensus as next Legislative session approaches | Alaska Insight
Long-term fiscal solutions for Alaska’s budget have been elusive so far, and political frustration is boiling over. State lawmakers are returning to Juneau for the regular legislative session starting next week.
Volcanic eruption in Tonga leads to tsunami advisory in Alaska
A tsunami advisory is in effect for much of coastal Alaska after an undersea volcano erupted near Tonga.
An advisory means a dangerous wave is on the way according to the National Weather Service — the wave is expected to be between 1 to 3 feet.
Why former Permanent Fund Corp. director believes firing was ‘political retribution’
The abrupt firing of Permanent Fund Corporation Director Angela Rodell in December surprised and concerned many Alaskans, including some lawmakers. Senate President Peter Micciche said this week that he was surprised by Rodell’s firing.
The eruption near Tonga was so powerful you could hear it in Alaska
How did so many Alaskans hear a sound from so far away? The short answer is that this volcanic blast was so big it traveled thousands of miles.
Alaska lawmakers grill Permanent Fund Corp. chair Richards over firing of executive director Rodell
On Monday, members of the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee met with the corporation’s board of trustees chair, Craig Richards, with the intent to better understand the decision. Richards maintained that Rodell was an at-will state employee but declined to give details about why she was fired.
NASA scientists estimate Tonga blast at 10 megatons
Researchers who have been studying the volcano since 2015 say it was likely caused by seawater flowing into a chamber filled with magma.