US life expectancy falls for 2nd year in a row
Despite the availability of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines, so many people died in the second year of the pandemic in the U.S. that the nation's life expectancy dropped for a second year in a row last year, according to a new analysis.
Woman hit and killed by train while walking dogs near Bird Point
The railroad says the woman was walking with another woman and four dogs along the tracks, near a curve.
Alaska lawmakers consider $2,600 payment per resident in 2022, but proposals differ in details
Prior attempts have not ended state-paid abortions, which are protected by rulings from the Alaska Supreme Court.
The Senate confirms Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court
The Senate has voted 53 to 47 to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the 116th Supreme Court justice. When sworn in this summer, Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve on the nation's high court.
Murkowski breaks GOP ranks to confirm Jackson as first Black woman to Supreme Court
Ketanji Brown Jackson is highly qualified and will ensure the court better represents America, Murkowski said.
Alaskans prepare for state’s first ranked choice election cycle | Alaska Insight
Lori Townsend talks to election officials to discuss the new Ranked Choice voting system.
State senate bill would require schools to post all curriculum related to race, LGBTQ topics online
The bill also prohibits teaching that someone is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive because of their race, gender, religion or nationality.
Alaska House votes to cut Medicaid funding for abortion services
Lawmakers who oppose the measure say it’s likely to be signed into law even though similar measures were found to be unconstitutional.
An epic forecast for Bristol Bay salmon has industry leaders worried it will be too much to handle
Biologists are forecasting another massive run of sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay this summer, raising questions about whether the industry will be able to keep up.
Will Alaska oil production get a boost from high prices? Not likely, says this industry observer.
Even with oil above $100 a barrel, longtime industry observer Larry Persily says it's unlikely the high prices will drive up production in Alaska.
It’s getting even harder to find a house in Anchorage. A local economist shares her struggle.
Hannah Hennighausen and her partner have been outbid every time they've put an offer on a house. Most recently the winning bid offered all cash and waived all contingencies, which Hennighausen says is becoming more common.
Mortgage rates just hit 5%. Here’s how much more expensive that makes home ownership.
Higher mortgage rates and home prices have pushed the monthly payment to buy the median-priced home in the U.S. up more than 50% since the start of last year. Many first-time buyers can't afford it.
Visiting Alaska, Canada’s Ambassador to the US talks border, Russia and about being the first woman in the role
As ambassador during the pandemic, Kirsten Hillman says a major focus for her and her team has been on Canada's unique relationship with the U.S., especially with the countries' shared border.
Conservative Kevin Cross poised to replace Crystal Kennedy on Anchorage Assembly
A political newcomer, 48-year-old Cross has worked in construction and real estate, and served as president of the Anchorage Board of Realtors.
At Anchorage conference, Arctic nations say they’re ramping up military spending
Purchases of new submarines and F-35 fighter jets from countries like Norway and Finland come in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.
Incumbent South Anchorage Assemblyman John Weddleton concedes to challenger Randy Sulte
“The seat I have served from for six years belongs to South Anchorage," Weddleton said. "I respect the decision of the voters to give that opportunity to Randy.”
Anticipating a busy election season, Alaska constitutional convention opponents launch early campaign
A new bipartisan group, citing unusual interest in Alaska’s once-per-decade constitutional convention ballot question, has launched a new campaign to convince voters to reject a convention that could significantly change the state’s laws and government.
As some question her commitment, Palin says she’s never left Alaska
Few political insiders doubt that Palin will win enough votes in Alaska’s new nonpartisan primary system to finish in the top four, which would advance her to the August general election to finish Young’s term.
Hugh Neff wins Kobuk 440 sled dog race by 2 minutes
Richie Diehl gained about an hour on Neff during the last run of the race in the Northwest Arctic.
A shortage of baby formula is worsening and causing some stores to limit sales
Some 29% of baby formula products were out of stock at retailers across the U.S. during the week of March 13, according to the firm Datasembly.